Darmoshark TOP98 vs VALKYRIE VK99: Gasket vs Top Mount Choice

Compare Darmoshark TOP98 vs VALKYRIE VK99 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two similarly priced, feature-packed 98% layout keyboards. The Darmoshark TOP98 and VALKYRIE VK99 both offer TFT screens, knobs, and hot-swap sockets, making the choice difficult. The core trade-off lies in the VALKYRIE's premium gasket-mounted sound package versus the Darmoshark's more affordable price and explicit wired mode support.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear, Tactile switch options Available in a 98% layout Compatible with both Mac and Windows Features N-key rollover Uses a Top Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1262 g Sized at 40 x 392 x 143 mm	Available in a 96% layout Includes screw-in stabilizers Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Score	Scores Performance: 60.9 Build Quality: 47.1 Productivity: 62.7 Customizability: 73.3 Portability: 50.5	Scores Performance: 46 Build Quality: 66.3 Productivity: 69.6 Customizability: 72.7 Portability: 57.6
Name	Name Darmoshark TOP98	Name VALKYRIE VK99
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 98%	Layout Size 96%
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 TFT	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 Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 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 Top Mount	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 PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 40 x 392 x 143 mm	Dimensions -
Weight	Weight 1262g	Weight -

Pre-Order Darmoshark TOP98 Side Printed Three Mode Mechanical Keyboard

VALKYRIE VK99 Three Mode Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Has Linear, Tactile switch options
Available in a 98% layout
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Features N-key rollover
Uses a Top Mount mounting style
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1262 g
Sized at 40 x 392 x 143 mm

Available in a 96% layout
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Supports Wireless connectivity
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery

Scores

Performance: 60.9
Build Quality: 47.1
Productivity: 62.7
Customizability: 73.3
Portability: 50.5

Scores

Performance: 46
Build Quality: 66.3
Productivity: 69.6
Customizability: 72.7
Portability: 57.6

Name

Darmoshark TOP98

Name

VALKYRIE VK99

Release year

2024

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile

Switch Options

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

98%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

TFT

Display Support

TFT

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Top Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

40 x 392 x 143 mm

Dimensions

Weight

1262g

Weight

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Darmoshark TOP98

+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.
+Generally more affordable than the VALKYRIE VK99.

−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.

VALKYRIE VK99

+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.
+Comes with screw-in stabilizers for better stability and less rattle.

−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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingDarmoshark 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.

OfficeVALKYRIE VK99

•Its massive 8000mAh battery offers significantly longer wireless runtime.
•The multi-layered internal padding (IXPE, PORON, silicone) reduces typing noise, which is considerate in shared spaces.
•The leaf-spring gasket mount is designed for comfortable, soft typing feedback during long sessions.

ProgrammingTie

•Both use a compact 98%/96% layout that retains the numpad while saving desk space.
•Both have full-key hot-swappable sockets for customizing switch feel.
•Both feature a TFT screen and a multi-functional knob for adjusting volume or system settings.

TravelVALKYRIE VK99

•The VALKYRIE VK99 has a larger 8000mAh battery, reducing the frequency of charges.
•Its connectivity is listed simply as 'Wireless', which may imply a focus on cord-free use.
•The Darmoshark's specified weight of 1262g is relatively heavy for frequent transport.

ModdingVALKYRIE VK99

•It features a gasket mount structure, which is popular for its soft and bouncy typing feel.
•It includes screw-in stabilizers, which are generally more stable and rattle-free than clip-in variants.
•The listing mentions a 1.2mm single-key slotted PCB and an open wall positioning plate, suggesting a design focused on customization and sound.

Content CreationVALKYRIE VK99

•The high-capacity 8000mAh battery supports long, uninterrupted editing sessions.
•The comfortable gasket mount typing experience can reduce fatigue during extended use.
•The volume knob allows for quick audio adjustments while working with video or audio tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)