Ajazz AK870 vs AK980TKL vs 96% Layout Keyboard Comparison
Choose the AK870 for a more compact, portable layout with knob support, or the AK980 for a built-in number pad and a much larger battery.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Ajazz AK870
TKL
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Ajazz AK980
96% Layout Keyboard Comparison
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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 AK870
Ajazz AK980
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless
Battery
4,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
Case material
ABS
Plastic
Knob
Yes
No
Sound dampening
Yes
No
- Ajazz AK870
- Ajazz AK980
- Performance
- 5142
- Build quality
- 5550
- Productivity
- 8342
- Customizability
- 7358
- Portability
- 7357
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Display: TFT
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Ajazz 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Ajazz AK870
5 owner reviews
“I love this keyboard. The sound is slightly clicky and mostly creamy. Super smooth to work on. I’ve also set up the RGB to match my PC ones.”
Ajazz AK980
No owner reviews collected yet.
Ajazz AK870 vs AK980 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 20 specs differ
Ajazz AK870
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
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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Ajazz AK870 vs AK980: your questions
The Ajazz AK980 has a significantly larger 8000mAh battery, while the AK870 has a 4000mAh battery. According to the AK980's vendor page, it uses low-power chips and energy-saving technology to maximize battery efficiency, suggesting it will last much longer between charges.
No, the Ajazz AK870 is an 80% TKL (Tenkeyless) layout keyboard. It does not include a dedicated number pad. The AK980 uses a 96% layout, which incorporates a number pad into a more compact design.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to replace the mechanical switches without soldering. The AK980's vendor description explicitly mentions 'all-key hot-swappable switch sockets' for easy customization.
Both keyboards have customizable TFT color screens. The vendor description for the AK870 specifies a 1.06-inch screen, while the AK980 has a slightly larger 1.14-inch screen. Both can display time, battery level, connection status, and custom GIF animations.
Both are designed for a quieter experience with gasket mount structures. The AK870's vendor page highlights a '5-layer Filling Gasket Structure' and a 'slotted PC positioning plate' to mitigate noise. The AK980 also uses a five-layer gasket structure and offers a 'Silence Linear' switch option, which may provide an even quieter typing experience out of the box.
The vendor description and listed features for the Ajazz AK980 do not mention a volume knob or knob support. The AK870, however, offers a 'knob support' module that can be installed, and its vendor page mentions a customizable knob for controlling volume.
Both keyboards use PBT keycaps according to their specifications. The AK870's vendor description further specifies that its keycaps are made with 'two-color injection molding PBT' for the south-facing backlit design.
The Ajazz AK870 is more portable. It is smaller (370mm wide vs. 417mm), lighter (970g vs. 1140g), and uses a TKL layout that omits the number pad, making it easier to fit in a backpack or use in confined spaces like coffee shops.
Yes, both keyboards list 'Mac/Win Support' in their features. The AK870's vendor description confirms compatibility with macOS, and the AK980's description lists support for Mac systems among others.
According to the vendor description, the Ajazz AK980 offers a choice of linear and tactile switches. Specific options listed include Gift V2 Linear, Cyan Cloud Tactile, Silence Linear, Merrard Linear, and TTC Flaming Red Linear switches.
Both keyboards support tri-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless with a receiver, and Bluetooth. This allows you to connect to multiple devices, such as a PC, laptop, and tablet, and switch between them easily.
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