Royal Kludge S98 ES vs S98 JP
Choose the Royal Kludge S98 ES for an ANSI Spanish or English layout or the S98 JP for a JIS Japanese layout, as the hardware is otherwise identical.
Which one should you get?
Get the
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.
- 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.
Get the
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.
- 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.
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.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Royal Kludge S98 ES
Royal Kludge S98 JP
Weight
1,879 g
1,880 g
Layout standard
ANSI
JIS
Dimensions
42 x 409 x 140 mm
140 x 410 x 40 mm
- Royal Kludge S98 ES
- Royal Kludge S98 JP
- Performance
- 7878
- Build quality
- 7070
- Productivity
- 9191
- Customizability
- 7979
- Portability
- 5657
- Layout size: 96%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 3,750 mAh
- Mount style: Top Mount
- Knob
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
It's a tie
- 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.
Royal Kludge S98 ES vs S98 JP specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 21 specs differ
Royal Kludge S98 ES
Royal Kludge S98 JP
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB passthrough
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge S98 ES vs S98 JP: your questions
Yes, based on the provided specifications, the S98 ES and S98 JP share the same hardware including a 96% top mount design, 3750mAh battery, LCD screen, multifunction knob, and hot-swappable PCB. The primary difference is the layout standard, with the ES using ANSI Spanish QWERTY and the JP using JIS Japanese layout.
Both the S98 ES and S98 JP come with PBT double-shot keycaps from the manufacturer, but their keycap rows may differ slightly due to the ANSI versus JIS layout. The bottom row and spacebar length could differ. The metadata indicates that both use standard mechanical switches, so keycaps that fit a standard ANSI or JIS layout should be compatible after confirming row profiles.
Yes, the vendor product description for the S98 ES lists compatibility with Windows XP through Windows 10, Mac, iOS, and Android. The metadata also flags Mac/Win support. The LCD screen can display the current OS layout according to the vendor details.
According to the vendor product description for the S98 JP, the available switch options are linear cream switches and tactile beige switches. Both are described as pre-lubed and hot-swappable, meaning you can replace them with any 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switch.
Yes, the vendor specifications for the S98 ES list one USB 2.0 passthrough port, one USB-C port, and a 2.4 GHz dongle slot. The same configuration is found on the S98 JP according to its tech spec page.
Yes, the vendor descriptions for both the S98 ES and S98 JP state that the LCD screen can display a custom GIF image, date, connection mode, Windows or Mac layout, and battery status. The knob allows you to adjust volume, backlight brightness, and RGB mode as well.
The battery capacity is 3750mAh on both the S98 ES and S98 JP. The vendor description does not provide a specific runtime estimate. Battery life will vary depending on backlight brightness, wireless mode, and usage patterns.
Yes, you can use the S98 JP for typing in English by switching the operating system layout to US QWERTY. However, the keycaps will still show Japanese kana characters, which may cause visual confusion. The keyboard itself will function normally for English typing.
Yes, both the S98 ES and S98 JP are listed as having screw-in stabilizers that the vendor describes as lubricated and quiet. This is a common feature on higher-end Royal Kludge keyboards to reduce rattle and improve typing feel.
The vendor product descriptions for both the S98 ES and S98 JP mention support for DIY software and include a software download link. The exact capabilities of the software, such as key remapping or macro creation, are not detailed in the provided data.
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