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Compare LUMINKEY Luminkey98 V2 vs Luminkey98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two generations of LUMINKEY's modular 98% keyboard. The decision is difficult because both share core features like movable numpads, tri-mode connectivity, and hot-swap PCBs, but diverge significantly in performance, mounting style, and included features. The V2 is positioned as a performance upgrade, while the original focuses on foundational versatility.

72
LUMINKEY Luminkey98 V2 Aluminum Wireless Keyboard
67
LUMINKEY Luminkey98 Wireless Keyboard

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  • Released in 2026
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO layout standard
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4400 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 2600 g
  • Sized at 20 x 136 x 400 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
  • Offers No RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.3
  • Build Quality: 63.7
  • Productivity: 80.6
  • Customizability: 68.4
  • Portability: 65.9
Scores
  • Performance: 40.9
  • Build Quality: 61.9
  • Productivity: 77
  • Customizability: 70.7
  • Portability: 57.5
Name
LUMINKEY Luminkey98 V2
Name
LUMINKEY Luminkey98
Release year
2026
Release year
2024
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
98%
Layout Size
98%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO
Layout Ergonomics
Southpaw
Layout Ergonomics
Southpaw
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
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
6000 mAh
Battery capacity
4400 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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
-
Dimensions
20 x 136 x 400 mm
Weight
-
Weight
2600g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority should guide this choice. If competitive gaming latency, a softer gasket-mounted typing feel, and RGB are critical, the Luminkey98 V2 is the clear upgrade. If your budget is tighter and you value maximum layout customization, ISO support, or a barebones starting point, the original Luminkey98 remains a highly capable and versatile keyboard.

LUMINKEY Luminkey98 V2

  • +8000 Hz polling rate for high-performance gaming.
  • +Gasket mount design with poron plate foam, IXPE switch pad, and bottom foam layers for sound dampening.
  • +South-facing per-key RGB backlighting.
  • +Includes dedicated multimedia keys.
  • +Larger 6000 mAh battery capacity.

  • Likely commands a higher price than the original model.
  • Only supports ANSI layout, lacking the ISO support of the original.
  • Uses plate mount stabilizers, which some enthusiasts prefer to replace.

LUMINKEY Luminkey98

  • +Supports both ANSI and ISO physical layouts for greater keycap compatibility.
  • +Offers configurable Caps Lock, Backspace, and Spacebar sizes.
  • +Available as a DIY Kit/Barebones for custom builds.
  • +Vendor description mentions programmability via a LUMINKEY app.
  • +Generally more affordable than the V2.

  • Standard 1000 Hz polling rate.
  • No RGB backlighting of any kind.
  • Smaller 4400 mAh battery.
  • Top mount design, which typically offers less flex than a gasket mount.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Luminkey98 V2 takes the lead for gaming and content creation due to its high polling rate and RGB lighting. The original Luminkey98 is stronger for programming and modding, thanks to its superior layout flexibility and barebones availability. For office use and travel, the keyboards are closely matched, with the V2 offering a slight edge in battery life and the original potentially being more affordable.

GamingLUMINKEY Luminkey98 V2
  • The V2 has an 8000 Hz polling rate for lower latency, compared to 1000 Hz on the original.
  • Its gasket mount design, with included poron and IXPE foam, may offer a more consistent typing feel.
  • South-facing RGB backlighting is included, which the original Luminkey98 lacks.
OfficeTie
  • Both offer tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) for flexible device switching.
  • Both have a movable numpad for left or right-hand placement.
  • The V2 includes dedicated multimedia keys, while the original's listing does not mention them.
ProgrammingLUMINKEY Luminkey98
  • The original Luminkey98 supports both ANSI and ISO physical layouts, offering more keycap compatibility.
  • It also supports configurable Caps Lock, Backspace, and Spacebar sizes for personalized layouts.
  • Its vendor description mentions programmability via a LUMINKEY app.
TravelLUMINKEY Luminkey98 V2
  • The V2 has a larger 6000 mAh battery compared to the 4400 mAh battery in the original.
  • Both share the same 98% form factor and typing angle, making portability similar.
  • The original is listed as weighing 2600g, but no weight is provided for the V2 for a direct comparison.
ModdingLUMINKEY Luminkey98
  • The original Luminkey98 is listed as a DIY Kit/Barebones option, offering a starting point for custom builds.
  • It features a polycarbonate plate and a non-flex cut PCB, which may appeal to modders seeking a specific typing feel.
  • Both keyboards have hot-swap sockets supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
Content CreationLUMINKEY Luminkey98 V2
  • The V2's south-facing RGB backlighting can be useful for low-light streaming or recording setups.
  • Its included multimedia keys provide quick access to playback and volume controls.
  • The gasket mount with sound dampening foam may produce a more consistent, pleasant sound profile for audio work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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