Ajazz AK870 vs Machenike K500Wireless TKL vs Wired 96%
Choose the Ajazz AK870 for wireless flexibility and a premium feature set, or the Machenike K500 for a simpler, wired, compact layout at a lower price point.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Ajazz AK870
Wireless TKL
- Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for multi-device use.
- Features a customizable 1.06-inch TFT color screen and knob support.
- Uses a 5-layer filling gasket mount structure with sound-dampening materials for a quieter typing experience.
- Substantially heavier at 970 grams, which reduces portability.
- More expensive than the Machenike K500.
- The vendor description notes a potential issue with Bluetooth connectivity to some Mac devices for one user.
Get the
Machenike K500
Wired 96%
- More affordable price point.
- Compact 96% layout includes a numpad in a smaller footprint than a full-size board.
- Offers a choice between linear and tactile switch types from the manufacturer.
- Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless option.
- Lacks advanced features like a screen, knob, or gasket mount structure.
- The vendor listing specifies compatibility with Windows, with no mention of Mac or other OS support.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If wireless freedom, multi-device connectivity, and modern features like a screen and gasket mount are priorities, the Ajazz AK870 is the clear selection. If you need a simple, affordable, wired keyboard with a compact layout that includes a numpad, and prefer to spend less, the Machenike K500 is a competent option. Consider the AK870 an investment in features and the K500 a value-focused tool.
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
Machenike K500
Layout size
80%
96%
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wired
Switch options
Linear
Linear, Tactile
Knob
Yes
No
Display
TFT
None
- Ajazz AK870
- Machenike K500
- Performance
- 5181
- Build quality
- 5555
- Productivity
- 8362
- Customizability
- 7365
- Portability
- 7346
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: ABS
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Ajazz AK870 is the more versatile choice, winning for office use, travel, modding, and content creation due to its wireless features, gasket mount design, and customizable screen. The Machenike K500 takes the lead for gaming, specifically citing NKRO support. For programming, it's a tie, as both offer durable PBT keycaps and hot-swap sockets, leaving the decision to layout preference between TKL and 96%.
Pick the Machenike K500
- The Machenike K500 listing explicitly mentions N-Key Rollover (NKRO) for all keys, a feature not highlighted for the AK870.
- Its lighter weight (650g) and smaller 96% footprint may free up more desk space for mouse movement.
- It offers a choice between linear and tactile switch types out of the box.
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.”
Machenike K500
No owner reviews collected yet.
Ajazz AK870 vs Machenike K500 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 21 specs differ
Ajazz AK870
Machenike K500
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
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Ajazz AK870 vs Machenike K500: your questions
Yes, the Ajazz AK870 is a tri-mode keyboard. It can connect via Bluetooth, a 2.4GHz wireless receiver, or a wired USB-C connection. It includes a 4000mAh rechargeable battery for cordless use.
Yes, the Machenike K500 uses a 96% layout. This compact design includes a condensed numeric keypad alongside the main alphanumeric keys, making it roughly 20% smaller than a standard 104-key keyboard according to the vendor.
Yes, both the Ajazz AK870 and Machenike K500 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to easily remove and replace the mechanical switches without soldering. The K500 listing states it is compatible with 3-pin switches like Cherry, TTC, and Outemu.
The Ajazz AK870 is likely the quieter option. Its vendor description emphasizes a noise-reducing 5-layer filling gasket structure with sound-absorbing materials, a slotted PC plate, and a slotted PCB designed to minimize typing noise. The Machenike K500 includes EVA foam in the plate but lacks the same multi-layer dampening construction.
The 1.06-inch TFT color screen can display system information like time, date, and battery level. According to the manufacturer, it can also be customized to show personal GIF animations. The screen module can be swapped out for three additional keys if desired.
Both keyboards use PBT plastic keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to shine than ABS. The Ajazz AK870 uses two-color injection molded PBT keycaps with south-facing RGB LEDs. The Machenike K500 uses OEM-profile PBT keycaps.
The Ajazz AK870 vendor listing states compatibility with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. The Machenike K500 listing only mentions Windows compatibility. One user review for the AK870 noted a Bluetooth issue with a Mac mini, but the 2.4GHz and wired modes worked flawlessly.
The Machenike K500 has features aimed at gamers. Its product listing specifically highlights N-Key Rollover (NKRO) on all keys, which prevents ghosting during fast key presses. It also offers a choice of linear or tactile switches to suit different gaming preferences.
The Ajazz AK870 uses a gasket mount style, where the plate is suspended on rubber gaskets for a softer, more consistent typing feel. The Machenike K500's mounting style is not specified in the provided details, but it features a steel (iron) plate.
The Ajazz AK870 includes a Type-C cable, a 2.4G receiver, a keycap and switch puller, and a user manual. The Machenike K500 includes a Type-C USB cable, a keycap puller, and a user manual.
The Ajazz AK870 is an 80% (TKL) layout measuring 370mm x 148mm. The Machenike K500 is a 96% layout measuring 353mm x 127mm. The K500 is slightly narrower but includes a numpad, while the AK870 is wider but lacks the numpad.
The Machenike K500 listing states that all keys support programmable functions via its software for Windows. The Ajazz AK870 vendor description mentions accompanying software for customization, but the extent of key programming is not detailed in the provided information.
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