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

This comparison is for buyers who want a 96% layout from Royal Kludge and are torn between a wired hall effect gaming board and a feature-rich wireless office keyboard. The C98 HE offers competitive gaming features like an 8000 Hz polling rate and Rapid Trigger technology, but it is wired only and has no screen. The S98 FR provides Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, a long-lasting 3750 mAh battery, and an LCD screen, but uses standard mechanical switches. The decision hinges on whether your priority is the fastest possible input latency for gaming or the flexibility of wireless use and daily productivity features.

-16% off
69
C98 96% Hall Effect Magnetic Switch Keyboard
78
S98-FR Clavier Mécanique Sans Fil 96% AZERTY

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  • 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
  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 4000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1879 g
  • Sized at 42 x 409 x 140 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: 85.6
  • Build Quality: 66.6
  • Productivity: 91.1
  • Customizability: 79.5
  • Portability: 56.6
Name
Royal Kludge C98 HE
Name
Royal Kludge S98 FR
Release year
2025
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Magnetic
Switch Options
-
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
4000 Hz
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
-
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
42 x 409 x 140 mm
Weight
1200g
Weight
1879g
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Pros and Trade-offs

For competitive gamers who need the fastest possible input and advanced features like Rapid Trigger and SOCD, the Royal Kludge C98 HE is the clear choice. Its wired design and hall effect technology are built for speed. For users who need a versatile keyboard for office work, programming, or creative tasks, the Royal Kludge S98 FR is the better option, offering wireless freedom, a smart screen, and a large battery for all-day productivity.

Royal Kludge C98 HE

  • +8000 Hz polling rate and 0.125ms response time for exceptional low-latency gaming
  • +Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation (0.01mm-3.5mm) and Rapid Trigger support
  • +Comes with a dust cover, 4 backup switches, and a keycap/switch puller in the box
  • +Triple-layer sound dampening system (EVA, foam, silicone) reduces cavity noise
  • +Cherry profile PBT keycaps are durable and oil-resistant
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup options and portability
  • −No built-in screen for system information or customization feedback
  • −ABS keycaps on some variants are more prone to shine over time
  • −Hot-swappability is limited to RK magnetic switches only

Royal Kludge S98 FR

  • +Tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB-C wired options
  • +Large 3750 mAh battery provides extended wireless usage without frequent recharging
  • +Built-in LCD screen can display a custom GIF, battery level, or connection mode
  • +Includes USB pass-through port for connecting peripherals
  • +Screw-in stabilizers and sound dampening (IXPE, foam, silicone) for a more refined typing sound
  • −Standard mechanical switches lack the rapid trigger and adjustable actuation of hall effect switches
  • −Heavier weight at 1879g makes it less portable compared to the 1200g C98 HE
  • −No Rapid Trigger or dynamic key features for competitive gaming

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The C98 HE wins decisively for Gaming and Modding thanks to its hall effect switches, Rapid Trigger, and 8000 Hz polling rate. For office and productivity tasks, the S98 FR is the better choice due to its wireless flexibility, long battery life, and LCD screen. In Travel and Content Creation, the S98 FR's portability and desk-friendly wireless features make it the winner. The C98 HE is the specialist tool for the gamer, while the S98 FR is the versatile all-rounder for daily work and play.

GamingRoyal Kludge C98 HE
  • •Hall effect switches with adjustable actuation from 0.01mm to 3.5mm and Rapid Trigger technology for instant key reset
  • •8000 Hz polling rate and 0.125ms response time for extremely low input latency
  • •Supports advanced features like Dynamic Keys (DKS), SOCD Cleaning, and Toggle (TGL) for competitive FPS and fighting games
OfficeRoyal Kludge S98 FR
  • •Wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz, providing a clutter-free desk setup
  • •Large 3750 mAh battery for extended use without frequent charging
  • •Built-in LCD screen for connection status, battery level, and a customizable GIF
  • •USB pass-through port for convenient accessory connection
ProgrammingRoyal Kludge S98 FR
  • •Wireless modes (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz) allow for easy switching between multiple devices like a laptop and desktop
  • •Full 96% layout with a numpad and dedicated knob for volume control, offering a complete set of keys without the full width
  • •Sound dampening with IXPE cushion, foam layers, and silicone pad for a quieter typing experience that is less distracting in an office
TravelRoyal Kludge S98 FR
  • •Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz, eliminating the need for a wired connection on the go
  • •Built-in 3750 mAh battery allows for extended use away from a power source
ModdingRoyal Kludge C98 HE
  • •Hall effect magnetic switches are hot-swappable with RK magnetic switches, offering a unique modding path with adjustable actuation
  • •Triple-layer sound dampening system (EVA, sound-absorbing foam, silicone pad) provides a solid base for further sound customization
  • •Comes with 4 backup switches, a keycap puller, and a switch puller in the box, facilitating immediate modification
Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98 FR
  • •Multifunction knob can be used for timeline scrolling or volume, and the LCD screen can display system information or a custom GIF
  • •Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter, which is beneficial for video or photo editing setups
  • •USB pass-through port provides a convenient way to connect a mouse or flash drive

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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