Keychron V2 vs NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition

The Keychron V2 and the NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition are close alternatives. The main differences: the Keychron V2 is the cheaper of the two at $60 versus $95; stock, the Keychron V2 sounds creamy, muted and the NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition plastic tray stock.

Keychron V2 65% · $60
NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition 65% · $95

Choose the Keychron V2 if

  • you mainly want it for programming.
  • you want to spend less ($60).

Choose the NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition if

  • you mainly want it for beginners.

Keychron V2 vs NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition, spec by spec

Keychron V2NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition
Layout 65% 65%
Height Standard Standard
Connectivity Wired Wired
Hot-swap Yes Yes
Keycaps PBT double-shot, OSA profile n/a
Case ABS plastic (frosted or solid) plastic
Mount Tray Tray
Backlight RGB RGB
QMK / VIA Yes Yes
Battery n/a n/a
Typical price $60 (stronger spec) $95
Sound (stock) creamy, muted plastic tray stock
Released 2022 2020

Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.

Where they sit among all 509 boards we track

Price cheapest priciest
Keychron V2 $60
NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition $95

6% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron V2; 29% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition.

Where to buy the Keychron V2

Where to buy the NovelKeys NK65 Entry Edition

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