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

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Royal Kludge's popular 96% layout keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a compact layout with a numpad, hot-swappable sockets, a knob, and sound dampening. The core trade-off is between the C98 HE's cutting-edge magnetic switch technology for gaming and the S98's comprehensive wireless connectivity and extra features for general use. Your primary use case will dictate the winner.

-16% off
69
C98 96% Hall Effect Magnetic Switch Keyboard
75
S98 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • 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
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • 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, PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 95.1
  • Build Quality: 52.1
  • Productivity: 83.2
  • Customizability: 67.1
  • Portability: 45.1
Scores
  • Performance: 65.1
  • Build Quality: 63
  • Productivity: 82.3
  • Customizability: 72.6
  • Portability: 53.3
Name
Royal Kludge C98 HE
Name
Royal Kludge S98
Release year
2025
Release year
2023
Switch Options
Magnetic
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Silent
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
 
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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
41 x 409 x 140 mm
Dimensions
41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight
1200g
Weight
1879g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Royal Kludge C98 HE

  • +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.
  • +Lighter weight (1200g) for its size.
  • +Includes a dust cover in the box.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and desk cleanliness.
  • −Hot-swap socket only compatible with RK magnetic switches, limiting upgrade options.
  • −Lacks dedicated media keys.

Royal Kludge S98

  • +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.
  • +Top-mount design with four-layer sound absorbing foam.
  • +Hot-swappable for a wide range of standard mechanical switches.
  • −Significantly heavier (1879g) than the C98 HE.
  • −Lacks advanced gaming features like Hall Effect switches and Rapid Trigger.
  • −Professional software features require a wired connection.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingRoyal 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.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S98
  • •Provides triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) for flexible device switching.
  • •Includes a built-in USB pass-through port for connecting peripherals.
  • •Features media keys, which the C98 HE lacks according to its vendor page.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both offer the same 96% layout with a numpad and arrow keys.
  • •Both are hot-swappable for customizing switch feel.
  • •The C98 HE's web-based software allows for deep key remapping, while the S98 offers professional software support when wired.
TravelRoyal Kludge S98
  • •Wireless operation via Bluetooth or 2.4 GHz removes cable clutter.
  • •Includes a 3750mAh battery for cordless use.
  • •Lighter weight (1200g for C98 HE vs 1879g for S98) makes the C98 HE more portable, but the S98's wireless functionality is a decisive advantage for mobility.
ModdingRoyal Kludge S98
  • •Uses a top-mount design, which is often preferred for its typing feel.
  • •Features four-layer sound absorbing foam according to the manufacturer.
  • •Hot-swappable for standard 3-pin/5-pin mechanical switches, whereas the C98 HE's hot-swap is limited to RK magnetic switches only.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98
  • •The customizable smart display can show system info, GIFs, or battery status.
  • •USB pass-through port is convenient for connecting a drawing tablet or flash drive.
  • •Wireless connectivity allows for a cleaner desk setup for filming or streaming.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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