QK65 Mk3 vs QK80 Mk2: Compact 65% vs Full-Featured TKL

Compare Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 vs QK80 Mk2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular Qwertykeys models from different generations and layouts. The QK65 Mk3 is a compact 65% board focused on a unique interactive screen and portability, while the QK80 Mk2 is an 80% (TKL) board emphasizing a bouncier typing feel and extensive customization options. The decision is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity, gasket/leaf-spring mounts, and VIA programmability, forcing a choice between size, battery life, and specific feature sets.

Model
Rating	4.3 stars (4 reviews)	1.0 stars (2 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear switch options Available in a 65% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Comes with a knob Includes a Yes, LED display Equipped with a 3100 mAh battery Weighs about 1471 g Sized at 21 x 345 x 121 mm Made with a Aluminum case	Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Includes a Yes, TFT display Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Made with a Copper, Aluminum, Steel case Features PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 66.8 Build Quality: 78.4 Productivity: 84.9 Customizability: 87.6 Portability: 89	Scores Performance: 68.4 Build Quality: 89.3 Productivity: 84 Customizability: 85.6 Portability: 87.1
Name	Name Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3	Name Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support LED	Display Support TFT
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 3100 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Copper, Aluminum, Steel
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 21 x 345 x 121 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 1471g	Weight -

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 CNC Aluminum Barebones DIY Keyboard Kit

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4.3 stars (4 reviews)

1.0 stars (2 reviews)

Has Linear switch options
Available in a 65% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
Comes with a knob
Includes a Yes, LED display
Equipped with a 3100 mAh battery
Weighs about 1471 g
Sized at 21 x 345 x 121 mm
Made with a Aluminum case

Available in a 80% layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Includes a Yes, TFT display
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Made with a Copper, Aluminum, Steel case
Features PBT keycaps

Scores

Performance: 66.8
Build Quality: 78.4
Productivity: 84.9
Customizability: 87.6
Portability: 89

Scores

Performance: 68.4
Build Quality: 89.3
Productivity: 84
Customizability: 85.6
Portability: 87.1

Name

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

Name

Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2

Release year

2025

Release year

2025

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

65%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

LED

Display Support

TFT

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

3100 mAh

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Case Material

Copper, Aluminum, Steel

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

21 x 345 x 121 mm

Dimensions

Weight

1471g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If a compact, portable keyboard with a unique, playful screen experience is the goal, the QK65 Mk3 is the better fit. If you require a full TKL layout with longer battery life, deeper hardware customization for modding, and can wait for production, the QK80 Mk2 is the more capable board. Consider current availability, as the QK65 Mk3 appears to be in high demand.

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

+Highly portable 65% layout with a 20.6mm front height.
+Interactive screen with themed animations (Cat and Dog, Animal Supermarket mini-game) that react to typing.
+Includes a comprehensive accessory kit with a carrying case, Mac keycaps, and multiple foam layers (tear-notched plate foam, IXPE, PET).
+Features two physical knobs on the back for switching OS mode and connection method.
+Available as a pre-built option with Cherry profile dye-sub keycaps.

−Smaller 3100mAh battery capacity compared to the QK80 Mk2.
−Compact 65% layout requires using layers for arrow keys and navigation, which may not suit all users.
−The vendor listing indicates it is currently out of stock or on pre-order.

Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2

+Larger TKL (80%) layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys without layers.
+Higher capacity 4400mAh battery for extended wireless use.
+Extensive customization with multiple plate options (FR4, Aluminum, POM, PC, Carbon Fiber) and PCB choices.
+Features a ball-catch disassembly mechanism for easier modding and maintenance.
+Includes a TFT LCD display with built-in themes and a Flappy Bird game.

−Significantly larger and less portable than a 65% keyboard.
−The vendor notes a long estimated production and ship time of 12 weeks after ordering.
−Lacks the physical knobs for quick settings adjustment found on the QK65 Mk3.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The QK80 Mk2 is the more practical choice for office work and programming due to its larger TKL layout and extensive hardware customization. The QK65 Mk3 wins for travel thanks to its smaller size and included case. For gaming and content creation, the boards are closely matched on core features like connectivity and programmability, making the choice more subjective. Modders will find more component variety with the QK80 Mk2.

GamingTie

•Both offer tri-mode connectivity for wired or wireless low-latency play.
•Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization to personal preference.
•Both feature per-key RGB backlighting.

OfficeQwertykeys QK80 Mk2

•The QK80 Mk2's TKL layout retains dedicated arrow and navigation keys, which are often preferred for spreadsheet and document work.
•Its larger 4400mAh battery capacity may offer longer wireless use between charges.
•The included TFT display can show time and date, useful for time management.

ProgrammingQwertykeys QK80 Mk2

•The QK80 Mk2's TKL layout provides direct access to function keys and a navigation cluster without layers.
•It offers multiple plate material options (FR4, Aluminum, POM, PC, Carbon Fiber) to fine-tune typing feel for long sessions.
•The vendor description mentions a built-in 'Code' theme for its display.

TravelQwertykeys QK65 Mk3

•The QK65 Mk3's 65% layout is significantly more compact, with dimensions of 345 x 121mm.
•It includes a carrying case, as noted in its vendor description.
•Its 20.6mm front height and 7° typing angle contribute to a potentially more packable profile.

ModdingQwertykeys QK80 Mk2

•The QK80 Mk2 offers a wider selection of plate materials, including FR4, Aluminum, POM, PC, and Carbon Fiber.
•It features a ball-catch disassembly mechanism for easier opening, according to its vendor page.
•It provides multiple PCB options (flex-cut and non-flex cut, with and without RGB).

Content CreationTie

•Both support VIA software for extensive key remapping, which is valuable for assigning macros and shortcuts.
•Both have hot-swap sockets for changing switch types to suit typing or gaming preferences.
•Both include screens that can display status information, though their interactive features differ.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Compare Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 vs QK80 Mk2 Differences Side by Side

Pros and Trade-offs

Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3

Qwertykeys QK80 Mk2

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which keyboard has a longer battery life, the QK65 Mk3 or QK80 Mk2?

Can I use the QK65 Mk3 or QK80 Mk2 with a Mac?

Do these keyboards come with keycaps and switches?

What is the difference between the screens on the QK65 Mk3 and QK80 Mk2?

Which keyboard is better for someone new to mechanical keyboards?

Are the QK65 Mk3 and QK80 Mk2 hot-swappable?

How do I program or remap keys on these keyboards?

What mounting styles do these keyboards use?

What accessories are included with the QK80 Mk2?

Is the QK65 Mk3 heavier than the QK80 Mk2?

Which keyboard has more options for changing the typing feel?

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