Skyloong GK980 Memphis vs GK980Split Spacebar vs Versatility
The standard GK980 wins for most buyers due to wider availability, more material choices, higher community ratings, and lower starting price, while the Memphis edition is a niche pick for its unique split spacebar and aesthetic.
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No reviews
from$99at Skyloong
4.2 (9)4.2 · 9 reviews
from$69at Skyloong
Which one should you get?
Get the
Skyloong GK980 Memphis
Split Spacebar
Build quality in the top 50% of 98% boards under $100.
- Lighter weight at 1200g, making it slightly more portable than the standard model.
- Includes a split spacebar layout option with 2.75U, 2.25U, and 1.25U pieces, a unique ergonomic feature.
- Comes with two knobs included in the box and a dedicated Knob Module accessory.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Get the
Skyloong GK980
Versatility
Build quality in the top 10% of 98% boards under $100.
- Broader switch compatibility with Tactile, Linear, and Clicky options, as well as optical switch support.
- Available as a DIY Kit/Barebones, allowing users to fully customize switches, keycaps, and stabilizers.
- Higher community rating with 4.2 out of 5 stars from 9 reviews, indicating user satisfaction.
- North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.
For the majority of buyers, the standard Skyloong GK980 is the better investment due to its superior performance scores, higher community validation, and wide range of customization options including switch types and plate materials. Choose the GK980 Memphis only if you are specifically drawn to the Memphis aesthetic, want the split spacebar feature, or prefer a lighter pre-built model that comes with two knobs 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 GK980 Memphis
Skyloong GK980
Case material
ABS
ABS, Aluminum
Switch options
Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Weight
1,200 g
1,300 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Layout standard
ANSI
ANSI, ISO
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Plate material
Steel
FR4, Plastic, Polycarbonate, Steel
- Skyloong GK980 Memphis
- Skyloong GK980
- Performance
- 6778
- Build quality
- 6376
- Productivity
- 7082
- Customizability
- 6077
- Portability
- 5153
- Layout size: 98%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Ergonomics: Split Spacebar
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
What will you mostly use it for?
The standard GK980 wins in gaming, office, modding, and content creation due to its broad specification options, higher community reviews, and features like N-Key Rollover and Mac/Win support. The Memphis pulls ahead only in travel due to being lighter. Programming is a tie since both keyboards share the same core 98% layout and gasket mount typing feel. Overall, the base model is the more recommended platform for most users, with the Memphis serving a niche for those who want a specific aesthetic and split spacebar.
Pick the Skyloong GK980
- The standard GK980 has a higher performance score of 78.1 versus the Memphis 66.5, indicating better latency and polling behavior for gaming.
- The standard GK980 supports N-Key Rollover, a spec explicitly listed for the base model but absent in the Memphis description.
Skyloong GK980 Memphis vs GK980 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 21 specs differ
Skyloong GK980 Memphis
Skyloong GK980
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Skyloong GK980 Memphis
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Skyloong GK980
Skyloong
ISO
In stockShips to you
WhatGeek
ISO
Out of stockShips to you
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Skyloong GK980 Memphis vs GK980: your questions
The standard GK980 is generally considered better for gaming based on its higher performance score of 78.1 compared to the Memphis 66.5. Additionally, the standard GK980 supports N-Key Rollover, a feature that ensures every key press registers correctly during fast-paced gaming sequences.
Both keyboards support tri-mode connectivity including Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C. The vendor description for the Memphis confirms Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4G wireless, while the standard GK980 also lists Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and Wired options, though some specific variants may be wired-only.
The Memphis is made with a white ABS case and a steel plate, while the standard GK980 offers ABS, aluminum, plastic, and steel case materials, with plate options including steel, polycarbonate, FR4, and plastic. The Memphis uses PBT keycaps in Cherry profile, whereas the standard GK980 can come with PBT or ABS keycaps in a GK5 profile.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable. The Memphis supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches and knob modules, while the standard GK980 supports SKYLOONG optical switches and Gateron KS-15, as well as mechanical switches depending on the PCB variant. The Memphis PCB is designed for mechanical switches, not optical.
The standard GK980 is much easier to find, with nine vendors reporting stock and prices ranging from a lower starting point to higher premium configurations. The GK980 Memphis is only available from one vendor, making it a more niche purchase with fewer options for price comparison.
Yes, the Memphis edition explicitly includes a split spacebar kit with 2.75U, 2.25U, and 1.25U pieces as part of the included accessories. The standard GK980 also supports a split spacebar layout option, but it may not come included with all variants and might require an additional purchase.
The standard GK980 has a higher build quality score of 80 compared to the Memphis 64.2, reflecting its wider range of case and plate materials. The standard model also has user reviews averaging 4.2 out of 5 stars, whereas the Memphis has no reviews yet to validate its build quality.
Both are suitable, but the standard GK980 is more office-friendly with a productivity score of 82.6, Mac/Win support, and N-Key Rollover for reliable data entry. The 98% layout with a numpad is helpful for spreadsheet work. The gasket mount on both helps reduce typing noise in shared spaces.
The GK980 Memphis weighs about 1200g, while the standard GK980 is heavier at about 1300g based on the vendor specifications. The standard model's weight may vary depending on the case and plate materials chosen, with aluminum and steel options adding more heft.
The standard GK980 lists Mac/Win support as a specific feature, indicating it works with both operating systems. The Memphis edition does not explicitly mention Mac support in its vendor description, so compatibility is not confirmed. Both use a standard USB-C connection for wired use.
The standard GK980 is the clear winner for modding due to its availability as a DIY Kit/Barebones, more plate material options including PC and FR4, and support for both ANSI and ISO layouts. The Memphis is more limited as a pre-built with only a steel plate and no barebones option.
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