Qwertykeys Neo98 vs Neo65 Core PlusFull-Size vs Compact Choice
Choose the Neo98 for a full number pad and heavier build, or the Neo65 Core Plus for portability and a more flexible mounting system.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
5.0 (6)5.0 · 6 reviews
from$83at Divinikey
5.0 (16)5.0 · 16 reviews
from$75at Divinikey
Which one should you get?
Get the
Qwertykeys Neo98
Full-Size
Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $100.
- Includes a full 98% layout with a number pad.
- Offers a choice of brass or copper for the bottom case material.
- Provides multiple mounting options: Poron gasket, silicone gasket, or top mount.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
Compact Choice
Build quality in the top 25% of 65% boards under $100.
- Compact and portable 65% form factor.
- Specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate and includes N-Key Rollover (NKRO).
- Offers a dual-mounting system (gummy O-ring or PCB gasket) and VIA compatibility.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a number pad for work or prefer a heavier, more substantial keyboard, the Qwertykeys Neo98 is the logical pick. If portability, a specified high polling rate for gaming, or a more versatile mounting system for modding are higher priorities, the Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus is the better option. Both are made-to-order kits with similar lead times.
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 Neo65 Core Plus
Layout size
98%
65%
Connection
2.4 GHz, Wired, Bluetooth
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
8,000 mAh
4,400 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel
Aluminum
Weight
1,798 g
1,340 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Qwertykeys Neo98
- Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
- Performance
- 5353
- Build quality
- 9480
- Productivity
- 8979
- Customizability
- 8666
- Portability
- 6288
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
- Layout standard: ANSI, ISO
What will you mostly use it for?
The Neo98 wins for office and content creation due to its integrated number pad. The Neo65 Core Plus is the clear choice for travel and has an edge for gaming and modding thanks to its specified polling rate and dual-mount system. For programming, the choice is a tie and comes down to a user's preference for key accessibility versus desk space.
Pick the Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
- The Neo65 Core Plus has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate, which the Neo98's listing does not mention.
- Its smaller 65% footprint frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
- It includes N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for precise simultaneous key presses.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Qwertykeys Neo98
6 owner reviews
“excellent board. build quality, sound, feel, options, aesthetics - I'm completely satisfied.”
Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
16 owner reviews
“For the price, this keyboard should cost more than what it does. It sounds good, the weight of the keyboard has the heft of a more expensive keyboard. I am happy with it”
Qwertykeys Neo98 vs Neo65 Core Plus specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 24 specs differ
Qwertykeys Neo98
Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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 Neo65 Core Plus
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.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
Qwertykeys Neo98 vs Neo65 Core Plus: your questions
The Neo98 is a 98% layout keyboard measuring 398 x 134 mm, which includes a number pad and navigation cluster. The Neo65 Core Plus is a 65% layout measuring 313 x 111 mm, which omits the number pad, function row, and dedicated navigation keys.
Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity, including Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C. They also share the same 4400mAh battery capacity, so wireless performance and battery life should be comparable based on the specifications provided.
The Neo65 Core Plus product listing specifies a 1000 Hz polling rate. The Neo98's listing does not mention a polling rate, so a direct comparison cannot be made from the available information.
Yes, both are suitable. The Neo65 Core Plus explicitly lists a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-Key Rollover, which are beneficial for gaming. The Neo98's larger size may be less ideal if you need ample room for a mouse, but it is still a functional gaming keyboard.
The Neo65 Core Plus offers more documented modding features. It has a dual-mounting system for gasket or O-ring styles, VIA compatibility for software remapping, magnetic connectors for easy disassembly, and includes screw-in stabilizers. The Neo98 offers multiple plate and mounting style choices but lacks the mentioned software and connector features.
No. Both the Qwertykeys Neo98 and Neo65 Core Plus are sold as DIY barebones kits. You must supply your own mechanical switches and keycaps to complete the build.
The Neo98 features an anodized aluminum top case with a choice of brass or copper for the bottom case. The Neo65 Core Plus uses an aluminum unibody case with a separate brass or copper weight attached to the base.
The Neo65 Core Plus listing explicitly includes Mac/Win support. The Neo98's description does not specifically mention operating system compatibility, though it is likely functional with both via its USB connection.
According to the vendor, both keyboards are made-to-order items with an estimated fulfillment time of 12 weeks after ordering. Your complete order will ship once the keyboard is ready.
Both kits include foam kits with PCB and case foam. They also feature a tuned internal structure in the bottom case designed to eliminate echo for a more natural, foam-free sound. The Neo98 adds a specific force-break layer between the case halves.
The Neo98 supports Poron gasket, silicone gasket, or top mount styles. The Neo65 Core Plus supports a dual-mounting system, allowing for either a PCB gasket mount or a gummy O-ring mount.
The Neo98 is significantly heavier, weighing 1798 grams for the tri-mode version. The Neo65 Core Plus weighs 1340 grams with the brass weight, making it the more portable of the two.
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.









![[In Stock] Lucky65 V2 65% Mechanical Keyboard](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0549/0262/0278/files/20250324144508.jpg?v=1742798796&width=3840&quality=75)



