Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Xinmeng A66 vs M71 V2 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two 65% keyboards from Xinmeng: the A66 DIY kit and the pre-built M71 V2. The decision is tough because both share similar dimensions, triple-mode connectivity, and large 4600mAh batteries. The core trade-off is between the A66's flexibility as a barebones kit with a choice of plate materials and the M71 V2's ready-to-use package with clicky switches, RGB backlighting, and layered sound-dampening internals.

64
XINMENG A66 Gasket Triple-mode Keyboard DIY Kit
70
XINMENG M71 V2 Aluminum Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Comes with a knob
  • Weighs about 1800 g
  • Sized at 20 x 113 x 322 mm
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Weighs about 1300 g
  • Sized at 31 x 115 x 350 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 39.7
  • Build Quality: 63.1
  • Productivity: 65.4
  • Customizability: 66.9
  • Portability: 88.3
Scores
  • Performance: 44.2
  • Build Quality: 69.3
  • Productivity: 80.4
  • Customizability: 67.8
  • Portability: 88.6
Name
Xinmeng A66
Name
Xinmeng M71 V2
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4600 mAh
Battery capacity
4600 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
20 x 113 x 322 mm
Dimensions
31 x 115 x 350 mm
Weight
1800g
Weight
1300g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

The Xinmeng A66 is the choice for enthusiasts who want to build and customize their keyboard from scratch, selecting their own switches and plate material. The Xinmeng M71 V2 is better for users who want a complete, ready-to-type keyboard with appealing RGB lighting and a quieter build thanks to its layered dampening. Decide based on whether you value the freedom of a DIY kit or the convenience of a pre-assembled product.

Xinmeng A66

  • +Available as a barebones DIY kit, letting you choose your own switches and keycaps.
  • +Offers a choice between PC and FR4 positioning plates for customized typing feel.
  • +Includes Xinmeng self-designed V3 satellite stabilizers for stability.
  • +USB-C connection and knob support for adjusting volume or backlight brightness.

  • No switches or keycaps included, requiring an additional purchase to use.
  • No RGB backlighting, limiting visual customization possibilities.
  • Heavier than the M71 V2 at 1800g, which can be less portable.

Xinmeng M71 V2

  • +Pre-built with clicky switches and OEM-height PBT keycaps, ready to type out of the box.
  • +Features full 16.8 million color RGB backlighting and RGB side strips for visual customization.
  • +Five-layered sound-shock absorbing internals (PORON, IXPE, PET, silicone) for a quieter typing experience.
  • +Lightweight all-aluminum design at 1300g.

  • Pre-built with clicky switches which may not appeal to users who prefer linear or tactile feel.
  • Plastic PC plate is fixed, with no option to swap for a different material like FR4.
  • Slightly larger dimensions than the A66, which could affect desk space.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming, both keyboards are a tie due to similar connectivity and the inability to verify performance claims. The M71 V2 wins for office and content creation use cases because it is pre-built, quieter, and has RGB lighting. The A66 is the better choice for programming and modding due to its DIY flexibility and choice of plate materials. For travel, both are tied on portability features like battery and wireless support, though the M71 V2 is lighter.

GamingTie
  • Both keyboards support triple-mode connectivity (2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, Wired) for low-latency gaming options.
  • Neither product provides specific polling rate or latency figures, so performance claims cannot be verified.
  • Both use a hot-swappable design, allowing users to install linear switches suited for gaming.
OfficeXinmeng M71 V2
  • The M71 V2 is a pre-built with PBT keycaps and clicky switches, ready for immediate use without additional purchases.
  • The M71 V2 features five-layers of sound and shock-absorbing materials (PORON, IXPE, PET, silicone) for a quieter typing experience in shared spaces.
  • The A66 is a barebones kit that requires you to buy switches and keycaps separately, adding complexity.
ProgrammingXinmeng A66
  • The A66 DIY kit allows you to choose between PC or FR4 positioning plates to fine-tune the typing feel.
  • As a barebones kit, you can select your own preferred linear or tactile switches and keycaps for a custom typing experience.
  • The A66 uses Xinmeng self-designed V3 satellite stabilizers, which the vendor claims are finely-tuned for stability.
TravelTie
  • Both keyboards have a compact 65% layout and triple-mode wireless connectivity, making them easy to pack and use on the go.
  • Both feature a large 4600mAh battery for extended wireless use away from a desk.
  • The M71 V2 is lighter at 1300g compared to the A66's 1800g, but both are heavier than typical travel keyboards.
ModdingXinmeng A66
  • The A66 is a DIY kit, designed for enthusiasts who want to build and customize their keyboard from the ground up.
  • It offers a choice of PC or FR4 plate materials and is available with a single-key slotted PCB for improved acoustics.
  • The A66's gasket mount design and compatibility with various switches make it a strong foundation for modding projects.
Content CreationXinmeng M71 V2
  • The M71 V2's RGB backlighting and side strips provide customizable lighting for content creation setups.
  • It is a complete, ready-to-use keyboard, saving time for content creators who do not want to assemble a kit.
  • The five-layered sound-dampening design helps reduce noise, which is beneficial for recording or streaming environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

98
$94
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V1 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$105
MonsGeek M1W Aluminum Wireless Gasket DIY Kit
Monsgeek M1W
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$86
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard - Version 1
Keychron Q1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$85
Keychron Q1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection - Version 1
Keychron Q1 V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$85
Keychron Q8 Pro (Alice Layout) QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q8 Pro
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$84
Keychron K3 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K3 Max
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Plate Mount

90
$73
Qwertykeys Neo75 Keyboard
Qwertykeys Neo75
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$84
Keychron V4 Max QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V4 Max
60%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

94
$67
Keychron K2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K2 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount