BASIC BK98 vs VALKYRIE VK87: Full-Size vs TKL with Screen

Compare BASIC BK98 vs VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a compact full-size keyboard and a tenkeyless model, both featuring customizable screens and triple-mode connectivity. The choice is difficult because they share similar core features like hot-swap sockets and RGB, but differ fundamentally in layout and typing feel. The BK98 offers a numpad and internal sound foam, while the VK87 provides a gasket-mounted structure and dye-sublimated PBT keycaps in a smaller form factor.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Available in a 98% layout Includes a Yes display Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Weighs about 1083 g Sized at 39 x 133 x 390 mm	Released in 2024 Available in a 80% layout Includes a Yes, TFT display Compatible with both Mac and Windows Features N-key rollover Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Sized at 41 x 134 x 362 mm Features PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 49.1 Build Quality: 53.4 Productivity: 74.3 Customizability: 69.9 Portability: 49.6	Scores Performance: 58.9 Build Quality: 50.4 Productivity: 66.7 Customizability: 69.2 Portability: 71.2
Name	Name BASIC BK98	Name VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 98%	Layout Size 80%
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 -	Battery capacity -
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 -	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 -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 39 x 133 x 390 mm	Dimensions 41 x 134 x 362 mm
Weight	Weight 1083g	Weight -

BASIC BK98 Explore The Stars Mechanical Keyboard

VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun Three Mode Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2023
Available in a 98% layout
Includes a Yes display
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Has built-in sound dampening
Weighs about 1083 g
Sized at 39 x 133 x 390 mm

Released in 2024
Available in a 80% layout
Includes a Yes, TFT display
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Features N-key rollover
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Sized at 41 x 134 x 362 mm
Features PBT keycaps

Scores

Performance: 49.1
Build Quality: 53.4
Productivity: 74.3
Customizability: 69.9
Portability: 49.6

Scores

Performance: 58.9
Build Quality: 50.4
Productivity: 66.7
Customizability: 69.2
Portability: 71.2

Name

BASIC BK98

Name

VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun

Release year

2023

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

98%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

TFT

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

39 x 133 x 390 mm

Dimensions

41 x 134 x 362 mm

Weight

1083g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

Your need for a numpad is the deciding factor. If data entry, accounting, or content creation shortcuts are priorities, the BASIC BK98 is the clear choice, offering a full layout and sound-dampening. If desk space, portability, and a specific gasket-mounted typing feel are more important, the VALKYRIE VK87's TKL design and PBT keycaps make it the better option, especially for gamers and travelers.

BASIC BK98

+98% layout includes a numpad in a compact form factor.
+Multi-layered sound-absorbing internal structure for quieter typing.
+Includes screw-in stabilizers and dual-tone injection-molded satellite stabilizers.
+Space-themed design with hidden galaxy imagery on the plate.
+Three-section kickstand for adjustable typing angle.

−Heavier at 1083 grams, making it less portable.
−Larger 98% footprint requires more desk space.
−Keycap material is not specified as PBT in the provided details.

VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun

+More portable 80% TKL layout saves desk space.
+Gasket-mounted structure for a potentially more elastic typing feel.
+Comes with five-sided dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.
+Vendor cites a battery life of up to 48 hours with backlight off.
+Specifically supports Bluetooth 5.1 according to the vendor description.

−Lacks a dedicated numpad.
−No specific mention of internal sound-dampening foam layers.
−Stabilizer type is not specified as screw-in.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The layout is the primary decider. The BASIC BK98 wins for office and content creation due to its integrated numpad and quieter typing experience. The VALKYRIE VK87 is better for gaming and travel, thanks to its space-saving TKL form and cited long battery life. For programming and modding, the choice is a tie, hinging on personal preference for a numpad versus a gasket-mounted typing feel.

GamingVALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun

•The VK87's TKL layout provides more mousepad space.
•Both offer full-key N-key rollover for conflict-free inputs.
•The VK87's gasket mount may offer a more consistent typing feel.

OfficeBASIC BK98

•The BK98's 98% layout includes a dedicated numpad for data entry.
•Its sound-absorbing internal structure, per the vendor description, reduces noise in shared spaces.
•It supports dual system boot for compatibility with different work computers.

ProgrammingTie

•The BK98's compact numpad can be useful for numerical input.
•The VK87's TKL layout is more compact on a cluttered desk.
•Both have full hot-swappable sockets for customizing switch feel.

TravelVALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun

•The VK87 has a smaller 80% footprint, taking up less bag space.
•Its vendor page cites a battery life of up to 48 hours with the backlight off.
•It is lighter, as the BK98's weight of 1083g is explicitly stated.

ModdingTie

•Both keyboards feature full-key hot-swappable sockets.
•The BK98 includes screw-in stabilizers and a multi-layered sound-absorbing structure.
•The VK87 comes with a gasket-mounted structure and five-sided dye-sublimated PBT keycaps.

Content CreationBASIC BK98

•The BK98's numpad is valuable for timeline scrubbing and macro shortcuts.
•The interactive screen can display system stats or custom GIFs.
•Its driver software allows for macro adjustments, useful for editing workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)