Royal Kludge S98 DE vs S98 ES
Choose between these two based solely on your required keyboard layout: QWERTZ for German users, QWERTY for Spanish or international use.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge S98 DE
- Available with Beige Tactile switches for users who prefer a tactile bump.
- DE QWERTZ layout is ideal for German-speaking users with dedicated umlaut keys.
- Includes PBT double-shot keycaps for durability and fade-resistant legends.
- Not ideal for Spanish QWERTY users due to the DE QWERTZ layout.
- No listed N-Key Rollover feature in the provided specs.
Get the
Royal Kludge S98 ES
N-key rollover
- Includes N-Key Rollover as stated in the extra features metadata.
- ES QWERTY layout is optimized for Spanish-speaking users.
- Available with Cream Linear switches for a smooth, linear feel.
- No tactile switch option listed in the provided metadata.
- DE QWERTZ users would need to adapt or relabel the keycaps.
If you type in German, the Royal Kludge S98 DE with its QWERTZ layout and Beige Tactile switch option is the clear pick. If you need a Spanish QWERTY layout or prefer a linear switch, the S98 ES is the better choice. For all other use cases, performance is identical, so your decision should rest entirely on regional layout requirements.
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.
Royal Kludge S98 DE
Royal Kludge S98 ES
N-key rollover
No
Yes
Released
2024
2025
Dimensions
41 x 140 x 41 mm
42 x 409 x 140 mm
- Royal Kludge S98 DE
- Royal Kludge S98 ES
- Performance
- 6878
- Build quality
- 7070
- Productivity
- 9191
- Customizability
- 7979
- Portability
- 5756
- Layout size: 96%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 3,750 mAh
- Mount style: Top Mount
- Knob
What will you mostly use it for?
For gaming, office, programming, travel, and modding use cases, the two keyboards are effectively tied because their hardware, features, and build are identical. The only divergence appears in content creation, where the S98 DE edges ahead due to its available tactile switch option. In every other scenario, the deciding factor is simply the layout language printed on the keycaps. Buyers should pick the variant that matches their regional typing needs.
It's a tie
- Both share the same top-mount design and two layers of sound-absorbing foam for a solid feel.
- Both offer the same tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired USB-C.
- Identical hot-swappable PCBs allow for switch swaps without soldering.
Royal Kludge S98 DE vs S98 ES specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 21 specs differ
Royal Kludge S98 DE
Royal Kludge S98 ES
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB passthrough
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge S98 DE vs S98 ES: your questions
The primary difference is the keyboard layout: the DE model uses a German QWERTZ layout, while the ES model uses a Spanish QWERTY layout. Hardware specs such as battery, weight, connectivity, and mounting style are identical.
Yes, the S98 DE is suitable for gaming. It features a top-mount design, sound-dampening foam, hot-swappable switches, and tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C. The performance rating for gaming is 69 out of 100.
Yes, both the S98 DE and S98 ES include an LCD screen. According to the vendor, it can display custom GIF images, date, connection mode, WIN/Mac layout, and battery status.
Both models use PBT double-shot keycaps according to their respective vendor descriptions. This material is known for durability and legends that do not fade over time.
Both the S98 DE and S98 ES have the same battery capacity: 3750 mAh, as stated in the product metadata. There is no difference in battery size between the two.
Yes, the S98 ES features a hot-swappable PCB that supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering, as stated in the vendor description. This makes switch customization easy.
The S98 DE is available with Beige Tactile switches or Cream Linear switches, according to the vendor page. Both switch types are hot-swappable and pre-lubed.
Yes, the S98 ES supports Mac operating systems. The vendor description lists Windows XP/2000/7/8/10, Mac, iOS, and Android as compatible OS options.
The N-Key Rollover feature is not listed in the provided metadata for the S98 DE. However, the S98 ES explicitly includes N-Key Rollover in its extra features list.
The S98 ES weighs 1879 grams, or 4.14 lbs, according to the product metadata. The S98 DE has exactly the same weight.
The package includes the S98 mechanical keyboard, a Type-C USB cable, a keycap and switch puller, and a user manual. This is based on the vendor description for the DE model.
Yes, both the S98 DE and S98 ES use screw-in stabilizers, as noted in the extra features metadata for each product. This design helps reduce rattle and allows for easier modding.
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