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

This comparison is for buyers deciding between the Royal Kludge S98 JP and its standard S98 counterpart. Both are 96% wireless mechanical keyboards with nearly identical internal hardware and features. The core decision hinges on your preferred keyboard layout. The S98 JP offers a JIS layout, while the S98 uses an ANSI layout, available in multiple language variants. The S98 also provides more color and switch options at a potentially lower starting price point.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Built with the JIS layout standard Includes a Yes, LCD display Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Weighs about 1880 g Sized at 140 x 410 x 40 mm Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Released in 2023 Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options Built with the ANSI layout standard Includes a Yes display Weighs about 1879 g 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: 78.3 Build Quality: 69.9 Productivity: 91.1 Customizability: 79.6 Portability: 56.7	Scores Performance: 65 Build Quality: 62.9 Productivity: 82.4 Customizability: 72.7 Portability: 53.2
Name	Name Royal Kludge S98 JP	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 JIS	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 140 x 410 x 40 mm	Dimensions 41 x 140 x 41 mm
Weight	Weight 1880g	Weight 1879g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice depends entirely on your layout preference and budget. If you need a JIS layout or prioritize specific gaming features like N-Key rollover, the RK S98 JP is the clear choice, despite the higher price point. For most users, the standard RK S98 offers greater flexibility with its ANSI layout, more switch and keycap options, and a potentially lower cost of entry.

Royal Kludge S98 JP

+JIS (Japanese Industrial Standard) layout for users familiar with that key arrangement.
+Includes screw-in stabilizers and N-Key rollover for enhanced typing and gaming stability.
+Higher gaming and productivity scores relative to its price tier.
+LCD screen and knob for intuitive controls.

−Only available in ABS keycaps, which may be less durable than PBT options.
−Keycap material is listed as ABS; PBT is not an option according to metadata.
−Higher starting price compared to the standard S98.

Royal Kludge S98

+Available in ANSI, DE, FR, ES, and JP language layouts.
+Offers multiple switch options including Linear, Tactile, and Silent variants.
+Provides a choice between ABS and PBT keycap materials.
+Extensive community support with over 344 customer reviews.

−Lower gaming and productivity scores relative to its price tier compared to the S98 JP.
−Does not feature N-Key Rollover in the provided metadata.
−Lacks screw-in stabilizers as a listed feature.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The RK S98 JP generally wins out for gaming due to specific features like screw-in stabilizers and N-Key rollover, while the standard S98 is the better choice for programming thanks to its more common ANSI layout. In office and travel scenarios, the keyboards are effectively tied, offering the same core features and heavy weight. For modding, the standard S98's availability of PBT keycaps and larger community provides more flexibility. Both models tie for content creation, with identical smart display, knob, and connectivity features.

GamingRoyal Kludge S98 JP

•Includes screw-in stabilizers and N-Key rollover per metadata, which can improve gaming performance.
•Higher productivity score suggests better out-of-box layout for gaming tasks.

OfficeTie

•Both share the same 96% layout, 3750mAh battery, and triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4G, Wired).
•Both feature sound dampening for quieter typing in shared workspaces.
•The S98 has more switch options, including a Silent Purple variant, which may suit office environments.

ProgrammingRoyal Kludge S98

•ANSI layout is more common for programming and offers wider keycap compatibility.
•Available with different switch types (Linear, Tactile, Silent) to suit typing preference.

TravelTie

•Both keyboards weigh around 1880g, making them heavy for frequent travel.
•Both have a 3750mAh battery and offer wireless connectivity for on-the-go use.

ModdingRoyal Kludge S98

•The S98 offers PBT keycaps as a material option, which are more durable than the S98 JP's ABS keycaps.
•The S98 has 344 reviews, indicating a larger user base and potentially more community modding support.

Content CreationTie

•Both feature a smart LCD screen and a knob for controlling volume, lighting, and connection settings.
•Both have USB pass-through and a 96% layout, providing a full set of keys without a numpad.