Cidoo V87 vs V98: TKL vs 98% Layout Wireless Keyboard Comparison

Compare Cidoo V87 vs V98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular Cidoo wireless keyboards with different layouts. The V87 offers an 80% TKL form factor, while the V98 provides a 98% layout with a numpad. Both share core features like aluminum cases, gasket mounts, and tri-mode connectivity, making the choice hinge on layout preference, software, and specific feature sets like RGB lighting.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	5.0 stars (1 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Linear switch options Available in a 80% layout Supports VIA configuration Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Has Clicky, Linear switch options Available in a 98% layout Supports QMK firmware Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Offers No RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 54.1 Build Quality: 68.4 Productivity: 75.1 Customizability: 74.7 Portability: 69.5	Scores Performance: 43.6 Build Quality: 72.9 Productivity: 77.2 Customizability: 76.7 Portability: 52.2
Name	Name Cidoo V87	Name Cidoo V98
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Clicky, Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 98%
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
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 4000 mAh
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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight -	Weight -

CIDOO V98 QMK Wireless Gasket Hot Swappable Aluminium Mechanical Keyboard

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

5.0 stars (1 reviews)

Released in 2023
Has Linear switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Supports VIA configuration
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Released in 2024
Has Clicky, Linear switch options
Available in a 98% layout
Supports QMK firmware
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Offers No RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 54.1
Build Quality: 68.4
Productivity: 75.1
Customizability: 74.7
Portability: 69.5

Scores

Performance: 43.6
Build Quality: 72.9
Productivity: 77.2
Customizability: 76.7
Portability: 52.2

Name

Cidoo V87

Name

Cidoo V98

Release year

2023

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Clicky, Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

98%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

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

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a smaller keyboard with vibrant lighting and straightforward VIA software, the Cidoo V87 is the clear pick. If you need a numpad, prioritize advanced QMK customization, or want a larger battery, the Cidoo V98 is the better tool, albeit without backlighting. Consider your daily tasks and workspace size to make the final call.

Cidoo V87

+Compact 80% TKL layout saves desk space.
+Includes south-facing RGB backlighting.
+Comes pre-built with VIA software for easy customization.
+Features multiple foam layers including PORON PCB foam and an IXPE switch sheet.
+Includes a metal rotary knob with RGB lighting.

−Smaller 3000mAh battery compared to the V98.
−Lacks a numpad, which some users require.
−No mention of QMK firmware support.

Cidoo V98

+98% layout includes a numpad while remaining relatively compact.
+Fully compatible with QMK firmware for advanced programming.
+Larger 4000mAh battery capacity.
+Available as a DIY kit/barebones option for custom builds.
+Vendor description lists five layers of sound-dampening foam.

−No RGB lighting of any kind.
−Larger footprint than the TKL V87.
−Switch options are listed as only Clicky or Linear, with no tactile option mentioned in the metadata.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The V98 wins for office use and content creation due to its numpad and QMK-powered macros. The V87 is better for gaming and travel, thanks to its TKL size and RGB lighting. For programming and modding, both are strong contenders, with the choice boiling down to preferred layout and firmware (VIA vs. QMK).

GamingCidoo V87

•The V87's TKL layout provides more mouse space, a common preference for gamers.
•South-facing RGB lighting is present on the V87, which the V98 lacks entirely.
•The V87 is listed as a pre-built option, offering immediate plug-and-play use.

OfficeCidoo V98

•The V98's 98% layout includes a numpad, which is essential for data entry and spreadsheet work.
•Its larger 4000mAh battery may offer longer wireless usage between charges compared to the V87's 3000mAh.
•QMK support allows for extensive macro programming to automate repetitive office tasks.

ProgrammingTie

•The V87's VIA software and the V98's QMK support both offer deep key remapping for coding shortcuts.
•Both are hot-swappable, allowing programmers to choose their preferred switch feel.
•Layout choice is personal; some prefer the compact V87, others the dedicated nav keys of the V98.

TravelCidoo V87

•The V87's 80% TKL layout is significantly more compact than the 98% V98.
•The V87 has a specified weight of 2160g, indicating a potentially denser but more manageable footprint for a bag.
•Both offer wireless connectivity, but the smaller V87 is easier to fit on varied workspaces.

ModdingTie

•Both keyboards feature a gasket mount design and are hot-swappable.
•Both have sound-dampening foam layers; the V87 lists PORON and IXPE foam, while the V98 mentions five layers including plate foam and IXPE pads.
•The V98 is explicitly listed as available in a DIY kit/barebones configuration, while the V87 is listed as pre-built, offering different starting points.

Content CreationCidoo V98

•The V98's included rotary knob, according to its vendor page, allows for direct media control like volume adjustment.
•The 98% layout provides a numpad for quick numerical input in editing software.
•QMK firmware support enables complex macro creation for editing workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)