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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Royalaxe L98 vs XL98Compact vs Heavyweight 98% Keyboard Choice

Choose the Royalaxe L98 for a more portable and affordable 98% layout, or the XL98 for a heavier, premium build with a larger battery and a customizable dot-matrix screen.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Royalaxe L98

Compact

Build quality in the top 40% of 98% boards under $300.

If you want

  • Lighter weight (1120g) and more compact dimensions for easier portability.
  • Includes sound dampening with a silicone padded layer to reduce noise.
  • Comes with a dust cover for protection.

Get the

Royalaxe XL98

Heavyweight 98% Keyboard Choice

Build quality in the bottom 25% of 98% boards at any price.

If you want

  • Larger 8000mAh battery with a claimed 200-hour life.
  • Carbon fiber plate and PBT keycaps for a premium typing experience.
  • Customizable DIY RGB dot-matrix display for personalization.

Bottom line

Your budget and need for portability are the deciding factors. The Royalaxe L98 is the sensible choice for most users, offering excellent core features, a lighter build, and sound dampening at a more accessible price. Only opt for the Royalaxe XL98 if you specifically value its unique dot-matrix screen for customization, require the absolute longest wireless battery life, and prefer the heft and materials of a premium desktop centerpiece.

What actually differs

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.

Royalaxe L98

Royalaxe XL98

  • Battery

    6,000 mAh

    8,000 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Knob

    No

    Yes

  • Display

    TFT

    Yes

    A case display rather than a typing feature

  • Weight

    1,120 g

    1,800 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • Sound dampening

    Yes

    No

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Royalaxe L98
  • Royalaxe XL98
Performance
69
56
Build quality
67
57
Productivity
81
76
Customizability
69
72
Portability
69
65

What they share

  • Layout size: 98%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Case material: Aluminum, Plastic
  • Mount style: Gasket Mount
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The L98 wins for gaming and travel due to its lighter weight and included sound dampening. The XL98 is the better choice for modding enthusiasts and content creators, thanks to its carbon fiber plate, customizable display, and massive battery. For office work and programming, both keyboards are equally capable, sharing the same core layout and connectivity features.

For gaming

Pick the Royalaxe L98

  • Lighter weight at 1120g for easier desk adjustments.
  • Includes sound dampening foam for reduced cavity noise.
  • Smaller footprint may free up more desk space for mouse movement.

Full specs

Royalaxe L98 vs XL98 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

7 of 20 specs differ

Royalaxe L98

Royalaxe XL98

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

98%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

No
Yes

Display

TFT
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

6,000 mAh
8,000 mAhBetter

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum, Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic

Plate material

—
CarbonFiber

Keycaps

—
PBT

Weight

1,120 g
1,800 g

Dimensions

39 x 405 x 149 mm
67 x 220 x 543 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2022
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Royalaxe L982 stores

FAQ

Royalaxe L98 vs XL98: your questions

The main differences are weight, battery, and the display type. The L98 is lighter (1120g) with a 6000mAh battery and a TFT screen showing system info. The XL98 is much heavier (1800g) with an 8000mAh battery and a customizable DIY RGB dot-matrix display.

The Royalaxe XL98 has a larger 8000mAh battery. The vendor claims it provides up to 200 hours of use. The L98 has a 6000mAh battery, which should still offer good longevity but for a shorter duration.

Yes, both the Royalaxe L98 and XL98 feature full-key hot-swappable sockets. The vendor pages state they support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing for easy switch replacement.

Yes, both keyboards are listed with Mac/Win support. The vendor descriptions confirm compatibility with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS systems via their triple-mode connectivity.

The Royalaxe L98 is significantly more portable. It weighs 1120g compared to the XL98's 1800g, and its dimensions are much smaller (39 x 405 x 149 mm vs. 67 x 220 x 543 mm). The L98 also includes a dust cover.

Both keyboards come with TTC Titan Heart RGB mechanical switches, which are linear switches. The vendor lists an operating force of 42±5gf for both models.

Knob support is not listed as a feature for the Royalaxe L98. The XL98, however, has 'Knob Support' listed in its extra features metadata.

The Royalaxe XL98 features a DIY RGB dot-matrix display screen. According to the vendor, this display can be personalized with custom text and patterns, unlike the standard TFT screen on the L98.

The Royalaxe L98 may have an advantage for quiet environments. Its vendor description specifically mentions a silicone padded layer for sound dampening to reduce cavity noise, a feature not highlighted for the XL98.

The Royalaxe XL98 comes with PBT keycaps. The vendor description notes they have a three-sided transparent design to enhance RGB backlighting while reducing glare.

Yes, both the Royalaxe L98 and XL98 use a gasket-mounted structure. This design aims to provide a softer, more cushioned typing feel by suspending the plate within the case.

Both keyboards offer triple-mode connectivity: wired USB-C, wireless 2.4GHz via an included dongle, and Bluetooth. This allows for connection to multiple devices, including PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.

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