Qwertykeys Neo98 vs QK65 Mk398% Layout vs 65% Feature Set
Choose the Neo98 for a large, heavy, and acoustically-tuned barebones kit, or the QK65 Mk3 for a compact, feature-rich, and ready-to-use pre-built.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Qwertykeys Neo98
98% Layout
- Offers a 98% layout with numpad and arrow keys for full productivity.
- Provides a choice of premium bottom case materials like brass or copper.
- Includes multiple mounting style options (Poron gasket, silicone gasket, top mount) in the kit.
- Very large and heavy (1798g, 398 x 134 mm), limiting portability.
- Lacks per-key RGB lighting.
- Is sold as a barebones kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps.
Get the
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
65% Feature Set
- Compact 65% form factor saves considerable desk space.
- Comes pre-built with switches, keycaps, and stabilizers installed.
- Features a customizable LED screen with typing animations and a mini-game.
- Significantly more expensive than the Neo98 barebones kit.
- Smaller 3100mAh battery capacity.
- Lacks dedicated arrow and navigation keys, requiring the use of function layers.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a full numpad and arrow keys for data-heavy work and want to build a keyboard with specific acoustic properties, the Neo98 is the value-oriented foundation. If you prefer a smaller, ready-to-use keyboard packed with modern features like a screen, deep software customization, and greater portability, the QK65 Mk3 justifies its higher cost. Consider your desk space and whether you enjoy building or prefer a finished product.
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 QK65 Mk3
Layout size
98%
65%
Connection
2.4 GHz, Wired, Bluetooth
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Battery
8,000 mAh
3,100 mAh
Case material
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel
Aluminum
Knob
No
Yes
- Qwertykeys Neo98
- Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
- Performance
- 5364
- Build quality
- 9469
- Productivity
- 8980
- Customizability
- 8672
- Portability
- 6289
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Neo98 is the clear choice for office work and programming due to its full layout. The QK65 Mk3 wins for travel and gaming, thanks to its compact size and included features. For content creation, the QK65's programmability and screen offer an edge. Modding enthusiasts will find compelling, but different, options in both, with the Neo98 focusing on physical construction and the QK65 on firmware and visual customization.
Pick the Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
- The QK65 Mk3 has a smaller footprint, freeing up more desk space for mouse movement.
- Its per-key RGB backlighting can be useful in low-light gaming environments.
- The included pre-built configuration with linear switches is ready for gaming out of the box.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Qwertykeys Neo98
2 owner reviews
“I’m not the fastest typer, but appreciate the aesthetics, sounds, and feel that a mechanical keyboard can bring. The Neo98 checks all those boxes and adds to the senses and brings a whole experience with a premium feel. Not to mention the price and bargain…”
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
7 owner reviews
“The board is really nice quality and visually stunning. I’m a huge fan of retro gaming so this felt like I necessary purchase. It feels nice to type on at the angle and height. This may become my daily driver for the home office.”
“I was really looking forward to the Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 Prebuilt, but right out of the box, the left control key was completely unresponsive. After doing some of my own troubleshooting, I pulled the switch and found that one of the pins was bent a full 90…”
Qwertykeys Neo98 vs QK65 Mk3 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 22 specs differ
Qwertykeys Neo98
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Qwertykeys Neo98 vs QK65 Mk3: your questions
The typing experience differs due to layout and construction. The Neo98's 98% layout provides a more traditional typing experience with all keys readily accessible. Its vendor description emphasizes a tuned internal structure and force-break layer designed for a natural, foam-free sound. The QK65 Mk3 uses a 65% layout, which requires using layers for arrows and function keys, but comes pre-built with linear switches and a polypropylene plate.
No, the Neo98 does not have per-key RGB lighting according to its specifications and vendor description. The PCB is listed as having no per-key RGB. The QK65 Mk3, in contrast, does feature per-key RGB backlighting.
Yes, the QK65 Mk3 vendor description lists both Mac and Windows compatibility. It includes a dedicated knob on the back for switching between Mac and Windows modes, and comes with Mac modifier keycaps.
Yes, both keyboards support hot-swappable switches, allowing you to change them without soldering. The Neo98 is sold as a barebones kit, so you must provide your own switches. The QK65 Mk3 comes pre-built with Keygeek Neo Oat linear switches but can still be modified.
The Neo98 has a larger 4400mAh battery compared to the QK65 Mk3's dual 3100mAh (total 6200mAh) setup. However, battery life is also affected by usage patterns like RGB lighting on the QK65. The Neo98's larger capacity suggests potentially longer use between charges, assuming similar power draw from non-RGB components.
According to the vendor description, the Neo98 kit includes components for Poron gasket mount, silicone gasket mount, and top mount styles. This allows builders to choose and experiment with different typing feels and acoustics.
Yes, the vendor description for the QK65 Mk3 lists a carrying case among the included items. The Neo98 kit includes a keyboard case and pouch as a free gift, according to its listing.
The QK65 Mk3 has more extensive software customization. It supports programming via Qwertykeys' VIA web configurator. Its screen is also highly customizable, supporting uploaded GIFs and interactive themes. The Neo98's vendor description does not mention software programmability features.
Yes, the Neo98 is notably heavier. The tri-mode Neo98 case weighs 1798g, while the QK65 Mk3 weighs 1471g. The Neo98's weight is increased by options like brass or copper bottom cases and a stainless steel weight.
Yes, the vendor description for the QK65 Mk3 mentions a barebones DIY kit is available for more customization. The listing we compared is for the pre-built version, but a kit option exists.
The Neo98 offers Aluminum and PP (Polypropylene) plate options, as stated in the vendor description. The QK65 Mk3 pre-built comes with a polypropylene plate, and its barebones kit likely offers other materials like FR4.
The QK65 Mk3 pre-built was listed as available for pre-order or in stock. The Neo98 is a made-to-order item with an estimated ship time of 12 weeks after ordering, making the QK65 Mk3 the faster option to receive.
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