BASIC BK98 vs VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao YunFull-Size vs TKL with Screen
Choose the BASIC BK98 for a full numpad and sound-dampening, or the VALKYRIE VK87 for a more portable TKL layout with a gasket mount.
Which one should you get?
Get the
BASIC BK98
Full-Size
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun
TKL with Screen
- 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.
- Lacks a dedicated numpad.
- No specific mention of internal sound-dampening foam layers.
- Stabilizer type is not specified as screw-in.
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.
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
VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun
Layout size
98%
80%
Display
Yes
TFT
Sound dampening
Yes
No
Screw-in stabilizers
Yes
No
N-key rollover
No
Yes
- BASIC BK98
- VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun
- Performance
- 4959
- Build quality
- 5350
- Productivity
- 7466
- Customizability
- 6968
- Portability
- 4971
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the VALKYRIE 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.
BASIC BK98 vs VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 17 specs differ
BASIC BK98
VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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BASIC BK98 vs VALKYRIE VK87 Zhao Yun: your questions
The BASIC BK98 is likely better for quiet office use. Its vendor description explicitly mentions a multi-layered sound-absorbing internal structure designed to absorb sharp resonance from keystrokes. The VALKYRIE VK87 listing does not highlight similar sound-dampening features.
No, the VALKYRIE VK87 does not have a numpad. It uses an 80% TKL (Tenkeyless) layout with 87 keys, which omits the number pad to save space. The BASIC BK98 uses a 98% layout that includes a compact numpad.
Yes, both the BASIC BK98 and the VALKYRIE VK87 feature full-key hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to easily change the mechanical switches without soldering, a key feature for customization shared by both models.
The VALKYRIE VK87 comes with five-sided dye-sublimated PBT keycaps, as stated in its vendor description. PBT plastic is generally more durable and resistant to shine than ABS. The keycaps for the BASIC BK98 are not specified as PBT in the provided information.
The main structural difference is the mounting style. The VALKYRIE VK87 uses a gasket-mounted structure, which the vendor says provides an elastic feel. The BASIC BK98 uses a normal mount but incorporates a sound-absorbing design with multiple internal foam layers to dampen sound and vibration.
Based on vendor claims, the VALKYRIE VK87 has a cited battery life of up to 48 hours with the backlight turned off. The BASIC BK98 vendor description does not provide a specific battery life estimate, so a direct comparison cannot be made.
Yes, both keyboards offer system compatibility. The VALKYRIE VK87 vendor description explicitly states it supports easy switching between Windows and Mac systems. The BASIC BK98 listing mentions support for dual system boot, which also implies Mac compatibility.
Yes, both keyboards feature customizable screens. The BASIC BK98's interactive smart screen can be set with pre-built GIF screensavers. The VALKYRIE VK87's 0.85-inch TFT screen can be customized with animated GIFs or static images, according to its product listing.
The VALKYRIE VK87 is more portable. It has a smaller 80% TKL footprint and is lighter, as the BASIC BK98 is listed at a substantial 1083 grams. The VK87's smaller dimensions and lower weight make it easier to pack and carry.
The BASIC BK98 uses dual-tone injection-molded satellite stabilizers, and its feature list includes screw-in stabilizers. Screw-in stabilizers are generally preferred by enthusiasts as they can be more secure and rattle less than clip-in variants.
The VALKYRIE VK87 vendor description specifies it uses Bluetooth 5.1. The Bluetooth version for the BASIC BK98 is not explicitly stated in the provided information, so it cannot be confirmed or compared.
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