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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

Qwertykeys Neo98 vs Neo98 PrebuiltKit or RGB?

Choose the Neo98 for deeper build and mounting customization, or the Neo98 Prebuilt for ISO-DE availability, per-key RGB, and an out-of-box setup.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo98

QMK

Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $100.

If you want

  • The specifications list aluminum, plastic, and POM plate materials.
  • The vendor description offers Poron gasket, silicone gasket, and top-mount configurations.
  • QMK and VIA support are listed in the specifications.

Rules this board out

  • Missing ISO-DE. The other board is sold in those layouts.

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo98 Prebuilt

Build quality in the bottom 45% of 98% boards under $300.

If you want

  • Available in ISO-DE as well as ANSI and ISO.
  • Per-key RGB is listed in the specifications.
  • The vendor description identifies preinstalled London Fog V2 linear switches.

Bottom line

Pick the Neo98 if you want to choose among plate and mounting options, or value its listed QMK and VIA support. Choose the Neo98 Prebuilt if you need ISO-DE, per-key RGB, or want switches and keycaps installed before use. For buyers who want extensive build choices, the Neo98 is the more configurable route; for a ready-to-type board, the Prebuilt is the straightforward choice.

What actually differs

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.

Qwertykeys Neo98

Qwertykeys Neo98 Prebuilt

  • Connection

    2.4 GHz, Wired, Bluetooth

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency

  • Case material

    Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel

    Aluminum

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

  • VIA

    Yes

    No

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

  • Layout standard

    ANSI, ISO

    ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE

    ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Qwertykeys Neo98
  • Qwertykeys Neo98 Prebuilt
Performance
53
68
Build quality
94
63
Productivity
89
80
Customizability
86
64
Portability
62
51

What they share

  • Layout size: 98%
  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: ABS, PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Neo98 takes the customization-focused categories because its specifications include QMK and VIA, while its vendor description adds several mounting and plate choices. The Prebuilt suits buyers who want a finished setup, with installed linear switches and per-key RGB. Its ISO-DE availability is a clear practical advantage for German-layout buyers. Travel is less decisive: both have wireless options, but weight is only listed for the Neo98.

For gaming

Pick the Qwertykeys Neo98 Prebuilt

  • The Prebuilt includes London Fog V2 linear switches, installed before delivery.
  • Its vendor description lists per-key RGB and a 2.4 GHz receiver.
  • Both models list wired, 2.4 GHz, and Bluetooth connectivity.

Full specs

Qwertykeys Neo98 vs Neo98 Prebuilt specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

6 of 22 specs differ

Qwertykeys Neo98

Qwertykeys Neo98 Prebuilt

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

2.4 GHz, Wired, Bluetooth
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

8,000 mAh
—

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum, Plastic, POM
—

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

1,798 g
—

Dimensions

18 x 398 x 134 mm
—

Typing angle

7°
—

Backlight

None
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2026

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Qwertykeys Neo98

  • MonacoKeys

    ISO

    In stockDoes not ship to you

Qwertykeys Neo98 Prebuilt

  • MonacoKeys

    ISO-DE

    In stockDoes not ship to you

Where to buy

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.

FAQ

Qwertykeys Neo98 vs Neo98 Prebuilt: your questions

The Neo98 is a DIY kit/barebones keyboard with multiple plate materials and QMK and VIA support listed. The Neo98 Prebuilt arrives assembled with London Fog V2 linear switches, keycaps, and per-key RGB, according to its vendor description.

The Neo98 specifications list ANSI and ISO, and its compatibility rules say ISO-DE is missing. The Neo98 Prebuilt is offered in ISO-DE as well as ANSI.

The Neo98 Prebuilt lists per-key RGB in its specifications. The Neo98 specification lists RGB as absent.

Yes, the vendor describes the Neo98 Prebuilt as arriving with switches and keycaps installed. The installed switches are identified as London Fog V2 linear switches.

The Neo98 Prebuilt is listed as hot-swappable, and its vendor says switches can be changed without soldering. The vendor identifies its PCB as MX-compatible.

The Neo98 vendor description lists Poron gasket, silicone gasket, and top-mount options. The Prebuilt specifications list gasket mount, with its vendor describing a gasket mount and multi-layer foam kit.

QMK and VIA support are listed for the Neo98. The Neo98 Prebuilt specifications do not list either, so check its product support details if those features are essential.

Both specifications list 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth alongside wired connectivity. The Prebuilt vendor description also says a 2.4 GHz USB receiver is included.

The vendor says the ANSI version comes with Double-Shot ABS keycaps and the ISO-DE version with PBT Dye-Sub keycaps. Its specifications list PBT and ABS keycap materials.

The Neo98 specifications list aluminum, plastic, and POM plates. Its vendor description specifically names aluminum and PP plate options, so confirm the available configuration before ordering.

The vendor describes it as fully assembled, with switches and keycaps already installed. The listed package contents include a USB cable and a 2.4 GHz receiver.

The Neo98 Prebuilt vendor description lists a dust cover among its included items. The Neo98 vendor description lists a case and pouch as free gifts, but does not identify a dust cover.

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