Neo98 Prebuilt - 98% Mechanical Aluminium Keyboard Kit

Neo98 Prebuilt — premium 100% custom without the build effort

The Neo98 Prebuilt is the fully built version of the Neo98 — Neo Studio's answer to what a modern full-format keyboard should look like in the custom world. Unlike classic 100% boards that quickly seem oversized, the Neo98 fits the full functional spectrum into a more compact footprint — with indented key clusters and a denser layout. The prebuilt version delivers the complete experience without the custom build effort: CNC aluminum case, pre-installed London Fog V2 linear switches, thoughtful gasket mount system, and full tri-mode connectivity.

98% layout — full feature set, more compact footprint

The 98% format (often also called 1800-compact layout) offers all the advantages of a 100% keyboard — F-row, arrow keys, navigation cluster, and full numpad — in a significantly more compact footprint. Instead of the wide, open gaps of classic 100% boards, the key blocks move closer together without missing a single function. The result: less desk space occupied, more room for the mouse, more ergonomic hand-to-mouse distance — and still the full numpad for spreadsheets, accounting, CAD work, or number-heavy workflows.

Four color variants — available in DE-ISO and ANSI

We offer the Neo98 Prebuilt in the following color variants, each in both DE-ISO and ANSI:

• Anodized Slate Blue — muted blue-grey tone with timeless character
• Anodized Black — the professional, timeless classic
• Anodized Taupe Grey — warm, neutral grey that pairs excellently with nearly any keycap set
• Spray-coated White — clean, bright white with characteristic spray-coat surface

Layout-specific keycaps — important difference between ANSI and DE-ISO

The Neo98 Prebuilt comes with different keycap types depending on layout — both high-quality, but with different characters:

• ANSI variant: Double-shot ABS keycaps — legends and body consist of two separate plastic injection moldings, anchoring the legend physically in the material so it never fades. ABS has a slightly smoother, slightly glossier feel with a crisper sound profile.
• DE-ISO variant: PBT dye-sub keycaps — wear-resistant, with legends permanently anchored in the material. PBT has the typical, slightly dry and textured feel, is resistant to shine effects (the oily gloss that can develop on ABS after prolonged use), and delivers a deeper, more muted sound.

Both keycap types have their fans in the custom community — ABS for the crisper sound and smoother feel, PBT for long-term wear resistance and the more muted sound profile. In any case, 3 Mac modifier keycaps are included to seamlessly switch between Windows and Mac setups.

London Fog V2 switches — factory pre-installed

The prebuilt version comes with the London Fog V2 linear switches — linear switches designed for a soft, smooth typing feel:

• Character: Linear, for fast, even keystrokes
• Lifespan: 50 million keystrokes
• Rebound: Responsive spring behavior for clean, fast return

If the switch profile doesn't suit you, the hot-swap PCB lets you switch to other MX-style switches anytime — without a soldering iron.

Gasket mount with multi-layer foam kit

Inside works a thoughtfully designed gasket mount system in combination with a multi-layer foam kit. The plate is softly supported on the case via silicone gaskets — the result is a cushioned, "bouncy" typing feel with a clear sound profile:

• Noticeably reduces hollow sound
• Minimizes unwanted noise from hard bottom-outs
• Delivers a clear, clean sound profile with consistent keystrokes
• Provides a pleasantly soft typing feel — the brand core of the Neo series

Tri-mode connectivity

The Neo98 Prebuilt connects three ways — flexibly adaptable to your workflow:

• USB-C wired — direct, low-latency connection
• 2.4 GHz wireless via included receiver — wire-free with minimal latency, ideal for gaming
• Bluetooth — flexible for multi-device setups (tablet, laptop, smartphone)

The package includes both the 2.4 GHz receiver and a 2.4 GHz extension adapter — in case your USB port is hard to reach or you want to improve the range.

One-click Win/Mac switch

A practical detail: with a simple key shortcut, you switch between Windows and Mac mode — the key mapping adjusts automatically. This makes the Neo98 Prebuilt perfectly suited for multi-OS setups or users who regularly switch between different systems.

Per-key RGB lighting

Each individual key is equipped with its own RGB LED that you can configure individually — from understated, single-color setups to reactive effects and animations.

Premium craftsmanship in detail

• Complete CNC aluminum case — no plastic in the visible area
• Anodized or spray-coated surfaces — depending on color variant
• Factory-tuned gasket mount system — no additional tuning required
• Dust cover included — for protection in everyday use and during transport

Who is the Neo98 Prebuilt for?

• Heavy typists & office power users who need the full numpad for spreadsheets, accounting, or data work
• Custom keyboard enthusiasts who want a premium 100% without the build effort
• DE-ISO users looking for a high-quality custom aluminum board in their familiar layout
• Wireless workflows needing a flexible multi-mode setup
• Gift seekers who want to give a keyboard-loving person a thoughtful, fully configured premium product
• Custom-build beginners who want premium quality without dealing with switch and foam configuration

Note: The Neo98 Prebuilt is a fully built keyboard — switches and keycaps are pre-installed and factory-tuned. If you want more modding freedom (e.g., your own PCB and plate choice), you'll find the Neo98 barebone version in our store as well.