Neo98 - 98% Mechanical Aluminium Custom Keyboard Kit

Custom Build Meets 98% Layout — Finally with a Numpad

Larger layouts have long been overlooked in the custom keyboard world — anyone needing a numeric keypad usually had to give up on custom-grade quality. The Neo98 is Neo Studio's direct answer to that gap: a 98% custom build with everything the Neo series stands for — signature Neo sound, signature Neo typing feel, no-compromise engineering. With us, you get it in a full DE-ISO layout with all umlauts, ß, and the proper enter key — no workaround, no improvising.

98% layout — numpad without compromise

The Neo98 combines the best of two worlds: a compact 98% layout that places the numpad directly next to the main section — without the desk footprint of a classic full-size keyboard. With dimensions of 398.4 × 133.8 mm, it fits on smaller desks and saves valuable mouse space that's often lost to 100% keyboards. Anyone who regularly enters numbers — whether in Excel, accounting, or programming — gets the most productive custom layout currently on the market.

Minimalist design with an eye for detail

At first glance, the Neo98 looks restrained — and that's exactly the point. A closer look reveals thoughtful design: a mirror-polished stainless steel badge, every surface ground by hand, sits like a platinum ring precisely embedded in the case. The stacked construction of the side profile creates visual depth, while cleanly shaped beveled edges define a sharp, structured silhouette.

17.6 mm front height — the golden standard

The front height of exactly 17.6 mm has been carefully calibrated — not too tall, not too flat. The result is a visually slim, elegant appearance that simultaneously offers ergonomic support for long typing sessions. With a 7° typing angle, your hands and wrists rest comfortably — even without a separate wrist rest.

Silicone gasket mount for silky-smooth acoustics

Inside, the Neo98 features a silicone gasket mount and poron gasket mount that softly decouples the plate from the case. The effect: every keystroke feels cushioned and balanced, hard resonances are absorbed. If you prefer something a bit firmer and more precise, you can switch to top mount — all three mounting options are covered in the box, so you can adjust your typing feel however you like. Due to the larger layout, the construction includes more gaskets (9 instead of 7 like the Neo75) — the typing characteristic remains consistent across the entire keyboard.

Forcebreak and acoustic chamber

Two engineering details elevate the Neo98 beyond just a good-looking keyboard:

• Forcebreak layer: A soft dampening layer at the contact points between the top and bottom case absorbs vibrations between the metal surfaces — no metallic ping, no unwanted resonances.
• Bottom case acoustic chamber: Instead of a hollow bottom, the Neo98 uses a chamber-segmented construction that suppresses cavity resonance — especially crucial on larger layouts, where the risk of hollow zones is higher, this makes a decisive difference for a consistent sound profile.

Aluminum or PP plate — you decide the sound

The plate has a major influence on typing feel and sound. We offer the Neo98 in two plate variants:

• Aluminum plate: Crisp, precise, and slightly firmer on bottom-out — sharper, more defined sound with a higher tonal profile. Ideal for heavy typists and anyone who appreciates direct typing feedback.
• PP plate (polypropylene): Softer, bouncier feel with a deeper, "thocky" sound profile. Perfect for relaxed typing and custom-grade sound at the highest level.

Foam kit for individual fine-tuning

The Neo series stands for foamless builds by default — but Neo Studio leaves the choice to you. The package includes plate foam, IXPE sheet, and case foam, so you can decide for yourself how to tune your sound profile. The installed Poron sits in a grooved holder structure that doesn't rely on adhesive — replacing or modifying foam is significantly easier than with classic foam constructions.

Solid stainless steel bottom weight

On the underside sits a generously sized stainless steel weight that gives the Neo98 its planted, solid presence — at a total weight of around 2.9 kg (tri-mode with alu plate), nothing on your desk is going anywhere. Available in Mirror PVD finish (mirror-polished in multiple colors, including the visually striking "Dusk" gradient) or spray-coated (Golden or Silver) — you decide whether your keyboard plays it understated or makes a statement.

Tri-mode or wired — both PCB options available

The Neo98 supports several PCB configurations — from the fully equipped tri-mode hot-swap PCB with USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth, to the wired hot-swap PCB for those who prefer a direct, wired connection. Both PCBs are QMK/VIA compatible, so you can remap every key, program layers, and define macros — directly in your browser, no software installation needed. The exact options can be found in the configurator and in the specifications.

Premium materials & clean craftsmanship

The entire case is machined from CNC aluminum and available in a wide range of anodizations — from understated tones like Anodized Black, Silver, and Taupe Grey to more eye-catching variants like Anodized Teal, Slate Blue, Orange, and Dusty Rose. Top case, bottom case, and battery cover form a carefully tuned color combination.

Who is the Neo98 for?

• Custom keyboard lovers who finally want a numpad in boutique quality
• Heavy typists, accountants & data analysts who regularly enter numbers and value great typing feel
• Coders & power users who want to combine functional range with custom sound
• Modding enthusiasts who want to freely combine plate, mount, and foam options