Qwertykeys Neo60 Core vs Vortex Tab 60DIY Kit vs Prebuilt 60%
Choose the Neo60 Core for a premium, customizable build project, or the Tab 60 for a ready-to-use, portable keyboard with layout flexibility.
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5.0 (14)5.0 · 14 reviews
from$49at Divinikey
Which one should you get?
Get the
Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
DIY Kit
Build quality in the top 15% of 60% boards under $50.
- Premium aluminum unibody case with a stainless steel or copper weight.
- Extensive kit includes multiple plate options, foam, stabilizers, and a carrying case.
- Tri-mode connectivity (wired USB-C, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz) with two 2200mAh batteries.
Get the
Vortex Tab 60
Prebuilt 60%
Build quality in the bottom 10% of 60% boards under $100.
- Fully pre-built with Cherry MX switches and dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
- Hardware-level support for QWERTY, Colemak, and Dvorak layouts.
- Includes bonus Mac modifier keycaps and has broad OS compatibility.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Your choice depends entirely on your involvement level. If you enjoy the process of building and customizing a keyboard to your exact preference, the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core offers exceptional value and quality. If you need a functional, portable 60% keyboard immediately with useful layout features, the Vortex Tab 60 is the practical pick, though be prepared for its plastic build.
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 Neo60 Core
Vortex Tab 60
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Case material
Aluminum
Plastic
Mount style
PCB Mount
Plate Mount
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
- Vortex Tab 60
- Performance
- 5767
- Build quality
- 7944
- Productivity
- 6153
- Customizability
- 7249
- Portability
- 8682
- Layout size: 60%
What will you mostly use it for?
The Vortex Tab 60 is the straightforward choice for office work, programming, and travel due to its pre-built convenience, layout programming, and lighter build. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core excels for gaming and modding, thanks to its 2.4 GHz wireless, hotswap PCB, and extensive kit components. For content creation, both offer useful programmability, making it a tie based on preference for DIY versus pre-built.
Pick the Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
- Includes a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for potentially lower latency wireless gaming, a feature not mentioned for the Tab 60.
- Offers a tri-mode hotswap PCB, allowing for easy switch experimentation to find optimal gaming switches.
- Heavier aluminum build (approx. 1.5kg) provides more stability during intense use.
Qwertykeys Neo60 Core vs Vortex Tab 60 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 21 specs differ
Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
Vortex Tab 60
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
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.
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.
Vortex Tab 60
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Qwertykeys Neo60 Core vs Vortex Tab 60: your questions
No. The Neo60 Core is a DIY barebones kit. It requires you to purchase and install your own mechanical switches and keycaps. The kit includes the case, PCB, plate, stabilizers, and assembly tools.
No. According to the vendor specifications, the Vortex Tab 60 is not hotswap. To change switches, you would need to desolder the existing ones and solder in new ones.
The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core lists tri-mode connectivity, including a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle and Bluetooth. The Vortex Tab 60 only specifies Bluetooth and wired USB-C connectivity. The 2.4 GHz option on the Neo60 Core may offer a more stable connection for gaming.
The Vortex Tab 60 comes with DSA profile keycaps made from PBT plastic. The legends are dye-sublimated for durability.
Yes. The Neo60 Core PCB is listed as VIA compatible. This allows for easy graphical key remapping and macro programming without flashing firmware.
The vendor listing shows options for Cherry MX Black, Brown, Blue, Red, Clear, Silver, Silent Black, and Silent Red switches. Availability may vary.
The vendor description states the tri-mode kit includes two 2200mAh internal batteries. A specific battery life estimate is not provided, but the capacity is listed.
Yes. The product listing explicitly states Mac compatibility and includes bonus Mac modifier keycaps in the box.
According to Qwertykeys, the Neo60 Core supports PCB gasket mount and O-ring mount styles. The kit includes a set of gaskets and a 30-duro O-ring.
The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core is significantly heavier, with an approximate built weight of 1.5 kilograms (1500g) due to its aluminum case and metal weight. The Vortex Tab 60's weight is not specified, but its plastic case suggests it is much lighter.
Only the Vortex Tab 60 has RGB lighting, though according to a user review, it is limited to indicator LEDs for layers and Bluetooth status. The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core specifically lists no per-key RGB.
The Qwertykeys Neo60 Core has an 8-degree typing angle, as specified in both the metadata and the vendor description.
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