Ajazz AK870 vs AK980: TKL vs 96% Layout Keyboard Comparison

Compare Ajazz AK870 vs AK980 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Ajazz's two popular wireless keyboards with TFT screens. The choice hinges on whether you prioritize a smaller, more portable TKL form factor or a more complete 96% layout with a number pad. Both share core features like tri-mode connectivity, gasket mounts, and hot-swap sockets, making the layout and specific feature differences the key deciding factors.

Model
Rating	4.8 stars (5 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear switch options Available in a 80% layout Comes with a knob Has built-in sound dampening Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 970 g Sized at 21 x 370 x 148 mm Made with a ABS case Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Has Linear, Tactile switch options Available in a 96% layout Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 1140 g Sized at 19 x 148 x 417 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 52.4 Build Quality: 60.8 Productivity: 87.2 Customizability: 78.6 Portability: 77.3	Scores Performance: 50.4 Build Quality: 54.7 Productivity: 74.3 Customizability: 73.1 Portability: 64.5
Name	Name Ajazz AK870	Name Ajazz AK980
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Linear, Tactile
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support TFT	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	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 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 Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material ABS	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 21 x 370 x 148 mm	Dimensions 19 x 148 x 417 mm
Weight	Weight 970g	Weight 1140g

Ajazz AK870 Tri-Mode Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

Ajazz AK980 TFT Display Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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4.8 stars (5 reviews)

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Has Linear switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Comes with a knob
Has built-in sound dampening
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 970 g
Sized at 21 x 370 x 148 mm
Made with a ABS case
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Has Linear, Tactile switch options
Available in a 96% layout
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1140 g
Sized at 19 x 148 x 417 mm
Made with a ABS, Plastic case
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 52.4
Build Quality: 60.8
Productivity: 87.2
Customizability: 78.6
Portability: 77.3

Scores

Performance: 50.4
Build Quality: 54.7
Productivity: 74.3
Customizability: 73.1
Portability: 64.5

Name

Ajazz AK870

Name

Ajazz AK980

Release year

2024

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

TFT

Display Support

TFT

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

ABS

Case Material

ABS, Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

21 x 370 x 148 mm

Dimensions

19 x 148 x 417 mm

Weight

970g

Weight

1140g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a number pad for work or value maximum battery life above all, the Ajazz AK980 is the clear option. If you prefer a more standard TKL layout for gaming, want the flexibility of a knob, or need a more portable keyboard, the Ajazz AK870 is the better fit. Both deliver core features like tri-mode wireless, hot-swap, and a customizable TFT screen at a competitive price.

Ajazz AK870

+More compact TKL (80%) layout saves desk space and is easier to transport.
+Includes optional knob support module for media control, which can be swapped for three keys.
+Features a detailed 5-layer filling gasket structure with slotted PC plate for sound dampening.
+South-facing RGB backlighting ensures compatibility with a wider range of aftermarket keycaps.
+Lighter weight (970g) and slightly thinner profile (21mm) than the AK980.

−Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the AK980's 8000mAh.
−Lacks a dedicated number pad, which can be a drawback for data entry.
−Switch options from the vendor are listed as linear only, with no tactile choice mentioned.

Ajazz AK980

+96% layout includes a full number pad while maintaining a relatively compact form factor.
+Substantially larger 8000mAh battery promises extended wireless usage.
+Offers a choice of linear and tactile switch options from the vendor, including a silent linear variant.
+Features a gold-plated FR4 double-sided slot plate for a consistent typing feel.
+Side-mounted function keys allow for easy mode switching without flipping the keyboard.

−Larger, heavier footprint (417mm wide, 1140g) is less portable.
−No mention of knob support or a convertible knob module in its feature set.
−The vendor description does not specify south-facing RGB lighting, which may affect keycap compatibility.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The AK870 wins in scenarios where space efficiency and portability are critical, such as gaming and travel. The AK980 is the stronger choice for office and content creation work, where its number pad and massive battery provide tangible benefits. For programming and general use, the decision is more nuanced and depends on the user's preference for a knob versus a slightly more compact full-size layout.

GamingAjazz AK870

•The AK870's TKL layout provides more mouse space, which is often preferred for gaming.
•Its south-facing RGB lighting, as described by the vendor, is compatible with more aftermarket keycap sets without interference.
•It is lighter at 970g compared to the AK980's 1140g, allowing for easier repositioning on a desk.

OfficeAjazz AK980

•The AK980's 96% layout includes a dedicated number pad, which is essential for data entry and spreadsheet work.
•It has a significantly larger 8000mAh battery, potentially reducing the frequency of charges during long workdays.
•Vendor descriptions mention side function keys for easy switching between connection modes and systems without flipping the keyboard.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards feature hot-swappable sockets for customizing switch feel.
•Both have TFT screens for displaying system information.
•The AK870 offers a knob module option for scrolling, while the AK980 provides a more compact layout that retains arrow and navigation keys.

TravelAjazz AK870

•The AK870 is smaller (370mm wide) and lighter (970g) than the AK980 (417mm wide, 1140g).
•Its 80% TKL layout takes up less space in a bag or on a cramped desk.
•It still offers a 4000mAh battery, which the vendor states provides long-lasting performance for a portable keyboard.

ModdingAjazz AK870

•The AK870's vendor description details a 5-layer filling gasket structure with slotted PC plate and PCB for sound tuning.
•It features south-facing RGB, which is a preferred design for compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.
•It offers a knob support module that can be swapped for three additional keys, adding configuration flexibility.

Content CreationAjazz AK980

•The AK980's number pad is useful for timeline scrubbing and numerical input in video/photo editing software.
•The larger 8000mAh battery supports extended wireless use during long editing sessions.
•Its FR4 plate, as noted in the vendor description, may offer a distinct sound signature preferred by some users.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)