Compare Ajazz AK966 vs AK980 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two 96% layout keyboards from Ajazz. The choice is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable sockets, and a similar compact form factor. The AK966 commands a higher price for its aluminum construction and enhanced acoustic treatment, while the AK980 is more affordable and adds a unique TFT screen. Your decision hinges on how much you value premium materials and sound versus a fun display and budget.

Model
	80	62	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Has Linear switch options Comes with a knob Includes a No display Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Equipped with a 10000 mAh battery Weighs about 1027 g Sized at 42 x 388 x 137 mm Made with a Aluminum case	Released in 2024 Has Linear, Tactile switch options Includes a Yes, TFT display Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 1140 g Sized at 19 x 148 x 417 mm Made with a ABS, Plastic case
Score	Scores Performance: 69.4 Build Quality: 78.1 Productivity: 91.4 Customizability: 77.3 Portability: 68.3	Scores Performance: 47.8 Build Quality: 49.8 Productivity: 65.5 Customizability: 66.6 Portability: 62.2
Name	Name Ajazz AK966	Name Ajazz AK980
Release year	Release year 2022	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 96%	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	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 10000 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	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material ABS, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 42 x 388 x 137 mm	Dimensions 19 x 148 x 417 mm
Weight	Weight 1027g	Weight 1140g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Ajazz AK966 if your priority is a keyboard with a solid aluminum build, enhanced acoustic treatment, and a volume knob for a premium typing experience. Opt for the Ajazz AK980 if you want to spend less for a keyboard that offers a unique TFT screen, switch variety, and core wireless functionality in a plastic case.

Ajazz AK966

+Aluminum case construction for a premium feel and stability.
+Includes three layers of Poron foam for sound absorption, according to the vendor.
+Features a dedicated volume knob for convenient media control.
+Larger 10000mAh battery capacity for longer wireless use.
+Comes with screw-in stabilizers for a potentially more solid typing experience.

−Typically priced higher than the AK980.
−Only offers linear switch options in its base configuration.
−Does not include a display screen.

Ajazz AK980

+More affordable price point.
+Includes a 1.14-inch TFT color screen for displaying time, battery, and custom GIFs.
+Offers a choice between linear and tactile switch types.
+Features side-mounted function keys for easy mode switching without flipping the board.

−ABS/plastic case construction, which may feel less premium than aluminum.
−Smaller 8000mAh battery.
−Lacks explicit mention of dedicated sound-dampening foam or a volume knob.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The AK966 takes the lead for gaming, programming, and modding due to its aluminum build, sound-dampening foams, and dedicated knob. The AK980 wins for travel and content creation, leveraging its lower cost and unique TFT screen. For general office use, both keyboards are equally capable with their shared 96% layout and wireless features.

GamingAjazz AK966

•Aluminum case may offer a more stable typing platform.
•Includes a dedicated volume knob for quick audio adjustments.
•Screw-in stabilizers, as listed in its features, can contribute to a more consistent feel.

OfficeTie

•Both have 96% layouts with a numpad for data entry.
•Both offer tri-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth) for flexible device pairing.
•Both are listed with Mac and Windows support.

ProgrammingAjazz AK966

•Aluminum build and gasket mount with a PC plate may provide a more consistent typing feel for long sessions.
•The vendor description mentions three layers of Poron foam for sound absorption, which can reduce fatigue in shared spaces.
•Includes a separate volume knob for easy media control.

TravelAjazz AK980

•The AK980 is listed at a lower price point, reducing risk if damaged during travel.
•Its ABS/plastic case construction, per the metadata, may be less prone to showing scratches than aluminum.
•Both share similar weights and wireless capabilities.

ModdingAjazz AK966

•Aluminum case provides a more premium foundation for modifications.
•Explicitly lists screw-in stabilizers and three layers of Poron foam for sound dampening out of the box.
•The vendor page mentions support for both 3-pin and 5-pin hot-swappable switches.

Content CreationAjazz AK980

•The 1.14-inch TFT screen can display time, battery level, and custom GIFs, useful for timing or branding.
•Lower price point allows budget allocation to other peripherals.
•Offers both linear and tactile switch options for personal preference in typing feel.