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

This comparison is for buyers who have settled on the Royal Kludge S98 platform and need to decide between the DE (German) and JP (Japanese) layout versions. The decision is tricky because both keyboards share nearly identical hardware: a 96% layout, tri-mode wireless connectivity, a smart LCD screen and knob, hot-swappable switches, sound-dampening foam, a 3750mAh battery, and the same price point. The only meaningful differentiator is the layout standard, ANSI (DE) versus JIS (JP), which dictates key labeling and physical key arrangement.

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 Built with the ANSI layout standard Weighs about 1879 g Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm	Released in 2025 Built with the JIS layout standard Features N-key rollover Weighs about 1880 g Sized at 140 x 410 x 40 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 68.9 Build Quality: 70.3 Productivity: 91.3 Customizability: 79.9 Portability: 56.8	Scores Performance: 78.2 Build Quality: 70.1 Productivity: 91.2 Customizability: 79.6 Portability: 56.6
Name	Name Royal Kludge S98 DE	Name Royal Kludge S98 JP
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 JIS
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 140 x 410 x 40 mm
Weight	Weight 1879g	Weight 1880g

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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

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.

Royal Kludge S98 JP

+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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie

•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.

OfficeTie

•Both have a 96% layout with a full number row and numpad, suitable for data entry.
•Both include Mac/Win support and software customization as noted by the vendor.
•Identical battery life and wireless options make them equally suited for desktops.

ProgrammingTie

•Both offer hot-swappable switches, allowing programmers to choose their preferred switch type.
•The smart LCD screen and knob can be programmed for workflow shortcuts via RK software.
•Layout choice depends entirely on the programmer's native keyboard standard (ANSI or JIS).

TravelTie

•Both have the same dimensions and weight, around 1879g, making them relatively heavy for travel.
•Both offer Bluetooth 5.0 wireless for untethered use on the go.
•The 3750mAh battery provides long battery life, reducing the need for frequent charging.

ModdingTie

•Both feature hot-swappable PCBs that accept 3-pin or 5-pin switches, making switch modding easy.
•Both have screw-in stabilizers and sound-dampening foam (IXPE switch pad, two layers of foam, silicone pad).
•Vendor descriptions confirm PBT double-shot keycaps, which are more durable than standard ABS.

Content CreationTie

•The rotary knob on both models can control volume or timeline zoom, helpful in editing.
•The LCD screen can display custom GIFs, date, connection mode, and battery status.
•Media keys are present on both keyboards as per vendor specs.