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Compare Royal Kludge A72 Alice vs Royal Kludge L98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for users deciding between two uniquely laid-out Royal Kludge keyboards at a similar price. The A72 offers a compact, split Alice layout for ergonomic typing, while the L98 provides a nearly full-size 96% layout with the numpad on the left. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize wrist comfort and a smaller footprint, or need dedicated number keys and extra features like a screen and USB passthrough for a stationary desk setup.

71
A72 68% Ergonomic Alice Layout Mechanical Keyboard
78
L98 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Includes a No display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Equipped with a 7500 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1350 g
  • Sized at 42 x 384 x 140 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Offers Southpaw ergonomics
  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 990 g
  • Sized at 45 x 400 x 140 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 57.9
  • Build Quality: 63.5
  • Productivity: 83.7
  • Customizability: 73.8
  • Portability: 94
Scores
  • Performance: 78.3
  • Build Quality: 75.6
  • Productivity: 80
  • Customizability: 73
  • Portability: 59.1
Name
Royal Kludge A72 Alice
Name
Royal Kludge L98
Release year
2025
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Silent
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
Layout Ergonomics
Southpaw
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
7500 mAh
Battery capacity
8000 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
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
42 x 384 x 140 mm
Dimensions
45 x 400 x 140 mm
Weight
1350g
Weight
990g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary task dictates the winner. If your day involves extensive data entry, financial work, or you simply want all keys at your disposal with unique extras like a screen, the Royal Kludge L98 is the logical pick. If you prioritize ergonomic comfort for long typing sessions, need to save desk space, or plan to move the keyboard frequently, the Royal Kludge A72 Alice's split layout and compact form are more advantageous.

Royal Kludge A72 Alice

  • +Ergonomic Alice layout promotes a natural typing posture to reduce wrist strain.
  • +Compact 65% size saves significant desk space and is easier to transport.
  • +Includes five programmable macro keys (M1-M5) for shortcuts.
  • +Features a touch-sensitive nameplate for quick access to web-based driver.
  • +Long-lasting 7500mAh battery with up to 550 hours of use (RGB off).
  • −Lacks a dedicated numpad and many navigation keys found on larger layouts.
  • −No integrated screen or USB passthrough port.
  • −Heavier (1350g) than the L98 despite its smaller size.

Royal Kludge L98

  • +Unique southpaw (left-handed) 96% layout includes a full numpad on the left.
  • +Integrated LCD screen for displaying information like battery level or custom graphics.
  • +Includes a USB 2.0 passthrough port for connecting a mouse or flash drive.
  • +Comes with screw-in stabilizers, which typically offer better tuning than clip-in variants.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs provide better compatibility with aftermarket keycaps.
  • −Large 96% footprint requires considerable desk space and is less portable.
  • −The left-handed numpad may require an adjustment period for right-handed users.
  • −Shorter claimed battery life (310 hours RGB off) than the A72, despite a slightly larger 8000mAh capacity.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The L98 is the more versatile choice for office work, gaming, and content creation due to its full key set, left-handed numpad, and extra features like a screen and USB passthrough. The A72 excels in portability and ergonomic comfort, making it ideal for travel and long typing sessions where a split layout is beneficial. For programming and modding, both keyboards are closely matched, offering similar core customization features, leaving the choice to personal layout preference.

GamingRoyal Kludge L98
  • •The L98's listing includes N-Key Rollover, a feature not mentioned for the A72.
  • •Its south-facing RGB LEDs, as stated by the manufacturer, are preferred for compatibility with aftermarket keycaps.
  • •The left-handed numpad layout frees up mouse space on the right side.
OfficeRoyal Kludge L98
  • •The L98's 96% layout includes a dedicated numpad, essential for data entry.
  • •It features a USB 2.0 passthrough port for connecting peripherals.
  • •The integrated LCD screen can display system information.
ProgrammingTie
  • •The A72's Alice layout may reduce fatigue during long coding sessions.
  • •The L98 offers more dedicated keys, including a full nav cluster and numpad for shortcuts.
  • •Both are hot-swappable with PBT keycaps and have a gasket mount for a comfortable typing feel.
TravelRoyal Kludge A72 Alice
  • •The A72 is a compact 65% size, significantly smaller than the 96% L98.
  • •It has a larger 7500mAh battery compared to the L98's 8000mAh, but in a much smaller chassis, offering excellent battery-to-size ratio.
  • •It is lighter at 1350g versus the L98's 990g, but its smaller dimensions make it easier to pack.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes.
  • •Both use a gasket mount structure and include five layers of internal sound dampening foam.
  • •Both come with PBT keycaps and pre-lubed switch options.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge L98
  • •The L98's left-handed numpad allows for efficient shortcut input without moving the right hand from a graphics tablet or mouse.
  • •The programmable knob and media keys provide quick access to timeline and volume controls.
  • •The onboard LCD screen can be useful for monitoring system stats or custom graphics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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