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BASIC BK98 Explore The Stars Mechanical Keyboard

BASIC BK98 Mechanical Keyboard

The BASIC BK98 Explore The Stars is a compact 96-key mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a unique space-themed design combined with versatile connectivity and customizable features. It suits hobbyists and casual users who appreciate visual customization and a quieter typing experience, as well as those needing flexible wired and wireless options. It is less ideal for users prioritizing ultra-quiet keys or those requiring extensive layout customization beyond the 96-key format.</p... Read more
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Compare BASIC BK98 vs Feker IK105/IK85 vs Darmoshark TOP98 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
BASIC BK98Feker IK105/IK85Darmoshark TOP98
64
BASIC BK98 Explore The Stars Mechanical Keyboard
65
FEKER IK105/IK85 Series Gasket Mechanical Keyboard
61
Pre-Order Darmoshark TOP98 Side Printed Three Mode Mechanical Keyboard
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  • Connects via USB-C
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Weighs about 1083 g
  • Sized at 39 x 133 x 390 mm
  • Has Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Includes a Yes, TFT display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1262 g
  • Sized at 40 x 392 x 143 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 49.1
  • Build Quality: 53.4
  • Productivity: 74.3
  • Customizability: 69.9
  • Portability: 49.6
Scores
  • Performance: 60.6
  • Build Quality: 54.8
  • Productivity: 65.1
  • Customizability: 66.4
  • Portability: 57.5
Scores
  • Performance: 60.9
  • Build Quality: 47.1
  • Productivity: 62.7
  • Customizability: 73.3
  • Portability: 50.5
Name
BASIC BK98
Name
Feker IK105/IK85
Name
Darmoshark TOP98
Release year
2023
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
98%
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
98%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
TFT
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
39 x 133 x 390 mm
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
40 x 392 x 143 mm
Weight
1083g
Weight
-
Weight
1262g
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Product Description

The BASIC BK98 Explore The Stars is a compact 96-key mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a unique space-themed design combined with versatile connectivity and customizable features. It suits hobbyists and casual users who appreciate visual customization and a quieter typing experience, as well as those needing flexible wired and wireless options. It is less ideal for users prioritizing ultra-quiet keys or those requiring extensive layout customization beyond the 96-key format.

Key Features

  • Space-themed design with custom keycaps and a hidden galaxy image under the keycaps, adding a distinctive visual element.
  • Interactive smart color display shows time, date, keyboard status, and customizable GIF screensavers for quick information and personalization.
  • Full RGB backlighting with multiple effects and brightness settings, adjustable via driver software.
  • Full-key hot-swappable sockets allow easy switch replacement without soldering.
  • Multi-function driver supports macro programming and RGB customization for tailored user experience.

Typing Experience

  • Equipped with custom Stellar mechanical switches offering smooth typing feedback and durability rated up to 60 million keystrokes.
  • Sound-absorbing internal layers reduce sharp keystroke noise, making typing quieter and more comfortable.
  • Dual-tone injection-molded stabilizers improve key stability and reduce rattle on larger keys.

Connectivity

  • Supports three connection modes: wired USB Type-C, wireless Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless, providing flexibility for different setups.
  • Easy switching between modes with an on/off paddle switch.

Trade-offs

  • The 96-key layout may limit users who need a full-size keyboard or extensive macro keys.
  • Switch options are limited to the custom Stellar switches, which may not suit users preferring other switch types or quieter switches.
  • Battery life and wireless latency details are unknown, which may affect wireless use confidence.

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