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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

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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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Skyloong GK980 Memphis

Split Spacebar

Build quality in the top 50% of 98% boards under $100.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • 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.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • North-facing LEDs. Cherry-profile keycaps can hit the switch housing.

Bottom line

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.

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 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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Skyloong GK980 Memphis
  • Skyloong GK980
Performance
67
78
Build quality
63
76
Productivity
70
82
Customizability
60
77
Portability
51
53

What they share

  • Layout size: 98%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 4,000 mAh
  • Ergonomics: Split Spacebar
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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.

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Split Spacebar
Split Spacebar

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

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

Battery

4,000 mAh
4,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

ABS
ABS, Aluminum

Plate material

Steel
FR4, Plastic, Polycarbonate, Steel

Keycaps

PBT
ABS, PBT

Weight

1,200 g
1,300 g

Dimensions

36 x 323 x 141 mm
36 x 323 x 141 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB, north-facing

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Mac & Windows

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2022
2022

For EU buyers

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

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.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

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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