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

This comparison is for buyers choosing between two Royal Kludge 96% keyboards that share the same layout, battery, and wireless connectivity. The decision is hard because both offer similar core experiences with a 96% layout, a smart display and knob, and triple-mode wireless. However, the S98 ES arrives with distinct upgrades like a dedicated LCD screen and N-Key Rollover, whereas the standard S98 provides a wider selection of switch types.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Includes a Yes, LCD display Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Sized at 42 x 409 x 140 mm Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options Includes a Yes display Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 78 Build Quality: 69.7 Productivity: 90.9 Customizability: 79.2 Portability: 56.4	Scores Performance: 65 Build Quality: 62.9 Productivity: 82.4 Customizability: 72.7 Portability: 53.2
Name	Name Royal Kludge S98 ES	Name Royal Kludge S98
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options -	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support LCD	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 3750 mAh	Battery capacity 3750 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Top Mount	Mount Style Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 42 x 409 x 140 mm	Dimensions 41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight	Weight 1879g	Weight 1879g

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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Royal Kludge S98 ES

+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.
+Top mount design described by the vendor as providing a firm and consistent feel.
+Vendor description mentions two layers of sound-absorbing foam for noise reduction.

−Metadata only lists ABS keycap material, which may wear faster than PBT alternatives.
−May have a higher typical price point compared to the standard S98 according to price data.
−Vendor description indicates keycaps are ABS, but the tech spec section states PBT Double Shot, creating conflicting information.

Royal Kludge S98

+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.
+Has a wider range of pricing from multiple vendors, allowing for more budget-friendly options.
+Established product with 344 reviews, indicating a strong user base.

−Does not include N-Key Rollover (NKRO) as a listed feature in its metadata.
−Vendor description suggests the silent switch variant may have limited shipping availability.
−Lacks explicit mention of screw-in stabilizers, which are often preferred for stability.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingRoyal 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.

OfficeTie

•Both have a 96% layout that saves desk space while retaining a numpad, ideal for data entry.
•Both feature sound dampening foam for a quieter typing experience in shared workspaces.
•Both support dual system layouts for Windows and Mac users.

ProgrammingTie

•Both offer a standard ANSI layout which is common among developers for its keycap compatibility.
•Both include a knob and screen for quickly adjusting volume or system settings.

TravelRoyal Kludge S98

•The standard S98 offers a Silent switch variant, which is beneficial in quiet public spaces or hotels.
•The standard S98 has a wider price range, allowing for a potentially more budget-conscious travel purchase.

ModdingRoyal Kludge S98 ES

•The S98 ES includes screw-in stabilizers, a preferred starting point for modders looking to reduce rattle.
•Both are hot-swappable, but the S98 ES's top-mount design is explicitly described by the vendor as suited for modifications.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98

•The standard S98 offers more switch choices (Linear, Tactile, Silent) to match a creator's preference for different types of typing or editing work.
•The standard S98 has south-facing RGB, which better illuminates keycap legends from the user's perspective.