Royalaxe L98 vs XL98: Compact vs Heavyweight 98% Keyboard Choice

Compare Royalaxe L98 vs XL98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Royalaxe's two 98% layout keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like gasket mounts, hot-swappable sockets, and triple-mode connectivity. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a lighter, more standard build with a functional TFT screen or a substantially heavier, more premium-feeling keyboard with a unique customizable display and longer battery life.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Includes a Yes, TFT display Has built-in sound dampening Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery Weighs about 1120 g Sized at 39 x 405 x 149 mm Made with a Plastic, Aluminum case	Released in 2023 Has Linear switch options Comes with a knob Includes a Yes display Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 1800 g Sized at 67 x 220 x 543 mm Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case Features PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 68.5 Build Quality: 67.4 Productivity: 80.2 Customizability: 69.5 Portability: 69.5	Scores Performance: 56.4 Build Quality: 57.6 Productivity: 76 Customizability: 72.4 Portability: 65.8
Name	Name Royalaxe L98	Name Royalaxe XL98
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 98%	Layout Size 98%
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 TFT	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 6000 mAh	Battery capacity 8000 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 Gasket Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum, Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material -	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 39 x 405 x 149 mm	Dimensions 67 x 220 x 543 mm
Weight	Weight 1120g	Weight 1800g

RoyalAxe L98 Mechanical Keyboard with TFT Display

Royalaxe XL98 Mechanical Keyboard with LED Display

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2022
Includes a Yes, TFT display
Has built-in sound dampening
Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1120 g
Sized at 39 x 405 x 149 mm
Made with a Plastic, Aluminum case

Released in 2023
Has Linear switch options
Comes with a knob
Includes a Yes display
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Weighs about 1800 g
Sized at 67 x 220 x 543 mm
Made with a Aluminum, Plastic case
Features PBT keycaps

Scores

Performance: 68.5
Build Quality: 67.4
Productivity: 80.2
Customizability: 69.5
Portability: 69.5

Scores

Performance: 56.4
Build Quality: 57.6
Productivity: 76
Customizability: 72.4
Portability: 65.8

Name

Royalaxe L98

Name

Royalaxe XL98

Release year

2022

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

98%

Layout Size

98%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

TFT

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

6000 mAh

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic, Aluminum

Case Material

Aluminum, Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

39 x 405 x 149 mm

Dimensions

67 x 220 x 543 mm

Weight

1120g

Weight

1800g

Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Royalaxe L98

+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.
+Features a 1.14-inch TFT display for system info.
+Lower price point.

−Smaller 6000mAh battery capacity.
−Case material listed as plastic and aluminum, potentially less premium feel.
−No mention of a carbon fiber plate or PBT keycaps in the core specs.

Royalaxe XL98

+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.
+Anodized metallic chassis per the vendor description.
+Knob support is listed as an extra feature.

−Substantially heavier at 1800g and larger in all dimensions.
−Higher price point.
−No mention of included sound dampening foam or a dust cover.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingRoyalaxe 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.

OfficeTie

•Both offer the same 98% layout with numpad for data entry.
•Both support multi-device Bluetooth and are compatible with Windows and macOS.
•Both include a screen for displaying useful information like battery level.

ProgrammingTie

•Identical 98% ANSI layouts provide arrow keys and nav cluster.
•Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization.
•Both offer wired and wireless connectivity for flexibility.

TravelRoyalaxe L98

•Significantly lighter at 1120g versus 1800g.
•More compact dimensions (39 x 405 x 149 mm).
•Includes a dust cover in the package for protection.

ModdingRoyalaxe XL98

•Features a carbon fiber plate, which can affect acoustics and flex.
•Includes PBT keycaps with a three-sided transparent design for RGB.
•Vendor description highlights a 'DIY RGB Dot-Matrix display' for custom text and patterns.

Content CreationRoyalaxe XL98

•Larger 8000mAh battery supports up to 200 hours of use per the vendor.
•Customizable dot-matrix screen can display unique graphics or text for streams.
•Heavier, anodized metallic chassis may provide a more stable typing platform.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)