Royal Kludge S98 FR vs S98 JP
The Royal Kludge S98 FR and S98 JP are nearly identical keyboards, so your decision hinges entirely on whether you need an ANSI or JIS layout.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge S98 FR
- Features a 4000 Hz polling rate, which the vendor links to better gaming performance.
- ANSI layout is the most common standard, offering broad keycap and software shortcut compatibility.
- Includes an LCD screen and multifunction knob for volume and mode controls.
- The JIS layout of the S98 JP may be more familiar for users typing in Japanese.
- The mounting style is not specified, while the S98 JP vendor explicitly mentions a top mount design.
- Heavy at approximately 1879g, which is less portable than lighter 60% keyboards.
Get the
Royal Kludge S98 JP
- JIS layout includes Japanese Kana keycaps, ideal for native Japanese typists or Kana learners.
- The vendor explicitly states a Top Mount design, which can influence typing feel and acoustics.
- Includes an LCD screen and multifunction knob for intuitive control of settings.
- Does not list a polling rate, making it a less confident choice for competitive gaming.
- JIS layout has a different key count and space bar size, limiting standard keycap set compatibility.
- Heavy at approximately 1880g, not ideal for frequent transport.
If you primarily game or want the widest compatibility with keycap sets and software shortcuts, choose the Royal Kludge S98 FR for its ANSI layout and 4000 Hz polling rate. If you need a JIS layout for typing in Japanese or prefer the explicitly stated Top Mount design, the Royal Kludge S98 JP is your choice. In all other aspects, these keyboards are functionally identical, so let the layout standard be your guide.
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 FR
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 FR
- Royal Kludge S98 JP
- Performance
- 8578
- Build quality
- 6770
- Productivity
- 9191
- Customizability
- 7979
- Portability
- 5757
- Layout size: 96%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 3,750 mAh
- Knob
- Display: LCD
What will you mostly use it for?
The Royal Kludge S98 FR takes the lead for Gaming and Content Creation due to its higher polling rate and more universal ANSI layout, which benefits game compatibility and keycap availability. For Office, Programming, Travel, and Modding, the two keyboards are effectively tied, sharing the same wireless connectivity, battery life, hot-swappable PCB, sound dampening, and screw-in stabilizers. The core trade-off is not about performance but about the physical key layout and language support you require.
Pick the Royal Kludge S98 FR
- The S98 FR has a 4000 Hz polling rate, which the vendor description highlights for gaming responsiveness.
- The S98 JP does not list a polling rate in its specs, making the S98 FR the more confident choice for gaming latency.
- The ANSI layout of the S98 FR is more common for PC gaming and offers easier keycap compatibility.
Royal Kludge S98 FR vs S98 JP specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
3 of 22 specs differ
Royal Kludge S98 FR
Royal Kludge S98 JP
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB passthrough
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge S98 FR vs S98 JP: your questions
The main difference is the layout standard and keycap legends. The S98 FR uses an ANSI layout with French AZERTY keycaps, while the S98 JP uses a JIS layout with Japanese Kana keycaps. This difference determines which set of typists will find the keyboard intuitive to use.
The Royal Kludge S98 FR is listed with a 4000 Hz polling rate in the metadata. The S98 JP does not have a polling rate specified in its metadata. For gamers who prioritize low latency, the S98 FR is the more data-backed choice.
Yes, both the Royal Kludge S98 FR and S98 JP are hot-swappable. The vendor descriptions for both models state they can accept 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering, allowing for easy customization of the typing feel.
Both keyboards are equipped with a 3750mAh internal battery. The vendor descriptions highlight this as a long-lasting battery. Actual battery life will vary depending on usage, RGB brightness levels, and whether you are using wired or wireless modes.
Based on the available data, the S98 FR is the stronger choice for gaming because it has a 4000 Hz polling rate. The S98 JP does not have a polling rate specified. Additionally, the ANSI layout of the FR model is more common for PC gaming.
Yes, both keyboards feature double-shot PBT keycaps. The Royal Kludge vendor descriptions for both the S98 FR and S98 JP specify that the keycaps are made of double-shot PBT, which is known for its durability and resistance to shine over time.
Yes, both the S98 FR and S98 JP include sound dampening materials. The vendor descriptions detail an IXPE switch dampener pad, two thick layers of foam, and a silicone pad, which the manufacturer claims reduces noise by 40% and eliminates 80% of high-pitched sounds.
Yes, both keyboards support Mac. The metadata for both the Royal Kludge S98 FR and S98 JP includes 'Mac/Win Support' as an extra feature. The vendor descriptions also list macOS as a compatible system.
The S98 FR measures 42 x 409 x 140 mm and weighs 1879g. The S98 JP measures 140 x 410 x 40 mm and weighs 1880g. Both are 96% layout keyboards, meaning they are nearly full-sized but slightly more compact in width.
The Royal Kludge S98 JP is better for typing Japanese because it features a JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) layout with Kana keycaps. The S98 FR uses an ANSI layout with French AZERTY legends, which is not suited for Japanese input.
Both keyboards offer triple-mode connectivity. They support Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4 GHz wireless via a dongle, and a wired USB-C connection. The vendor descriptions for both models note a USB passthrough port and a slot for the 2.4G dongle.
Yes, both the Royal Kludge S98 FR and S98 JP feature an LCD screen. The vendor descriptions state that the screen can display custom GIFs, date, connection mode, WIN/MAC layout, and battery status, and can be controlled with a multifunction knob.
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