WhatGeek K98 vs PMO Aurora 8098% Layout vs Premium TKL
Choose the K98 for a budget-friendly numpad and anime themes, or the Aurora 80 for a premium aluminum build with advanced firmware support.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
WhatGeek K98
98% Layout
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 98% boards under $100.
- Includes a full 98% layout with a number pad.
- Larger 10000mAh battery capacity.
- Offers themed anime designs (Ellinia, Lucynirel).
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Premium TKL
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $200.
- Constructed with an aluminum alloy case.
- Supports QMK and VIA for extensive customization.
- Includes a dust cover for protection.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Select the WhatGeek K98 if your work requires a number pad and you prefer a more affordable, themed keyboard. Opt for the PMO Aurora 80 if you value a premium aluminum build, advanced firmware like QMK/VIA, and a more compact TKL form factor, and are willing to pay more for it. The core wireless performance and gasket mount feel are shared, making layout and build materials the deciding factors.
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.
WhatGeek K98
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Layout size
98%
80%
Battery
10,000 mAh
8,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Weight
1,500 g
2,300 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- WhatGeek K98
- WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
- Performance
- 7781
- Build quality
- 6286
- Productivity
- 7895
- Customizability
- 6389
- Portability
- 6688
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The K98 wins for office work and content creation primarily due to its number pad, while the Aurora 80 is superior for programming, modding, and travel due to its software support and compact form. For gaming, both are capable with identical core performance specs. Your daily tasks will dictate the winner.
It's a tie
- Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate and N-key rollover for reliable inputs.
- Both feature tri-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4G, Bluetooth) for flexibility.
- Both have RGB backlighting and gasket mounts for a cushioned feel.
WhatGeek K98 vs PMO Aurora 80 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 22 specs differ
WhatGeek K98
WhatGeek PMO Aurora 80
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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WhatGeek K98 vs PMO Aurora 80: your questions
The WhatGeek K98 has a 98% layout that includes a dedicated number pad. The PMO Aurora 80 is a TKL (Tenkeyless) layout and does not have a number pad.
The PMO Aurora 80 features an aluminum alloy case, according to its specifications. The K98's case material is not explicitly stated in the provided metadata.
Yes, but the methods differ. The Aurora 80 supports QMK and VIA for deep key remapping. The K98's vendor description mentions using dedicated software for macro programming, but QMK/VIA support is not listed.
Both offer tri-mode connectivity. The K98 has a larger 10000mAh battery, which may last longer, but the Aurora 80 is more compact and lighter, potentially making it more portable. Both list Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless.
Yes, both keyboards are listed as pre-built and hot-swappable. They come with switches installed, but the hot-swap sockets allow you to change them without soldering.
The Aurora 80 includes the keyboard, a Type-C cable, a 2.4G receiver, a dust-proof cover, a keycap and switch puller, and a user manual.
Both the WhatGeek K98 and the PMO Aurora 80 use a gasket mount design, which aims to provide a softer, more cushioned typing feel.
The PMO Aurora 80 has detailed acoustic features listed, including a five-layer sound dampening structure and IXPE foam. It also uses screw-in stabilizers, which are often preferred for sound modding. The K98 also mentions sound-dampening liners but with less specific detail.
Both product listings include Mac support in their extra features. The K98's vendor description explicitly lists Mac OS compatibility alongside Windows and others.
The K98 uses a 98% layout (101 keys) that squeezes in a number pad. The Aurora 80 uses an 80% TKL layout, which omits the number pad and function row for a more compact size.
Yes, both keyboards feature RGB backlighting. The Aurora 80's description adds that it has south-facing RGB LEDs and a 270-degree side halo lighting system.
The PMO Aurora 80 is heavier at 2300 grams (2.3 kg), while the WhatGeek K98 weighs 1500 grams (1.5 kg). The Aurora's aluminum construction contributes to its weight.
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