Royal Kludge S98 JP vs S98JIS vs ANSI Layout Showdown
Choose the S98 JP if you need a JIS layout or the S98 if you want an ANSI layout and more color and switch options.
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from$109at Royal Kludge
from$89at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge S98 JP
JIS
Build quality in the top 40% of 96% boards under $150.
- 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.
Get the
Royal Kludge S98
ANSI Layout Showdown
Build quality in the top 30% of 96% boards under $100.
- 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.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
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.
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 JP
Royal Kludge S98
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount, Top Mount
Display
LCD
TFT
A case display rather than a typing feature
Weight
1,880 g
1,879 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Layout standard
JIS
ANSI
ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit
Keycaps
ABS
ABS, PBT
- Royal Kludge S98 JP
- Royal Kludge S98
- Performance
- 7865
- Build quality
- 7072
- Productivity
- 9182
- Customizability
- 7972
- Portability
- 5753
- Layout size: 96%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 3,750 mAh
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Royal 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.
Royal Kludge S98 JP vs S98 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 22 specs differ
Royal Kludge S98 JP
Royal Kludge S98
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB passthrough
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge S98 JP vs S98: your questions
The main difference is the keyboard layout: the S98 JP uses a JIS layout, while the S98 uses an ANSI layout. The S98 also offers more color options, switch types, and is often available at a lower starting price.
Yes, but the JIS layout may take adjustment if you are accustomed to an ANSI layout. The standard S98 with ANSI is more common for programming due to wider keycap compatibility.
The RK S98 offers Linear Cream, Tactile Beige, and Silent Purple switches, according to the vendor page. The S98 JP is listed with Linear Cream and Tactile Beige options.
Yes, both the RK S98 JP and RK S98 feature a smart LCD screen and a control knob. These can be used to adjust settings like volume, RGB lighting, and connection modes.
Both the RK S98 JP and the RK S98 have a built-in 3750mAh battery, as stated in their product specifications. This supports their wireless Bluetooth and 2.4G connections.
Yes, both keyboards come pre-built and are hot-swappable according to their features. This allows you to change switches without soldering.
The RK S98 JP scores higher for gaming features in our analysis, attributed to listed features like screw-in stabilizers and N-Key rollover, which can enhance stability and performance.
The RK S98 JP comes with ABS double-shot keycaps. The standard RK S98 offers both ABS and PBT double-shot keycaps, giving you a choice for durability and feel.
Yes, both models feature a built-in USB 2.0 pass-through port, along with a Type-C port and a 2.4G dongle slot, as described in the vendor specifications.
The standard RK S98 has more color options, listed as Lavender Purple, Phantom Black, Sky Blue, Clay Green, and Turquoise Green. The S98 JP is shown with Sky Blue and Clay Green.
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