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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 8, 2026

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.

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Quick verdict

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.

If you want

  • 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.

If you want

  • 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.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Bottom line

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.

What actually differs

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

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Royal Kludge S98 ES
  • Royal Kludge S98
Performance
78
65
Build quality
70
72
Productivity
91
82
Customizability
79
72
Portability
56
53

What they share

  • Layout size: 96%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 3,750 mAh
  • Knob
  • Weight: 1,879 g
See every spec side by side

Best for

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.

For gaming

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.

Full specs

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

Typing & switches

Switch options

—
Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Top Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

96%
96%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
Yes

Display

LCD
TFT

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

3,750 mAh
3,750 mAh

USB passthrough

Yes
Yes

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Keycaps

ABS
ABS, PBT

Weight

1,879 g
1,879 g

Dimensions

42 x 409 x 140 mm
41 x 140 x 41 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2023

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

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.

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