Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Royal Kludge S98Gasket vs Screen
Choose the Epomaker Galaxy100 for superior typing feel and deep customization, or the Royal Kludge S98 for its smart display and USB passthrough.
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4.6 (69)4.6 · 69 reviews
from$87at Epomaker
90-day lowLowest price in 90 days
No reviews
from$89at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Epomaker Galaxy100
Gasket
Build quality in the top 15% of 96% boards under $100.
- Aluminum alloy case with a gasket-mount structure for a premium, flexible typing feel.
- Full QMK and VIA firmware support for deep key remapping and macro programming.
- Massive 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Royal Kludge S98
Screen
Build quality in the top 30% of 96% boards under $100.
- Features a customizable smart display for GIFs, system info, and settings.
- Includes a built-in USB 2.0 passthrough port for connecting a mouse or flash drive.
- Offers a choice between linear and tactile switch options out of the box.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your priority should guide this choice. For enthusiasts who value typing acoustics, a flexible gasket-mounted feel, and the limitless customization of QMK/VIA, the Epomaker Galaxy100 is the clear winner. If you prefer a keyboard with modern conveniences like a status screen and a USB passthrough port right out of the box, and you don't require open-source firmware, the Royal Kludge S98 is a compelling package.
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.
Epomaker Galaxy100
Royal Kludge S98
Battery
8,000 mAh
3,750 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Switch options
Clicky, Linear
Linear, Tactile
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
Display
None
TFT
A case display rather than a typing feature
Weight
2,000 g
1,879 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Epomaker Galaxy100
- Royal Kludge S98
- Performance
- 8365
- Build quality
- 8372
- Productivity
- 9382
- Customizability
- 8872
- Portability
- 6253
- Layout size: 96%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Epomaker Galaxy100 is the stronger choice for gaming, programming, and modding due to its performance specs, open-source firmware, and gasket-mounted construction. The Royal Kludge S98 takes the lead for office use with its practical USB passthrough and informative screen. For travel, both are similarly heavy, and for content creation, their shared knob feature makes them equally viable, with different secondary advantages.
Pick the Epomaker Galaxy100
- The Galaxy100 has a specified 1000Hz polling rate for wired and 2.4GHz modes.
- Its vendor page lists specific low latency figures (2.81ms wired, 4.72ms 2.4GHz).
- The gasket mount with five layers of sound dampening foam can provide a more stable, consistent typing feel.
Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Royal Kludge S98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 26 specs differ
Epomaker Galaxy100
Royal Kludge S98
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB passthrough
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Epomaker Galaxy100 vs Royal Kludge S98: your questions
The Epomaker Galaxy100 has a larger 8000mAh battery, which should theoretically last longer than the Royal Kludge S98's 3750mAh battery. However, the S98's vendor claims up to 200 hours of use with the backlight off. Actual battery life will depend on usage patterns like RGB brightness and connection mode.
The Epomaker Galaxy100 supports QMK and VIA firmware, which allows for extensive remapping of every key, creating macros, and programming layers. The Royal Kludge S98 uses proprietary software for customization, but its product description does not specify the same degree of open-source, granular control as QMK/VIA.
Yes, both the Epomaker Galaxy100 and Royal Kludge S98 list compatibility with Mac and Windows operating systems. The Galaxy100's vendor page also specifically mentions Android compatibility.
The Epomaker Galaxy100 uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended by rubber or silicone gaskets for a softer, more flexible typing feel. The Royal Kludge S98 uses a top mount, where the plate is fixed to the top of the case, typically resulting in a firmer, more direct feel. The choice is subjective and affects sound and typing sensation.
Both keyboards feature sound-dampening foam. The Galaxy100 lists five specific layers including Poron and PET pads, while the S98 mentions a four-layer sound absorbing foam. Both should be relatively quiet with their included linear switches, but the final sound will also depend on the specific switches and keycaps used.
Yes, according to the Royal Kludge product description, the customizable smart display on the S98 can show the battery status, among other information like RGB modes and system layout (Win/Mac).
The Epomaker Galaxy100 uses PBT keycaps. The Royal Kludge S98's specifications list its keycap type as 'PBT Double Shot Keycaps.' Double-shot construction generally means the legends are more durable and won't wear off.
Yes, both the Epomaker Galaxy100 and Royal Kludge S98 are hot-swappable, meaning you can change the mechanical switches without soldering. The Galaxy100's product page specifies compatibility with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The Epomaker Galaxy100's vendor page provides specific latency measurements: 2.81ms for wired USB, 4.72ms for 2.4GHz wireless, and 15ms for Bluetooth. The Royal Kludge S98's product description does not provide comparable latency or polling rate figures, making a direct performance comparison difficult.
Both keyboards come with a USB cable, a keycap and switch puller, and a user manual. The Epomaker Galaxy100 listing specifies a 2-in-1 switch puller is included.
Yes, both the Epomaker Galaxy100 and the Royal Kludge S98 feature south-facing RGB LEDs. South-facing LEDs are often preferred as they prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps and can improve the look of the lighting from the typist's angle.
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