KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Zuoya GMK81 vs GMK87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two closely related Zuoya DIY keyboard kits. The choice hinges on prioritizing a compact 75% layout with an aluminum case and pre-installed sound dampening, or a traditional TKL layout with a knob and a lighter polycarbonate build. Both share core features like gasket mounting, triple-mode connectivity, VIA support, and a customizable screen, making the decision about material preference and key layout.

87
GMK81 Mechanical Keyboard Kit
88
ZUOYA GMK87 VIA Supported Gasket Wireless DIY Kit

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz connectivity
  • Weighs about 870 g
  • Sized at 50 x 365 x 185 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Aluminum case
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Comes with a knob
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Made with a Polycarbonate, ABS case
Scores
  • Performance: 66.4
  • Build Quality: 86.5
  • Productivity: 91.3
  • Customizability: 87.8
  • Portability: 80.7
Scores
  • Performance: 70.3
  • Build Quality: 78.6
  • Productivity: 89.4
  • Customizability: 87.9
  • Portability: 73.7
Name
Zuoya GMK81
Name
Zuoya GMK87
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wired, Wireless, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
3000 mAh
Battery capacity
3000 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Aluminum
Case Material
Polycarbonate, ABS
Keycaps Material
-
Keycaps Material
-
Dimensions
50 x 365 x 185 mm
Dimensions
-
Weight
870g
Weight
1000g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Zuoya GMK81 if you value a compact, aluminum-built keyboard that arrives ready for sound modding with multiple included foams. Opt for the Zuoya GMK87 if you need a traditional TKL layout with a knob for media control and are comfortable with a polycarbonate build. Both are excellent DIY bases with strong wireless connectivity and customization via VIA.

Zuoya GMK81

  • +Aluminum case construction for a premium, solid feel.
  • +Kit includes multiple sound-dampening layers: Poron plate foam, IXPE switch pad, silicon dampener, and case foam.
  • +Comes with pre-lubed screw-in stabilizers.
  • +More compact 75% layout saves desk space.
  • +Lighter weight (870g) for better portability.
  • −Lacks a physical knob for media control.
  • −75% layout requires using layers for some navigation keys.
  • −No mention of knob support in its specifications.

Zuoya GMK87

  • +TKL layout includes dedicated function and navigation keys.
  • +Features a physical knob for media or programmable control.
  • +Polycarbonate case can offer a different, sometimes more resonant, sound profile.
  • +Vendor description explicitly mentions compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
  • −Polycarbonate case may feel less premium than aluminum.
  • −Heavier at 1000g.
  • −The vendor listing shows it is currently out of stock.
  • −Kit description lists fewer specific sound-dampening materials than the GMK81.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The GMK87 is the stronger choice for traditional office work, programming, and content creation due to its TKL layout with a knob. The GMK81 wins for travel due to its lighter weight and compact size, and for modding enthusiasts because its kit includes more sound-dampening foams. For gaming, the feature sets are too similar to declare a clear winner.

GamingTie
  • •Both offer identical triple-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0).
  • •Both have south-facing RGB LEDs for switch compatibility.
  • •Both feature hot-swappable PCBs for switch customization.
OfficeZuoya GMK87
  • •The GMK87's TKL layout retains dedicated navigation keys like Insert, Delete, and arrow keys.
  • •It includes a physical knob for quick media or volume control.
  • •The vendor description positions it as ideal for home and office use.
ProgrammingZuoya GMK87
  • •The GMK87's TKL layout provides dedicated function keys without layers.
  • •VIA support on both allows for extensive key remapping.
  • •The inclusion of a knob can be programmed for macros or scrolling.
TravelZuoya GMK81
  • •The GMK81 is lighter at 870g versus the GMK87's 1000g.
  • •Its 75% layout is more compact, saving desk or bag space.
  • •Both have the same 3000mAh battery for wireless use.
ModdingZuoya GMK81
  • •The GMK81 kit includes more sound-dampening materials like Poron plate foam, IXPE switch pad, silicon dampener, and standard case foam.
  • •It comes with pre-lubed screw-in stabilizers.
  • •Both share a hot-swappable PCB, gasket mount, and VIA support.
Content CreationZuoya GMK87
  • •The GMK87's physical knob offers tactile control for timeline scrubbing or volume adjustment.
  • •The TKL layout provides easy access to dedicated media keys via the function row.
  • •VIA support allows for custom shortcuts and layer programming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

81
$70
LEOBOG K81 Pro Transparent Wireless DIY Kit
Leobog K81 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Gasket Mount

97
$59
Keychron Q3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$59
Keychron K8 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K8 Pro
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

80
$80
GMK108 Barebones Kit
Zuoya GMK108
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
Gasket Mount

94
$67
Keychron K2 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron K2 Pro
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Tray Mount

90
$73
Qwertykeys Neo75 Keyboard
Qwertykeys Neo75
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

95
$79
Keychron Q10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

93
$59
Keychron Q2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$59
Keychron Q7 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q7
70%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

92
$59
Keychron V10 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V10
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount