Neo Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo65
Choose the Neo65 for its standard gasket mount and included screw-in stabilizers, or the Core Plus for its unique gummy o-ring mount and VIA support at a lower cost.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Neo Neo65 Core Plus
- Explicitly supports VIA for key remapping and macros.
- Offers two assembly options: PCB gasket mount and a unique gummy o-ring mount.
- Includes a plate fork tool and a wide selection of color and weight material choices (brass/copper).
- Uses a plate mount system instead of a gasket mount.
- Bundles two 2200mAh batteries for a total of 4400mAh, but the standard Neo65 comes with a single 4400mAh cell.
- Is a barebones DIY kit requiring assembly and separate purchase of switches, keycaps, and a plate.
Get the
Neo Neo65
Battery
- Features a gasket mount system for a potentially more flexible typing feel.
- Includes screw-in stabilizers, which are generally considered more stable than clip-in types.
- Lists a 4000 Hz polling rate.
- The vendor description does not mention VIA support, only providing a downloadable JSON file and firmware.
- Offers isolated top mount as its secondary option, lacking the gummy o-ring mount of the Core Plus.
- Is a barebones DIY kit requiring assembly and separate purchase of switches, keycaps, and a plate.
Select the Neo65 Core Plus if you value the flexibility of VIA programming and want to experiment with its gummy o-ring mounting style. Opt for the standard Neo65 if you prefer a traditional gasket mount, want included screw-in stabilizers, and the listed 4000 Hz polling rate is a priority. Both represent a significant DIY project, not ready-to-use keyboards.
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.
Neo Neo65 Core Plus
Neo Neo65
Battery
2,200 mAh
4,400 mAh
Max polling rate
1,000 Hz
4,000 Hz
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount
Weight
1,335 g
400 g
QMK
No
Yes
- Neo Neo65 Core Plus
- Neo Neo65
- Performance
- 5683
- Build quality
- 8994
- Productivity
- 6383
- Customizability
- 5591
- Portability
- 8487
- Layout size: 65%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum, Brass, Copper
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Neo65 Core Plus takes a slight edge for programming due to its VIA support and for modding with its dual mounting options. The standard Neo65 is noted for its listed 4000 Hz polling rate in gaming scenarios. For office use, travel, and content creation, the kits are closely matched, sharing core features like compact size, wireless connectivity, and a requirement for self-assembly.
Pick the Neo Neo65
- The Neo65 lists a 4000 Hz polling rate, which may offer a potential latency advantage.
- Both have N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both offer tri-mode connectivity for wired or wireless flexibility.
Neo Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo65 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 22 specs differ
Neo Neo65 Core Plus
Neo Neo65
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
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Neo Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo65: your questions
The primary differences are in mounting and firmware. The Neo65 uses a gasket mount and includes screw-in stabilizers. The Neo65 Core Plus uses a plate mount but offers a unique gummy o-ring mount option and explicitly supports VIA for programming.
No. Both the Neo65 and Neo65 Core Plus are barebones DIY kits. The vendor descriptions clearly state they do not include switches, keycaps, or plates. You must purchase these components separately.
Both keyboards have the same total battery capacity. The Neo65 Core Plus kit includes two 2200mAh batteries (4400mAh total), while the Neo65 lists a single 4400mAh battery. Actual battery life will depend on usage and the components you install.
The Neo65 vendor page provides a downloadable JSON file for configuration, but does not explicitly mention VIA support. The Neo65 Core Plus listing explicitly states it is programmable with VIA, which is a more user-friendly remapping tool.
The Neo65 supports PCB gasket mount and isolated top mount. The Neo65 Core Plus supports PCB gasket mount and a gummy o-ring mount, which requires a separately purchased plate to use.
Yes, but the type differs. The Neo65 includes screw-in stabilizers. The Neo65 Core Plus includes clip-in PCB mount NeoStabs as a free gift, according to its vendor page.
Both require assembly. The Neo65 Core Plus might have a slight edge for beginners due to its included plate fork tool and VIA support for easier key mapping. However, the Neo65's included screw-in stabilizers can be easier to tune than clip-in types.
No. Both the Neo65 and Neo65 Core Plus are listed as having no backlighting (Blank / None LED).
Both kits include sound dampening foams (PE sheet, PCB foam, poron case foam), a 2.4GHz dongle, tools, and a USB-C cable. As free gifts, both list a keyboard carrying case, keycap/switch puller, screwdriver, and stabilizers.
Yes. Both the Neo65 and Neo65 Core Plus feature hot-swap PCBs, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
The Neo65 Core Plus has a 7-degree typing angle. The Neo65 has a slightly steeper 8-degree typing angle.
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