Neo Neo98 vs 65 Sonic HEWireless 98% vs Wired Hall Effect
Choose the Neo98 for wireless flexibility and a full layout, or the Neo65 Sonic HE for high-performance gaming with Hall Effect switches.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Neo Neo98
Wireless 98%
Build quality in the top 25% of 98% boards under $150.
- Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
- 98% layout includes numpad and navigation keys in a compact form.
- Highly customizable DIY kit with three mounting style options.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
Neo 65 Sonic HE
Wired Hall Effect
Build quality in the top 5% of 65% boards under $200.
- Pre-built with Hall Effect switches offering adjustable actuation, rapid trigger, and dynamic keystroke.
- High 8000 Hz polling rate for responsive gaming.
- Carbon fiber plate and substantial 1500g weight for a solid feel.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For a versatile, wireless workstation keyboard you can build to your exact taste, the Neo Neo98 is the superior option. If you are a gamer seeking the latest in magnetic switch technology with ultra-low latency and customizable actuation in a ready-to-use package, the Neo65 Sonic HE is the focused pick, provided you can wait for its release.
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.
Neo Neo98
Neo 65 Sonic HE
Layout size
98%
65%
Hall effect (magnetic)
No
Yes
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Brass, Steel
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
Gasket Mount
- Neo Neo98
- Neo 65 Sonic HE
- Performance
- 6881
- Build quality
- 7292
- Productivity
- 7667
- Customizability
- 5684
- Portability
- 6568
- Hot-swappable
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Neo98 is the clear choice for productivity-focused users, modders, and anyone needing wireless connectivity with a numpad. The Neo65 Sonic HE dominates for dedicated gaming and is better suited for travel due to its smaller, pre-built form. Programmers and content creators will likely prefer the Neo98's larger layout, while the Neo65's specialized features are a significant advantage for competitive gamers.
Pick the Neo 65 Sonic HE
- The Neo65 Sonic HE has a specified 8000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
- It features Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation points, rapid trigger, and dynamic keystroke via its web configurator.
- Its heavier 1500g weight provides stability during intense use.
Neo Neo98 vs 65 Sonic HE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 25 specs differ
Neo Neo98
Neo 65 Sonic HE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
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
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
Neo Neo98 vs 65 Sonic HE: your questions
The Neo Neo98 is a barebones DIY kit. According to the vendor listing, it does not include switches, keycaps, or a plate, and assembly is required. It comes with the case, PCB, batteries, foams, gaskets, and various tools.
The Neo65 Sonic HE comes pre-built with Owlab Nova HE switches. These are Hall Effect linear switches with a POM stem, PC top housing, and PA bottom housing. They are pre-lubed and have a 50+10g bottom-out force.
Yes. The Neo Neo98 offers tri-mode connectivity, meaning it can connect via a wired USB-C cable, Bluetooth, or a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle. It is powered by two included 2200mAh batteries for wireless operation.
The Neo65 Sonic HE is designed for gaming. It has a specified 8000 Hz polling rate and Hall Effect switches that support features like rapid trigger and adjustable actuation points through a web configurator, which are advantages for competitive play.
No. The product specifications and vendor description for the Neo65 Sonic HE list it as a wired-only keyboard. There is no mention of Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz wireless capability.
The Neo Neo98 has a 98% layout, which incorporates a numpad along with navigation keys in a compact design. The Neo65 Sonic HE has a 65% layout, which does not include a numpad, function row, or dedicated navigation cluster.
The Neo Neo98 is listed as programmable with VIA software. The Neo65 Sonic HE uses a proprietary web configurator for programming its Hall Effect features like actuation point and rapid trigger.
The Neo65 Sonic HE comes as a fully built keyboard. The listing states it includes the assembled keyboard with switches and keycaps, a carrying case, an 8K USB cable, four extra switches, a keycap and switch puller, a plate puller, and documentation.
According to the vendor, the Neo Neo98 kit offers three assembly options: a poron gasket mount, a silicone gasket mount, and a top mount. The poron gaskets are designed to be easily replaceable.
The Neo Neo98 has a 7-degree typing angle with a 17.6mm front height. The Neo65 Sonic HE has a slightly steeper 8-degree typing angle with a 17mm front height.
The Neo65 Sonic HE is notably heavier, with a listed weight of 1500g (1.5 kg). The weight of the Neo Neo98 is not specified in the provided information.
Based on the vendor page, the Neo65 Sonic HE is a pre-order item with an estimated ship date of Late April 2026. It is not currently an in-stock, ready-to-ship product.
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.