RK S98 FR vs S98: 4000Hz Polling vs Top Mount

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

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two nearly identical 96% wireless keyboards from Royal Kludge that share the same layout, battery, and basic feature set. The S98 FR distinguishes itself with a 4000Hz polling rate that favors competitive gaming, while the standard S98 focuses on typing quality through its top-mount construction and four-layer sound dampening. The decision is difficult because both keyboards offer a 3750mAh battery, hot-swappable switches, an LCD screen, and a knob, making the choice hinge on nuanced performance differences.

Model
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 Runs at a 4000 Hz polling rate 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 Uses a Top Mount mounting style 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: 85.6 Build Quality: 66.6 Productivity: 91.1 Customizability: 79.5 Portability: 56.6	Scores Performance: 65 Build Quality: 62.9 Productivity: 82.4 Customizability: 72.7 Portability: 53.2
Name	Name Royal Kludge S98 FR	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 4000 Hz	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 -	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

S98-FR Clavier Mécanique Sans Fil 96% AZERTY

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2025
Includes a Yes, LCD display
Features N-key rollover
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Runs at a 4000 Hz polling rate
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
Uses a Top Mount mounting style
Sized at 41 x 140 x 41 mm
Features ABS, PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 85.6
Build Quality: 66.6
Productivity: 91.1
Customizability: 79.5
Portability: 56.6

Scores

Performance: 65
Build Quality: 62.9
Productivity: 82.4
Customizability: 72.7
Portability: 53.2

Name

Royal Kludge S98 FR

Name

Royal Kludge S98

Release year

2025

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Silent

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

96%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

LCD

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

4000 Hz

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

3750 mAh

Battery capacity

3750 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Top Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Keycaps Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

ABS, PBT

Dimensions

42 x 409 x 140 mm

Dimensions

41 x 140 x 41 mm

Weight

1879g

Weight

1879g

Pros and Trade-offs

Select the S98 FR if you need a competitive edge in gaming with its 4000Hz polling rate and USB passthrough for convenient desk setup. Opt for the standard S98 if you prioritize a quieter, more refined typing experience from its top-mount construction and extensive sound dampening. Both keyboards are solid pre-built options, but your choice should align with whether speed or acoustics matter more in your daily use.

Royal Kludge S98 FR

+4000Hz polling rate delivers lower latency for competitive gaming and fast typing.
+Screw-in stabilizers are included, contributing to a more stable and consistent keypress feel.
+USB passthrough port enables easy connection of additional peripherals through the keyboard.
+Vendor description highlights an IXPE cushion, two layers of foam, and a silicone damper for sound reduction.
+PBT double-shot keycaps are used, offering durability and resistance to shine over time.

−Keycap material listed as ABS in metadata conflicts with vendor description of PBT, creating uncertainty.
−No mounting style is specified, leaving the internal structure less clear compared to the standard S98.
−Fewer switch type options available compared to the standard S98, limiting out-of-the-box choice.

Royal Kludge S98

+Top-mount design provides a more uniform and cushioned typing feel across all keys.
+Four-layer sound absorbing foam significantly reduces echo and noise, as per vendor description.
+Multiple switch options including Linear Cream, Tactile Beige, and Silent Purple cater to different preferences.
+South-facing RGB LEDs are explicitly mentioned, which can improve compatibility with certain keycap profiles.
+Switch details with actuation force (45±10 gf Linear, 40±10 gf Tactile) and travel distance are provided.

−Polling rate is not stated in the metadata or vendor description, suggesting a standard 1000Hz.
−Does not include USB passthrough, limiting peripheral connectivity options.
−The dimensions listed (41 x 140 x 41 mm) appear inconsistent with the typical 16.1 x 5.5 x 1.6 inch size, potentially a data error.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The S98 FR takes the lead in gaming and content creation thanks to its 4000Hz polling rate and USB passthrough, while the standard S98 excels in office and modding scenarios due to its top-mount design and sound dampening. For programming and travel, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing the same 96% layout, weight, and battery capacity. The choice ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize raw input speed or a quieter, more refined typing foundation.

GamingRoyal Kludge S98 FR

•4000Hz polling rate provides faster input response than the standard S98.
•Higher performance score relative to price tier indicates better latency handling.
•Vendor description states the FR model is designed for gaming with superior tactile consistency and noise reduction.

OfficeRoyal Kludge S98

•Top-mount design paired with four-layer sound absorbing foam produces quieter, more controlled keystrokes.
•Suitable for typist with tactile switch options (Beige) that provide a more deliberate feel.
•Multiple switch choices (Linear Cream, Tactile Beige, Silent Purple) allow matching to work preferences.

ProgrammingTie

•Both offer a 96% layout with a full number row and navigation cluster, ideal for coding.
•Both have hot-swappable PCBs that support 3-pin and 5-pin switches for custom feel.
•Neither listing specifies per-key programmable software features, so the advantage is neutral.

TravelTie

•Both keyboards weigh 1879g and share the same footprint, making them equally portable.
•Both have a 3750mAh battery for extended wireless use without frequent charging.
•Both support Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired connectivity for flexible setups.

ModdingRoyal Kludge S98

•Standard S98 uses a top-mount structure, which is more modder-friendly for plate and foam experimentation.
•Both are hot-swappable, but the S98 has a wider variety of stock switch options to start with.
•Four-layer sound dampening foam provides a better foundation for further acoustic tuning.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge S98 FR

•USB passthrough allows connecting a mouse or other device directly to the keyboard, useful for tight desks.
•Screw-in stabilizers mentioned in FR metadata suggest a more stable typing experience for editing sessions.
•Higher productivity score relative to price tier indicates better overall feature utility for multitasking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)