KBDFans Tofu vs Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Choose the KBDFans Tofu for a TKL layout and magnetic-switch option, or the Meletrix Zoom98 SE if you need a numpad and built-in tri-mode wireless.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
KBDFans Tofu
Hall effect
Build quality in the top 10% of 80% boards under $100.
- 80% ANSI layout without a numpad, for buyers who want a TKL-style arrangement.
- Hall Effect PCB option with magnetic-switch support; the vendor lists 0.125 ms latency and 8K polling for that option.
- Vendor-listed choice of top mount or PCB silicone gasket mount, with a plateless build possible using the solder PCB.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- No numpad.
Get the
Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Battery
Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $300.
- 98% ANSI layout with a numpad in a compact full-size arrangement.
- Tri-mode connectivity via USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz, as described by the vendor.
- Hot-swap support, VIA and QMK support, and a programmable LCD display.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- Compact full-size layout. The numpad is present, the gaps of a full-size board are not.
Pick the KBDFans Tofu if you want a TKL layout and value the option to build around magnetic Hall Effect switches or tailor the mount and plate. Choose the Meletrix Zoom98 SE if a numpad, tri-mode wireless, and a programmable LCD matter more. Before selecting the Tofu’s Hall Effect configuration, confirm that your switches are magnetic rather than standard MX.
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.
KBDFans Tofu
Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Layout size
80%
98%
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing
Battery
1,000 mAh
4,500 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Ergonomics
Standard
Split Spacebar
Mount style
Top Mount
Gasket Mount
- KBDFans Tofu
- Meletrix Zoom98 SE
- Performance
- 8679
- Build quality
- 8685
- Productivity
- 8693
- Customizability
- 9290
- Portability
- 7355
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
- Case material: Aluminum
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Zoom98 SE is the more straightforward fit for desk work that benefits from a numpad, while the Tofu suits buyers who prefer a TKL footprint and want a magnetic-switch build option. Gaming favors the Tofu when configured with its Hall Effect PCB, though that option is not compatible with standard MX switches. For modding, the Tofu offers broader choices across PCB, mounting, and plate materials. Travel is a mixed call: the Tofu is smaller by layout, but its listed weight is higher than the Zoom98 SE’s.
Pick the KBDFans Tofu
- The Tofu offers a Hall Effect configuration for magnetic switches, with a vendor-listed 0.125 ms latency and 8K polling rate for that PCB option.
- The Zoom98 SE lists 1000 Hz over 2.4 GHz and wireless, and 125 Hz over Bluetooth.
- The Tofu’s Hall Effect PCB accepts magnetic switches only, not standard MX switches.
KBDFans Tofu vs Meletrix Zoom98 SE specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
16 of 27 specs differ
KBDFans Tofu
Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
VIAL
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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KBDFans Tofu vs Meletrix Zoom98 SE: your questions
No. Its listed layout is 80%, and its compatibility rules specify that it has no numpad. The Meletrix Zoom98 SE uses a 98% layout with a numpad.
Yes. The Zoom98 SE is listed as a 98% compact full-size keyboard with a numpad. Its layout is ANSI.
Only if you choose a compatible non-Hall Effect PCB option. The Tofu’s Hall Effect PCB accepts magnetic switches only, and standard MX switches will not fit that configuration.
The vendor description lists an 8K polling rate for the Tofu’s Hall Effect PCB option. The product metadata separately lists 1000 Hz, so confirm which PCB configuration is included when buying.
The vendor lists wired USB-C, Bluetooth, and 2.4 GHz connectivity. It also specifies different polling rates by wireless mode, 1000 Hz over 2.4 GHz and 125 Hz over Bluetooth.
Yes. VIA support appears in the product metadata and vendor description, which also calls the LCD programmable. The vendor description additionally lists QMK support in the product metadata.
The product metadata lists both VIA and VIAL support. The vendor description specifies VIA and VIAL for the wired PCB options, while the dual-mode option uses ZMK.
The vendor lists top mount and PCB silicone gasket mount options for the Tofu. With the solder PCB, a plateless build is also possible.
The product metadata lists aluminum, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, steel, brass, and FR4 plate materials. The vendor description lists aluminum, carbon fiber, polycarbonate, and FR4 options, so check the selected configuration for availability.
Its south-facing LEDs may leave shine-through legends dark, according to the compatibility rules. Some sculpted keycaps can also clip the LEDs.
No. The vendor describes the Zoom98 SE as a barebones item that does not include switches or keycaps. The kit description lists stabilizers and a polycarbonate plate among the included components.
The product metadata lists the Tofu at 5000 g and the Zoom98 SE at 1000 g. Those listed figures favor the Zoom98 SE for weight, although the Tofu vendor description says its finished configuration can vary by selected materials.
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