Ajazz AK870 Plus vs AK980TKL vs 96% Layout Showdown

The core difference is the layout. The AK870 Plus is an 80% TKL keyboard without a number pad, while the AK980 is a 96% keyboard that compactly includes a number pad, arrow keys, and navigation cluster. This makes the AK980 wider but more functional for numerical input.

Yes, both the Ajazz AK870 Plus and AK980 feature all-key hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to easily change the mechanical switches without soldering, using the included switch puller.

Both keyboards are listed with an 8000mAh lithium battery. Therefore, battery life should be comparable, though it may vary based on usage patterns like RGB brightness and wireless mode.

Yes, the Ajazz AK980 is suitable for gaming with its tri-mode connectivity and hot-swappable linear switch options. However, its 96% layout is wider than a TKL, which may reduce available mouse space compared to the AK870 Plus.

For general typing, both are capable. The AK980 may have an edge for some users as it offers tactile switch options like the Cyan Cloud, which provide a physical bump. The AK870 Plus vendor page emphasizes its 5-layer gasket and slotted plate for a dampened typing sound.

Yes, both keyboards list Mac support as an extra feature. The AK980's vendor description specifically mentions side keys for switching between Win and Mac systems.

The Ajazz AK870 Plus features a 1.06-inch LCD screen according to its vendor page. The Ajazz AK980 is listed with a 1.14-inch TFT color screen that can display time, battery level, and customizable GIFs.

Yes, both keyboards use standard mechanical keycaps that can be replaced. The AK870 Plus uses south-facing RGB LEDs, which prevents interference with thicker Cherry-profile aftermarket keycaps, a detail highlighted in its description.

The Ajazz AK870 Plus is generally more portable due to its TKL layout, which has a smaller desk footprint (420mm x 190mm) than the AK980's 96% layout, despite the AK980 being slimmer in profile.

According to the vendor listing, the Ajazz AK980 offers several switch options including Gift V2 (linear), Cyan Cloud (tactile), and Silence (linear). This provides a choice between clicky, tactile, and quiet typing experiences from the start.

The AK870 Plus uses a standard TKL ANSI layout, so most keycap sets will fit. Its south-facing RGB LEDs, as noted by the manufacturer, are a specific advantage as they avoid interference with the legends on many popular aftermarket keycap profiles.

Both are tri-mode keyboards, supporting wired USB-C, 2.4GHz wireless with a dongle, and Bluetooth. The AK980 has dedicated side keys for switching, according to its product description. The AK870 Plus supports Bluetooth pairing with multiple devices like Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.