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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 23, 2026

Darmoshark TOP98 vs VALKYRIE VK99Gasket vs Top Mount Choice

Choose the VALKYRIE VK99 for a premium, soft-typing experience, or the Darmoshark TOP98 for a more affordable, stable option with wired connectivity.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Darmoshark TOP98

Gasket

If you want

  • Explicitly supports wired USB, Bluetooth, and 2.4GHz wireless connectivity.
  • Includes N-Key rollover for full anti-ghosting.
  • The manufacturer claims driver software is available for both wired and 2.4GHz modes.

And can live with

  • Uses a top mount design, which is typically firmer than a gasket mount.
  • Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the VK99's 8000mAh.
  • Heavier weight of 1262g may be less portable.

Get the

VALKYRIE VK99

Top Mount Choice

If you want

  • Features a leaf-spring gasket mount for a softer, more cushioned typing feel.
  • Massive 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
  • Includes multi-layered internal padding (IXPE, PORON, silicone) for sound dampening.

And can live with

  • Connectivity is listed only as 'Wireless' with no explicit mention of a wired fallback mode.
  • Lacks explicit mention of N-Key rollover in its listed features.
  • Priced higher than the Darmoshark TOP98.

Bottom line

Your priority should guide your choice. If you value a soft, quiet typing experience with exceptional battery life and modding potential, the VALKYRIE VK99 is worth the higher cost. If you need a wired connection for gaming, want to save money, or prefer a more stable, traditional typing feel, the Darmoshark TOP98 is the sensible option.

What actually differs

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.

Darmoshark TOP98

VALKYRIE VK99

  • Layout size

    98%

    96%

  • Connection

    Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

    Wireless

  • Battery

    4,000 mAh

    8,000 mAh

  • Mount style

    Top Mount

    Gasket Mount

  • Sound dampening

    No

    Yes

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Darmoshark TOP98
  • VALKYRIE VK99
Performance
62
46
Build quality
47
66
Productivity
62
69
Customizability
73
73
Portability
50
58

What they share

  • Hot-swappable
  • Knob
  • Display: TFT
  • Keycaps: PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The VALKYRIE VK99 wins in more categories, particularly for office use, travel, and modding, due to its superior battery, sound-dampening construction, and gasket mount design. The Darmoshark TOP98 is the pick for gaming, primarily because of its advertised switch response and confirmed wired mode. For programming, the keyboards are evenly matched on core layout and hot-swap features.

For gaming

Pick the Darmoshark TOP98

  • The manufacturer claims its Darmoshark custom switches offer faster trigger response for gaming.
  • It supports a wired USB connection mode, which can provide a more reliable, lag-free link.
  • It features N-Key rollover for full-key conflict-free typing during complex key presses.

Full specs

Darmoshark TOP98 vs VALKYRIE VK99 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

8 of 19 specs differ

Darmoshark TOP98

VALKYRIE VK99

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Tactile
—

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
96%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

TFT
TFT

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless

Battery

4,000 mAh
8,000 mAhBetter

Build & materials

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

1,262 g
—

Dimensions

40 x 392 x 143 mm
—

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2024
2024

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

  • MechkeysCN

    In stock
    $85Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$85Visit
  • MechkeysCN

    In stock
    $99Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$99Visit

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.

FAQ

Darmoshark TOP98 vs VALKYRIE VK99: your questions

The VALKYRIE VK99 has a significantly larger 8000mAh battery, while the Darmoshark TOP98 has a 4000mAh battery. This gives the VK99 a theoretical advantage in wireless runtime between charges.

Yes. The Darmoshark TOP98 explicitly lists Wired connectivity as one of its three modes, alongside Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless. The vendor description confirms it works with a wired USB connection.

Yes. The VALKYRIE VK99 product listing includes 'Screw-In Stabilizers' as a feature. These are generally preferred by enthusiasts as they are more secure and produce less rattle than clip-in stabilizers.

The Darmoshark TOP98 uses a top mount, where the plate is fixed to the top case for a stable, firm feel. The VALKYRIE VK99 uses a leaf-spring gasket mount, where the plate is suspended on soft gaskets for a bouncier, more cushioned typing experience with less harsh sound.

The VALKYRIE VK99 is likely better for a quiet office. Its listing details multi-layered internal padding including IXPE, PORON, and silicone to absorb sound and reduce cavity resonance, which dampens typing noise.

Yes. Both the Darmoshark TOP98 and VALKYRIE VK99 feature full-key hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to easily change the mechanical switches without soldering.

Yes, both keyboards feature a multi-functional metallic knob. According to the vendor pages, this knob can be used to adjust system volume.

Both keyboards use PBT keycaps. The Darmoshark TOP98 uses dual-tone OEM height keycaps, while the VALKYRIE VK99 uses JSA height keycaps with a ball-cap profile and five-sided dye sublimation.

According to the Darmoshark vendor description, driver settings are available for the keyboard when using the wired and 2.4GHz wireless modes. This software likely allows for customization of the RGB and TFT screen.

The Darmoshark TOP98 has a specified weight of 1262 grams (approximately 2.78 lbs). The weight for the VALKYRIE VK99 is not provided in the metadata, so a direct comparison cannot be made.

For the Darmoshark TOP98, the vendor description states users can customize the TFT screen with static images or GIFs. The VALKYRIE VK99 description states the screen shows settings like connection mode and battery status, but does not explicitly mention user image uploads.

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