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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 21, 2026

Keychron V6 Max vs Skyloong GK980 JIUWEIFull-Size vs 98% Layout Choice

Choose the Keychron V6 Max for extensive firmware customization and layout options, or the Skyloong GK980 for a more compact ANSI layout with shine-through keycaps.

Keychron V6 Max QMK Kabellose Benutzerdefinierte Mechanische Tastatur ISO Layout Kollektion

Full-Size

Keychron V6 Max

4.7 · 22 reviews

from$99at Keychron

Shop nowCompare 3 stores

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Keychron V6 Max

Full-Size

If you want

  • Extensive firmware support with open-source QMK and VIA, plus the Keychron Launcher web app.
  • Wide layout compatibility including ANSI, ISO, JIS, and multiple European ISO variants.
  • Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and a polycarbonate plate for a softer typing feel.

And can live with

  • Heavier and larger full-size (100%) layout is less portable.
  • Uses non-shine-through PBT keycaps, which may not appeal to users wanting bright backlighting.
  • Higher price range compared to the Skyloong GK980.

Get the

Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI

98% Layout Choice

If you want

  • More compact 98% layout saves desk space while retaining a numpad.
  • Features shine-through 'pudding' style keycaps with a PBT top and ABS transparent bottom.
  • Includes a knob module and is hot-swappable for both switches and knobs.

And can live with

  • Only supports ANSI layout, with no mention of ISO or other regional layouts.
  • Lacks mention of advanced firmware support like QMK or VIA.
  • Uses a steel plate, which typically creates a firmer, louder typing sound than polycarbonate.

Bottom line

The Keychron V6 Max is the definitive choice for users who value deep customization, need specific regional layouts, or want the assurance of community-vetted QMK firmware. Opt for the Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI if your priority is a more compact desk footprint with shine-through keycaps and you are comfortable with a standard ANSI layout and more basic software.

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.

Keychron V6 Max

Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI

  • Layout size

    100%

    98%

  • Case material

    ABS, Plastic

    ABS

  • Switch options

    Clicky, Linear, Tactile

    Linear, Tactile

  • Mount style

    Gasket Mount, Plate Mount

    Gasket Mount

  • Weight

    1,110 g

    960 g

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Keychron V6 Max
  • Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI
Performance
83
68
Build quality
86
64
Productivity
97
71
Customizability
98
60
Portability
53
51

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 4,000 mAh
  • Knob
  • Sound dampening
  • Keycaps: ABS, PBT
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Keychron V6 Max is the stronger choice for gaming, office use, programming, and modding, largely due to its verified high polling rate, extensive layout support, and deep firmware customizability. The Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI wins for travel due to its more compact 98% layout and lighter weight. For content creation, the choice is a tie, as both offer a useful knob and RGB, leaving the decision to layout preference.

For gaming

Pick the Keychron V6 Max

  • The Keychron V6 Max has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz and wired modes.
  • It features N-key rollover for both wireless and wired modes, according to its specifications.
  • The manufacturer states its ARM MCU and 1000 Hz polling rate make latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.

From real owners

What owners say

Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.

Keychron V6 Max

4.7

22 owner reviews

Praise
“Best keyboard ever purchased. its quiet, great lighting, customizable and comdortable. Inhighly recommended!!!”
WilliamVerified buyer· via Keychron
Critique
“After a couple months of using this keyboard it began doubling the space bar input. I took it apart, cleaned it, there's something wrong with the internals. The keys are nice and it works otherwise. But it has an intrinsic problem. Would not recommend.”
MartronVerified buyer· via Keychron

Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI

No owner reviews collected yet.

Full specs

Keychron V6 Max vs Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI specs

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

16 of 27 specs differ

Keychron V6 Max

Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

100%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, JIS
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
None

Media keys

Yes
No

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
—

Battery

4,000 mAh
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS, Plastic
ABS

Plate material

Polycarbonate
Steel

Keycaps

ABS, PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

1,110 g
960 g

Dimensions

30 x 149 x 448 mm
36 x 323 x 141 mm

Typing angle

4°
—

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
No

Extras

Released

2024
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

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

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • KeychronHK

    In stock
    $99Visit
  • MKUS

    In stock
    $99Visit
  • Keychron (DE)DE

    In stock
    $132Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    Visit
  • SkyloongHK

    In stock
    $99Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    ~$99Visit

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FAQ

Keychron V6 Max vs Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI: your questions

The Keychron V6 Max has superior software support. It is compatible with the open-source QMK and VIA firmware, allowing for extensive key remapping, macro creation, and layer programming. Keychron also provides a web-based configurator called Keychron Launcher for easy customization without downloads.

Yes. The Keychron V6 Max product listing explicitly states it supports ISO-UK layout among many others, including ISO-DE, ISO-FR, and ISO-ES. The manufacturer's description also mentions a V1 ISO collection for reference, confirming their commitment to regional layouts.

Yes, both the Keychron V6 Max and the Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change mechanical switches without soldering. The V6 Max supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, while the GK980 listing also states it supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches and knob modules.

The Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI uses shine-through 'pudding' keycaps with a transparent ABS bottom, which is designed to allow more backlight to show through for a brighter RGB effect. The Keychron V6 Max uses south-facing RGB LEDs with non-shine-through PBT keycaps, which prioritizes compatibility with aftermarket keycaps over maximum shine-through brightness.

Both keyboards are listed with a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. The Keychron V6 Max vendor page provides specific lab test estimates: up to 190 hours with backlight off and up to 100 hours with RGB on at its lowest brightness. The Skyloong GK980 does not provide specific runtime estimates.

The Skyloong GK980 listing specifies its stabilizers are 'pre-lubed'. The Keychron V6 Max listing confirms it uses 'screw-in PCB stabilizers' but does not explicitly state they are pre-lubed. However, the V6 Max's included Gateron Jupiter switches are described as pre-lubed.

The Keychron V6 Max is explicitly designed for gaming on its 2.4 GHz connection, with a stated 1000 Hz polling rate and manufacturer claims of low latency. The Skyloong GK980 also has a 2.4 GHz mode but does not specify a polling rate or make latency claims, making the V6 Max the more verifiable choice for gaming.

The Keychron V6 Max uses a standard gasket mount design with a polycarbonate plate. The Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI description specifies a 'Soft Silicone Lite Gasket' or 'O-Ring Mount' design, which it states is made from durable, flexible materials to reduce hard contact and typing noise.

The Keychron V6 Max has explicit 'Mac/Win Support'. Its description includes a system toggle and an extra set of keycaps for macOS, allowing you to save separate layouts for Mac and Windows. The Skyloong GK980 offers multi-device compatibility but does not specifically detail macOS key mapping or keycaps.

The Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI includes a dustproof cover in the box, as listed in its 'Product Included' section. The Keychron V6 Max listing does not mention a dust cover or carrying case being included with the keyboard.

The Keychron V6 Max uses a polycarbonate (PC) plate, which is a plastic that typically offers a more flexible and softer typing feel. The Skyloong GK980 JIUWEI uses a steel plate, which is metal and generally provides a firmer, more rigid typing experience with a sharper acoustic profile.

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