KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Royal Kludge C98 HE vs Royal Kludge S98 DE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers who want a compact 96% keyboard with a number pad but are torn between bleeding-edge gaming technology and all-around office versatility. The C98 HE offers hall effect magnetic switches with rapid trigger and an 8000Hz polling rate, making it a strong contender for competitive gamers. In contrast, the S98 DE provides wireless connectivity via Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, a top mount design, an LCD screen, and a larger 3750mAh battery, catering more to productivity and convenience. The decision hinges on whether raw gaming performance or wireless flexibility and extra features matter more to you.

-16% off
69
C98 96% Hall Effect Magnetic Switch Keyboard
78
S98-DE 96% QWERTZ Kabellose Mechanische Tastatur

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 (0)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2025
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Includes a No display
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 1200 g
  • Sized at 41 x 409 x 140 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • 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 keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 95.1
  • Build Quality: 52.1
  • Productivity: 83.3
  • Customizability: 67.2
  • Portability: 45.1
Scores
  • Performance: 69
  • Build Quality: 70.2
  • Productivity: 91.2
  • Customizability: 79.8
  • Portability: 56.8
Name
Royal Kludge C98 HE
Name
Royal Kludge S98 DE
Release year
2025
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Magnetic
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
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
-
Mount Style
Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
41 x 409 x 140 mm
Dimensions
41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight
1200g
Weight
1879g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Pros and Trade-offs

For competitive gamers, the Royal Kludge C98 HE is the clear choice thanks to its hall effect switches, rapid trigger, and 8000Hz polling rate. For everyone else, the Royal Kludge S98 DE offers a more complete package with wireless versatility, a long-lasting battery, an LCD screen, and a quieter typing experience. If you value latency and performance above all else, go with the C98 HE. If you need a do-it-all keyboard for work and play without being tethered to a desk, the S98 DE is the better fit.

Royal Kludge C98 HE

  • +Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation points, enabling Rapid Trigger for competitive gaming.
  • +8000Hz polling rate delivers a 0.125ms response time, which is 8x faster than standard gaming keyboards.
  • +Cherry profile PBT keycaps are durable and resistant to shine and wear.
  • +Includes a dust cover and 4 backup switches in the package.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility and portability.
  • −Lacks media keys and a built-in screen, which some users may find less convenient for daily use.
  • −Some user reviews note that the web-based driver can be difficult to use and may not store settings on the keyboard itself.

Royal Kludge S98 DE

  • +Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) offers cable-free operation and flexibility.
  • +Features a smart LCD screen that can display custom GIFs, date, and connection status.
  • +Large 3750mAh battery provides extended usage between charges.
  • +Top mount design with sound-absorbing foams helps reduce noise and improve typing feel.
  • −Standard ABS keycaps are less durable than PBT and may develop shine over time.
  • −Heavier weight (1879g) makes it less portable than the C98 HE.
  • −Software may be limited to Windows, as noted in user reviews, which could be an issue for Linux users.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The C98 HE, with its magnetic switches and 8000Hz polling rate, is clearly the better choice for gaming scenarios where speed and responsiveness are critical. For office and content creation, the S98 DE's wireless freedom, long battery life, and LCD screen offer more practical benefits. In programming, both keyboards are evenly matched due to their similar layout and hot-swap capabilities. For modding, the S98 DE's top mount and screw-in stabilizers give it an edge, while its wireless features make it more portable for travel. Overall, the S98 DE is the more versatile tool for daily productivity and customization.

GamingRoyal Kludge C98 HE
  • •Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.01mm to 3.5mm enable rapid trigger for faster response in FPS games.
  • •An 8000Hz polling rate and 64K Hz key scanning frequency deliver a 0.125ms response time for near-instant input registration.
  • •Supports advanced gaming features like Dynamic Keys, Multi-Tap, Toggle, and SOCD Cleaning for genre-specific controls.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S98 DE
  • •Wireless connectivity options including Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz provide a cable-free desk setup, which is convenient for multitasking.
  • •The 3750mAh battery offers long-lasting power for a full workday without frequent recharging.
  • •A top mount design and sound-absorbing foams help reduce noise, creating a quieter typing experience in shared spaces.
  • •A built-in LCD screen can display date, connection mode, and battery status for quick at-a-glance information.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a 96% layout with a number pad, which is beneficial for coding and data entry.
  • •Both support Mac/Win operating systems, allowing for flexible use across different development environments.
  • •Both offer hot-swappable switches, letting programmers customize the feel without soldering.
TravelRoyal Kludge S98 DE
  • •The S98 DE supports wireless modes (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz), eliminating the need to carry a cable for on-the-go use.
  • •Its larger 3750mAh battery provides extended runtime away from a power source.
  • •The S98 DE includes an LCD screen that shows connection status and battery level, which is helpful when traveling.
ModdingRoyal Kludge S98 DE
  • •The S98 DE features a top mount design and sound-absorbing foam layers, providing a solid foundation for modding.
  • •It supports hot-swappable 3-pin or 5-pin switches, allowing for easy experimentation with different switch types.
  • •The S98 DE includes screw-in stabilizers, which are a modder-friendly upgrade for improved key feel.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98 DE
  • •Wireless connectivity helps reduce desk clutter during recording or editing sessions.
  • •The LCD screen can display custom GIFs, which is useful for branding or visual feedback.
  • •The S98 DE includes a USB pass-through port for easy connection of peripherals.
  • •A knob and media keys provide quick access to volume and playback controls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

96
$89
Keychron V6 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6 Max
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

79
$109
S98-ES Teclado Mecánico Inalámbrico 96% QWERTY
Royal Kludge S98 ES
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Top Mount

88
$85
Keychron K17 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron K17 Max
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

78
$109
S98-FR Clavier Mécanique Sans Fil 96% AZERTY
Royal Kludge S98 FR
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob

75
$76
S98 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard
Royal Kludge S98
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Top Mount

90
$119
FEKER Alice98 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard With LED Screen
Feker Alice98
98%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
Gasket Mount

72
$85
S104 Wireless Full Size Mechanical Keyboard
Royal Kludge S104
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Top Mount

82
$109
Keydous NJ98 Hot-Swappable Display Screen with Knob Keyboard Kit
Keydous NJ98
98%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Alu case

70
$70
RK96 Wireless Hot-Swappable RGB Keyboard
Royal Kludge RK96
96%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
PCB Mount

76
$89
EPOMAKER TH108 PRO
Epomaker TH108 Pro
100%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Screen,
RGB,
Knob,
Gasket Mount