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

This comparison is for buyers who want a 96% compact full-size keyboard with an LCD screen and a multifunction knob, and are deciding between a German QWERTZ or French AZERTY layout. Both boards share the same chassis, triple connectivity, 3750 mAh battery, hot-swap PCB, and price, making the decision difficult. The S98 DE offers a top-mount design and tactile switch options, while the S98 FR has a higher 4000 Hz polling rate and additional sound dampening layers. The primary trade-off is layout regional suitability versus wired gaming responsiveness.

78
S98-DE 96% QWERTZ Kabellose Mechanische Tastatur
78
S98-FR Clavier Mécanique Sans Fil 96% AZERTY

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  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear, Tactile switch options
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm
  • Released in 2025
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Runs at a 4000 Hz polling rate
  • Sized at 42 x 409 x 140 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 68.9
  • Build Quality: 70.3
  • Productivity: 91.3
  • Customizability: 79.9
  • Portability: 56.8
Scores
  • Performance: 85.5
  • Build Quality: 66.7
  • Productivity: 91.2
  • Customizability: 79.5
  • Portability: 56.5
Name
Royal Kludge S98 DE
Name
Royal Kludge S98 FR
Release year
2024
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
96%
Layout Size
96%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
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
4000 Hz
Battery capacity
3750 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
Top Mount
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
41 x 140 x 41 mm
Dimensions
42 x 409 x 140 mm
Weight
1879g
Weight
1879g
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Pros and Trade-offs

If you need a French AZERTY layout and prioritize wired gaming performance with a 4000 Hz polling rate, the S98 FR is the clear choice. If you prefer a German QWERTZ layout, tactile switches, and a top-mount typing experience, the S98 DE better suits an office or programming environment. For modding, the S98 DE's screw-in stabilizers give it a small advantage. Both offer the same core 96% layout, LCD screen, knob, and battery, so your decision should be driven by layout and your primary use case.

Royal Kludge S98 DE

  • +Top-mount design, described by the vendor as offering a firm feel and noise reduction.
  • +Available with both Beige Tactile and Cream Linear switches, giving buyers a choice in switch feel.
  • +Uses screw-in stabilizers, a detail confirmed in the product data.
  • +Vendor description mentions two layers of sound-absorbing foam to reduce noise.
  • −No polling rate is specified for the S98 DE in wireless or wired mode; performance for competitive gaming is unclear.
  • −The vendor description notes the keycaps as PBT Double Shot, which contradicts the metadata listing them as ABS.

Royal Kludge S98 FR

  • +Listed with a 4000 Hz polling rate, which can provide a faster response in games.
  • +Vendor description specifies an IXPE switch cushion, two thick foam layers, and a silicone bottom dampener for enhanced sound control.
  • +Comes with Cream Linear switches, a popular choice for smooth and consistent keystrokes.
  • +Includes N-Key Rollover, as noted in the extra features.
  • −The vendor description does not specify the mount style, unlike the DE model's top-mount design.
  • −No tactile switch option is listed for the S98 FR, only Cream Linear switches.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

For gaming, the S98 FR wins due to its higher 4000 Hz polling rate and additional dampening layers. For office and programming use, the S98 DE edges ahead with its top-mount design and tactile switch options. Both boards tie for travel, as their identical weight and wireless capabilities offer no advantage either way. For modding, the S98 DE's confirmed screw-in stabilizers and top-mount construction give it a slight edge. In content creation, they are tied due to shared features like the knob and LCD screen.

GamingRoyal Kludge S98 FR
  • •The S98 FR is listed with a 4000 Hz polling rate, which can reduce input latency in fast-paced games.
  • •The vendor description for the S98 FR mentions a design with an IXPE foam cushion, two thick foam layers, and silicone dampener for improved noise reduction.
  • •The S98 FR ships with Cream Linear switches, a common choice for smooth gaming keystrokes.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S98 DE
  • •The S98 DE has a top-mount design which the vendor describes as providing a solid feel and noise reduction, suitable for typing comfort.
  • •The S98 DE is available with Beige Tactile switches, which provide tactile feedback preferred by many typists.
  • •Both keyboards share the same 96% layout with a knob for volume control and an LCD screen for connection status, which aids productivity.
ProgrammingRoyal Kludge S98 DE
  • •The S98 DE's top-mount construction and sound-dampening foam aim to provide a quieter, more solid typing experience.
  • •The availability of tactile switch options (Beige Tactile) can provide better feedback for code entry.
  • •The 96% layout retains navigation keys (Home, End, PgUp, PgDn) important for coding without sacrificing desk space.
TravelTie
  • •Both keyboards weigh 1879 g (4.14 lbs), making them heavy for frequent travel compared to smaller form factors.
  • •Each board offers Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for use on the go without cables.
  • •Both have a 3750 mAh battery; battery life is not specified but the capacity is identical.
ModdingRoyal Kludge S98 DE
  • •The vendor description for the S98 DE notes a top-mount design, which is often preferred by modders for its consistent flex and typing feel.
  • •Data indicates the S98 DE uses screw-in stabilizers, a detail not confirmed for the S98 FR.
  • •Both boards are hot-swappable, but the S98 DE offers both tactile and linear switch options, providing more starting variety.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a 96% layout with a dedicated knob for quick audio and lighting adjustments during editing.
  • •Both include an LCD screen for displaying system status or custom GIFs.
  • •Each board supports Mac and Windows, as indicated in their extra features.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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