LUMINKEY Luminkey98 vs Meletrix Zoom98 SEMovable Numpad vs Premium Modding Kit
Choose the Luminkey98 for a unique movable numpad layout, or the Zoom98 SE for a premium, highly customizable barebones kit.
![[In-Stock]Zoom98 SE Ice Blue](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/2474/0287/files/4_20878784-8a91-4ca3-84f4-9e4011713fb4.jpg?v=1708586674&width=3840&quality=75)
Which one should you get?
Get the
LUMINKEY Luminkey98
Movable Numpad
- Unique movable numpad design allows transformation between standard and southpaw layouts.
- Comes as a complete pre-built with Gateron Sylva linear switches and dye-sub PBT keycaps.
- Supports multiple physical layouts including ANSI, ISO, and different spacebar sizes.
- Uses a top mount design and plate-mount stabilizers, which may offer a different typing feel compared to gasket mounts.
- Lacks RGB backlighting.
- The vendor description mentions a 'non-flex cut' PCB, which may provide less flex than a flex-cut design.
Get the
Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Premium Modding Kit
- Sold as a premium barebones kit with extensive modding accessories including a Poron dampener kit and choice of PCBs.
- Features a gasket mount structure for a potentially more flexible and softer typing feel.
- Includes a programmable LCD screen and supports QMK/VIA for deep firmware customization.
- Is a barebones kit, requiring separate purchase of switches and keycaps, increasing total cost and setup time.
- Has a higher front height of 22mm, which may require a wrist rest for some users.
- Bluetooth polling rate is listed at 125Hz, lower than its 2.4GHz and wired modes.
Your choice hinges on whether you value a unique, ready-to-use layout or a premium custom-building experience. Opt for the LUMINKEY Luminkey98 if you want a versatile, pre-built keyboard with its standout movable numpad feature. Choose the Meletrix Zoom98 SE if you are an enthusiast who enjoys assembling and tuning a keyboard from the ground up, valuing its gasket mount, LCD, and extensive modding potential.
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.
LUMINKEY Luminkey98
Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Battery
4,400 mAh
4,500 mAh
Ergonomics
Southpaw
Split Spacebar
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum
Switch options
Linear
Clicky, Linear
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount
- LUMINKEY Luminkey98
- Meletrix Zoom98 SE
- Performance
- 4179
- Build quality
- 6185
- Productivity
- 7793
- Customizability
- 7090
- Portability
- 5855
- Layout size: 98%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
What will you mostly use it for?
The Zoom98 SE is the clear choice for enthusiasts focused on modding, programming, and gaming due to its barebones nature, superior firmware support, and included tuning accessories. The Luminkey98 wins for office use and travel, as its pre-built, ready-to-use design with a unique movable numpad offers immediate practicality and adaptability. For content creation, both keyboards provide strong foundational features, making the choice more subjective.
Pick the Meletrix Zoom98 SE
- Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate in wired and 2.4GHz modes.
- The Zoom98 SE's listing mentions N-Key Rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- South-facing RGB LEDs on the Zoom98 SE reduce interference with certain keycap profiles.
LUMINKEY Luminkey98 vs Meletrix Zoom98 SE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
17 of 25 specs differ
LUMINKEY Luminkey98
Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
LUMINKEY Luminkey98 vs Meletrix Zoom98 SE: your questions
The LUMINKEY Luminkey98 is more beginner-friendly. It comes fully assembled with switches, keycaps, and tools, so you can start using it immediately without any additional purchases or assembly knowledge.
No, the Meletrix Zoom98 SE is explicitly listed as a barebones kit. It does not include switches or keycaps, so you must purchase those separately to complete the build.
No. The movable numpad is a specific feature of the LUMINKEY Luminkey98. The Zoom98 SE has a fixed 98% layout, though it does support a split spacebar and other key layout changes via its PCB.
The Meletrix Zoom98 SE has broader software support, as it is compatible with both QMK and VIA for open-source, cross-platform key remapping. The Luminkey98 uses a proprietary LUMINKEY APP for programming.
Yes. Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity, supporting wired USB-C, 2.4GHz wireless with a dongle, and Bluetooth. The Zoom98 SE listing specifies Bluetooth 5.2.
The mounting style is a key differentiator. The Luminkey98 uses a top mount, which typically provides a more rigid feel. The Zoom98 SE uses a gasket mount, which is designed to offer a softer, more cushioned typing experience with some flex.
The LUMINKEY Luminkey98 is significantly heavier at 2600g. The Meletrix Zoom98 SE barebones kit weighs 1000g, though its final weight will increase once switches, keycaps, and its external weight are installed.
No, according to the provided specifications, the LUMINKEY Luminkey98 does not have RGB backlighting. The Meletrix Zoom98 SE features south-facing RGB LEDs.
The Meletrix Zoom98 SE kit includes screws, installation tools, and a coiled USB-C to USB-A cable. It also comes with a full set of modding accessories like a Poron sound dampener kit and silicone keyboard feet.
Yes. The vendor listing for the Zoom98 SE explicitly states compatibility with Windows, Mac, and Linux. The Luminkey98 listing also confirms Mac and Windows support.
The LUMINKEY Luminkey98 has a 4400mAh battery. The Meletrix Zoom98 SE includes two 2250mAh batteries, for a combined total of 4500mAh.
Not sold on either?
![[In-Stock]Zoom98 EE Wild Green](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0607/2474/0287/files/Zoom98_Screen_EE_WildGreen_Ano_Black_e643a276-d06e-4aca-b381-da77d27d07ab.jpg?v=1708587782&width=3840&quality=75)
![[In Stock] KK98 R2 98% Mechanical Keyboard](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0549/0262/0278/products/kk981.jpg?v=1678343590&width=3840&quality=75)
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.