Mikiby AK980 Black
Score: 91/100
Corsair Vanguard 96
Score: 89/100Rankings
The MIKIBY AJAZZ AK980 blends a premium mechanical feel with wireless versatility, offering hot-swap linear switches, a TFT display, and extensive RGB lighting. While battery specs are a bit unclear and there is no warranty, its feature set makes it a strong contender for creators and gamers seeking a wireless 98% keyboard.
The Vanguard 96 is a compact 96% mechanical keyboard that combines hot-swap MLX Plasma switches, an 8,000 Hz polling rate, and a unique 1.9" IPS LCD screen. It targets power users who need a space-saving layout with premium features, though its underside USB-C port and navigation quirks may affect usability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
110 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | — | 995 gramsbest |
— | 8,000 Hzbest | |
0 monthsbest | — | |
5best | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Layout & Size(1) | ||
Keyboard Layout | 98% | 96% |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Connection Type | Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB-C | Wired USB-C |
Switches(1) | ||
Switch Type | Linear | MLX Plasma |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers note that the AK980 packs a premium feature set-gasket mounting, PBT keycaps, hot-swappable switches, and an integrated TFT screen-into a mid-range price point, positioning it as a strong contender in the wireless mechanical keyboard market despite the lack of native QMK/VIA support.
Everyday users overwhelmingly appreciate the smooth typing feel, the novelty and usefulness of the TFT display and knob, and the impressive battery endurance, while recurring complaints focus on unclear battery specifications, occasional screen brightness issues, and the absence of thorough documentation.
Professional reviewers commend the Vanguard 96 for its solid construction, smooth MLX Plasma linear switches, and the innovative combination of a rotary knob and a full-color LCD screen, calling the latter a game-changer while noting the 96% layout may alienate users who depend on a full navigation cluster.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the keyboard's typing experience, build quality, and the versatility of the LCD screen and rotary dial, with common complaints about the underside USB-C port and unintuitive navigation key access on macOS.
“"cool" and functional”
“I was stuck using Corsair stock wire… it's a bad design honestly.”
