The custom keyboard world is buzzing, and the Neo65 CU is here to make its mark. This little powerhouse has been turning heads ever since it hit the scene, and for good reason. It’s sleek, it’s customizable, and it feels like it was designed with both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts in mind.
Let’s be real—there’s no shortage of options for custom keyboards, but the Neo65 CU manages to stand out without screaming for attention. From its ultra-thin bezels to its thoughtful design details, it’s clear that a lot of care made this board functional and genuinely enjoyable to use. And honestly, once you get your hands on it, you’ll see why people are raving about it.
What really caught my eye, though, wasn’t just how it looked—it was how it felt. The weight, the materials, even the sound it makes (or doesn’t make, depending on your setup) all come together to create an experience that feels premium without being over-the-top. Plus, it’s got some clever features under the hood that make assembly and customization way easier than you’d expect. So if you’ve ever thought about diving into the world of custom keyboards—or even if you’re already deep in the hobby—the Neo65 CU might just be the next big thing you didn’t know you needed.
Design and Build Quality
The Neo65 CU is one of those keyboards that grabs your attention the moment you lay eyes on it. The design team clearly put a lot of thought into every little detail, and it shows. From the outside, the first thing you’ll notice is how sleek and polished it feels. The thin side bezels are almost shockingly narrow, giving it this ultra-modern, minimalist vibe that screams premium. It’s like the keyboard equivalent of a luxury sports car—sharp, clean, and impossible to ignore.
The color options are another standout feature. You’ve got everything from teal to gray gold, and each one feels like it was carefully chosen to make the board pop. Personally, the gray gold version feels like it strikes the perfect balance between understated elegance and bold personality. But no matter which color you pick, the smooth anodization gives it this rich, high-end finish that makes it feel like it belongs in a showroom. And when you flip it over, the bottom case is just as impressive. The curves, the subtle lines, and even the placement of the logo all come together to create something that feels intentional and well-thought-out. It’s not just functional—it’s art.
Now let’s talk about weight because, wow, this thing is heavy. Like, “pick it up and immediately know you’re holding something serious” heavy. The copper or brass base options add a ton of heft, and while that might not be everyone’s cup of tea, it definitely gives the keyboard a grounded, substantial feel. There’s no wobbling or flexing here—this thing is rock solid. The weight also adds to the premium vibe, making it feel like you’re using a tool built to last. Some people might find it a bit much for portability, but if you’re keeping it on a desk, it’s hard to beat the stability and confidence that comes with a heavier build.
Even the little details, like the feet, got some love. You get two color options for the feet, which might seem minor, but it’s these thoughtful touches that make the Neo65 CU feel like a labor of love. The recessed USB-C port is another nice addition, keeping things tidy and out of the way. And while the protective film on the bottom might seem like a small thing, peeling it off reveals a flawless finish underneath that just oozes quality.
Build and Internal Structure
The Neo65 CU is one of those keyboards that feels like it was designed with builders in mind. From the moment you open the box, it’s clear they’ve thought about the entire process, making assembly straightforward without sacrificing the fun of putting it together yourself. The whole experience feels polished, and even if you’re not a seasoned custom keyboard builder, you won’t feel overwhelmed. It’s almost like they handed you a Lego set with instructions that actually make sense.
First up, the packaging. Everything comes neatly organized, which is always a good sign. You’ve got separate little bags for screws, stabilizers, and other small parts, so there’s no frantic digging around trying to find what you need. There’s even a little surprise—a piece of poron foam tucked inside, though you might not end up using it depending on your build style. The stabilizers are pre-lubed and ready to go, which saves a ton of time, and they include some extra goodies like a wireless dongle and even two color options for the feet. That’s a nice touch because it lets you customize the look just a bit more.
Now, the assembly process itself is where things get interesting. Unlike the older Neo boards that used a quick-release mechanism, this one goes for screws instead. At first glance, it might seem like a step backward—quick-release sounds convenient, right? But trust me, the screw-based design is a huge improvement. No more accidentally popping the whole thing open when you’re picking it up or adjusting something. The screws give it a more secure, locked-in feel, and once everything is tightened down, the board feels rock solid. Plus, the screws are star-shaped, so you’ll need the right tool, but that’s a small price to pay for the added stability.
Opening the case is pretty simple. Once you unscrew the top frame, it lifts off cleanly, revealing the internals. The PCB sits snugly inside, and you can see the mounting points clearly marked. This is where the dual-mounting system comes into play—you’ve got options.
You can go with an isolated top mount or PCB gasket mount. Both setups have their merits, and being able to switch between them is a huge plus. The isolated top mount gives you a stiffer, more rigid feel, which some people prefer for stability. On the other hand, the PCB gasket mount softens the keystrokes just enough to make typing feel buttery smooth while still giving you that satisfying tactile feedback. The gaskets themselves are easy to position, and they snap into place without any hassle. Relief cuts on the plate help reduce resonance even further, and they do a great job of keeping things feeling smooth and controlled.
The PCB itself is another highlight. At 1.6mm thick, it’s sturdy and doesn’t flex, which is great for stability. It also supports both ANSI and ISO layouts, so you’re covered no matter what keycaps you prefer. And here’s the kicker—it’s hot-swappable, so you don’t need to solder anything unless you want to. That’s a huge plus for beginners or anyone who likes to experiment with different switches. The PCB even has this cool little planetary design printed on it, which adds a bit of personality. It’s the kind of detail that makes you appreciate the thought they put into every aspect of the board.
The plates are another highlight. You’ve got options here too—carbon fiber, aluminum, PC, and PP. Each material gives the keyboard a slightly different feel and sound profile, so you can tailor it to your preferences. For example, the carbon fiber plate adds a crispness to the sound, while the polycarbonate plate gives it a deeper, fuller tone. Installing the plate is as simple as lining it up with the mounting points and securing it with screws. The relief cuts on the plate help reduce resonance, and they do a great job of keeping things feeling smooth and controlled.
The bottom case also gets some love with strategic cutouts designed to minimize hollowness. If you’ve ever used a keyboard that sounded too echoey or hollow, you’ll appreciate what they’ve done here. The cutouts create a sort of acoustic chamber that works with the dense materials like brass or copper to reduce unwanted resonance. Tap on the spacebar, and you’ll immediately notice how solid it feels. There’s no rattling or weird vibrations—just a clean, satisfying sound. It’s clear they spent time fine-tuning this aspect because it feels intentional and well-executed.
One thing worth mentioning is the magnetic connectors. They make assembling and disassembling the board a breeze. Instead of wrestling with cables or worrying about loose connections, you just pop the halves together, and it’s done. It’s one of those features that seems small but makes a big difference in how enjoyable the process is. Plus, it keeps everything looking clean and tidy, which is always a bonus.
Once everything is in place, all that’s left is to screw the top frame back on. It’s satisfying to see it all come together, and the fit and finish are impeccable. The thin side bezels give it a sleek, modern look, and the overall design feels cohesive. Even the recessed USB-C port is a thoughtful addition, keeping things low-profile and out of the way. And let’s not forget the feet—they’re long and adjustable, giving you just the right amount of tilt for comfortable typing.
Typing Experience
The Neo65 CU delivers a typing experience that feels like it was crafted with care. From the moment your fingers touch the keycaps, you can tell this keyboard is something special. The typing angle is comfortable, sitting at 8 degrees, and the front height of 18.6mm makes it easy on your wrists during long typing sessions. You won’t feel like you’re straining or reaching too far, which is always a win.
One of the first things you’ll notice is how responsive the board feels under your fingers. Every press feels deliberate, almost like the keyboard is working with you instead of just reacting to you. The PCB gasket mount setup adds a layer of softness that makes typing feel buttery smooth. It’s not mushy, though—it still gives you that satisfying tactile feedback, especially if you’re using tactile switches. If you prefer a stiffer feel, you could opt for the isolated top mount, but honestly, the gasket mount is where this board really shines. It’s forgiving without being too squishy, and the flex you get from the PCB gasket mount makes typing feel natural and effortless.
The sound profile plays a big role in the overall experience too. Without any foam, the carbon fiber plate gives the keyboard a crisp, lively tone that’s hard to ignore. Each keystroke has a sharpness to it, but it’s not overwhelming. The spacebar, in particular, sounds fantastic—deep and full-bodied, like it’s been fine-tuned to perfection. Even the modifiers and arrow keys feel great, with none of that hollow echo you sometimes get on cheaper boards. Everything just feels intentional, like they spent time making sure even the smallest details were dialed in.
Switches also play a big part in how the Neo65 CU performs, and this board works well with pretty much anything you throw at it. Linear switches feel smooth and consistent, while tactile switches give you that little bump of feedback that some people love. One thing to note, though—the springs in some switches might feel a bit heavy, depending on what you’re used to. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but if you prefer lighter switches, you might want to swap out the springs for something a bit easier to press. That said, the stock setup still feels great for most typing tasks.
Sound Profile
The sound profile of the Neo65 CU is one of those things that grabs your attention right away. This keyboard has a voice of its own, and depending on how you set it up, it can range from sharp and lively to deep and full-bodied.
Without any foam in the build, the Neo65 CU feels raw and unfiltered, almost like you’re hearing the true essence of the materials. If you go with a carbon fiber plate, the sound gets this crispness to it that’s hard to ignore. Every keystroke feels deliberate, almost like the keyboard is announcing itself with every press. The alphas, in particular, have this sharp, clean tone that cuts through without being harsh. It’s satisfying, but not in an over-the-top way—it’s more refined than that. Even the spacebar sounds fantastic, with a deep, resonant thud that feels premium. You won’t hear any rattles or weird vibrations here, just a solid, confident sound that makes typing feel special.
Now, if you switch to a polycarbonate plate, the whole vibe changes. The sound becomes deeper and fuller, almost like the keyboard is wrapping each keystroke in a warm hug. It’s less clacky and more mellow, which might appeal to people who prefer a quieter typing experience. The modifiers and arrow keys still sound great, but there’s a subtle softness to them that wasn’t there with the carbon fiber plate. It’s like the board is showing off its versatility, proving it can do both ends of the spectrum and everything in between.
Adding foam into the mix changes things again, but not in the way you might expect. A lot of keyboards with foam end up sounding muted or overly “foamy,” but the Neo65 CU keeps its personality intact. Even with case foam or plate foam, the sound doesn’t lose its edge. Instead, it gains a bit more depth, especially on the alphas. There’s still a hint of that clackiness, but it’s more controlled, almost like the foam is just smoothing out the rough edges rather than dulling the whole thing. It’s a unique balance that works really well, and it’s something you don’t hear often in modern custom boards.
The mounting style also plays a big role in how the board sounds. With the PCB gasket mount, the sound feels softer and more cushioned, almost like the keystrokes are landing on a pillow. It’s comfortable and easy on the ears, making it perfect for long typing sessions. On the other hand, the isolated top mount gives the sound a bit more stiffness and clarity. It’s not as forgiving as the gasket mount, but it still sounds good—just in a different way. Some people might prefer the fullness of the gasket mount, while others might like the sharper tones of the top mount. Either way, the Neo65 CU handles both setups with ease.
One thing worth mentioning is how well the internal structure supports the sound. Those stepped internals and strategic cutouts in the case aren’t just there for looks—they actually help shape the acoustics. They bounce sound around in a way that keeps it from feeling flat or overly metallic. Pair that with the dense materials like brass or copper, and you’ve got a sound profile that feels rich and layered. Even the bottom case has acoustic chambers that minimize hollowness, so every keystroke feels intentional and well-crafted.
Price and Value
The Neo65 CU doesn’t come cheap, but it’s also not going to break the bank in a way that makes you question your life choices. Starting at $180 for the brass version without a plate, it gives you a solid entry point if you’re looking to build something custom without all the bells and whistles right out of the gate. If you opt for copper instead of brass, you’re starting at $200, which feels like a fair bump given the added heft and premium feel of the material. Adding plates pushes the price up a bit more—carbon fiber will set you back $220, while aluminum or polycarbonate options are slightly cheaper. All in all, you’re looking at a range between $180 and $220 depending on how fancy you want to get.
Now, some people might balk at spending over $200 on a keyboard, but hear me out. For what you’re getting—a beautifully designed board with high-quality materials, dual mounting options, and a ton of customization potential—it’s hard to argue that this isn’t a good deal. Sure, there are cheaper boards out there, but they don’t offer the same level of refinement or attention to detail. The Neo65 CU feels like a step above many other keyboards in its price range, especially when you factor in things like the magnetic connectors, the stepped internal design, and the sheer weight of the thing.
What really seals the deal is how versatile it is. You can go full foamless and still get an amazing sound profile, or you can experiment with different foams and plates to tweak it exactly how you like. The fact that it comes with hot-swap sockets means you don’t need to solder unless you want to, which lowers the barrier to entry for beginners. And even though it’s packed with modern features, it doesn’t feel over-engineered or unnecessarily complicated. Everything about it feels intentional, like the designers knew exactly who they were building this for and didn’t cut corners.
Final Thoughts
The Neo65 CU is one of those products that leaves you wondering how they managed to pack so much goodness into such a small package. From the moment you unbox it, everything feels thoughtfully designed and meticulously crafted. The thin side bezels, the sleek curves, and the stepped internal structure aren’t just there to look cool—they actually enhance the overall experience, both visually and acoustically. It’s clear that the team behind this keyboard put a lot of effort into making sure it wasn’t just another pretty face.
Performance-wise, it nails almost everything you could ask for. The typing experience is smooth and responsive, with plenty of options to customize it to your liking. The sound profile is dynamic and satisfying, whether you’re going foamless or experimenting with different setups. Even the little details, like the magnetic connectors and the dual mounting system, show how much care went into making this board user-friendly without sacrificing quality.
Of course, it’s not completely flawless. The on/off switch placement feels a bit awkward, and the weight might be a turnoff for people who prefer something lighter and more portable. But these are minor quibbles in the grand scheme of things. When you consider the overall package—the design, the build quality, the versatility—it’s hard to find much to complain about.
So yeah, the Neo65 CU is a winner. It’s stylish, it’s well-built, and it performs like a dream. Neo has done it again, and honestly, it’s kind of ridiculous how consistently they keep delivering hits. If you’re in the market for a 65% keyboard that checks all the boxes—and then some—this is the one to beat.
