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Compare Qwertykeys Neo80 vs Neo98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Qwertykeys' two distinct layout offerings within the same product family. Both are high-quality, gasket-mounted barebones kits with similar acoustic tuning and connectivity, making the choice difficult. The decision primarily hinges on your need for a compact, heavy TKL versus a space-efficient full-size board, and your budget for premium materials.

73
Qwertykeys Neo80 Cu Keyboard
89
Qwertykeys Neo98 Keyboard

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5.0 (10)
5.0 (2)
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 4400 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 4500 g
  • Sized at 18 x 356 x 134 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Brass, Copper case
  • Released in 2026
  • Available in a 98% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Supports 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth connectivity
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1798 g
  • Sized at 18 x 398 x 134 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 60.6
  • Build Quality: 85.5
  • Productivity: 62.3
  • Customizability: 55.6
  • Portability: 72.3
Scores
  • Performance: 53.4
  • Build Quality: 93.7
  • Productivity: 88.9
  • Customizability: 86.5
  • Portability: 62.7
Name
Qwertykeys Neo80
Name
Qwertykeys Neo98
Release year
2025
Release year
2026
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
98%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
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
2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4400 mAh
Battery capacity
8000 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
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Brass, Copper
Case Material
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
18 x 356 x 134 mm
Dimensions
18 x 398 x 134 mm
Weight
4500g
Weight
1798g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a dense, premium TKL with unparalleled customization for sound and feel, and the weight is not an issue, the Neo80 is the superior kit. If you require a numpad in a compact form, prefer a lighter keyboard, or have a stricter budget, the Neo98 delivers excellent value and core Neo family features. Both require a 12-week lead time for order fulfillment.

Qwertykeys Neo80

  • +Premium construction with a solid brass or copper bottom case option.
  • +Extensive plate material options including PEI, Carbon Fiber, and Glossy-Chamfer Aluminum.
  • +Includes components for three different mounting styles (Poron Gasket, Silicone Gasket, Top Mount).
  • +Heavy 4.5kg build provides exceptional desk stability.
  • +Comes with a comprehensive accessory kit including foam, multiple gasket sets, and tools.

  • Very heavy at 4.5kg, making it difficult to move.
  • Higher price point compared to the Neo98.
  • Lacks a numpad, which some users require.

Qwertykeys Neo98

  • +More affordable price point.
  • +98% layout includes a numpad while saving space compared to a full-size.
  • +Lighter weight (1798g) is more portable.
  • +Supports both ANSI and ISO layouts on its tri-mode PCB.
  • +Features the same tuned internal structure and force-break layer for improved acoustics.

  • Fewer plate material options (Aluminum, PP, POM) compared to the Neo80.
  • PCB options are limited to hotswap variants (tri-mode or wired).
  • Wider footprint may reduce available mouse space.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Neo98 is the clear choice for office work and travel due to its numpad and lighter weight, while also being more budget-friendly for content creation. The Neo80 excels in gaming and modding scenarios, leveraging its heavier build, TKL form factor, and broader plate selection. For programming, the choice is a matter of personal layout preference, as both share core typing-centric features.

GamingQwertykeys Neo80
  • The Neo80's TKL layout provides more mouse space without sacrificing dedicated function keys.
  • Its heavier 4.5kg weight offers superior stability during intense use.
  • The vendor description mentions N-Key Rollover on its PCB for reliable multi-key presses.
OfficeQwertykeys Neo98
  • The Neo98's 98% layout includes a full numpad, which is essential for data entry.
  • It supports both ANSI and ISO layouts, offering more regional compatibility.
  • It is available at a lower price point, making it a more cost-effective office upgrade.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both are hot-swappable and support a wide variety of switches for personalized feel.
  • Both lack per-key RGB, reducing potential distractions.
  • The Neo80 offers a TKL layout favored by some for compactness, while the Neo98 offers a numpad useful for inputting numbers.
TravelQwertykeys Neo98
  • The Neo98 is significantly lighter at 1798g for the tri-mode version versus the Neo80's 4500g.
  • Both offer tri-mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz) for flexible use.
  • Both include a protective keyboard case and pouch, according to their vendor descriptions.
ModdingQwertykeys Neo80
  • The Neo80 offers a wider selection of plate materials, including Carbon Fiber, PEI, and Glossy-Chamfer Aluminum.
  • It provides three mounting style options (Poron Gasket, Silicone Gasket, Top Mount) within the same kit.
  • Its PCB is available in tri-mode hotswap, wired hotswap, and wired solder variants for different build approaches.
Content CreationQwertykeys Neo98
  • The Neo98's integrated numpad is valuable for shortcut navigation in editing software.
  • Its lighter weight may be preferable for users who frequently reposition their setup.
  • The lower price point allows more budget for other peripherals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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