Zuoya GMK81 vs GMK87Aluminum vs Polycarbonate Gasket Mount
Choose the GMK81 for a more premium aluminum build in a compact layout, or the GMK87 for a dedicated TKL layout with a knob in a lighter polycarbonate case.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Zuoya GMK81
Aluminum
- 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.
- Lacks a physical knob for media control.
- 75% layout requires using layers for some navigation keys.
- No mention of knob support in its specifications.
Get the
Zuoya GMK87
Polycarbonate Gasket Mount
- 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.
- Polycarbonate case may feel less premium than aluminum.
- Heavier at 1000g.
- The vendor listing shows it is currently out of stock.
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.
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.
Zuoya GMK81
Zuoya GMK87
Layout size
75%
80%
Connection
Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Case material
ABS, Aluminum
ABS
VIA
Yes
No
Screw-in stabilizers
Yes
No
- Zuoya GMK81
- Zuoya GMK87
- Performance
- 6761
- Build quality
- 8771
- Productivity
- 9176
- Customizability
- 8777
- Portability
- 8073
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 3,000 mAh
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Display: Yes
- Sound dampening
- Plate material: Polycarbonate
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
It's a tie
- 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.
Zuoya GMK81 vs GMK87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 19 specs differ
Zuoya GMK81
Zuoya GMK87
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
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Zuoya GMK81 vs GMK87: your questions
The core differences are the case material and layout. The GMK81 has an aluminum case and a compact 75% layout. The GMK87 has a polycarbonate case, a traditional TKL (87-key) layout, and includes a physical control knob.
The GMK81 kit includes more sound-dampening materials like a Poron plate foam, IXPE switch pad, silicon dampener, and standard case foam, which can lead to a more muted sound profile out of the box. The GMK87's polycarbonate case may produce a different acoustic character, but its listed kit contents specify fewer damping layers.
Yes, both the Zuoya GMK81 and GMK87 are listed as VIA compatible. This allows for extensive key remapping, macro programming, and layer customization without needing to flash firmware manually.
Yes. Both keyboards support triple-mode connectivity, which includes a USB-C wired connection, 2.4GHz wireless with a dongle, and Bluetooth. The GMK81 vendor page specifies Bluetooth 5.0.
The Zuoya GMK81 is more portable. It is lighter at 870 grams compared to the GMK87's 1000 grams, and its 75% layout is more compact than the TKL layout of the GMK87, taking up less space in a bag.
No, both are sold as DIY barebones kits. According to the vendor descriptions, they include the keyboard case, PCB, plate, stabilizers, and necessary accessories like a cable and tools, but you must supply your own mechanical switches and keycaps.
Both the Zuoya GMK81 and GMK87 use a gasket mount design. This involves suspending the plate and PCB on soft gaskets to provide a softer, more flexible typing feel and reduce case vibrations.
Both keyboards are listed with an identical 3000mAh battery capacity. Therefore, you can expect similar wireless battery life, which will depend more on usage patterns, RGB brightness, and connection type.
For gaming, they are very similar. Both offer the same wireless connectivity options for low-latency 2.4GHz use, hot-swappable PCBs for gaming switch preferences, and south-facing RGB. The choice comes down to layout preference: compact 75% vs. TKL.
Both kits include stabilizers. The Zuoya GMK81 vendor description explicitly states it comes with 'prelubed stabilizers.' The GMK87 listing does not specify if its stabilizers are pre-lubed.
Both keyboards use a polycarbonate (PC) plate. The vendor descriptions for both also mention the plate is 'flex-cut,' which introduces cuts in the plate to increase typing flexibility.
Yes, both the Zuoya GMK81 and GMK87 feature a customizable LCD screen. The vendor software downloads include tools for customizing the image displayed on this screen.
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