Ajazz AK980 vs Darmoshark TOP98Gasket vs Top Mount Comparison
Choose the Ajazz AK980 for a softer, potentially quieter typing experience and longer battery life, or the Darmoshark TOP98 for a more rigid feel and a dedicated volume knob.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Ajazz AK980
Gasket
- Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
- Gasket mount structure with a five-layer filled design for sound dampening.
- Lighter weight (1140g) and slimmer profile (19mm height).
Get the
Darmoshark TOP98
Top Mount Comparison
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 98% boards under $100.
- Includes a dedicated volume knob for convenient media control.
- Top mount structure designed for a stable, wobble-free typing experience.
- Vendor description highlights customized switches with quick trigger response.
Your preference for typing feel is the deciding factor. Opt for the Ajazz AK980 if you prioritize a potentially quieter, more cushioned gasket-mounted typing experience, exceptional battery life, and portability. Choose the Darmoshark TOP98 if you prefer a rigid, stable top-mounted feel, value a volume knob for media control, and want switches marketed for quick response in gaming.
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 AK980
Darmoshark TOP98
Connection
Wireless
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
8,000 mAh
4,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Switch options
Linear
Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Top Mount
Knob
No
Yes
- Ajazz AK980
- Darmoshark TOP98
- Performance
- 4261
- Build quality
- 5047
- Productivity
- 4262
- Customizability
- 5873
- Portability
- 5750
- Hot-swappable
- Display: TFT
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The Ajazz AK980 is the stronger choice for office workers and travelers due to its superior battery life, lighter weight, and noise-dampening design. The Darmoshark TOP98 gains an edge for gaming and content creation, with its emphasis on quick response, a volume knob, and driver software. For programming and basic modding, both are capable, with the choice boiling down to a preference for gasket-mounted flex versus a rigid top-mounted feel.
Pick the Darmoshark TOP98
- The vendor description for the Darmoshark TOP98 states its customized switches are tuned for 'quick trigger response' and 'faster trigger response'.
- It features N-Key Rollover for full-key conflict-free typing, as listed in its metadata.
- The top mount structure, as described by the vendor, promises no wobbling during use.
Ajazz AK980 vs Darmoshark TOP98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 19 specs differ
Ajazz AK980
Darmoshark TOP98
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
Ajazz AK980 vs Darmoshark TOP98: your questions
The Ajazz AK980 has a longer battery life on paper. It is equipped with an 8000mAh battery, which is double the 4000mAh capacity of the Darmoshark TOP98. This suggests the AK980 will require less frequent charging during wireless use.
The Ajazz AK980 uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended by rubber or silicone gaskets to absorb vibrations and create a softer, quieter typing feel. The Darmoshark TOP98 uses a top mount, where the plate is fixed directly to the top case, resulting in a more rigid and stable typing experience with less flex.
Yes, the Darmoshark TOP98 includes knob support, and its vendor description confirms it features a multifunction volume knob. The Ajazz AK980 does not have a dedicated volume knob according to its listed features.
Yes, both the Ajazz AK980 and the Darmoshark TOP98 feature hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to easily change the mechanical switches without soldering, using the included switch puller.
The Ajazz AK980 is likely better for a quiet office. Its vendor description specifically highlights a five-layer gasket structure designed to minimize keystroke noise. It also offers silent linear switch options, such as the Ajazz Silence switch, according to its product listing.
Yes, both keyboards list Mac support in their metadata. The Ajazz AK980's vendor page also notes side keys for easy Win/Mac system switching.
Both keyboards feature a TFT color display screen. The vendor for the Ajazz AK980 specifies it is a 1.14-inch screen that can show time, connection status, battery level, and custom GIF animations.
Yes, the Ajazz AK980 is lighter. It weighs 1140 grams, while the Darmoshark TOP98 weighs 1262 grams. The AK980 is also significantly slimmer in profile.
Both keyboards feature RGB backlighting. The Darmoshark TOP98's vendor description mentions dynamic RGB and that driver software is available for settings in wired and 2.4GHz modes, implying software-level customization.
The Darmoshark TOP98 has features more directly marketed for gaming. Its vendor description emphasizes quick trigger response switches and a stable top mount to prevent wobble. It also includes N-Key Rollover, which is a standard gaming feature not explicitly listed for the AK980.
Both the Ajazz AK980 and the Darmoshark TOP98 use PBT keycaps according to their specifications. The TOP98's vendor description further specifies they are dual-tone OEM height PBT keycaps.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.