Royal Kludge S98 DE vs S98 JP
Pick the S98 DE if you need a German QWERTZ layout, or the S98 JP if you require a Japanese JIS layout.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge S98 DE
- German QWERTZ layout with dedicated keys for umlauts (ä, ö, ü) out of the box.
- PBT double-shot keycaps as stated in the vendor description, offering better durability than standard ABS.
- Hot-swappable PCB accepts both 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customization.
- Customization software is reported by a user to be Windows-only with no Linux support.
- Limited to German keyboard layout, which may feel unfamiliar to users accustomed to QWERTY.
- Keycaps are specific to the DE layout, making replacement more difficult to find.
Get the
Royal Kludge S98 JP
N-key rollover
- Japanese JIS layout with kana sub-legends on keycaps, giving a unique aesthetic.
- PBT double-shot keycaps as confirmed in the vendor description, resistant to shine and fading.
- Hot-swappable PCB allows for switch replacement without soldering.
- Japanese JIS layout has a different physical key arrangement (e.g., shorter spacebar), which may be challenging for non-JIS users.
- Replacement keycaps for JIS are less common than ANSI or ISO sets.
- Customization software is reported by a user to be Windows-only with no Linux support.
If you type in German or Japanese daily, the choice is straightforward: pick the S98 DE for QWERTZ or the S98 JP for JIS. For everyone else, the identical hardware (96% layout, hot-swap PCB, LCD screen, knob, 3750mAh battery) means you should look at a standard US ANSI version of the S98 instead. Both models offer good value for the same price, but your keyboard standard is the deciding factor.
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 JP
Weight
1,879 g
1,880 g
Layout standard
ANSI
JIS
N-key rollover
No
Yes
Released
2024
2025
Dimensions
41 x 140 x 41 mm
140 x 410 x 40 mm
- Royal Kludge S98 DE
- Royal Kludge S98 JP
- Performance
- 6878
- Build quality
- 7070
- Productivity
- 9191
- Customizability
- 7979
- Portability
- 5757
- 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?
Across all use cases, the decision between the S98 DE and S98 JP comes down to layout preference. In gaming, office, programming, travel, modding, and content creation, the two keyboards are effectively identical because their core hardware, features, and build quality are the same. The S98 DE offers a German QWERTZ layout, while the S98 JP offers a Japanese JIS layout. If you need one of these specific standards, that model is the only choice. Otherwise, a standard US ANSI version may be more practical for general users.
It's a tie
- Both use the same top-mount design with sound-absorbing foam, offering a consistent feel.
- Both feature tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, USB-C) for flexible setup.
- Neither listing provides specific gaming performance data like polling rate or latency.
Royal Kludge S98 DE vs S98 JP specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 22 specs differ
Royal Kludge S98 DE
Royal Kludge S98 JP
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
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge S98 DE vs S98 JP: your questions
The main difference is the keyboard layout standard. The S98 DE uses a German QWERTZ layout (ANSI physical standard) while the S98 JP uses a Japanese JIS layout. They share identical hardware including the 96% form factor, LCD screen, knob, tri-mode connectivity, and 3750mAh battery.
Yes, the Royal Kludge S98 DE can be used for gaming. It features a gaming-friendly top-mount design and sound-absorbing foam as described by the vendor. However, the vendor does not specify polling rate or latency, so competitive gamers may want to check those details elsewhere.
Yes, both the S98 DE and S98 JP have hot-swappable PCBs. The vendor descriptions state they accept 3-pin or 5-pin switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering. Both models are available with Beige tactile or Cream linear switch options.
Both the S98 DE and S98 JP come with PBT double-shot keycaps according to the vendor specifications. This material is more durable and resistant to shine compared to standard ABS keycaps. The DE version has German legends, while the JP version has Japanese kana legends.
Yes, both the S98 DE and S98 JP support Mac and Windows. The vendor listing includes Mac/Win support under extra features. The LCD screen can also display the current operating system layout.
Yes, the smart LCD screen on both models can be customized. According to the vendor description, you can display custom GIF images, date, connection mode, WIN/MAC layout, and battery status. A user review mentions setting a custom image on the screen using the software.
Both the Royal Kludge S98 DE and S98 JP have a built-in 3750mAh battery. The vendor describes it as providing 'extremely long battery life.' This is the same capacity for both models.
Both keyboards support three connection modes: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless via a dongle, and USB-C wired. The vendor lists 'BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C' for both models. They also include a USB-A passthrough port and a dedicated 2.4G dongle slot.
A user review for the S98 DE states that while the keyboard works on Linux Mint, the customization software is only available for Windows. There is no official Linux software or web app mentioned by the vendor for customizing RGB or screen settings.
Yes, both the S98 DE and S98 JP feature a rotary knob. The vendor describes it as a 'knob design' that lets you control volume, connection mode, backlight brightness/speed, and RGB mode/color by turning or clicking.
The vendor description for the S98 JP mentions an IXPE switch damper pad, two thicker layers of sound-absorbing foam, and a silicone pad. These materials are said to reduce noise by 40% and remove 80% of hollow sound. The S98 DE description also mentions 'two thicker sound-absorbing foams.'
The S98 DE weighs 1879 grams (4.14 lbs) according to the metadata. The S98 JP is nearly identical at 1880 grams. Both are on the heavier side for a mechanical keyboard, making them less ideal for frequent travel.
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