Neo Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo60 Core65% vs 60% Layout Choice
Choose the Neo65 Core Plus for dedicated arrow keys and VIA programming, or the Neo60 Core for a smaller, more affordable footprint.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
from$95at ktechs
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
Which one should you get?
Get the
Neo Neo65 Core Plus
65%
Build quality in the top 5% of 65% boards under $100.
- 65% layout includes dedicated arrow keys and extra navigation keys.
- Explicitly supports VIA for easy key remapping and macro programming.
- Includes a 3D copper or brass weight and multiple foam layers (PE sheet, PCB foam, poron case foam) for sound tuning.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Get the
Neo Neo60 Core
60% Layout Choice
Build quality in the top 45% of 60% boards under $150.
- More affordable price point.
- Smaller 60% form factor maximizes desk space and portability.
- Includes a stainless steel external weight and has a screwless design.
- Compact layout only. No function row, dedicated arrow keys, or numpad.
Your decision hinges on layout preference and software needs. Prioritize the Neo65 Core Plus if you value dedicated arrow keys and the convenience of VIA programming for a higher cost. Choose the Neo60 Core if you want the most compact, affordable wireless kit and don't mind using layers for arrow keys. Both are capable tri-mode boards requiring a full build.
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 Neo60 Core
Layout size
65%
60%
Battery
2,200 mAh
4,400 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Aluminum, Brass, Copper
Aluminum
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Plate Mount
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Neo Neo65 Core Plus
- Neo Neo60 Core
- Performance
- 5654
- Build quality
- 8963
- Productivity
- 6356
- Customizability
- 5545
- Portability
- 8486
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Sound dampening
- Layout standard: ANSI, ISO
What will you mostly use it for?
The Neo65 Core Plus is the more versatile choice for productivity-focused tasks like office work, programming, and gaming due to its 65% layout with arrow keys and VIA software support. The Neo60 Core wins for travel and budget-conscious buyers seeking the smallest possible footprint. For modding, the Neo65 Core Plus provides more documented build options and included tuning materials.
Pick the Neo Neo65 Core Plus
- The 65% layout includes dedicated arrow keys, which are useful for certain games and menus.
- Both offer N-key rollover and a 1000 Hz polling rate (explicitly stated for the Neo60 Core, implied for the Neo65 via its tri-mode PCB).
- The vendor description for the Neo65 mentions its aluminum case is designed to eliminate hollow echoes for a clearer sound.
Neo Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo60 Core specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 20 specs differ
Neo Neo65 Core Plus
Neo Neo60 Core
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
N-key rollover
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Neo Neo65 Core Plus
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Neo Neo60 Core
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.
Neo Neo65 Core Plus vs Neo60 Core: your questions
The primary difference is the layout size. The Neo65 Core Plus is a 65% keyboard that includes dedicated arrow keys and a few extra navigation keys. The Neo60 Core is a 60% keyboard, which is more compact but requires using a function layer to access arrows and other missing keys.
No. Both products are barebones DIY kits. According to the vendor descriptions, they do not include switches, keycaps, or a plate. You must purchase these components separately and assemble the keyboard yourself.
Based on the listed specifications, the Neo60 Core has a larger 4400mAh battery, while the Neo65 Core Plus uses two 2200mAh batteries for a total of 4400mAh. Therefore, they likely offer similar battery capacity, though actual life will depend on usage and components.
Yes, but the method differs. The Neo65 Core Plus listing explicitly states it is programmable with VIA. The Neo60 Core vendor page provides a downloadable VIA JSON file, indicating it can also be configured through VIA, though it is not explicitly stated in its feature list.
Yes. The vendor descriptions for both the Neo65 Core Plus and Neo60 Core list a keyboard carrying case as a free gift included with the kit.
Both offer flexible mounting. The Neo65 Core Plus offers PCB gasket mount and gummy o-ring mount options. The Neo60 Core offers PCB gasket mount and O-ring mount options, featuring a screwless design.
Yes. Both the Neo65 Core Plus and Neo60 Core are listed with hot-swappable PCBs, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
Both keyboards feature aluminum cases. The Neo65 Core Plus case is described as designed to eliminate hollow echoes. The Neo60 Core case has an inward-sloping side profile and ultra-slim front bezels.
The Neo65 Core Plus kit includes a PE sheet, PCB foam, and poron case foam. The Neo60 Core kit includes a PE sheet, PCB foam, and Poron case foam. Both are designed with sound dampening in mind.
Both are similar in complexity as barebones kits. The Neo60 Core might be slightly simpler due to its smaller size and screwless design. However, the Neo65 Core Plus's explicit VIA support could make software configuration easier for a beginner. Both include tools like a screwdriver and plate fork.
No. Both the Neo65 Core Plus and Neo60 Core are listed with no RGB backlighting. Their PCBs have blank or no LEDs.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.