Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus vs QK65 Mk3 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium 65% aluminum keyboards from Qwertykeys. The choice hinges on whether you prefer a barebones kit focused on acoustic purity and hands-on building, or a complete prebuilt with modern conveniences like a screen and RGB. Both offer tri-mode connectivity and gasket mounting, making the decision a matter of priorities in features, sound philosophy, and initial effort required.

79
Neo65 Core Plus - 65% ISO+ANSI Mechanical Aluminium Custom Keyboard Kit
84
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 CNC Aluminum Barebones DIY Keyboard Kit - Image: 2

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 (16)
4.3 (4)
  • Includes a No display
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 2200 mAh battery
  • Sized at 18 x 313 x 111 mm
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes a Yes, LED display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Equipped with a 3100 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1471 g
  • Sized at 21 x 345 x 121 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 64.7
  • Build Quality: 80.7
  • Productivity: 74
  • Customizability: 81.1
  • Portability: 86.3
Scores
  • Performance: 66.8
  • Build Quality: 78.4
  • Productivity: 84.9
  • Customizability: 87.6
  • Portability: 89
Name
Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus
Name
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
Release year
2025
Release year
2025
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
LED
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
2200 mAh
Battery capacity
3100 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
18 x 313 x 111 mm
Dimensions
21 x 345 x 121 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1471g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and willingness to build are the deciding factors. The Neo65 Core Plus is a compelling, more affordable project for enthusiasts who value acoustic purity and hands-on customization. The QK65 Mk3 is worth the extra investment if you want a feature-packed, ready-to-type experience with a screen, RGB, and longer battery life without any assembly required.

Qwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus

  • +Dual-mount system (gasket and gummy O-ring) for customizable typing feel.
  • +Integrated 3D copper weight for vibration damping and a clear, bright sound profile.
  • +Foam-free construction aimed at a natural, uncolored acoustic signature.
  • +Lock-n-Pull mechanism with magnetic connectors for easy disassembly.
  • +Available at a lower price point than the QK65 Mk3.

  • Sold as a barebones kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
  • Lacks any form of RGB lighting.
  • Smaller 2200mAh battery compared to the QK65 Mk3.

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

  • +Comes as a complete prebuilt with switches, Cherry profile keycaps, and stabilizers.
  • +Features a customizable LED screen with typing animations and a mini-game.
  • +Includes per-key RGB backlighting.
  • +Larger 3100mAh battery capacity for longer wireless use.
  • +Has two physical knobs for toggling OS mode and connection method.

  • Commands a higher price than the Neo65 Core Plus.
  • Includes sound-dampening foams (IXPE, PET) which may not appeal to purists seeking a foam-free sound.
  • No user reviews are currently available to corroborate real-world experience.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The QK65 Mk3 is the more practical choice for office use, travel, and content creation due to its prebuilt status, larger battery, screen, and RGB lighting. The Neo65 Core Plus is tailored for modding enthusiasts who want to build and tune their keyboard's sound from the ground up. For gaming and programming, both are equally capable, sharing core specs like polling rate, programmability, and layout support.

GamingTie
  • Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive input.
  • Both support tri-mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz).
  • Their 65% layouts free up desk space for mouse movement.
OfficeQwertykeys QK65 Mk3
  • The QK65 Mk3 is a prebuilt, ready to use out of the box.
  • It includes a screen with functional animations and a mini-game.
  • It has dedicated physical knobs for switching OS modes and connection methods.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both are compatible with ANSI and ISO layouts.
  • Both support VIA/QMK for extensive key remapping and macros.
  • Their compact 65% form factors are space-efficient.
TravelQwertykeys QK65 Mk3
  • The QK65 Mk3 has a larger 3100mAh battery capacity.
  • It comes with a carrying case included.
  • Its prebuilt nature means no risk of parts coming loose during transport.
ModdingQwertykeys Studio Neo65 Core Plus
  • The Neo65 Core Plus is sold as a DIY kit, designed for assembly.
  • It features a dual-mount system (gasket and gummy O-ring) for tuning feel.
  • Its vendor description emphasizes a foam-free construction for a natural, clear sound profile.
Content CreationQwertykeys QK65 Mk3
  • The QK65 Mk3 features per-key RGB backlighting for visual appeal.
  • Its customizable screen supports uploading custom GIFs.
  • The included Cherry profile dye-sub keycaps provide a complete aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

97
$239
Keychron Q10 Max (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

98
$186
Keychron Q1 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

-10% off
79
$299$269
[GB-EXTRA IN STOCK] EPOMAKER GLOW75 DIY Kit
Epomaker GLOW75
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

91
$200
Neo65 Cu Barebones Kit - Image: 4
Neo Neo65
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$215
Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA Barebones DIY Kit Group Buy
Meletrix Zoom75 TIGA
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Top Mount

96
$169
Lemokey P1 HE Wireless Magnetic Switch Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron LemoKey P1 HE
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

98
$219
Keychron Q3 HE QMK Wireless Custom Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron Q3 HE
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
HE,
Rapid trigger,
Metal case,
Gasket Mount

94
$194
Lemokey L1 QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Gaming Keyboard
Keychron Lemokey L1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

76
$246
[In Stock] Geometry70 70% Mechanical Keyboard
Mek Studio Geometry70
70%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Top Mount

71
$169
[In Stock] KV1-65% Mechanical Keyboard Barebone Kit
GDK Lab KV1
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
VIA,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount