Qwertykeys Neo80 vs Neo98: Heavy TKL vs Compact Full-Size

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.

Model
Rating	5.0 stars (6 reviews)	4.0 stars (2 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	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
Score	Scores Performance: 61.1 Build Quality: 85.3 Productivity: 62.2 Customizability: 55.6 Portability: 71.9	Scores Performance: 53.2 Build Quality: 93.7 Productivity: 88.6 Customizability: 86.2 Portability: 62.5
Name	Name Qwertykeys Neo80	Name Qwertykeys Neo98
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2026
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 98%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	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 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4400 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 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
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum, Brass, Copper	Case Material Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 18 x 356 x 134 mm	Dimensions 18 x 398 x 134 mm
Weight	Weight 4500g	Weight 1798g

Select a keyboard to compare

5.0 stars (6 reviews)

4.0 stars (2 reviews)

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: 61.1
Build Quality: 85.3
Productivity: 62.2
Customizability: 55.6
Portability: 71.9

Scores

Performance: 53.2
Build Quality: 93.7
Productivity: 88.6
Customizability: 86.2
Portability: 62.5

Name

Qwertykeys Neo80

Name

Qwertykeys Neo98

Release year

2025

Release year

2026

Switch Options

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

98%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

4400 mAh

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum, Brass, Copper

Case Material

Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS

Dimensions

18 x 356 x 134 mm

Dimensions

18 x 398 x 134 mm

Weight

4500g

Weight

1798g

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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Compare Qwertykeys Neo80 vs Neo98 Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

Qwertykeys Neo80

Qwertykeys Neo98

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the main difference between the Neo80 and Neo98?

Do the Qwertykeys Neo80 and Neo98 come with keycaps and switches?

Are these keyboards wireless?

Which keyboard is better for a first-time custom build?

Can I change the typing feel on these keyboards?

What is the 'tuned internal structure' mentioned in the descriptions?

What is the integrated force break pad?

How long does shipping take for Qwertykeys keyboards?

Does the Neo98 have a brass or copper bottom like the Neo80?

Which keyboard has more customization options?

Are the Neo80 and Neo98 compatible with Mac or Linux?

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