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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 31, 2026

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo98Compact vs Full-Size Choice

Choose the Neo65 Core Plus for a portable, wireless-ready compact, or the Neo98 for a full-size layout with a larger battery and more mounting options.

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Qwertykeys Neo98 Keyboard

Full-Size Choice

Qwertykeys Neo98

5.0 · 6 reviews

from$83at Divinikey

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

Compact

Build quality in the top 15% of 65% boards under $300.

If you want

  • Explicit QMK and VIA support for deep firmware customization.
  • Dual-mount system (gasket and gummy O-ring) for typing feel customization.
  • Includes a 2.4 GHz dongle and Bluetooth for tri-mode wireless connectivity.

Rules this board out

  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo98

Full-Size Choice

Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 98% layout includes a numpad and arrow keys while saving some space over full-size.
  • Larger 4400mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
  • Offers multiple mounting styles: Poron gasket, silicone gasket, and top mount.

Rules this board out

  • Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.

Bottom line

Select the Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus if you prioritize a portable, wireless-capable keyboard with extensive programmability for gaming or travel. Opt for the Qwertykeys Neo98 if you need a full numpad for office or creative work and value a larger battery and acoustic tuning in a stationary setup. The core trade-off is between the Neo65's connectivity and custom software versus the Neo98's expansive layout and battery life.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

Qwertykeys Neo98

  • Layout size

    65%

    98%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    2.4 GHz, Wired, Bluetooth

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Battery

    2,200 mAh

    8,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel

  • N-key rollover

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus
  • Qwertykeys Neo98
Performance
66
53
Build quality
81
94
Productivity
74
89
Customizability
82
86
Portability
87
62

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • QMK
  • VIA
  • Sound dampening
  • Layout standard: ANSI, ISO
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Neo65 Core Plus is the clear choice for travel and modding due to its portability and extensive firmware support. For office work and content creation that relies on a numpad, the Neo98 is superior. Gaming leans toward the Neo65 for its confirmed high polling rate, while programming is a tie based on layout preference. Your primary need for desk space and specific keys will dictate the winner.

For gaming

Pick the Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

  • The Neo65 Core Plus has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for its wired PCB, which the Neo98's listing does not mention.
  • Its smaller 65% footprint frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
  • Tri-mode connectivity includes a 2.4 GHz dongle for a reliable wireless gaming option.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

5.0

16 owner reviews

Praise
“High Quality Product. Fast delivery and one of the nicest customer services I experienced. If you have any questions jump on his discord and u will get any help u need!”
SimonVerified buyer· via MonacoKeys

Qwertykeys Neo98

5.0

6 owner reviews

Praise
“excellent board. build quality, sound, feel, options, aesthetics - I'm completely satisfied.”
NadiaVerified buyer· via Divinikey

Full specs

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo98 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

8 of 23 specs differ

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

Qwertykeys Neo98

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

65%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
2.4 GHz, Wired, Bluetooth

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

2,200 mAh
8,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel

Plate material

Aluminum, Plastic, POM
Aluminum, Plastic, POM

Keycaps

—
ABS, PBT

Weight

—
1,798 g

Dimensions

18 x 313 x 111 mm
18 x 398 x 134 mm

Typing angle

7°
7°

Backlight

None
None

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2026

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.

Qwertykeys Neo98

  • MonacoKeys

    ISO

    In stockDoes not ship to you

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo98: your questions

Both the Neo65 Core Plus and the Neo98 offer wireless options. The Neo65 Core Plus is available with a tri-mode PCB supporting Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz with a dongle, and wired USB-C. The Neo98 also offers a tri-mode hotswap PCB option with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity.

The vendor description for the Neo98 does not mention QMK or VIA support. In contrast, the Neo65 Core Plus listing explicitly states compatibility with both QMK and VIA for key remapping and macro programming.

The Neo98 has a significantly larger battery at 4400mAh, while the Neo65 Core Plus uses a 2200mAh battery. This suggests the Neo98 will last longer on a single charge during wireless use, though actual runtime depends on usage patterns.

Yes, both are highly customizable. The Neo65 Core Plus uses a dual-mount system with gasket and gummy O-ring options. The Neo98 offers a choice between Poron gasket, silicone gasket, or top mount styles, allowing you to adjust the flex and sound profile.

The Neo65 Core Plus is better for small desks. Its 65% layout measures 313 x 111 mm, which is much more compact than the Neo98's 398 x 134 mm 98% layout. The smaller size frees up valuable space for your mouse and other accessories.

No, both the Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus and Neo98 are sold as barebone kits. This means the case, PCB, plate, and various foams and accessories are included, but you must purchase mechanical switches and keycaps separately.

Both keyboards feature aluminum top cases. The Neo65 Core Plus uses a unibody aluminum case with an integrated copper or brass weight. The Neo98's top case is anodized aluminum, with the bottom case available in anodized aluminum, brass, or copper options.

According to the manufacturer, the Neo65 Core Plus is designed for a foam-free, natural sound. It features a tuned internal structure, a 3D copper weight for vibration damping, and a dual-mount system aimed at producing a clear and bright acoustic profile.

The Qwertykeys Neo98 offers three mounting styles. You can build it using a Poron gasket mount, a silicone gasket mount, or a top mount. The kit includes the necessary gaskets and screws for all these configurations.

The Neo65 Core Plus bundle includes a keyboard carrying case, as listed in its vendor description. The included items for the Neo98 are listed as a 'Keyboard Case & Pouch,' which may serve a similar protective function.

Yes, both keyboards offer hot-swappable PCB options. The Neo65 Core Plus provides tri-mode hotswap and wired hotswap PCBs. The Neo98 offers tri-mode hotswap and wired hotswap PCB choices, allowing for easy switch installation without soldering.

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