AULA F98 Pro vs Royal Kludge S98: Gasket vs Top Mount Showdown

Compare AULA F98 PRO vs Royal Kludge S98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-packed, 96%-layout wireless keyboards at a similar price point. The AULA F98 Pro and Royal Kludge S98 both offer triple-mode connectivity, an LCD screen, and a knob, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a specific typing feel from a gasket mount or the long-term flexibility of hot-swappable switches.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Available in a 98% layout Includes a Yes, LCD display Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery Features PC keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options Supports hot-swappable switches Available in a 96% layout Includes a Yes display Offers a USB passthrough port Uses a Top Mount mounting style 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
Score	Scores Performance: 47.6 Build Quality: 49.5 Productivity: 75.6 Customizability: 58.4 Portability: 50.3	Scores Performance: 64.9 Build Quality: 62.6 Productivity: 82.3 Customizability: 72.2 Portability: 53.2
Name	Name AULA F98 PRO	Name Royal Kludge S98
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 98%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support LCD	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 4000 mAh	Battery capacity 3750 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PC	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 1879g

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2024
Available in a 98% layout
Includes a Yes, LCD display
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
Features PC keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Released in 2023
Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
Supports hot-swappable switches
Available in a 96% layout
Includes a Yes display
Offers a USB passthrough port
Uses a Top Mount mounting style
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: 47.6
Build Quality: 49.5
Productivity: 75.6
Customizability: 58.4
Portability: 50.3

Scores

Performance: 64.9
Build Quality: 62.6
Productivity: 82.3
Customizability: 72.2
Portability: 53.2

Name

AULA F98 PRO

Name

Royal Kludge S98

Release year

2024

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Silent

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

98%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

LCD

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

4000 mAh

Battery capacity

3750 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Top Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Keycaps Material

ABS, PBT

Dimensions

41 x 140 x 41 mm

Weight

1879g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority should guide your choice. If you value a specific, potentially softer and more cushioned typing experience and like the look of transparent keycaps, the AULA F98 Pro's gasket mount is compelling. However, for most users, especially those who want to customize switches later or appreciate the utility of a USB passthrough, the Royal Kludge S98's hot-swappable design and PBT keycaps offer greater long-term value and practicality.

AULA F98 PRO

+Uses a gasket mount design with Poron cotton and EVA damping materials for a softer typing feel.
+Features transparent PC keycaps with a GDA profile for a unique aesthetic and sound.
+Includes double-sided RGB side lights for additional lighting effects.
+Has a slightly larger 4000mAh battery capacity.
+Vendor description notes the battery is designed for easy replacement without disassembling the keyboard.

−Not listed as hot-swappable, limiting easy switch customization.
−Uses PC keycaps, which may show fingerprints and shine more readily than PBT.
−Lacks a USB passthrough port, a feature present on the S98.

Royal Kludge S98

+Hot-swappable switch sockets allow for easy switch replacement without soldering.
+Includes a built-in USB 2.0 passthrough port for connecting peripherals.
+Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to shine.
+Features south-facing RGB LEDs for better compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.
+Utilizes a four-layer sound absorbing foam according to the manufacturer's description.

−Uses a top-mount design, which typically provides a firmer, less flexible typing feel than a gasket mount.
−Heavier at 1879g (4.14 lbs), which may reduce portability.
−Has a slightly smaller 3750mAh battery compared to the AULA F98 Pro.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Royal Kludge S98 wins more categories, particularly for office use, modding, and content creation, thanks to its practical USB passthrough, hot-swappable design, and durable PBT keycaps. The AULA F98 Pro is the better pick for travel due to its larger, user-replaceable battery. For programming, both keyboards are evenly matched with their compact layouts and multi-system support. Gamers may lean toward the S98 for its implied gaming pedigree and south-facing LEDs.

GamingRoyal Kludge S98

•The Royal Kludge S98's listing includes a 'Gamer's Pick' variant in its product family, suggesting a design focus for gaming.
•Its south-facing RGB LEDs are less likely to interfere with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gaming sets.
•The top-mount design may offer a more consistent and stable typing platform for rapid key presses.

OfficeRoyal Kludge S98

•The Royal Kludge S98 includes a built-in USB 2.0 passthrough port for easy peripheral connection.
•Its double-shot PBT keycaps, as listed, are more resistant to shine from frequent use than the AULA's PC keycaps.
•The manufacturer's listing states its four-layer sound absorbing foam and quiet switches are ideal for office environments.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards offer a 96% layout with a numpad, useful for data entry and shortcuts.
•Both feature system switching (Win/Mac) for developers working across platforms.
•Each has a knob for quick volume or media control during long coding sessions.

TravelAULA F98 PRO

•The AULA F98 Pro's 4000mAh battery is slightly larger than the S98's 3750mAh battery.
•The AULA's vendor description highlights an easy-to-replace battery design without disassembly, useful for long-term travel.
•While the S98 has a specified weight, the AULA's weight is not listed, but its gasket mount using Poron and EVA foam may result in a lighter construction.

ModdingRoyal Kludge S98

•The Royal Kludge S98 is explicitly listed as hot-swappable, allowing for easy switch changes.
•It comes with a keycap and switch puller in the box, as per its package contents.
•Its south-facing RGB LEDs provide compatibility with a wider range of aftermarket keycap profiles.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98

•The USB passthrough port on the S98 is convenient for connecting a drawing tablet or other peripherals.
•The knob can be used for timeline scrubbing or brush size adjustment in supported software.
•PBT keycaps offer a more textured, durable surface for frequent use during long editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)