Qwertykeys Neo98 vs Neo80CUCompact Layout vs Premium Weight
Choose the Neo98 for a full numpad and better value, or the Neo80CU for a premium, ultra-heavy TKL build.
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5.0 (6)5.0 · 6 reviews
from$83at Divinikey
5.0 (8)5.0 · 8 reviews
from$260at MonacoKeys
Which one should you get?
Get the
Qwertykeys Neo98
Compact Layout
Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $100.
- 98% layout includes a full numpad in a compact form factor.
- Larger 4400mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- More affordable price point according to listed vendor prices.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Qwertykeys Neo80CU
Premium Weight
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $300.
- Premium construction with bottom case options in solid copper or brass.
- Extremely heavy build at 4500g for exceptional stability.
- Explicitly lists a 1000 Hz polling rate for wired/2.4GHz modes and N-key rollover.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad for work or value longer battery life at a lower cost, the Neo98 is the practical option. If you seek a premium, ultra-heavy TKL with confirmed high-performance specs for gaming and enjoy customizing with high-end materials, the Neo80CU is the enthusiast's choice, assuming you can secure one and justify its higher price.
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 Neo80CU
Layout size
98%
80%
Connection
2.4 GHz, Wired, Bluetooth
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
8,000 mAh
2,200 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Case material
Aluminum, Brass, Copper, Steel
Aluminum, Brass, Copper
Weight
1,798 g
4,500 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Qwertykeys Neo98
- Qwertykeys Neo80CU
- Performance
- 5367
- Build quality
- 9489
- Productivity
- 8973
- Customizability
- 8667
- Portability
- 6275
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- VIA
- Sound dampening
- Layout standard: ANSI, ISO
What will you mostly use it for?
The Neo98 is the clear choice for office work and content creation where a numpad is valuable, and it offers strong wireless battery life. The Neo80CU wins for gaming due to its confirmed high polling rate and for travel due to its smaller footprint. For programming and modding, both are capable, with the Neo80CU having a slight edge in material customization options for enthusiasts.
Pick the Qwertykeys Neo80CU
- The Neo80CU has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for its wired and 2.4 GHz modes, which the Neo98's listing does not mention.
- Its 80% TKL layout frees up more desk space for mouse movement.
- N-key rollover is explicitly listed for the Neo80CU.
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 Neo80CU
8 owner reviews
“Looks and feels amazing. Really heavy. Typing is fun again! (I'm using t with Gateron Baby Kangaroo 2.0s)”
Qwertykeys Neo98 vs Neo80CU specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 23 specs differ
Qwertykeys Neo98
Qwertykeys Neo80CU
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
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 Neo80CU
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.
Qwertykeys Neo98 vs Neo80CU: your questions
The Qwertykeys Neo98 has a 98% layout, which includes a full numpad. The Neo80CU is an 80% TKL layout and does not have a numpad.
Yes, significantly. The Neo80CU weighs 4500 grams, while the Neo98 weighs 1798 grams for its tri-mode version. The Neo80CU's weight comes from its copper or brass bottom case.
According to the manufacturer's listing, the Neo80CU has a polling rate of 1000 Hz for its USB and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, and 125 Hz for Bluetooth. The polling rate for the Neo98 is not specified in the provided information.
Neither keyboard has per-key RGB lighting. The Neo80CU features a decorative "Star Ring Accent Light" on the front, as described by the vendor.
The Neo98 has a larger 4400mAh battery compared to the Neo80CU's 2200mAh battery, which suggests the potential for longer use between charges.
Yes, both the Neo98 and Neo80CU are available with hot-swappable PCB options, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
Both keyboards support multiple mounting styles. According to their vendor descriptions, they offer Poron gasket mount, silicone gasket mount, and top mount options.
Both have aluminum top cases. The Neo98's bottom case can be brass or copper. The Neo80CU's bottom case is also copper or brass, contributing to its much higher weight.
The Neo80CU is more compact, measuring 356mm in width compared to the Neo98's 398mm. However, the Neo80CU is over twice as heavy, which may affect portability.
No, both are sold as DIY kits or barebones kits. This means you need to supply and install your own switches and keycaps. They come with necessary components like plates, PCBs, and stabilizers.
The Neo98 has a 7-degree typing angle, and the Neo80CU has an 8-degree typing angle. The Neo80CU also has a slightly higher front height at 18mm versus the Neo98's 17.6mm.
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