Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs QK101Compact 65% vs Full-Size with Screen
Choose the Neo65 for portability and a refined typing feel, or the QK101 for a full layout, high-end features, and a customizable screen.
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5.0 (16)5.0 · 16 reviews
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5.0 (2)5.0 · 2 reviews
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus
Compact 65%
Build quality in the top 15% of 65% boards under $200.
- Compact 65% form factor saves considerable desk space.
- Dual-mount system (Gasket and Gummy O-Ring) for customizable typing feel.
- Foam-free construction with a 3D copper weight aims for a clear, natural acoustic profile.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK101
Full-Size with Screen
Build quality in the top 5% of 100% boards under $200.
- Full 100% layout with 106 keys includes a number pad and full navigation cluster.
- Features a customizable TFT/OLED screen with themes and GIF support.
- Larger 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If a compact, portable keyboard with a focus on refined sound and feel is your goal, the Neo65 Core Plus delivers exceptional value. If you require a full layout, desire a customizable screen, and prioritize high-end specs like a massive battery and high polling rate, the QK101 is the more capable, albeit larger and more expensive, option.
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 QK101
Layout size
65%
100%
Battery
2,200 mAh
8,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
4,000 Hz
Higher polling helps competitive FPS and does nothing for typing
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Copper
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
- Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus
- Qwertykeys QK101
- Performance
- 6178
- Build quality
- 8491
- Productivity
- 6982
- Customizability
- 8385
- Portability
- 8663
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- VIA
- Sound dampening
- Layout standard: ANSI, ISO
What will you mostly use it for?
The QK101 is the clear choice for office work and content creation due to its full-size layout and screen, while also offering a potential edge for gaming with its higher polling rate. The Neo65 wins for travel thanks to its compact size. For programming and modding, both are excellent, with the choice boiling down to layout preference versus specific acoustic design philosophies.
Pick the Qwertykeys QK101
- The QK101 has a specified 4000 Hz polling rate for potentially lower latency.
- Its full-size layout includes a dedicated number pad for macros or data entry in certain games.
- The vendor page mentions a customizable screen that can sync with typing speed, which could be used for system monitoring.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus
16 owner reviews
“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!”
Qwertykeys QK101
2 owner reviews
Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs QK101 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 22 specs differ
Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus
Qwertykeys QK101
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Released
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 QK101
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
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.
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Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs QK101: your questions
The Qwertykeys QK101 features a customizable TFT/OLED screen. The vendor description states it supports multiple built-in themes and allows for uploading custom GIFs that can sync with your typing speed. The Neo65 Core Plus does not have a screen.
Yes, the Neo65 Core Plus offers tri-mode connectivity. According to its specifications, it supports wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz wireless. The kit includes two 2200mAh batteries when the tri-mode PCB is selected.
The QK101 has a significantly larger total battery capacity. It comes with two 4000mAh batteries for a total of 8000mAh. The Neo65 Core Plus with its tri-mode PCB includes two 2200mAh batteries. The QK101's vendor page cautions that using its RGB PCB option will increase power consumption.
Both can be used for gaming, but the QK101 has a specified 4000 Hz polling rate, which is higher than the Neo65's 1000 Hz. The QK101's full layout may also be preferred for games that utilize the number pad. Both feature N-Key Rollover to prevent ghosting.
Comfort is subjective and depends on layout preference. The Neo65 has a 7° typing angle and a lower front height (18mm), which some find comfortable. The QK101 has a 5° angle. Both offer customizable mounting systems (gasket and other options) to fine-tune the typing feel.
No, both the Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus and the QK101 are sold as barebones DIY kits. This means the case, PCB, plate, and various accessories are included, but you must purchase mechanical switches and keycaps separately to complete the build.
The Neo65 Core Plus supports a dual-mount system with Gasket Mount and Gummy O-Ring Mount. The QK101 also supports a dual-mount design, allowing for assembly in either Gasket Mount or Top Mount configurations, giving you flexibility in tuning the stiffness and sound.
Yes, both keyboards are programmable. They support VIA, a web-based configurator that allows for easy remapping of keys, creating macros, and setting up layers without needing to compile firmware. The Neo65 also lists QMK support.
The Neo65 Core Plus is far more portable. It is a 65% keyboard measuring 313mm in length and weighing less, and its vendor page confirms it comes with a carrying case. The QK101 is a full-size board measuring 440mm long and weighs 2000g, making it a desktop-centric fixture.
The Neo65 Core Plus features an aluminum case with an integrated 3D copper or brass weight. The QK101's case is made from a combination of copper and aluminum, according to its specifications, and includes a stainless steel weight that complements the case color.
Yes, the Qwertykeys QK101 offers RGB lighting as an option. You can choose a PCB with per-key RGB (1.2mm flex cut) or a PCB without RGB (1.6mm non-flex cut). The Neo65 Core Plus does not have per-key RGB lighting.
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