Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 vs Meletrix Zoom98 SECompact or full-size layout
Choose the QK65 Mk3 for a compact prebuilt with included switches and keycaps, or the Zoom98 SE for a numpad, VIA support, and a more configurable barebones build.
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4.4 (7)4.4 · 7 reviews
from$245at MK
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
Knob
Build quality in the top 45% of 65% boards under $300.
- 65% ANSI layout with a 7° typing angle.
- Includes Keygeek Neo Oat 36g linear switches and Cherry-profile Dye Sub keycaps.
- Wireless or USB-C connectivity through Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, or wired mode.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Get the
Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Battery
Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $300.
- 98% layout with a numpad, ANSI configuration, and split-spacebar support.
- VIA support, hot-swap PCB, and LCD display.
- 1000 Hz polling rate over 2.4 GHz and wireless, plus N-key rollover.
- 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.
Pick the QK65 Mk3 if you want a smaller board that arrives with switches and keycaps, and value its listed carrying case and dual 3100mAh batteries. Choose the Zoom98 SE if you want a numpad, VIA support, and room to select your own switches and keycaps. Check the Zoom98 SE's south-facing LED compatibility note before choosing shine-through or sculpted keycaps.
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 QK65 Mk3
Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Layout size
65%
98%
Battery
3,100 mAh
4,500 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Spacebar
Knob
Yes
No
Display
LED
LCD
A case display rather than a typing feature
- Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
- Meletrix Zoom98 SE
- Performance
- 6579
- Build quality
- 6985
- Productivity
- 7993
- Customizability
- 7290
- Portability
- 8955
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Aluminum
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Zoom98 SE has the edge for gaming, office work, programming, modding, and content creation, largely because of its larger layout, VIA support, and listed polling rate. The QK65 Mk3 is the more travel-oriented pick, with a 65% layout and a carrying case listed among its included items. Layout preference is the main dividing line: the Zoom98 SE provides a numpad, while the QK65 Mk3 takes up less space. Both are wireless, gasket-mounted, hot-swappable keyboards with screens.
Pick the Meletrix Zoom98 SE
- The Zoom98 SE lists a 1000 Hz polling rate over 2.4 GHz and wireless.
- It also specifies N-key rollover and hot-swappable switches.
- The QK65 Mk3 offers 2.4 GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, but no polling-rate figure is listed.
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 vs Meletrix Zoom98 SE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
13 of 25 specs differ
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3
Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
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.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Qwertykeys QK65 Mk3 vs Meletrix Zoom98 SE: your questions
The QK65 Mk3 is a 65% prebuilt, while the Zoom98 SE is a 98% barebones keyboard. The Zoom98 SE adds a numpad and VIA support, while the QK65 Mk3 includes switches and keycaps.
Yes. The QK65 Mk3 vendor listing specifies Keygeek Neo Oat 36g linear switches and Cherry-profile Dye Sub keycaps. It is also listed as hot-swappable.
No, the Zoom98 SE vendor listing identifies it as a barebones item without switches or keycaps. The kit includes a hot-swap PCB, stabilizers, polycarbonate plate, and sound dampener kit.
The Zoom98 SE has a 98% layout with a numpad. The QK65 Mk3 is a 65% layout and its compatibility notes specify that it has no numpad or function row.
The QK65 Mk3 is the more compact option, with a 65% layout compared with the Zoom98 SE's 98% layout. Its vendor listing also includes a carrying case; the Zoom98 SE is listed at 1000g.
The Zoom98 SE lists a 1000 Hz polling rate over 2.4 GHz and wireless, and 125 Hz over Bluetooth. No polling-rate figure is listed for the QK65 Mk3.
Both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C connectivity. The Zoom98 SE vendor description specifies Bluetooth 5.2, while the QK65 Mk3 listing does not give a Bluetooth version.
Both have VIA support listed: the Zoom98 SE is programmable with VIA, and the QK65 Mk3 vendor description specifies Qwertykeys' VIA web configurator. The Zoom98 SE listing also identifies its display as programmable.
Both the QK65 Mk3 and Zoom98 SE are listed as hot-swappable. The Zoom98 SE is sold without switches, while the QK65 Mk3 includes Keygeek Neo Oat linear switches.
The Zoom98 SE compatibility note warns that shine-through legends stay dark with its south-facing LEDs. It also notes that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The QK65 Mk3 vendor description lists two 3100mAh batteries. The Zoom98 SE metadata lists a 4500mAh battery, while its vendor description specifies two 2250mAh batteries.
Both keyboards list Mac and Windows support. The QK65 Mk3 also has a rear knob described as switching between Mac and Windows mode.
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