11 speed Sram cassettes have different tooth counts on the middle cogs, with Sram biased toward faster riders -- closer shifts at the smaller cogs end. Shimano has closer shifts at the slower speeds, in the larger cogs.
But it looks like the 9 speed from Sram or Shimano have the same cogs.
It's worth getting a real cassette tool and a cheap chain whip. I used the Park Tool cassette tool that's hollow, and it really needs a quick release attached to it and the hub to keep it held in place correctly.