Compare Neo Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo65 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for keyboard builders deciding between two aluminum 65% barebones kits from Neo. The choice is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity, hot-swap PCBs, and require assembly, but differ in mounting style, included accessories, and firmware support. Your preference for a traditional gasket mount versus a flexible o-ring mount, and your need for VIA programmability, will be the deciding factors.

Model
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Main differences	Released in 2025 Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 2200 mAh battery Weighs about 1335 g Sized at 18 x 313 x 111 mm Made with a Aluminum, Brass, Copper case Offers No RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Supports QMK firmware Includes screw-in stabilizers Runs at a 4000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 4400 mAh battery Weighs about 2500 g Sized at 19 x 311 x 109 mm Made with a Brass, Copper, Aluminum case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 57 Build Quality: 88.4 Productivity: 62.7 Customizability: 56 Portability: 85.4	Scores Performance: 83 Build Quality: 94.1 Productivity: 83.6 Customizability: 92.7 Portability: 86.7
Name	Name Neo Neo65 Core Plus	Name Neo Neo65
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size 65%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz	Polling Rate 4000 Hz;1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 2200 mAh	Battery capacity 4400 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Brass, Copper	Case Material Brass, Copper, Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material -
Dimensions	Dimensions 18 x 313 x 111 mm	Dimensions 19 x 311 x 109 mm
Weight	Weight 1335g	Weight 2500g

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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

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).
+Vendor description states the aluminum case is designed to eliminate hollow echoes.

−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.

Neo Neo65

+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.
+Comes with a single 4400mAh battery.

−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.
−Tends to be priced higher than the Core Plus model.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingNeo 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.

OfficeTie

•Both are compact 65% layouts with tri-mode wireless for cable-free desk setups.
•Both are barebones kits requiring assembly and sourcing switches/keycaps, which may not be ideal for a ready-to-use office setup.
•Both have similar aluminum case construction and sound dampening features.

ProgrammingNeo Neo65 Core Plus

•The Neo65 Core Plus explicitly lists VIA support for easy key remapping.
•Both support ANSI and ISO layouts for regional preference.
•The compact 65% size saves desk space while retaining arrow keys.

TravelTie

•Both have identical 65% compact footprints.
•Both include a keyboard carrying case as a free gift, according to their vendor pages.
•Both offer tri-mode wireless, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.

ModdingNeo Neo65 Core Plus

•The Neo65 Core Plus offers a unique gummy o-ring mount option in addition to PCB gasket mount.
•It includes a plate fork tool for assembly and offers a choice of brass or copper weight.
•The vendor page mentions it is programmable with VIA for firmware customization.

Content CreationTie

•Both lack RGB lighting, which may be a consideration for stream aesthetics.
•Both have hot-swap sockets for easily changing switch feel and sound.
•Both include sound dampening foams (PE sheet, PCB foam, poron case foam) for a quieter typing experience.