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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

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.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Qwertykeys Neo98

Full-Size

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

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • 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.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.

Bottom line

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.

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 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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Qwertykeys Neo98
  • Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus
Performance
53
53
Build quality
94
80
Productivity
89
79
Customizability
86
66
Portability
62
88

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
  • Sound dampening
  • Layout standard: ANSI, ISO
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Qwertykeys Neo98

5.0

6 owner reviews

Praise
“excellent board. build quality, sound, feel, options, aesthetics - I'm completely satisfied.”
NadiaVerified buyer· via Divinikey

Qwertykeys Neo65 Core Plus

5.0

16 owner reviews

Praise
“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”
Joseph C.Verified buyer· via Divinikey

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
65%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

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

Max polling rate

—
1,000 Hz

Battery

8,000 mAhBetter
4,400 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel
Aluminum

Plate material

Aluminum, Plastic, POM
Aluminum, CarbonFiber, Plastic

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
—

Weight

1,798 g
1,340 g

Dimensions

18 x 398 x 134 mm
18 x 313 x 111 mm

Typing angle

7°
7°

Backlight

None
None

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2026
2025

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 Neo65 Core Plus

Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.

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 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.

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