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

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two nearly identical Royal Kludge S98 models that differ primarily in language layout and one key performance spec. The choice is difficult because both share the same compact 96% form factor, triple-mode connectivity, and premium features like an LCD screen and hot-swappable switches. Your decision will hinge entirely on whether you need a Spanish QWERTY (S98ES) or French AZERTY (S98FR) layout, or if the S98FR's specified 4000 Hz polling rate is a critical factor for your use case.

79
S98-ES Teclado Mecánico Inalámbrico 96% QWERTY
78
S98-FR Clavier Mécanique Sans Fil 96% AZERTY

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  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Runs at a 4000 Hz polling rate
Scores
  • Performance: 77.9
  • Build Quality: 69.9
  • Productivity: 91
  • Customizability: 79.2
  • Portability: 56.4
Scores
  • Performance: 85.5
  • Build Quality: 66.7
  • Productivity: 91.2
  • Customizability: 79.5
  • Portability: 56.5
Name
Royal Kludge S98 ES
Name
Royal Kludge S98 FR
Release year
2025
Release year
2025
Switch Options
-
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
42 x 409 x 140 mm
Dimensions
42 x 409 x 140 mm
Weight
1879g
Weight
1879g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the Royal Kludge S98ES and S98FR is straightforward. Select the keyboard with the language layout you use daily: the S98ES for Spanish QWERTY or the S98FR for French AZERTY. If you are a competitive gamer and the layout is not a barrier, the S98FR's confirmed 4000 Hz polling rate gives it a technical advantage. For all other users, these are the same excellent, feature-rich 96% keyboards in different regional packages.

Royal Kludge S98 ES

  • +Spanish QWERTY (ES) layout for users in specific regions.
  • +Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps according to the vendor page.
  • +Features a top mount design for a consistent typing feel.
  • +Includes multiple sound-dampening foam layers for a quieter sound profile.
  • +Offers a USB 2.0 pass-through port for convenient peripheral connection.
  • −The product listing does not specify a polling rate.
  • −The heavy weight (1879g) limits true portability.
  • −Availability may be limited to regions using the Spanish layout.

Royal Kludge S98 FR

  • +French AZERTY (FR) layout for users in specific regions.
  • +Specifies a 4000 Hz polling rate for potentially lower latency.
  • +Vendor description mentions an IXPE foam cushion, two thick foam layers, and a silicone pad for sound dampening.
  • +Shares all other high-end features like the LCD screen, hot-swap, and triple connectivity.
  • +Comes with double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • −The heavy weight (1879g) limits true portability.
  • −Availability may be limited to regions using the French layout.
  • −The vendor page does not mention the specific mount style.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The S98FR holds a slight edge for gaming due to its listed 4000 Hz polling rate. For all other use cases, the keyboards are functionally identical, with the winner being a tie. The core decision point across office work, programming, travel, modding, and content creation is the physical key layout: Spanish QWERTY on the S98ES or French AZERTY on the S98FR. Their shared 96% form factor, hot-swap capability, and connectivity make them equally versatile platforms.

GamingRoyal Kludge S98 FR
  • •The S98FR has a specified 4000 Hz polling rate, which the S98ES listing does not mention.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover and a multifunction knob for audio control.
  • •Both share the same top mount design, which the manufacturer states is designed for a firm, consistent feel for gamers.
OfficeTie
  • •Both offer a 96% layout that retains the numpad in a compact form, ideal for spreadsheets.
  • •Both include a USB 2.0 pass-through port for connecting peripherals.
  • •Triple connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4G, wired) allows for easy switching between devices.
  • •The choice depends solely on the required office language layout (ES QWERTY or FR AZERTY).
ProgrammingTie
  • •The compact 96% layout saves desk space while keeping essential keys.
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization to a preferred actuation force.
  • •Double-shot PBT keycaps, confirmed for the S98ES and stated for the S98FR, resist shine over time.
  • •The decision is based on the programmer's preferred keyboard layout for symbols and shortcuts.
TravelTie
  • •Both are identical in weight (1879g) and dimensions, making them equally portable or stationary.
  • •The same 3750mAh battery provides wireless operation.
  • •The included 5.6-inch USB-C cable aids in portability.
  • •The shared 96% size is more compact than a full-size board but still substantial.
ModdingTie
  • •Both feature a hot-swappable PCB for 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
  • •Both include screw-in stabilizers, which are preferred for modding over plate-mounted.
  • •The vendor pages mention sound-dampening foam layers (IXPE foam, two thick foam layers, and a silicone pad for the S98FR) for acoustic customization.
  • •The included keycap and switch puller facilitates modifications.
Content CreationTie
  • •The multifunction knob on both can control volume, RGB brightness, and speed, useful in editing software.
  • •The LCD screen can display media information or custom GIFs.
  • •Full RGB backlighting is customizable on both models.
  • •Layout choice is the primary differentiator for shortcut muscle memory.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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