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

This comparison is for buyers who care about layout standard above all else. The Royal Kludge S98 ES and S98 JP are nearly identical 96% keyboards sharing the same shell, top mount design, 3750mAh battery, PBT double-shot keycaps, hot-swappable PCB, LCD screen, and multifunction knob. The choice comes down to whether you need an ANSI Spanish or English layout (S98 ES) or a JIS Japanese layout (S98 JP). Both offer triple connectivity including Bluetooth 5.0 and 2.4 GHz, RGB lighting, and a USB passthrough port.

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S98-ES Teclado Mecánico Inalámbrico 96% QWERTY
79
S98-JP 96% ワイヤレス メカニカルキーボード JIS配列

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  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Weighs about 1879 g
  • Sized at 42 x 409 x 140 mm
  • Built with the JIS layout standard
  • Weighs about 1880 g
  • Sized at 140 x 410 x 40 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 77.9
  • Build Quality: 69.9
  • Productivity: 91
  • Customizability: 79.2
  • Portability: 56.4
Scores
  • Performance: 78.2
  • Build Quality: 70.1
  • Productivity: 91.2
  • Customizability: 79.6
  • Portability: 56.6
Name
Royal Kludge S98 ES
Name
Royal Kludge S98 JP
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
JIS
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
-
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
Top Mount
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
140 x 410 x 40 mm
Weight
1879g
Weight
1880g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the Royal Kludge S98 ES and S98 JP should be based on your preferred keyboard layout. If you need an ANSI layout for Spanish or US English, the S98 ES is your pick. If you require a JIS layout for Japanese typing, the S98 JP is the only option. Both deliver the same features including an LCD screen, a multifunction knob, hot-swappable switches, and a long-lasting 3750mAh battery.

Royal Kludge S98 ES

  • +Spanish ANSI layout (ES QWERTY) available from the vendor, suitable for Spanish and English typists.
  • +PBT double-shot keycaps are included stock, offering better durability than basic ABS.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customization without soldering.
  • +Includes a multifunction knob and an LCD screen for custom GIFs and battery status display.
  • +Triple connectivity with Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB-C wired mode.
  • −Heavier than many compact keyboards at approximately 1879g, reducing portability.
  • −The LCD screen and knob add complexity that some users may not need for daily typing.
  • −Only one color option (Verde Arcilla) is listed as available for the ES variant.

Royal Kludge S98 JP

  • +Japanese JIS layout (JP JIS) is available for users who need a full Japanese keyboard layout.
  • +PBT double-shot keycaps are standard, providing long-lasting legends and a textured feel.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB allows changing switches without soldering, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin types.
  • +Built-in LCD screen and knob allow control of volume, RGB mode, and connection settings.
  • +Triple connectivity options include Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C for flexible use.
  • −At about 1880g, it is not ideal for frequent travel or carrying between locations.
  • −The screen and knob add cost and complexity compared to a simpler no-frills keyboard.
  • −Only one color option (Sky Blue) is listed as available for the JP variant.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

Across all six categories, the verdict is a tie. The hardware, features, and build quality of the Royal Kludge S98 ES and S98 JP are the same. The decision is not about performance, typing feel, or battery life, it is entirely about which layout standard matches your keyboard needs. Buyers who prefer ANSI should get the ES, while those who need JIS should get the JP.

GamingTie
  • •Both use the same top mount design which the vendor describes as offering a consistent typing feel suited for gaming.
  • •Both feature N-key rollover and customizable RGB backlighting.
  • •Neither product specifies polling rate or latency in the provided data.
  • •The wired mode latency and performance are not differentiated between the two.
OfficeTie
  • •Both include a 3750mAh battery for extended wireless use in an office environment.
  • •Both offer triple connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz, and USB-C wired mode.
  • •Both include a USB passthrough port and a multifunction knob for volume or media control.
  • •PBT double-shot keycaps are standard on both models for durability during long typing sessions.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both have a 96% layout that keeps a full numpad and navigation cluster in a compact footprint.
  • •The hot-swappable PCB on both allows switching between linear and tactile switches without soldering.
  • •Neither includes a split or ergonomic layout, so programmers who prefer standard layouts will be equally served.
TravelTie
  • •Both weigh approximately 1880g, making them on the heavier side for travel compared to smaller keyboards.
  • •The 3750mAh battery provides wireless flexibility for use on the go without a cable.
  • •Neither model is notably more compact, as dimensions vary by only a few millimeters.
ModdingTie
  • •Both feature a hot-swappable PCB that accepts 3-pin and 5-pin switches according to the vendor description.
  • •Both include pre-lubed switches and lubricated screw-in stabilizers from the factory.
  • •The top mount construction and included sound dampening foam layers are identical on both models.
  • •Both use standard PBT double-shot keycaps that can be replaced easily.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both include an LCD screen that can display a custom GIF, date, connection mode, and battery status.
  • •The multifunction knob allows for quick volume or brightness adjustments during video or audio editing.
  • •The 96% layout provides a full numpad which is useful for numeric data entry.
  • •Neither model specifies a higher polling rate or different software features for content creation workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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