Royal Kludge S98 ES vs S98 FR

The S98 FR explicitly lists a 4000 Hz polling rate, while the S98 ES has a specified top-mount style. Their vendor descriptions identify the ES as QWERTY and the FR as AZERTY.

The S98 FR is the more straightforward pick if polling rate is a priority, since its listing specifies 4000 Hz. Both models list N-key rollover and a 96% layout.

The product metadata lists both as 96% ANSI keyboards. The vendor descriptions label the ES QWERTY and the FR AZERTY, so check the product variant carefully if you need a particular regional key arrangement.

Yes, the S98 FR metadata lists a 4000 Hz polling rate. No polling rate is listed for the S98 ES, so the listed figure distinguishes the FR rather than establishing a direct comparison of measured performance.

Both listings specify Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity. The vendor descriptions also name Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C modes for each model.

Both models are listed as hot-swappable. The vendor descriptions say their PCBs accept 3-pin or 5-pin switches without soldering.

Both keyboards list a 3750mAh battery. The vendor pages describe the battery as long-lasting but do not provide a runtime figure.

Both models list an LCD screen and knob support. Their vendor descriptions say the screen can show items such as connection mode and battery status, while the knob controls functions including volume and lighting.

The S98 ES metadata specifies a top-mount style. A mount style is not specified for the S98 FR in its metadata.

The S98 ES vendor description mentions two thick foam layers between the PCB. The S98 FR description names an IXPE dampener, two thick foam layers, and a silicone dampener.

Both product listings include Mac/Win support. The vendor descriptions also list operating-system compatibility for each model, including Mac and Windows versions.

Both metadata entries list dimensions of 42 x 409 x 140 mm and a weight of 1879g. They are also both listed as 96% keyboards.