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

This comparison is for users deciding between two nearly identical Royal Kludge keyboards. The choice is difficult because the S98 and S98DE share the same 96% form factor, triple-mode connectivity, hot-swap PCB, LCD screen, and 3750mAh battery. The primary decision hinges on your required physical key layout: US ANSI QWERTY or German ISO QWERTZ. This guide breaks down the subtle differences to clarify which model fits your region and typing habits.

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 Includes a Yes, LCD display Includes screw-in stabilizers Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options Includes a Yes display Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 68.9 Build Quality: 70.3 Productivity: 91.3 Customizability: 79.9 Portability: 56.8	Scores Performance: 65.1 Build Quality: 63 Productivity: 82.3 Customizability: 72.6 Portability: 53.3
Name	Name Royal Kludge S98 DE	Name Royal Kludge S98
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Silent
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
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, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 140 x 41 mm	Dimensions 41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight	Weight 1879g	Weight 1879g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the Royal Kludge S98 and S98DE is almost entirely geographical. If you type primarily in English or code with a standard US layout, the S98 is the straightforward option. If you require the specific key placements of a German QWERTZ layout, the S98DE is your model. Ignore the minor spec discrepancies, as the core typing experience, features, and build quality are functionally the same. Base your decision on the keycaps under your fingers.

Royal Kludge S98 DE

+German QWERTZ ISO layout for users in Germany and surrounding regions.
+Includes screw-in stabilizers for a more secure typing experience.
+Comes with PBT double-shot keycaps according to the vendor description.
+Features a smart LCD display and control knob for customization.
+Hot-swappable PCB allows easy switch changes without soldering.

−The German layout may be inconvenient for users accustomed to US QWERTY, especially for programming.
−Currently listed at a slightly higher fixed price point from fewer vendors.
−Keycap material in metadata lists only ABS, creating a discrepancy with the vendor's PBT claim.

Royal Kludge S98

+Standard US ANSI QWERTY layout is widely compatible and familiar.
+Vendor description confirms south-facing RGB LEDs for better compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.
+Listed with both ABS and PBT keycap material options in the metadata.
+Features a smart LCD display and control knob for customization.
+Hot-swappable PCB allows easy switch changes without soldering.

−Lacks the explicitly mentioned screw-in stabilizers listed for the S98DE.
−The vendor description mentions a four-layer sound absorbing foam, but its presence isn't confirmed in the core specs for comparison.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The use-case analysis reveals a near-perfect tie across all categories except programming. For programming, the standard S98 with its US QWERTY layout is the pragmatic choice due to the standard placement of brackets and symbols. For all other uses, including gaming, office work, and modding, the decision purely comes down to your required physical key layout, as the feature sets, build, and performance are otherwise matched.

GamingTie

•Both share the same top-mount design for a stable feel.
•Identical triple-mode connectivity (wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth) offers low-latency options.
•The same hot-swappable PCB allows for installing preferred gaming switches.

OfficeTie

•Both offer a 96% layout with a numpad in a compact form factor.
•Identical USB pass-through port for connecting peripherals.
•Shared long-lasting 3750mAh battery supports wireless use.

ProgrammingRoyal Kludge S98 DE

•The S98DE's German QWERTZ layout places brackets and special characters differently, which may be non-standard for many coding languages.
•The standard S98 US QWERTY layout provides more familiar key locations for common programming symbols.
•Both have the same full navigation cluster and hot-swap capability for customizing switch feel.

TravelTie

•Both keyboards have the same substantial weight of 1879g.
•Identical dimensions make them equally portable or desk-bound.
•Shared wireless functionality with a 3750mAh battery provides cord-free use.

ModdingTie

•Both are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•Identical construction with PBT double-shot keycaps and sound-dampening foam.
•The same screw-in stabilizers are mentioned for the S98DE and implied for the standard model.

Content CreationTie

•Both feature a multifunction knob for controlling volume and RGB settings.
•Identical customizable LCD screen for displaying GIFs, battery status, and layout mode.
•Shared media keys and programmable software support aid in workflow shortcuts.