Gateron iG 98 vs iG 98 Sweet Time
Choose based on your preference for PBT keycaps and a specific plate material, as the core features are otherwise identical.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Gateron iG 98
- Lists a polycarbonate plate option, which may offer a specific acoustic or flex profile.
- Features Gateron 2.0 hotswap sockets for easy switch customization.
- Offers three connectivity modes: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- Uses ABS keycaps, which may develop shine over time compared to PBT.
- The vendor listing indicates some user reports of random keypress issues and connectivity problems.
- Lacks support for QMK or VIA firmware for advanced reprogramming.
Get the
Gateron iG 98 Sweet Time
- Includes PBT keycaps, which are more resistant to wear and shine.
- Features Gateron 2.0 hotswap sockets for easy switch customization.
- Offers three connectivity modes: wired USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4 GHz wireless.
- The vendor listing shows the product as out of stock, affecting availability.
- Uses a plastic plate, whereas the standard model lists a polycarbonate option.
- Lacks support for QMK or VIA firmware for advanced reprogramming.
Your choice between the Gateron iG 98 and iG 98 Sweet Time should be guided by material preference and availability. If you prioritize PBT keycaps for durability and prefer a specific color theme, the Sweet Time is the logical pick. If you value the potential for a polycarbonate plate and the standard green colorway is in stock, the original iG 98 is suitable. Core performance and features are the same.
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.
Gateron iG 98
Gateron iG 98 Sweet Time
Plate material
Plastic, Polycarbonate
Plastic
Keycaps
ABS
ABS, PBT
- Gateron iG 98
- Gateron iG 98 Sweet Time
- Performance
- 7880
- Build quality
- 5353
- Productivity
- 7374
- Customizability
- 7475
- Portability
- 5655
- Layout size: 98%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 4,000 mAh
- Case material: ABS
- Switch options: Clicky
What will you mostly use it for?
The keyboards are tied in most categories due to their shared core specs. The Sweet Time model has a slight edge for office use due to its PBT keycaps, while the standard iG 98 may appeal to programmers interested in its listed polycarbonate plate option. For gaming, travel, modding, and content creation, the feature sets are effectively identical, making the choice purely aesthetic or based on material preference.
It's a tie
- Both offer identical 3-way connectivity (wired, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz) for low-latency options.
- Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both have the same 98% layout with a clickable volume knob.
Gateron iG 98 vs iG 98 Sweet Time specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
2 of 20 specs differ
Gateron iG 98
Gateron iG 98 Sweet Time
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Gateron iG 98 vs iG 98 Sweet Time: your questions
The primary differences are aesthetic and material-based. The Sweet Time model features PBT keycaps and a blue, pink, and white color scheme with the iG mascot. The standard iG 98 has ABS keycaps, a green colorway, and its product listing includes polycarbonate as a plate material option.
Yes. Both the Gateron iG 98 and iG 98 Sweet Time use Gateron 2.0 hotswap sockets. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering, using compatible MX-style switches.
Both keyboards offer three connectivity modes. According to the vendor descriptions, they connect via a wired USB-C cable, Bluetooth 5.0, and a 2.4 GHz wireless receiver. They can connect to up to five devices wirelessly.
No. The vendor characteristics for both models explicitly state they are not QMK compatible and not VIA compatible. This limits advanced key remapping and macro programming to any onboard functions the keyboard may have.
The vendor descriptions list that both models can come with either Gateron Mini i tactile switches or Gateron Mountain Top linear switches. The specific switch type is a variant chosen at purchase.
Both keyboards are equipped with a 4000mAh rechargeable battery. The vendor descriptions do not provide an estimated battery life in hours, as this depends on usage patterns and RGB lighting settings.
Yes. The vendor listings confirm both keyboards are compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
Both keyboards allow you to change the spacebar configuration. You can use a single standard 6.25u spacebar or install three smaller spacebars in its place, offering layout customization for different typing styles or ergonomics.
The keycaps are dye-sublimated with legends on top. Both keyboards use north-facing RGB LEDs. Since the legends are on the top of the keycap and not transparent, the backlighting will shine around the keys rather than directly through the letters.
A customer review for the standard Gateron iG 98 mentions occasional random keypresses and some connectivity issues. The vendor description for the Sweet Time model does not cite similar issues, but it has fewer user reviews available.
Based on the provided vendor data, the standard Gateron iG 98 is listed as in stock from one vendor. The Gateron iG 98 Sweet Time is listed as out of stock, which may affect immediate purchase availability.
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