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Novice 100

Novice 100 Mechanical Keyboard

The Novice 100 is a compact 68-key mechanical keyboard designed for users who want flexible connectivity and easy switch customization. It suits hobbyists who swap switches regularly and users needing a versatile keyboard for multiple devices, including tablets. Its wireless and wired modes offer options for different environments, while the hot-swappable shafts allow quick switch changes without soldering.</p... Read more
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Specification
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Compare Novice 100 vs Keychron V5 vs Keychron C2 Pro Specification

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Novice 100Keychron V5Keychron C2 Pro
Novice 100
96
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
91
Keychron C2 Pro 8K QMK Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
0.0 (0)
3.4 (8)
4.8 (11)
  • Released in 2024
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Offers Yes, White RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Weighs about 1170 g
  • Sized at 19 x 142 x 389 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 975 g
  • Sized at 28 x 130 x 436 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 54
  • Build Quality: 48.9
  • Productivity: 52.3
  • Customizability: 50.7
  • Portability: 47.7
Scores
  • Performance: 90.9
  • Build Quality: 89.4
  • Productivity: 98.1
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 47.2
Scores
  • Performance: 90.1
  • Build Quality: 81.2
  • Productivity: 94.3
  • Customizability: 89
  • Portability: 44.9
Name
Novice 100
Name
Keychron V5
Name
Keychron C2 Pro
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ISO, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO, ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
8000 Hz;1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
White
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
19 x 142 x 389 mm
Dimensions
28 x 130 x 436 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1170g
Weight
975g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Product Description

The Novice 100 is a compact 68-key mechanical keyboard designed for users who want flexible connectivity and easy switch customization. It suits hobbyists who swap switches regularly and users needing a versatile keyboard for multiple devices, including tablets. Its wireless and wired modes offer options for different environments, while the hot-swappable shafts allow quick switch changes without soldering.

Key Features

  • Hot-swappable shafts support three modes, enabling users to change switches quickly to suit different typing preferences or tasks.
  • Multiple connectivity options include wired USB, 2.4G wireless, and Bluetooth 5.0 with support for pairing up to three devices, allowing seamless switching between devices.
  • Compact 68-key layout saves desk space while maintaining essential keys for efficient typing and gaming.
  • Monochromatic white backlighting provides basic illumination without distractions or complex lighting setups.

Connectivity

The keyboard offers wired connection with a 1000Hz polling rate, suitable for low-latency needs. The 2.4G wireless mode has a lower 25Hz polling rate, which may not be ideal for fast-paced gaming. Bluetooth 5.0 supports multi-device pairing, making it convenient for users who switch between tablets, laptops, or phones.

Build Quality

The case is made from durable materials designed for long-term use. It includes a single-section foot stand with an anti-slip silicone pad to keep the keyboard stable during use. The keyboard uses a positioning board satellite axis, which helps stabilize larger keys for consistent keypress feel.

Trade-offs

  • The 2.4G wireless polling rate is relatively low, which may affect responsiveness in competitive gaming.
  • Backlighting is limited to a single white color without customization, which may not satisfy users wanting RGB effects.
  • Power options include wired power or two AAA batteries, which may require frequent battery replacement depending on usage.

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