Redragon K556 vs Skyloong GK980: Wired vs Wireless Keyboard Choice

Compare Redragon DEVARAJAS K556 vs Skyloong GK980 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a budget-friendly, full-size wired keyboard and a more feature-rich, compact wireless model. The Redragon K556 offers a straightforward, durable aluminum build at a lower price point. The Skyloong GK980 provides multiple connectivity options, a gasket mount, and a space-saving 98% layout, typically at a higher cost. The decision hinges on whether wireless versatility and a premium typing experience are worth the investment over a simple, cost-effective wired solution.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	4.2 stars (9 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2018 Has Tactile, Linear switch options Available in a 100% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Uses a Bottom Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Weighs about 1400 g Sized at 41 x 432 x 122 mm Made with a Aluminum case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2022 Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options Available in a 98% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard Comes with a knob Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Weighs about 1300 g Sized at 36 x 323 x 141 mm Made with a ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Steel case Features PBT, ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 74.6 Build Quality: 60.3 Productivity: 65.6 Customizability: 59.4 Portability: 45.2	Scores Performance: 78.1 Build Quality: 79.9 Productivity: 82.5 Customizability: 78 Portability: 53.4
Name	Name Redragon DEVARAJAS K556	Name Skyloong GK980
Release year	Release year 2018	Release year 2022
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear	Switch Options Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 98%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO
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 Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only
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 Bottom 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, White, North-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Steel
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 432 x 122 mm	Dimensions 36 x 323 x 141 mm
Weight	Weight 1400g	Weight 1300g

SKYLOONG GK980 Rainbow Mechanical Knob Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

4.2 stars (9 reviews)

Released in 2018
Has Tactile, Linear switch options
Available in a 100% layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Uses a Bottom Mount mounting style
Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Weighs about 1400 g
Sized at 41 x 432 x 122 mm
Made with a Aluminum case
Features ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Released in 2022
Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
Available in a 98% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
Comes with a knob
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only connectivity
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1300 g
Sized at 36 x 323 x 141 mm
Made with a ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Steel case
Features PBT, ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, White, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 74.6
Build Quality: 60.3
Productivity: 65.6
Customizability: 59.4
Portability: 45.2

Scores

Performance: 78.1
Build Quality: 79.9
Productivity: 82.5
Customizability: 78
Portability: 53.4

Name

Redragon DEVARAJAS K556

Name

Skyloong GK980

Release year

2018

Release year

2022

Switch Options

Tactile, Linear

Switch Options

Tactile, Linear, Clicky

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

100%

Layout Size

98%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless, Wired only

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Bottom Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb, White, North-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Case Material

ABS, Aluminum, Plastic, Steel

Keycaps Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS

Dimensions

41 x 432 x 122 mm

Dimensions

36 x 323 x 141 mm

Weight

1400g

Weight

1300g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and need for wireless operation are the primary deciding factors. The Skyloong GK980 is worth the higher investment for users who value a clean desk, flexible connectivity, and a superior, mod-friendly typing experience. The Redragon DEVARAJAS K556 is a sensible purchase if you need a basic, durable, hot-swappable keyboard and intend to keep it permanently connected to a single machine.

Redragon DEVARAJAS K556

+Fully anodized aluminum frame for durability, as stated by Redragon.
+Lower cost entry point for a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard.
+Includes 8 spare switches and a keycap puller in the box.
+Full 104-key layout with dedicated multimedia keys.

−Wired-only connectivity limits placement and cable management.
−Uses ABS keycaps, which may develop shine faster than PBT.
−Bottom mount design is less favored for a soft typing feel compared to gasket mounts.

Skyloong GK980

+Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
+Gasket mount structure with sound dampening for a premium typing experience.
+Available with PBT dye-sublimated keycaps per the vendor description.
+Highly customizable with multiple plate options and available as a DIY kit.

−Typically commands a higher price than the Redragon K556.
−The 98% layout may require adjustment for users accustomed to full-size spacing.
−Battery-dependent for wireless use, requiring periodic charging.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Skyloong GK980 wins in most categories due to its versatile wireless connectivity, space-efficient 98% layout, and superior foundation for customization with its gasket mount and multiple plate options. It is the clear choice for office work, programming, travel, and modding. The Redragon K556 remains a competent, budget-conscious option for users who strictly prefer a wired, full-size keyboard and do not require advanced features. For gaming, the choice is a tie, leaning on personal preference for wireless freedom versus the K556's dedicated gaming lock key.

GamingTie

•Both keyboards feature N-Key Rollover for simultaneous key presses.
•Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization.
•The Redragon K556 includes a Win key lock function, according to its vendor page.
•The Skyloong GK980 offers a 2.4 GHz wireless mode for a cable-free setup.

OfficeSkyloong GK980

•The Skyloong GK980 offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for flexible device switching.
•Its 98% layout saves desk space while retaining a numpad.
•The vendor description mentions included PBT keycaps, which are more resistant to shine than ABS.

ProgrammingSkyloong GK980

•The Skyloong GK980's 98% layout provides a numpad for data entry in a more compact form factor.
•It supports ISO layout, offering more keycap compatibility for international users.
•The gasket mount structure, noted in its specs, may provide a more comfortable typing experience for long sessions.

TravelSkyloong GK980

•The Skyloong GK980 is wireless, eliminating the need to manage a cable.
•It is slightly lighter (1300g vs 1400g) and has a smaller 98% footprint.
•It includes a 4000mAh battery for cordless operation.

ModdingSkyloong GK980

•The Skyloong GK980 features a gasket mount, which is a popular modding platform for sound and feel tuning.
•It offers multiple plate material options (Steel, Polycarbonate, FR4, Plastic) for customization.
•The vendor page lists it as a DIY kit/barebones option, indicating a high degree of customizability from the factory.

Content CreationSkyloong GK980

•The Skyloong GK980 supports a split spacebar layout, which can be mapped to additional shortcuts.
•Its knob support, per the extra features list, allows for direct media or timeline control.
•Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter on a production desk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)