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

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two Royal Kludge 96% keyboards that serve very different priorities. The C98 HE focuses on high-speed gaming with its Hall Effect magnetic switches and 8K polling rate. The S98 JP prioritizes versatility with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity, plus a smart LCD screen and knob. The decision is hard because both occupy a similar layout and price range but target different use cases. You must decide whether raw gaming performance or all-around wireless convenience matters more for your daily use.

Model
	-16% off 69	79	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Magnetic switch options Built with the ANSI layout standard 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	Built with the JIS layout standard Includes a Yes, LCD display Offers a USB passthrough port Features N-key rollover 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 1880 g Sized at 140 x 410 x 40 mm Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 95.1 Build Quality: 52.1 Productivity: 83.3 Customizability: 67.2 Portability: 45.1	Scores Performance: 78.3 Build Quality: 69.9 Productivity: 91.1 Customizability: 79.6 Portability: 56.7
Name	Name Royal Kludge C98 HE	Name Royal Kludge S98 JP
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Magnetic	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard JIS
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support LCD
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 Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 8000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	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 -	Mount Style Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 409 x 140 mm	Dimensions 140 x 410 x 40 mm
Weight	Weight 1200g	Weight 1880g

*Something incorrect or missing? Please

let me know

!

Pros and Trade-offs

If your primary focus is low-latency gaming with features like Rapid Trigger and adjustable actuation, the Royal Kludge C98 HE is the clear choice. For users who need a versatile daily driver with wireless freedom, a smart display, and a robust typing experience, the Royal Kludge S98 JP offers better value. Consider your main use case between competitive play and flexible productivity to make the final decision.

Royal Kludge C98 HE

+Hall Effect magnetic switches with 0.01mm adjustability for competitive gaming
+8K Hz polling rate and 0.125ms response time for near-instant input registration
+3-layer sound dampening (EVA foam, sound-absorbing foam, bottom silicone pad) reduces hollow noise
+PBT keycaps resist shine and wear over time
+Includes dust cover and backup switches in the box

−Wired-only connectivity limits desk setup flexibility
−ABS plastic case construction may feel less premium than heavier alternatives
−Web-based driver requires stable internet access for full customization

Royal Kludge S98 JP

+Triple connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz, USB-C) for use with multiple devices
+Built-in LCD screen displays GIF, date, connection mode, and battery status
+Multi-function knob controls volume, backlight brightness, and RGB modes
+USB pass-through port allows easy connection of peripherals
+Top mount design and multi-layer foam (IXPE pad, silicon pad) reduce noise by 40%

−No Hall Effect technology, limiting gaming performance options
−Heavier 1.88kg build reduces portability despite wireless features
−ABS keycap material is more prone to shine over time compared to PBT
−JIS layout may not suit users accustomed to ANSI or ISO standards

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The C98 HE dominates in gaming tasks thanks to magnetic switches and an 8K polling rate that enable rapid trigger and precise actuation adjustments. For productivity-focused roles like office work and programming, the S98 JP pulls ahead with wireless convenience, a smart LCD screen, and superior sound dampening. When traveling or creating content, the S98 JP's battery life and USB pass-through make it the more practical companion. For modding, both keyboards offer hot-swappable PCBs and good build potential, making them equally appealing to enthusiasts.

GamingRoyal Kludge C98 HE

•Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.01mm to 3.5mm
•Rapid Trigger with 0.01mm step distance for faster key releases in FPS titles
•8K Hz polling rate and 0.125ms response time for ultra-low latency

OfficeRoyal Kludge S98 JP

•Triple connectivity options (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-C) for flexible desk setups
•Built-in LCD screen for date, connection mode, and battery status
•Screw-in stabilizers and sound dampening foam (IXPE, silicon pad) for a quieter typing experience
•USB pass-through port for added convenience

ProgrammingRoyal Kludge S98 JP