Ajazz AK980 vs Royal Kludge RK8496% vs 75% Layout Showdown
Choose the Ajazz AK980 for a full number pad and a screen, or the Royal Kludge RK84 for a more compact layout with USB passthrough.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Ajazz AK980
96%
- Includes a 1.14-inch TFT color screen for time, battery, and custom GIF display.
- Large 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
- Gasket mount structure with a five-layer fill and FR4 plate for a tuned typing feel.
Get the
Royal Kludge RK84
75% Layout Showdown
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 75% boards under $100.
- More compact and portable 75% layout with smaller dimensions and lower weight (803.5g).
- Features a built-in hub with 2 USB 2.0 passthrough ports and a Type-C port.
- Includes screw-in stabilizers and a removable frame for customization.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you regularly use a number pad for work, want the longest possible battery life, and are interested in the gasket-mount sound profile, the Ajazz AK980 is the clear pick. Opt for the Royal Kludge RK84 if you value a smaller keyboard to save desk space, need USB passthrough ports for peripherals, and prioritize easy portability.
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
Royal Kludge RK84
Connection
Wireless
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Battery
8,000 mAh
3,750 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Display
TFT
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
Sound dampening
No
Yes
- Ajazz AK980
- Royal Kludge RK84
- Performance
- 4262
- Build quality
- 5050
- Productivity
- 4277
- Customizability
- 5868
- Portability
- 5780
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Plastic
What will you mostly use it for?
The Ajazz AK980 wins in scenarios demanding a number pad, maximum battery life, or a specific gasket-mount typing feel, making it strong for office work and content creation. The Royal Kludge RK84 takes the lead for travel and gaming where its lighter weight, smaller 75% footprint, and included USB passthrough are more valuable. For programming and general use, the choice depends on the user's preference for compactness versus having a numpad.
Pick the Royal Kludge RK84
- The RK84's 75% layout frees up more mousepad space.
- It includes screw-in stabilizers, which the vendor page lists as a feature for potentially more stable large keys.
- The Ajazz AK980's larger 96% layout is less space-efficient for gaming setups.
Ajazz AK980 vs Royal Kludge RK84 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 23 specs differ
Ajazz AK980
Royal Kludge RK84
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB passthrough
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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Ajazz AK980 vs Royal Kludge RK84: your questions
The Ajazz AK980 has a significantly larger 8000mAh battery, more than double the 3750mAh capacity of the Royal Kludge RK84. According to the manufacturer, the AK980 uses low-power chips for efficiency, while RK claims the RK84 lasts up to 200 hours with the backlight off.
No, the Royal Kludge RK84 uses a 75% layout. This layout removes the number pad and function key row to save space, but retains the arrow keys and a column of navigation keys. The Ajazz AK980 uses a 96% layout which includes a condensed number pad.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable sockets. The Ajazz AK980 listing states it has all-key hot-swappable sockets. The Royal Kludge RK84 vendor page also confirms it is hot-swappable and includes four replacement RK switches in the box.
According to Ajazz, the 1.14-inch TFT screen displays information like time, connection mode, and battery level. The vendor description also notes it can show customizable GIF animations, adding a personalization element not available on the screen-less RK84.
The Royal Kludge RK84 is better for a small desk. Its 75% layout measures 315mm in length, which is over 100mm shorter than the 417mm long Ajazz AK980. This saves considerable space for your mouse movement.
Both keyboards list Mac support in their specifications. The Ajazz AK980 vendor page states support for Mac OS, and the RK84 listing includes Mac in its listed operating systems. Both have mode-switching keys to toggle between Win and Mac layouts.
The Ajazz AK980 uses PBT keycaps, which are generally more resistant to wear and shine. The Royal Kludge RK84, according to its tech specs, uses ABS double-shot keycaps which allow for shine-through lighting but may develop a glossy feel over time.
A gasket mount is a design where the plate is suspended on soft gaskets within the case to reduce harsh vibrations and noise. The Ajazz AK980 uses a five-layer filled gasket structure, as described by the manufacturer. The Royal Kludge RK84's mounting style is not specified as gasket in the provided information.
Yes, the Royal Kludge RK84 package includes several accessories: a keycap & switch puller, four replacement RK switches, a Type-C cable, a USB receiver, two magnetic pad feet, and a user manual. The Ajazz AK980 includes a cable, puller, and manual.
Only the Royal Kludge RK84 includes built-in USB passthrough. Its vendor description specifies it has 2 built-in USB 2.0 passthrough ports and one Type-C port, allowing you to connect other devices like a mouse directly to the keyboard. The Ajazz AK980 does not have this feature.
Yes, the Royal Kludge RK84 product metadata lists 'Screw-In Stabilizers' as an extra feature. Screw-in stabilizers are generally considered more secure and stable than clip-in variants, which can be a benefit for modders or those seeking a consistent feel on large keys.
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