Royal Kludge S85 vs S98Compact TKL vs Full 96% Layout

The Royal Kludge S85 has a significantly larger 7200mAh battery. The S98 is equipped with a 3750mAh battery. Based on battery capacity alone, the S85 should offer longer wireless usage between charges.

Yes, the Royal Kludge S98 includes a built-in USB 2.0 pass-through port. This allows you to connect a flash drive, mouse, or other peripheral directly to the keyboard. The S85 does not have this feature.

The S85 uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended by silicone gaskets for a softer, more flexible typing feel with dampened sound. The S98 uses a top mount, where the plate is fixed to the top of the case, typically resulting in a more rigid and stable typing experience. The S98's description also mentions four-layer sound absorbing foam.

The RK S85 is better for travel due to its much lighter weight of 950g and more compact 80% TKL size. It is easier to carry in a bag and takes up less desk space. Its larger 7200mAh battery also means less frequent charging when used wirelessly.

Yes, both the Royal Kludge S85 and S98 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without any soldering. The S85's listing confirms support for both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

Yes, both the S85 and S98 include a control knob and an integrated display screen. The S85's vendor description specifies it as an OLED screen, while the S98's screen is noted for customizable GIFs and system info.

According to their package listings, the Royal Kludge S85 includes 4 spare Cloud switches. The listed package contents for the S98 do not mention any spare switches, only the keyboard, cable, puller, and manual.

For extensive typing and data entry, the S98 has advantages. Its 96% layout includes a full number pad, which is crucial for efficient numeric input. The vendor page also confirms it has dedicated media keys, which the S85 lacks.

The RK S85 comes with Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The RK S98 comes with PBT double-shot keycaps, but its metadata also lists ABS as a possible material, suggesting some variants or included keycaps may differ.

Yes, both keyboards list Mac support among their compatible operating systems. Their vendor descriptions include Mac in the listed OS support, and both have a switch to toggle between Win and Mac modes, which is displayed on their screens.

The Royal Kludge S98 is substantially heavier at 1879g (over 4 lbs), compared to the S85's 950g. This greater weight, combined with its top mount construction, makes the S98 feel more solid and resistant to movement during typing.