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

This comparison is for buyers focused on a specific regional layout. The Royal Kludge S98 DE and S98 ES are essentially the same keyboard hardware underneath: a 96% tri-mode wireless board with an LCD screen, control knob, PBT double-shot keycaps, sound-dampening foam, and a 3750 mAh battery. The decision is difficult only because their core specs are identical; the distinguishing factor is the pre-printed language layout and switch options. If you need German QWERTZ, choose the DE. If you need Spanish QWERTY or a different layout language, choose the ES.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Has Linear, Tactile switch options Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm	Released in 2025 Features N-key rollover Sized at 42 x 409 x 140 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 68.9 Build Quality: 70.3 Productivity: 91.3 Customizability: 79.9 Portability: 56.8	Scores Performance: 77.9 Build Quality: 69.9 Productivity: 91 Customizability: 79.2 Portability: 56.4
Name	Name Royal Kludge S98 DE	Name Royal Kludge S98 ES
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 96%
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 LCD	Display Support LCD
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 3750 mAh	Battery capacity 3750 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 Top Mount	Mount Style Top 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 -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 140 x 41 mm	Dimensions 42 x 409 x 140 mm
Weight	Weight 1879g	Weight 1879g

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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

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.
+LCD screen can display custom GIFs, connection mode, and battery status.

−Not ideal for Spanish QWERTY users due to the DE QWERTZ layout.
−No listed N-Key Rollover feature in the provided specs.

Royal Kludge S98 ES

+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.
+Same PBT double-shot keycaps and LCD screen as the DE model.

−No tactile switch option listed in the provided metadata.
−DE QWERTZ users would need to adapt or relabel the keycaps.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie

•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.

OfficeTie

•Both boards have a 96% compact layout that saves desk space while retaining a numpad.
•Each includes sound-dampening foam and screw-in stabilizers for a quieter typing experience.
•Both feature an LCD screen that can show connection mode, battery status, or a custom GIF.

ProgrammingTie

•Both offer the same 96-key ANSI layout with a full nav cluster and arrow keys.
•The same PBT double-shot keycaps are used on both, providing durable legends.
•Both support Mac and Windows layouts, switchable via the onboard controls.

TravelTie

•Both have identical dimensions and the same 1879 g weight, making portability equal.
•Each offers Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz wireless modes for cable-free use on the go.
•Both include a 3750 mAh battery, as stated in the official specs.

ModdingTie

•Both have a hot-swappable PCB that accepts 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•Screw-in stabilizers on both boards allow for easy replacement or tuning.
•The top-mount construction in both models is modder-friendly for case foam or plate swaps.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98 DE

•The DE model offers Beige Tactile switches suited for tactile feedback during typing-heavy work.
•Both provide a knob and LCD screen for quick volume and media controls.
•The DE model is available with Cream Linear switches for smoother keystrokes if preferred.