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

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Royal Kludge's popular S85 and S98 models. The choice is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, a knob, and an OLED screen. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a compact, lightweight TKL form factor or a larger 96% layout with a built-in number pad and extra connectivity. Your desk space, need for a numpad, and preference for typing feel will be the deciding factors.

74
S85 TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard
75
S98 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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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
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 96% layout
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1879 g
  • Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Scores
  • Performance: 66.5
  • Build Quality: 69.5
  • Productivity: 84.3
  • Customizability: 74.3
  • Portability: 86.3
Scores
  • Performance: 65.1
  • Build Quality: 63
  • Productivity: 82.3
  • Customizability: 72.6
  • Portability: 53.3
Name
Royal Kludge S85
Name
Royal Kludge S98
Release year
2024
Release year
2023
Switch Options
-
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Silent
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
 
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, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
44 x 142 x 44 mm
Dimensions
41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight
950g
Weight
1879g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your need for a number pad is the ultimate decider. If you require one for work, data entry, or specific games, the Royal Kludge S98 is the logical choice, despite its weight and smaller battery. If you value a spacious desk setup, portability, and longer battery life above all else, and can live without a numpad, the S85's gasket-mounted TKL design is the better fit. Both are competent, feature-rich keyboards at a similar price point.

Royal Kludge S85

  • +Superior portability with a 950g weight and 80% TKL footprint.
  • +Larger 7200mAh battery promises longer wireless runtime.
  • +Gasket mount design with 5-layer dampening (silicone, IXPE, PET) for a softer sound.
  • +Includes 4 spare Cloud switches in the box for immediate customization.
  • +Shorter 5.6-inch USB-C cable reduces desk clutter when wired.
  • −Lacks a dedicated number pad, which is a drawback for data-heavy tasks.
  • −The vendor product page explicitly states it has no media keys.
  • −Does not have a USB pass-through port for connecting other devices.

Royal Kludge S98

  • +96% layout includes a full number pad while saving space versus a full-size keyboard.
  • +Features a built-in USB 2.0 pass-through port for peripheral connectivity.
  • +Includes dedicated media keys for convenient playback control.
  • +Top mount design with four-layer sound absorbing foam for a stable, quiet typing experience.
  • +Offers a choice between Linear Cream and Tactile Beige switch options from the factory.
  • −Substantially heavier at 1879g, making it less portable.
  • −Smaller 3750mAh battery compared to the S85's 7200mAh cell.
  • −The included accessory package does not list spare switches.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The S85 is the clear choice for travel and gaming due to its light weight and compact TKL layout. For office work and content creation, the S98's integrated number pad, USB pass-through, and media keys are significant advantages. Programming and modding are more evenly matched, with the S85 having a slight edge in acoustic modding potential due to its gasket mount and detailed foam layers. Your primary tasks will dictate the winner.

GamingRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The 80% TKL layout of the S85 provides more desk space for mouse movement.
  • •Its lighter weight of 950g makes it easier to reposition.
  • •The gasket mount with 5-layer noise dampening may offer a softer, quieter typing experience.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S98
  • •The S98's 96% layout includes a full number pad, essential for data entry.
  • •It features a built-in USB pass-through port for connecting peripherals.
  • •The listing confirms dedicated media keys, which the S85 listing states it lacks.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable and support custom switches for personalized feel.
  • •Both have tri-mode connectivity for flexible device switching.
  • •The S85 offers a more compact footprint, while the S98 provides arrow and navigation keys in a condensed layout.
TravelRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85 is significantly lighter at 950g versus the S98's 1879g.
  • •Its 80% TKL layout is more compact than the 96% S98.
  • •It has a much larger 7200mAh battery for longer wireless use between charges.
ModdingRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85 uses a gasket mount design, which is often preferred for a softer, more flexible typing feel.
  • •It includes 5-layer noise dampening foam (silicone, IXPE, PET film) as detailed in its description.
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable, but the S85's vendor page mentions it comes with 4 spare switches.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98
  • •The S98's USB pass-through port allows easy connection of a drawing tablet or other USB device.
  • •Its knob can be customized for media control, scroll, or brush size adjustments.
  • •The heavier 1879g weight provides more stability during intense editing sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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