BASIC BK98 vs Zuoya GMK98Screen or Barebones Kit
Choose the BASIC BK98 for its built-in screen and pre-built setup, or the Zuoya GMK98 for a barebones kit with a gasket mount and included foam.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
BASIC BK98
Sound dampening
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 98% boards under $100.
- Pre-built keyboard with a smart color screen that can show date, time, and keyboard status.
- Vendor-listed multi-layer sound-absorbing internal structure.
- Three connection modes: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
Get the
Zuoya GMK98
Mac & Windows
Build quality in the top 40% of 98% boards under $100.
- DIY or barebones format with a gasket-mounted structure.
- ABS case and polycarbonate plate.
- Includes case foam, plate foam, and PE PCB foam.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Pick the BASIC BK98 if you want a ready-to-use keyboard with a display, sound-dampening features, and listed conflict-free operation. Choose the Zuoya GMK98 if you prefer a barebones kit and want its gasket mount, polycarbonate plate, and included foam layers. If you plan to use shine-through or sculpted keycaps, account for the GMK98's south-facing LED limitation.
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.
BASIC BK98
Zuoya GMK98
Display
Yes
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
Sound dampening
Yes
No
Screw-in stabilizers
Yes
No
Easier to tune than the plate-mount stabs you get prebuilt
Backlight
RGB
RGB, south-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Mac & Windows
No
Yes
- BASIC BK98
- Zuoya GMK98
- Performance
- 4962
- Build quality
- 5264
- Productivity
- 7466
- Customizability
- 6974
- Portability
- 4954
- Layout size: 98%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
What will you mostly use it for?
The BASIC BK98 has the edge for office use and content creation thanks to its screen and listed driver features, and its vendor description also specifies full-key conflict-free operation for gaming. The Zuoya GMK98 is the more compelling option for programming and hands-on customization, with Windows and Mac support and a DIY construction. Travel is a close call because both provide the same listed connection modes and 98% layout. Consider the GMK98's south-facing LEDs before choosing shine-through or some sculpted keycaps.
Pick the BASIC BK98
- The BASIC BK98 vendor description specifies full-key conflict-free operation.
- Both keyboards offer wired, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connectivity, plus RGB.
BASIC BK98 vs Zuoya GMK98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
6 of 18 specs differ
BASIC BK98
Zuoya GMK98
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
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
BASIC BK98 vs Zuoya GMK98: your questions
The BASIC BK98 is listed as pre-built and includes a smart screen. The Zuoya GMK98 is a DIY or barebones kit with a gasket mount and included foam layers.
Yes, the BASIC BK98 has an interactive screen. Its vendor description says it can display items such as date, time, and keyboard status, with customizable screensavers.
No screen is listed for the Zuoya GMK98. The BASIC BK98 is the option here with an interactive display.
Yes, both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. The BASIC BK98 vendor description specifies full-key hot-swappable sockets, while the GMK98 listing specifies a hot-swap PCB.
Both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired connectivity. USB-C is listed as a feature for both keyboards.
The Zuoya GMK98 listing specifies Windows and Mac compatibility. The BASIC BK98 vendor description mentions dual-system boot support but does not name those operating systems.
The GMK98 product listing names case foam, plate foam, and PE PCB foam as included. These layers are part of its DIY kit specification.
The Zuoya GMK98 uses a gasket mount, according to its product listing. The listing also specifies a polycarbonate plate and ABS case.
Yes. The GMK98's south-facing LEDs mean shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The BASIC BK98 is explicitly listed as pre-built, so it is the straightforward choice if you do not want a barebones kit. The Zuoya GMK98 is described as a DIY kit or barebones keyboard.
Both keyboards are listed with RGB. The Zuoya GMK98 specifies south-facing per-key RGB, while the BASIC BK98 vendor description mentions full-color RGB backlighting and multiple lighting effects.
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.