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Compare Ajazz AK980 vs Royal Kludge S98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular 96% wireless mechanical keyboards with TFT screens. The choice is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and similar layouts. The Ajazz AK980 emphasizes a massive battery and a gasket-mounted typing feel, while the Royal Kludge S98 adds a control knob, USB passthrough, and a heavier, more feature-laden build.

AJAZZ AK980 TFT Display Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
74
S98 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Includes a Yes, TFT display
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Connects via USB-C
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1879 g
  • Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 41.7
  • Build Quality: 49.7
  • Productivity: 42.3
  • Customizability: 58.3
  • Portability: 57.5
Scores
  • Performance: 65.7
  • Build Quality: 62.8
  • Productivity: 82.3
  • Customizability: 72.5
  • Portability: 53.2
Name
Ajazz AK980
Name
Royal Kludge S98
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
Unknown
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
TFT
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
8000 mAh
Battery capacity
3750 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
Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight
-
Weight
1879g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If your keyboard rarely moves and you value desktop convenience features like a knob and USB passthrough, the Royal Kludge S98 is the more capable hub. If you prioritize wireless freedom, long battery life, and a lighter build for occasional transport, the Ajazz AK980 delivers superior endurance and portability at a potentially lower cost.

Ajazz AK980

  • +Massive 8000mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Lighter weight (1140g) and thinner profile for better portability.
  • +Five-layer gasket mount structure for a potentially more cushioned typing feel.
  • +Specific FR4 gold-plated double-sided slot plate.
  • +Side-mounted function keys for easy mode switching without flipping the board.
  • −Smaller 3750mAh battery requires more frequent charging.
  • −Much heavier at 1879g, making it less portable.
  • −Top mount design may offer a different, firmer typing feel compared to gasket mount.

Royal Kludge S98

  • +Includes a multifunction control knob for media and settings.
  • +Features a built-in USB 2.0 passthrough port.
  • +Comes with four-layer sound absorbing foam and well-lubed stabilizers.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs for better keycap compatibility.
  • +Professional software support for key remapping and macros in wired mode.
  • −Much heavier at 1879g, making it less portable.
  • −Smaller 3750mAh battery requires more frequent charging.
  • −Top mount design may offer a different, firmer typing feel compared to gasket mount.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Royal Kludge S98 takes the lead for stationary, feature-focused use cases like office work, gaming, and content creation due to its knob, passthrough port, and sound-dampening construction. The Ajazz AK980 is the clear choice for portability and long wireless sessions, thanks to its lighter weight and massive battery. For programming and basic modding, the keyboards are closely matched, with the Ajazz offering a specific gasket mount appeal.

GamingRoyal Kludge S98
  • •The Royal Kludge S98 features south-facing RGB LEDs, which are listed as a key feature and are often preferred for compatibility with certain keycap profiles.
  • •Its top-mount design, as described by the manufacturer, is noted for stability and typing precision.
  • •The keyboard includes a dedicated software for customization when used in wired mode.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S98
  • •The Royal Kludge S98 includes a USB 2.0 passthrough port for connecting peripherals.
  • •It features a control knob for adjusting volume and settings, a productivity feature highlighted in its description.
  • •The manufacturer lists four-layer sound absorbing foam and well-lubed stabilizers for a quieter typing experience.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards offer the same 96% ANSI layout with a numpad.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization.
  • •Both have TFT screens for displaying system information.
TravelAjazz AK980
  • •The Ajazz AK980 is significantly lighter at 1140g compared to the Royal Kludge S98's 1879g.
  • •It has a much larger 8000mAh battery for longer use between charges.
  • •Its thinner profile (19mm height vs 41mm) may be easier to pack.
ModdingAjazz AK980
  • •The Ajazz AK980 uses a gasket mount structure, which the vendor describes as a five-layer filled design for noise reduction.
  • •It features a specific FR4 gold-plated double-sided slot plate, a detail provided in its product listing.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, but the Ajazz's gasket mount is a popular modding platform.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98
  • •The Royal Kludge S98's control knob can be mapped to timeline scrubbing or brush size adjustments in creative software.
  • •The USB passthrough port is convenient for connecting a drawing tablet or other USB devices.
  • •Its heavier weight provides more stability on the desk during intense use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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