Royal Kludge S98 ES vs S98
The S98 ES is the choice for added features like an LCD screen and N-Key Rollover, while the standard S98 offers more switch options and a potentially lower starting price.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
from$109at Royal Kludge
from$89at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge S98 ES
Screw-in stabilizers
Build quality in the top 45% of 96% boards under $150.
- Includes a dedicated LCD screen for customizable GIFs and system status, as highlighted by the vendor.
- Equipped with N-Key Rollover for reliable key press registration.
- Features screw-in stabilizers, which can provide a more stable typing feel.
Get the
Royal Kludge S98
Build quality in the top 30% of 96% boards under $100.
- Available with multiple switch options including Linear Cream, Tactile Beige, and Silent Purple variants.
- Features south-facing RGB LEDs, which can provide better compatibility with certain keycap sets.
- Vendor description boasts a four-layer sound-absorbing foam for an exceptionally quiet typing experience.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Choose the Royal Kludge S98 ES if you prioritize gaming performance and modding potential with features like N-Key Rollover and screw-in stabilizers. Opt for the standard Royal Kludge S98 if you value a wider range of switch types, south-facing RGB, and a proven track record with extensive user reviews. Your primary decision is between enhanced gaming features versus greater switch and customization flexibility.
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
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
Display
LCD
TFT
A case display rather than a typing feature
Keycaps
ABS
ABS, PBT
Screw-in stabilizers
Yes
No
Easier to tune than the plate-mount stabs you get prebuilt
Backlight
RGB
RGB, south-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
- Royal Kludge S98 ES
- Royal Kludge S98
- Performance
- 7865
- Build quality
- 7072
- Productivity
- 9182
- Customizability
- 7972
- Portability
- 5653
- Layout size: 96%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 3,750 mAh
- Knob
- Weight: 1,879 g
What will you mostly use it for?
For gaming, the S98 ES takes the lead due to its N-Key Rollover feature. Office and programming use cases are a tie, as both keyboards share the essential features for productivity, like a 96% layout and sound dampening. The standard S98 edges ahead for travel and content creation thanks to its extra switch options, while the S98 ES is preferable for modding due to its screw-in stabilizers and mounting design.
Pick the Royal Kludge S98 ES
- Includes N-Key Rollover, which ensures every key press is registered during fast-paced gaming.
- Vendor description highlights a top-mount design for a firm and consistent feel suited for gamers.
Royal Kludge S98 ES vs S98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 21 specs differ
Royal Kludge S98 ES
Royal Kludge S98
Switch options
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
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
Royal Kludge S98 ES vs S98: your questions
The S98 ES is generally better for gaming due to its N-Key Rollover feature, which ensures every key press is registered, even during rapid sequences. The S98 ES's vendor also highlights a top-mount design that promotes a firm and consistent feel, which can be beneficial for gaming.
Yes, both keyboards come with an LCD screen. The vendor description for the S98 ES mentions a smart display screen for customizable GIFs, while the S98 vendor describes a customizable display for GIFs, RGB modes, and battery status. Both also include a multifunction knob.
The main differences are that the S98 ES includes N-Key Rollover and screw-in stabilizers, while the standard S98 offers more switch choices like Silent Purple and has south-facing RGB LEDs. The S98 ES's keycap material is listed as ABS, while the standard S98 offers PBT options, though there is conflicting information for the S98 ES.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable. The vendor descriptions for both models confirm that they feature hot-swappable switches. The RK S98 ES vendor specifies that the PCB supports 3 or 5-pin switches, while the S98 vendor also describes it as a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard.
Both keyboards have the same battery capacity of 3750mAh, as stated in their metadata. The standard S98 vendor claims it can deliver up to 200 hours of non-stop use with the backlight off and fully recharges in 6-7 hours.
The standard RK S98 offers more switch options. The S98 ES is offered with a choice of creamy linear or beige tactile switches. In contrast, the standard S98 includes these options plus a Silent Purple switch variant, as noted by the vendor.
The standard RK S98 comes with double-shot PBT keycaps according to its vendor listing and metadata. The S98 ES metadata lists ABS keycaps, but its vendor description mentions PBT Double Shot keycaps, creating conflicting information. The standard S98 offers a more reliable and durable keycap material based on available data.
Based on the metadata, the dimensions differ slightly. The S98 ES is listed as 42 x 409 x 140 mm, while the standard S98 is listed as 41 x 140 x 41 mm. However, vendor listings for both state dimensions of 16.1 x 5.5 x 1.6 inches.
Both are suitable, but the standard S98 has a slight edge because it offers a Silent Purple switch variant. The S98 ES vendor mentions two layers of sound-absorbing foam and lubricated stabilizers, while the S98 vendor boasts a four-layer sound-absorbing foam, suggesting both are built for quieter operation.
Yes, the metadata for the Royal Kludge S98 ES lists 'Screw-In Stabilizers' as an extra feature. This is a detail that modders and enthusiasts often look for as they can provide a more stable and consistent keypress. The standard S98 does not list screw-in stabilizers in its metadata.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.









