MIIIW Xiaomi Art Z980 vs Xiaomi BlackIO 8398% vs 75% Layout & QMK Choice
Choose the BlackIO 83 for a compact, highly customizable board with QMK/VIA, or the Art Z980 for a larger layout with a dedicated numpad and transparent aesthetic.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
MIIIW Xiaomi Art Z980
98%
Build quality in the bottom 40% of 96% boards under $150.
- 98% layout includes a full numpad and arrow keys in a relatively compact form.
- Features a transparent ABS top cover for a distinctive aesthetic, according to the vendor.
- Includes north-facing RGB LEDs, which can affect keycap compatibility and lighting.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Get the
MIIIW Xiaomi BlackIO 83
75% Layout & QMK Choice
Build quality in the top 25% of 75% boards under $150.
- Supports QMK and VIA for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
- More compact and lighter 75% layout (336mm, 788g).
- Vendor listing mentions finely-tuned stabilizers to reduce wobble and wire noise.
- No numpad.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad for work or prefer a larger board with a unique transparent look, the Art Z980 is the straightforward pick. For everyone else, especially those who value a compact desk, travel-friendly size, and the powerful customization of QMK/VIA, the BlackIO 83 offers significantly more flexibility and is the more versatile board.
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.
MIIIW Xiaomi Art Z980
MIIIW Xiaomi BlackIO 83
Layout size
96%
75%
Case material
ABS
ABS, Plastic
Weight
930 g
788 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
- MIIIW Xiaomi Art Z980
- MIIIW Xiaomi BlackIO 83
- Performance
- 7681
- Build quality
- 6276
- Productivity
- 7890
- Customizability
- 6387
- Portability
- 5783
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Switch options: Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The BlackIO 83 wins in scenarios prioritizing portability, deep software customization, and a minimalist desk footprint, making it strong for travel, programming, and gaming. The Art Z980 is the clear choice for office and data-heavy work where a numpad is non-negotiable. For content creation, the decision splits between macro power and dedicated number input.
Pick the MIIIW Xiaomi BlackIO 83
- The BlackIO 83's 75% layout provides more mousepad space for low-sensitivity gaming.
- Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- The BlackIO 83's listing mentions finely-tuned stabilizers to reduce wobble on large keys.
MIIIW Xiaomi Art Z980 vs Xiaomi BlackIO 83 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 22 specs differ
MIIIW Xiaomi Art Z980
MIIIW Xiaomi BlackIO 83
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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MIIIW Xiaomi Art Z980 vs Xiaomi BlackIO 83: your questions
The MIIIW Art Z980 has a 98% layout that includes a full numpad. The BlackIO 83 uses a 75% layout and does not have a numpad.
Yes, the MIIIW BlackIO 83 supports QMK and VIA, which are open-source firmware solutions for remapping keys and creating macros. The Art Z980 does not list this support.
Yes, both the MIIIW Art Z980 and the BlackIO 83 feature hot-swappable sockets, allowing you to change the mechanical switches without soldering.
The Art Z980 comes with Gateron G Pro Yellow linear switches. The BlackIO 83 comes with Kailh Jellyfish linear switches, which the vendor describes as self-lubricating.
Both keyboards have a 4000mAh battery. The BlackIO 83 vendor claims it can last over 200 days on a single charge, though actual usage will vary. The Art Z980 listing also highlights extended battery life.
The BlackIO 83 is better for small desks. It is a 75% keyboard measuring 336mm in length and weighs 788g, making it significantly more compact and lighter than the 393mm, 930g Art Z980.
Yes, both the MIIIW Art Z980 and BlackIO 83 list Mac and Windows support in their specifications.
The Art Z980 uses dye-sublimated PBT keycaps. The BlackIO 83 uses transparent PC keycaps with an electroplated metal texture, according to its vendor description.
The Art Z980 has a physical on/off switch for this purpose. The vendor description for the BlackIO 83 does not mention a similar physical switch.
The BlackIO 83 vendor listing states it supports connections with up to 5 devices simultaneously via Bluetooth. The Art Z980 description does not specify a multi-device Bluetooth capability.
The MIIIW Art Z980 specifically lists north-facing RGB LEDs. The BlackIO 83 listing confirms RGB but does not specify the LED orientation.
The vendor for the BlackIO 83 mentions it has "finely-tuned stabilizers" that eliminate wire sound, suggesting they are factory tuned. The Art Z980 description does not provide details on its stabilizers.
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