ATK A87 vs Swagkeys Transition LiteWireless or VIA
Choose the ATK A87 for a prebuilt keyboard with wireless options, or the Swagkeys Transition Lite for a VIA-supported kit with a polycarbonate case and plate.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
ATK A87
Build quality in the bottom 5% of 80% boards under $100.
- Bluetooth, wired, and wireless connectivity options.
- Pre-built format, with PBT keycaps and RGB listed.
- Hot-swappable switches.
Get the
Swagkeys Transition Lite
VIA
Build quality in the top 25% of 80% boards under $100.
- Polycarbonate case and plate with a silicone gasket mount.
- VIA support and hot-swappable PCB.
- Sound-dampening feature, with a silicone internal pad and foam set listed by the vendor.
Pick the ATK A87 if you want a pre-built 80% keyboard and need Bluetooth or wireless connectivity. Choose the Swagkeys Transition Lite if you are comfortable assembling a barebone kit and value VIA support, a polycarbonate case and plate, and sound-dampening components.
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.
ATK A87
Swagkeys Transition Lite
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
Sound dampening
No
Yes
Backlight
RGB
None
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Released
2025
2024
- ATK A87
- Swagkeys Transition Lite
- Performance
- 4951
- Build quality
- 3974
- Productivity
- 5171
- Customizability
- 5469
- Portability
- 6456
- Layout size: 80%
- Hot-swappable
What will you mostly use it for?
The A87 is the more convenient pick for gaming setups that benefit from wireless options and for travel where wired-only connectivity is limiting. The Transition Lite takes the lead for office use, programming, modding, and content creation on the strength of VIA, its barebone format, and its listed dampening components. Both share an ANSI 80% layout and hot-swap support, but the Transition Lite requires a separate build rather than arriving pre-built.
Pick the ATK A87
- The ATK A87 offers Bluetooth, wired, and wireless connectivity, while the Transition Lite is wired only.
- The A87 is listed as pre-built, whereas the Transition Lite is a barebone kit without switches or keycaps.
ATK A87 vs Swagkeys Transition Lite specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 18 specs differ
ATK A87
Swagkeys Transition Lite
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
VIA
Released
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ATK A87 vs Swagkeys Transition Lite: your questions
Yes. Its listed connectivity includes Bluetooth, wireless, and wired modes.
No wireless mode is listed for the Transition Lite, which is specified as wired only. The vendor describes its connection as Type-C wired.
Yes, the A87 is listed as pre-built. Its listed features also include PBT keycaps, RGB, and hot-swap support.
No. The vendor describes it as a barebone kit that does not include keycaps, switches, or stabilizers.
Yes, VIA support is listed for the Transition Lite. The vendor identifies its software as a Swagkeys version of VIA.
Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. The Transition Lite is supplied as a barebone kit, while the A87 is listed as pre-built.
The Transition Lite has a polycarbonate case and polycarbonate plate. Its vendor description also lists a silicone pad, silicone gasket set, and foam set.
Yes, RGB is listed for the ATK A87. RGB is listed as absent on the Swagkeys Transition Lite.
Yes, both are listed as 80% keyboards with a standard ANSI layout. The Transition Lite is described by its vendor as a TKL keyboard.
The ATK A87 is listed as pre-built, so it is the more direct choice for someone who does not want a barebone kit. The Transition Lite requires separate keycaps, switches, and stabilizers, according to its vendor.
The Transition Lite combines hot-swap support with VIA and is sold as a DIY barebone kit. The A87 is also hot-swappable, but VIA support is not listed for it.
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