Ajazz AK35I V3 Max vs AK980Full-Size vs 96% Gasket Mount
Choose the AK35I V3 Max for a full-size layout and aluminum build, or the AK980 for a compact gasket-mounted design with tactile switch options.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Ajazz AK35I V3 Max
Full-Size
Build quality in the top 25% of 100% boards under $150.
- Aluminum case construction for a premium, rigid feel.
- Full 100% (104-key) layout with a dedicated number pad.
- Includes sound dampening with a silicone base pad and IXPE switch pad.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Ajazz AK980
96% Gasket Mount
- Compact 96% layout saves desk space while retaining most keys.
- Gasket mount structure with a five-layer fill for a potentially softer, quieter typing experience.
- Offers both linear and tactile switch options from the factory.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a full number pad, prefer the heft and feel of an aluminum case, and want south-facing RGB, the Ajazz AK35I V3 Max is the better investment. If you value a smaller footprint, want to experiment with a gasket mount feel, and appreciate having tactile switch options out of the box, the Ajazz AK980 offers compelling value in a more compact form.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Ajazz AK35I V3 Max
Ajazz AK980
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Aluminum
Plastic
Knob
Yes
No
Sound dampening
Yes
No
Backlight
RGB, south-facing
RGB
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Ajazz AK35I V3 Max
- Ajazz AK980
- Performance
- 7842
- Build quality
- 6750
- Productivity
- 8542
- Customizability
- 7658
- Portability
- 6757
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 8,000 mAh
- Switch options: Linear
- Display: TFT
- Plate material: FR4
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The AK35I V3 Max is the clear choice for users who need a full number pad and dedicated keys, making it stronger for programming, content creation, and traditional gaming setups. The AK980 wins for travel due to its smaller footprint and for modding enthusiasts interested in its gasket mount design. For general office work, both are capable, trading the number pad for desk space.
Pick the Ajazz AK35I V3 Max
- The AK35I V3 Max has a standard 100% layout with dedicated function keys and arrow keys.
- Its aluminum case may provide a more rigid typing platform.
- The product listing mentions N-key rollover for anti-ghosting.
Ajazz AK35I V3 Max vs AK980 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 19 specs differ
Ajazz AK35I V3 Max
Ajazz AK980
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Ajazz AK35I V3 Max vs AK980: your questions
The core differences are the layout and build. The AK35I V3 Max is a full-size 100% keyboard with an aluminum case. The AK980 is a 96% compact keyboard with a plastic case and a gasket mount structure.
The Ajazz AK980 features a gasket mount. The vendor description specifies a five-layer filled gasket structure designed to reduce keystroke noise and provide a sturdy tactile response. The AK35I V3 Max does not list a gasket mount.
Yes, both the Ajazz AK35I V3 Max and the AK980 feature hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to easily change the mechanical switches without soldering.
For office work, it depends on space and key needs. The AK35I V3 Max has a full number pad for data entry. The AK980 saves desk space with its 96% layout. Both have tri-mode wireless, long 8000mAh batteries, and TFT screens for functionality.
Yes, but only with the Ajazz AK980. The AK980 is listed with options for both linear and tactile switches, such as the Cyan Cloud tactile. The AK35I V3 Max is only listed with linear switch options.
Both the Ajazz AK35I V3 Max and the AK980 are equipped with large 8000mAh lithium batteries. The manufacturer claims this, combined with low-power technology, provides a long battery life.
The Ajazz AK35I V3 Max specifically lists south-facing RGB lighting in its specifications. South-facing LEDs improve compatibility with Cherry-profile and other sculpted keycap sets. The AK980's product description does not specify the LED orientation.
The AK980 can be used for gaming, but it lacks a dedicated number pad which some gamers use for macros. Its gasket mount may offer a softer typing feel. For a more traditional gaming layout with all keys separate, the full-size AK35I V3 Max might be preferred.
Both the Ajazz AK35I V3 Max and the AK980 use PBT material for their keycaps. PBT is known for being more durable and resistant to shine compared to ABS plastic.
Yes, both models feature a 1.14-inch TFT color screen. According to the vendor pages, these screens can display the time, connection mode, battery level, and custom GIF animations.
The Ajazz AK980 is more portable. It has a compact 96% layout with dimensions of 417mm in length and a stated weight of 1140g. The full-size AK35I V3 Max will be larger and likely heavier due to its aluminum case.
Based on the vendor listings, both keyboards typically include the keyboard itself, a USB Type-C cable, a switch and keycap puller, and a user manual. The AK35I V3 Max listing also specifically mentions a 2.4G receiver.
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