Royal Kludge N80 vs S98: Compact 75% vs Full 96% Layout Choice

Compare Royal Kludge N80 vs Royal Kludge S98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Royal Kludge's two feature-packed, screen-equipped keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core specs like tri-mode connectivity, a 3750mAh battery, hot-swappable sockets, and a control knob. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize the N80's compact, low-profile form factor or the S98's larger 96% layout with a dedicated number pad and potentially more premium build materials.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Has Tactile, Linear switch options Features a low-profile design Available in a 75% layout Weighs about 1200 g Sized at 28 x 330 x 140 mm Made with a Plastic case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options Available in a 96% layout Weighs about 1879 g Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 65 Build Quality: 62.9 Productivity: 82.2 Customizability: 72.6 Portability: 79.3	Scores Performance: 65.1 Build Quality: 63 Productivity: 82.3 Customizability: 72.6 Portability: 53.3
Name	Name Royal Kludge N80	Name Royal Kludge S98
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Silent
Profile	Profile Low Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 3750 mAh	Battery capacity 3750 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Top Mount	Mount Style Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 28 x 330 x 140 mm	Dimensions 41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight	Weight 1200g	Weight 1879g

Select a keyboard to compare

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2024
Has Tactile, Linear switch options
Features a low-profile design
Available in a 75% layout
Weighs about 1200 g
Sized at 28 x 330 x 140 mm
Made with a Plastic case
Features ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Released in 2023
Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
Available in a 96% layout
Weighs about 1879 g
Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm
Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 65
Build Quality: 62.9
Productivity: 82.2
Customizability: 72.6
Portability: 79.3

Scores

Performance: 65.1
Build Quality: 63
Productivity: 82.3
Customizability: 72.6
Portability: 53.3

Name

Royal Kludge N80

Name

Royal Kludge S98

Release year

2024

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Tactile, Linear

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Silent

Profile

Low Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

75%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

3750 mAh

Battery capacity

3750 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Top Mount

Mount Style

Top Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic

Case Material

Keycaps Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

ABS, PBT

Dimensions

28 x 330 x 140 mm

Dimensions

41 x 140 x 41 mm

Weight

1200g

Weight

1879g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you travel frequently, have limited desk space, or prefer a low-profile typing experience, the Royal Kludge N80 is the logical pick. If your work relies on a number pad, you value PBT keycaps and south-facing RGB, and portability is not a concern, the Royal Kludge S98 offers more features for stationary use. Both are competent, tri-mode keyboards sharing a core feature set.

Royal Kludge N80

+Significantly lighter weight at 1200 grams for better portability.
+Low-profile switches and design for a different typing feel and potentially faster actuation.
+Compact 75% layout saves substantial desk space.
+Includes a USB passthrough port and comes with a 2.4G dongle and spare switches.
+Features a triple sound-absorbing layer with foam and a silicone pad.

−Uses ABS double-shot keycaps, which are more prone to shine over time.
−Lacks a dedicated number pad, which is a disadvantage for data entry.
−The vendor description notes its hot-swap socket is compatible only with RK low-profile switches, limiting switch options.

Royal Kludge S98

+96% layout includes a full number pad while maintaining a relatively compact form.
+Comes with PBT double-shot keycaps for better long-term durability.
+Features south-facing RGB LEDs for better compatibility with custom keycaps.
+Vendor description highlights four-layer sound-absorbing foam and well-lubed stabilizers.
+Offers silent switch variants for quieter typing.

−Much heavier at 1879 grams, making it less portable.
−Larger footprint requires more desk space.
−The vendor listing does not mention it including a 2.4G dongle in the package.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The N80 is the clear choice for travel and gaming where low weight and a small footprint are paramount. The S98 dominates for office work and content creation, thanks to its number pad and silent switch options. For programming and modding, the decision is nuanced, with the S98 having a slight edge for modders due to its south-facing LEDs and PBT keycaps, while programmers can choose based on their preferred desk space versus key accessibility.

GamingRoyal Kludge N80

•The N80's 75% layout saves desk space for larger mouse movements.
•Its lower profile and shorter actuation distance, as described by Royal Kludge, may promote faster response times.
•It is significantly lighter at 1200g, making it easier to reposition.

OfficeRoyal Kludge S98

•The S98's 96% layout includes a full number pad, essential for data entry.
•It offers silent switch options, which are listed in its specifications.
•The manufacturer describes its keycaps as PBT double-shot, which are more resistant to shine from frequent use.

ProgrammingTie

•Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization based on typing preference.
•Both have a knob and screen for quick system adjustments.
•The N80 offers a more compact footprint, while the S98 provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys in its 96% layout.

TravelRoyal Kludge N80

•The N80 is over 600g lighter than the S98 (1200g vs 1879g).
•Its 75% layout has smaller dimensions (330 x 140 mm vs unspecified width but larger 96% form).
•The low-profile design may fit more easily in bags.

ModdingRoyal Kludge S98

•The S98's vendor page specifies it has south-facing RGB LEDs, which are more compatible with aftermarket keycaps.
•It features PBT double-shot keycaps stock, a more desirable material for enthusiasts.
•The manufacturer mentions it includes four-layer sound-absorbing foam and well-lubed stabilizers for a better out-of-box modding base.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98

•The S98's integrated number pad is useful for timeline scrubbing and numerical shortcuts in editing software.
•Its 2-stage adjustable design, per the vendor description, allows for a more ergonomic typing angle during long sessions.
•South-facing RGB lighting ensures consistent backlighting with various keycap profiles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)