98-Key and 87-Key Keyboards: Choosing the Right One for Your Gaming and Productivity Needs

98-key mechanical keyboard with customizable RGB lighting and ergonomic design for gaming and productivity

Nowadays, it is not only an input device but an important tool for people in office and gaming use to improve their efficiency and comfort. Along with continuous development, different types of keyboards are being developed. Among those, the 87-key and 98-key keyboard series launched by Dareu will be favored for their unique design and performance. These 98 keyboards and 87 keyboards come not only with stylish and minimalist looks, but also to satisfy the needs of every user. 

We will compare the keyboards with 98 and 87 keys in this tutorial and look at their features and advantages that will help a person to choose between them according to one's needs. In closing, by the end, you would have an idea of which layout best suits your style, whether gaming, working, or a little combination of both.

 
What is a 98-key keyboard?

Such a size is perfect for finding a balance between functionality and compactness; it has 98 keys in total. This keyboard will give users more keys for shortcuts, navigation, and editing. It will suit those people who feel that the standard TKL keyboard is not good enough, and at the same time, they would want to avoid the full-size layout with a numpad.


Key Features of 98-Key Keyboards

  • Compact with Extra Functionality: The 98-key layout retains most full-size keyboard features, such as function keys, arrows, and editing keys, but not the numpad, so that it is space-efficient without necessarily taking much area.
  • Mechanical Keyboard Switches: Most of the mechanical keyboards are fitted with variations of 98-key keyboards, and they offer a range of switch options, including linear, tactile, or clicky, that can be selected in accordance with preference for feedback and actuation. 
  • RGB Lighting: Most 98 keyboards have customizable lighting in RGB, especially for those personalizing their gaming rig-for instance, creating the perfect blend for your room or to match your style.
  • Durability: Constructed from quality materials and built with robust mechanical switches, 98-key keyboards are built to last. They can withstand heavy use and even millions of keypresses; these keyboards are ideal for gamers and professionals alike who spend numerous hours on their keyboard.


Such a setup is ideal for the 98 keyboard layout-for those who would want an even more ergonomic solution than a full-size keyboard but nonetheless need to have access to more keys for gaming shortcuts or productivity tasks like programming or video editing.


What is an 87-Key Keyboard?

The tenkeyless form of the 87-key keyboard is highly compact and space-efficient without the numpad. This kind of layout is ideal for gamers and professionals who need extra mouse movement room and is critical in any gaming scenario, especially in competitive ones that require precision and agility.
 

Key Features of 87-Key Keyboards

  • Space-Saving Design: Without the numpad, the 87-key layout saves more space for using your mouse. This is also the most favored layout by gamers doing first-person shooter or MOBA games, which require fast reflexes and precision in moving.
  • Performance Mechanical keyboard Switches: Equipped with high-quality mechanical keyboard switches, 87-key keyboards provide precise feedback, the fastest response times, and very long service life. They become especially handy for gamers in case of fast combat or complex combinations of keys.
  • Portable and Lightweight: Most of the keyboards within this range are usually lighter and more compact than full-size keyboards, hence easy to carry during a LAN party or even a gaming tournament.
  • Ergonomics: Most of these 87 keyboards have different ergonomical features-a wrist rest or an adjustable key setup that helps in reducing the stress during long hours of gaming and prolonged typing.


The tenkeyless 87-key keyboard is a great choice for those who have limited desk space, tight workspaces, or are the moving type of gamer. Its compact form factor is much easier to carry and handle while still retaining all the advantages that can be expected from a standard mechanical keyboard.

98-Key versus 87-Key Keyboards: Which is Right for You?
In choosing between a 98-key keyboard and an 87-key keyboard, it mostly would depend upon your intended use of the keyboard and what exactly your needs would be. While both layouts have strong points, they best fit different needs. 

Choose a 98-Key Keyboard if:

  • You need extra keys for shortcuts or navigation but don't want the bulk of a full-size keyboard.
  • You create content, program, or perform tasks that require quick access to various functions: copy/paste, undo/redo, media controls, etc. 
  • You need a balance between extra keys and compact design to save desk space without losing essential keys. 
  • You want to be able to customize everything from adjustable switches and RGB lighting to all other performance tweaks. 

Choose an 87-Key Keyboard if:

  • You want a compact design to accommodate your fast-paced gaming or be able to have much space for moving your mouse around.
  • You like minimalistic designs on your keyboard, therefore, it would come only with the keys you really needed. You did not want to get distracted from what is important.
  • You either frequent LAN parties or otherwise want a portable solution that is easy to carry everywhere.
  • You do prioritize ergonomics because you either game or work for very extended amounts of time, and thus need keyboards that would not be harmful to them.

At the end, the 87-key model is ideal for those who prioritize portability and space higher, whereas the 98 key fits better for those that need the additional functionality sans full-size footprint.

 

Where to Buy Best 98-Key and 87-Key Keyboards

If you're ready for an upgrade to the next level, look to Dareu's 98 and 87 mechanical keyboards. Dareu keyboards pride themselves on high-quality construction, choice switches that truly matter, and durable performance-ideal for gamers and pros alike. Whether you want a compact 87-key keyboard or want a more feature-packed 98-key model, Dareu has a great option for whatever every gamer and worker desires.

 

Conclusion

When it really comes down to it, there are major differences in choosing between a 98 keyboard versus an 87 keyboard. This really falls onto the very thing that you're trying to achieve with your setup. Both offer a load of advantages when it comes to space-saving design, customization, and performance. Whichever you go for, be sure that a mechanical keyboard by Dareu will give you responsiveness, durability, and personalization you require to elevate your gaming and productivity. And remember to be on the lookout for sales of mechanical keyboards to get the best deal on your next keyboard upgrade!

Related posts

  • DAREU A980PRO/PRO MAX best wireless mice for gaming

    Ultimate Guide to the Best Gaming Controllers of 2024

  • Best gaming mechanical keyboard with customizable RGB lighting and tactile switches

    Mechanical Keyboards: Gaming Benefits and Choices

  • A mechanical keyboard equipped with Dareu's linear switches, designed for smooth, quiet typing without tactile feedback

    Linear vs. Tactile Switches: Which Is Right for Your Keyboard?