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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

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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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Skyloong GK96 DRUM

Aluminum Kit

Build quality in the top 45% of 96% boards under $150.

If you want

  • 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.

If you want

  • 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.

Bottom line

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.

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.

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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Skyloong GK96 DRUM
  • Heavy shell Kira96
Performance
64
49
Build quality
70
51
Productivity
51
66
Customizability
68
75
Portability
48
57

What they share

  • Layout size: 96%
  • Hot-swappable
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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.

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
—

Layout

Layout size

96%
96%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

—
3,500 mAh

USB-C

No
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum, Plastic

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
PBT

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2022
2022

Where to buy

Compare prices

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

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

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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