Royal Kludge RK96 vs S98: Wrist Rest vs Screen & Top Mount

Compare Royal Kludge RK96 vs Royal Kludge S98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Royal Kludge's popular 96% wireless mechanical keyboards. Both share core features like triple-mode connectivity, hot-swap sockets, and a 3750mAh battery, making the choice difficult. The RK96 prioritizes immediate ergonomics and connectivity with a bundled wrist rest and extra ports. The S98 focuses on premium build feel and visual customization with a smart screen and a different internal design.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Has Clicky, Linear, Tactile switch options Includes a No display Provides dedicated media keys Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a PCB Mount mounting style Weighs about 1500 g Sized at 38 x 124 x 38 mm Made with a Plastic case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options Includes a Yes display Uses a Top Mount mounting style 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: 50.4 Build Quality: 55.1 Productivity: 91.1 Customizability: 78.8 Portability: 54	Scores Performance: 65 Build Quality: 62.9 Productivity: 82.4 Customizability: 72.7 Portability: 53.2
Name	Name Royal Kludge RK96	Name Royal Kludge S98
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Linear, Tactile	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	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 PCB 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 38 x 124 x 38 mm	Dimensions 41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight	Weight 1500g	Weight 1879g

RK96 Wireless Hot-Swappable RGB Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2022
Has Clicky, Linear, Tactile switch options
Includes a No display
Provides dedicated media keys
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Uses a PCB Mount mounting style
Weighs about 1500 g
Sized at 38 x 124 x 38 mm
Made with a Plastic case
Features ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Released in 2023
Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
Includes a Yes display
Uses a Top Mount mounting style
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: 50.4
Build Quality: 55.1
Productivity: 91.1
Customizability: 78.8
Portability: 54

Scores

Performance: 65
Build Quality: 62.9
Productivity: 82.4
Customizability: 72.7
Portability: 53.2

Name

Royal Kludge RK96

Name

Royal Kludge S98

Release year

2022

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Silent

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

96%

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

PCB 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

38 x 124 x 38 mm

Dimensions

41 x 140 x 41 mm

Weight

1500g

Weight

1879g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you value immediate ergonomics and desktop connectivity, the RK96's included wrist rest and dual USB ports are significant advantages. If you prefer a more premium typing feel, visual customization, and a sturdier build, the S98's screen, top-mount design, and PBT keycaps justify its typically higher price point. Both are competent wireless 96% keyboards from the same brand.

Royal Kludge RK96

+Includes a magnetic wrist rest for ergonomic support.
+Features two USB 2.0 passthrough ports for peripheral connectivity.
+Lighter weight (1500g) and slightly more compact dimensions.
+Comes with extra accessories including four replacement switches and a 2-in-1 puller.
+Offers a clicky switch option (Blue) in addition to linear and tactile.

−Uses ABS double-shot keycaps, which may develop shine over time.
−Lacks the customizable screen and south-facing RGB of the S98.
−PCB-mount stabilizers may offer a different feel compared to other mounting styles.

Royal Kludge S98

+Features a customizable smart display for system info and GIFs.
+Utilizes a top-mount design for potentially improved typing stability.
+Includes four-layer sound absorbing foam for a quieter typing experience.
+Comes with PBT double-shot keycaps for better durability.
+Has south-facing RGB LEDs for improved keycap compatibility.

−Heavier (1879g) and larger than the RK96.
−Only includes one USB 2.0 passthrough port.
−Does not come with a wrist rest or extra switches in the box.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The RK96 takes the lead for office and travel use due to its included wrist rest, lighter weight, and extra USB ports. The S98 is favored for gaming, modding, and content creation, offering a premium top-mount build, customizable screen, and enhanced sound-dampening. For programming, both keyboards are equally capable with their shared 96% layout and hot-swap support.

GamingRoyal Kludge S98

•The S98's vendor description mentions well-lubed switches and stabilizers for smoother keystrokes.
•Its top-mount design, according to the manufacturer, aims to provide stability and reduce noise.
•South-facing RGB LEDs are listed for the S98, which can improve compatibility with certain keycap sets.

OfficeRoyal Kludge RK96

•The RK96 includes an integrated magnetic wrist rest, which is beneficial for long typing sessions.
•It features two USB 2.0 passthrough ports for connecting peripherals like a mouse or headset.
•The vendor page states the RK96 has media keys and a dedicated volume knob for quick control.

ProgrammingTie

•Both keyboards offer the same 96% layout with a numpad and arrow keys.
•Both support hot-swappable switches for personalizing switch type.
•Both have software support for macros and key remapping, according to their vendor descriptions.

TravelRoyal Kludge RK96

•The RK96 is lighter at 1500g compared to the S98's 1879g.
•The RK96 has slightly smaller dimensions (38 x 124 x 38 mm vs 41 x 140 x 41 mm).
•Both have the same 3750mAh battery capacity and triple-mode wireless.

ModdingRoyal Kludge S98

•The S98 uses a top-mount style, which some modders prefer for its typing feel.
•Its vendor description specifies a four-layer sound absorbing foam, while the RK96 mentions two layers of EVA foam.
•The S98's keycap material is listed as PBT double-shot, which is generally more durable than the RK96's ABS double-shot keycaps.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98

•The S98 features a customizable smart display for showing system info, GIFs, or battery status.
•Its knob can control volume, lighting, and connection settings, as per the manufacturer.
•South-facing RGB lighting on the S98 may provide better under-glow aesthetics for setups.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)