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Compare Royal Kludge S85 vs Royal Kludge S98 ES Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Royal Kludge's compact and full-size wireless offerings. The S85 offers a space-saving TKL layout with a premium gasket-mounted design, while the S98ES provides a 96% layout that includes a number pad in a compact form. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize desk space and a softer typing experience or need dedicated number keys and extra ports. Both share core features like hot-swappable switches, screens, and tri-mode connectivity, making the layout and mounting style the key differentiators.

75
S85 TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard
79
S98-ES Teclado Mecánico Inalámbrico 96% QWERTY

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  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Includes a Yes, OLED display
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 7200 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 950 g
  • Sized at 44 x 142 x 44 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2025
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1879 g
  • Sized at 42 x 409 x 140 mm
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 66.4
  • Build Quality: 69.5
  • Productivity: 84.4
  • Customizability: 74.4
  • Portability: 86.4
Scores
  • Performance: 78
  • Build Quality: 69.7
  • Productivity: 90.9
  • Customizability: 79.2
  • Portability: 56.4
Name
Royal Kludge S85
Name
Royal Kludge S98 ES
Release year
2024
Release year
2025
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
OLED
Display Support
 
LCD
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
7200 mAh
Battery capacity
3750 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
44 x 142 x 44 mm
Dimensions
42 x 409 x 140 mm
Weight
950g
Weight
1879g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you work extensively with numbers, value extra USB ports, and prefer a firmer typing feel, the Royal Kludge S98ES is the more capable desktop keyboard. If you want to save desk space, prioritize a softer, quieter typing experience, and need a keyboard that's easy to move around with excellent battery life, the Royal Kludge S85 is the better option.

Royal Kludge S85

  • +Gasket mount structure with silicone cushioning, IXPE foam, and PET film for a softer typing feel.
  • +Large 7200mAh battery promises extended wireless use.
  • +Lightweight 950g design and compact TKL footprint enhance portability.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Includes four spare Cloud switches and a keycap/switch puller in the box.
  • −Lacks a dedicated number pad, which is a disadvantage for data entry.
  • −Does not have a USB pass-through port for connecting other devices.
  • −The vendor description does not mention media keys.

Royal Kludge S98 ES

  • +96% layout includes a number pad while maintaining a compact form factor.
  • +Features a USB 2.0 pass-through port for added connectivity.
  • +Comes with screw-in stabilizers for potentially better key stability.
  • +Top mount design is described as offering a firm and consistent tactile feel.
  • +Includes N-Key Rollover for full simultaneous key press registration.
  • −Heavy weight of 1879g makes it less portable.
  • −Smaller 3750mAh battery requires more frequent charging than the S85.
  • −Uses ABS keycaps, which may develop shine over time faster than PBT.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The S98ES is the clear choice for office work and content creation due to its number pad and USB pass-through. For gaming, its top mount and N-Key Rollover give it an edge. The S85 dominates for travel and portability with its light weight and huge battery. For programming and modding, the choice is less clear and depends on the user's preference for desk space versus key availability and stabilizer type.

GamingRoyal Kludge S98 ES
  • •The S98ES features a top mount design, which the manufacturer states offers a firm, consistent feel preferred by some gamers.
  • •It includes N-Key Rollover, ensuring all pressed keys are registered simultaneously.
  • •Its heavier 1879g weight provides more stability during intense use.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S98 ES
  • •The 96% layout includes a full number pad, essential for data entry and accounting.
  • •It features a USB pass-through port for convenient peripheral connectivity.
  • •The product listing confirms it includes media keys for quick control.
ProgrammingTie
  • •The S85's TKL layout saves desk space for a mouse, beneficial for multi-monitor setups.
  • •The S98ES's 96% layout retains arrow and navigation keys without the full footprint.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing customization of switch types for long typing sessions.
TravelRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85 is significantly lighter at 950g compared to the S98ES's 1879g.
  • •Its 80% TKL layout is more compact and easier to pack.
  • •It has a much larger 7200mAh battery for longer wireless use between charges.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards have hot-swappable PCBs supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • •Both feature sound dampening foam; the S85 lists a 5-layer system, the S98ES mentions two thick foam layers.
  • •The S98ES comes with screw-in stabilizers, which are generally more stable than clip-in variants.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98 ES
  • •The integrated number pad on the S98ES speeds up numerical input for timelines and spreadsheets.
  • •The USB pass-through port allows easy connection of a drawing tablet or other USB devices.
  • •The multifunction knob can control volume, RGB brightness, and speed, according to its product page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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