Skyloong GK96 DRUM vs Heavy shell Kira96Aluminum Kit vs Translucent Build
Choose the Skyloong GK96 for a more affordable, performance-focused aluminum kit, or the Heavy Shell Kira96 for a unique translucent design with extensive sound dampening.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Skyloong GK96 DRUM
Aluminum Kit
Build quality in the top 45% of 96% boards under $150.
- Uses an all-aluminum case construction.
- Features Skyloong's exclusive O-Ring Mount Gasket design for a stabilized typing feel.
- Includes a unique replaceable space key that can be configured as three separate keys.
Get the
Heavy shell Kira96
Translucent Build
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 96% boards under $200.
- Features a unique translucent blue shell and semi-transparent SA profile keycaps.
- Includes a multi-layered sound-absorbing structure with EVA, PORON, and silicone layers.
- Supports triple connectivity: 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C.
Your choice depends on what you value more in a keyboard. Select the Skyloong GK96 DRUM for a traditionally built, all-aluminum kit focused on a proprietary gasket design and a lower price point. Opt for the Heavy Shell Kira96 if you prioritize a striking translucent aesthetic, more complete wireless connectivity with a large battery, and extensive pre-installed sound dampening for a customized typing experience out of the box.
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.
Skyloong GK96 DRUM
Heavy shell Kira96
Connection
Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Aluminum
Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps
ABS, PBT
PBT
Mac & Windows
No
Yes
USB-C
No
Yes
- Skyloong GK96 DRUM
- Heavy shell Kira96
- Performance
- 6449
- Build quality
- 7051
- Productivity
- 5166
- Customizability
- 6875
- Portability
- 4857
- Layout size: 96%
- Hot-swappable
What will you mostly use it for?
The Heavy Shell Kira96 wins in more categories, particularly for office use, travel, and content creation, due to its versatile wireless options and unique design features. The Skyloong GK96 DRUM holds an edge for gaming, leveraging its configurable software. For programming, it's a tie, as both layouts and hot-swap capabilities are equally beneficial, though Skyloong's split space bar offers a unique productivity angle.
Pick the Skyloong GK96 DRUM
- The Skyloong GK96 DRUM's vendor description highlights a driver for macro setting and saving, which can be useful for game keybinds.
- Its exclusive O-Ring Mount Gasket design is promoted to avoid hard contact noise, potentially offering a more stable typing feel during rapid key presses.
Skyloong GK96 DRUM vs Heavy shell Kira96 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 15 specs differ
Skyloong GK96 DRUM
Heavy shell Kira96
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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Skyloong GK96 DRUM vs Heavy shell Kira96: your questions
The Heavy Shell Kira96 offers more wireless options. It supports 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired USB-C connectivity. The Skyloong GK96 DRUM only supports Bluetooth and wired modes.
The Skyloong GK96 DRUM is sold as a barebones kit, including the case, PCB, plate, and stabilizers, but not switches or keycaps. The Heavy Shell Kira96 vendor description indicates it comes with custom Moon Sea switches and dual-tone ABS keycaps.
The Heavy Shell Kira96 is likely better for a quiet environment. Its manufacturer specifically details a multi-layered sound-absorbing structure using EVA, PORON, and silicone to dampen cavity sounds. The Skyloong's O-Ring mount also aims to reduce noise, but its sound-dampening features are not described in the same detail.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. The Skyloong GK96 DRUM listing states it is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches. The Heavy Shell Kira96 vendor page also confirms it has full-key hot-swappable sockets supporting most 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
According to Skyloong, it is their exclusive patent design. It uses a flexible connection and plane fixation to provide stability while avoiding hard contact between screws and the plate to reduce unpleasant noise.
This is a feature where the single space bar key can be functionally split into three separate keys. Using the Skyloong driver, you can remap these positions, for example, to left space, shift, and delete, which the vendor claims can improve typing rhythm and efficiency.
The Heavy Shell Kira96 comes with custom SA profile keycaps that are semi-transparent to allow RGB backlighting to shine through. The vendor lists the material as dual-tone ABS.
The Skyloong GK96 DRUM has a dedicated driver for RGB lighting effects, key remapping, and macro settings. The provided description for the Heavy Shell Kira96 does not mention dedicated software, focusing instead on its hardware features.
The Heavy Shell Kira96 explicitly lists Mac/Win support in its metadata. Mac compatibility is not specifically mentioned in the provided information for the Skyloong GK96 DRUM.
The most striking visual difference is the case material and design. The Skyloong GK96 DRUM has a traditional solid aluminum case in titanium grey. The Heavy Shell Kira96 features a translucent blue shell that showcases its dual-layer RGB lighting through the chassis and keycaps.
Based on vendor descriptions, the Skyloong GK96 DRUM kit includes a case, PCB, plate, stabilizers, a Type-C cable, a keycap puller, a switch puller, and a random gift. The listed contents for the Heavy Shell Kira96 are not detailed in the provided information.
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