Royal Kludge C98 HE vs S98Gaming Performance vs Wireless Versatility
Choose the C98 HE for its Hall Effect switches and 8K Hz polling rate if competitive gaming is your priority, otherwise the S98 offers superior versatility with triple-mode wireless and a smart display.
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from$89at Royal Kludge
from$89at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge C98 HE
Gaming Performance
Build quality in the bottom 25% of 96% boards under $100.
- Hall Effect magnetic switches with 0.01-3.5mm adjustable actuation.
- 8000 Hz polling rate and Rapid Trigger technology for competitive gaming.
- Three-layer sound dampening system with EVA, foam, and silicone.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Royal Kludge S98
Wireless Versatility
Build quality in the top 30% of 96% boards under $100.
- Triple-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired).
- Customizable smart display for GIFs, system info, and settings.
- Includes a USB 2.0 pass-through port for peripherals.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your decision hinges on a single priority: raw gaming performance or all-around versatility. If you play competitive FPS or fighting games and want the fastest, most tunable key response, the wired Royal Kludge C98 HE is the clear tool for the job. For everyone else—whether you work in an office, value a clean wireless setup, or enjoy extra features like a screen and USB hub—the Royal Kludge S98 is the more practical and flexible daily driver.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Royal Kludge C98 HE
Royal Kludge S98
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Rapid trigger
Yes
No
Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Switch options
Magnetic
Linear, Tactile
Display
None
TFT
A case display rather than a typing feature
- Royal Kludge C98 HE
- Royal Kludge S98
- Performance
- 9565
- Build quality
- 5272
- Productivity
- 8482
- Customizability
- 6772
- Portability
- 4553
- Layout size: 96%
- Hot-swappable
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Royal Kludge C98 HE is the definitive choice for gamers who value the ultra-customizable actuation and speed of Hall Effect switches. For nearly all other scenarios, the S98 pulls ahead with its practical advantages. Its wireless freedom, USB pass-through, and smart display make it better suited for office work, travel, and content creation. Programmers will find both layouts equally capable, while modders may prefer the S98's more conventional switch compatibility and internal construction.
Pick the Royal Kludge C98 HE
- Features Hall Effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.01mm to 3.5mm.
- Includes Rapid Trigger technology with a 0.01mm step distance for faster key resets.
- Offers an 8000 Hz polling rate for minimal input latency.
Royal Kludge C98 HE vs S98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 22 specs differ
Royal Kludge C98 HE
Royal Kludge S98
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB passthrough
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge C98 HE vs S98: your questions
The core difference is switch technology and connectivity. The C98 HE uses Hall Effect magnetic switches optimized for gaming and is wired-only. The S98 uses traditional linear or tactile mechanical switches and offers triple-mode wireless connectivity along with a smart display.
The Royal Kludge C98 HE is better for competitive gaming. It is specifically designed with an 8000 Hz polling rate, Rapid Trigger technology, and Hall Effect switches that allow for adjustable actuation points. The S98 lacks these high-performance gaming features.
Yes. According to the manufacturer, the RK S98 supports connectivity with up to three devices via Bluetooth and one via the 2.4 GHz dongle, allowing you to switch between multiple computers or tablets easily.
No. The C98 HE comes with Cherry profile PBT keycaps. The S98 comes with PBT double-shot keycaps, and its listing also mentions ABS as a material option, suggesting possible variation.
No. The vendor page for the C98 HE specifies its hot-swap sockets are for 'RK magnetic switches only.' You cannot install standard 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches in it.
Yes. Both the RK S98 and the C98 HE feature a dedicated control knob. The S98's manufacturer states the knob can adjust volume, lighting, and connection settings.
Both keyboards feature internal foam, but the implementations differ. The C98 HE uses a three-layer system with EVA, foam, and silicone. The S98 uses a four-layer sound absorbing foam in a top-mount design, which the manufacturer claims reduces noise and echo.
Yes, both keyboards feature south-facing RGB backlighting with multiple effects. The C98 HE uses a web-based driver for customization, while the S98 uses dedicated software that requires a wired connection for full functionality.
The RK S98 has a 3750mAh battery. The manufacturer claims it can deliver up to 200 hours of use with the backlight turned off and takes 6-7 hours to fully recharge.
The Royal Kludge C98 HE includes more accessories. Its box contains a dust cover, four backup switches, and a keycap & switch puller. The S98's listed package includes a keycap & switch puller but does not mention a dust cover or extra switches.
Yes. Both the Royal Kludge C98 HE and S98 list support for Windows and Mac operating systems in their specifications and vendor descriptions.
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