Yunzii AL98 vs C98 Cake MeowAluminum vs Plastic
Choose the AL98 for its full aluminum case and QMK/VIA programmability, or the C98 Cake Meow if you prefer a lighter build, larger battery, and unique aesthetic.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Yunzii AL98
Aluminum
- CNC aluminum case provides durability and a premium feel.
- QMK/VIA firmware support for full key remapping and macros.
- 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive gaming performance.
- Heavier at 2175g, less suitable for frequent travel.
- QMK firmware not readily available on the official site, requires Discord access per user reviews.
Get the
Yunzii C98 Cake Meow
Plastic
- Lighter plastic construction at 1331.5g for easy mobility.
- Larger 10000mAh battery offers extended wireless run time.
- Included accessories like decorative stickers, extra keycaps, and a protective dust cover.
- Plastic case feels less premium compared to the AL98's aluminum chassis.
- No QMK or VIA support, relies on web-based software for customization.
- Lower performance and build quality scores relative to price tier.
For most buyers, the Yunzii AL98 is the stronger option thanks to its full aluminum build, QMK/VIA programmability, and higher performance indicators. The C98 Cake Meow is a niche pick best suited for those who value a cute aesthetic, lighter carry weight, and longer battery life over firmware depth and material quality. Your final choice should align with whether desk presence and customization or portability and battery endurance matter more.
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.
Yunzii AL98
Yunzii C98 Cake Meow
Hall effect (magnetic)
Yes
No
Battery
8,000 mAh
10,000 mAh
Case material
Aluminum
Plastic
Weight
2,175 g
1,331.5 g
QMK
Yes
No
- Yunzii AL98
- Yunzii C98 Cake Meow
- Performance
- 7575
- Build quality
- 8059
- Productivity
- 9566
- Customizability
- 8961
- Portability
- 6766
- Layout size: 98%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Keycaps: PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The AL98 sweeps most categories due to its QMK/VIA programmability, superior build materials, and higher performance and productivity scores. The C98 Cake Meow only takes the Travel category, attributed to its lighter weight and larger battery capacity. The AL98 is the recommended pick for users who need software customization and a robust chassis, while the C98 appeals specifically to those prioritizing portability and battery life.
Pick the Yunzii AL98
- Higher performance score relative to price tier.
- 1000 Hz polling rate listed in metadata for responsive input.
- QMK/VIA support allows custom macro and keybind optimization.
Yunzii AL98 vs C98 Cake Meow specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 26 specs differ
Yunzii AL98
Yunzii C98 Cake Meow
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
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Yunzii AL98 vs C98 Cake Meow: your questions
The Yunzii AL98 offers superior build quality with its CNC aluminum case, while the C98 Cake Meow uses a plastic case with a polycarbonate plate. The AL98's score relative to its price tier also indicates stronger construction materials and assembly.
No, the C98 Cake Meow does not support QMK or VIA firmware. It uses a web-based software for remapping keys, assigning macros, and customizing RGB lighting, which is compatible with Windows and Mac.
Yes, the AL98 supports tri-mode connectivity including 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, and wired USB-C. It also lists a 1000 Hz polling rate, which supports low-latency wireless gaming performance.
The C98 Cake Meow is significantly lighter at 1331.5 grams, compared to the AL98 at 2175 grams. It also comes with a protective dust cover, making it more suitable for carrying between locations.
Yes, both the Yunzii AL98 and the C98 Cake Meow feature hot-swappable PCBs that support 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. This allows you to change switches without soldering.
The AL98 comes with double-shot PBT Cherry profile keycaps. The C98 Cake Meow features dye-sublimation PBT MOA profile keycaps, which have a rounder, more sculpted shape.
The C98 Cake Meow has a larger 10000mAh battery, while the AL98 has an 8000mAh battery. Based on these capacities, the C98 is likely to offer longer usage between charges, though actual runtime depends on usage and lighting.
Yes, the AL98 features a multi-layer gasket mount structure with sound dampening design, which the vendor describes as reducing vibration and improving acoustics. The C98 also includes sound-absorbing layers and silicone padding.
Yes, the C98 Cake Meow comes with south-facing RGB, a side light, and a smiley light. You can adjust lighting effects and colors using the web-based software compatible with Windows and Mac.
The AL98 is better for programming macros because it supports QMK/VIA firmware, which allows deep customization of layers and key functions. The C98 relies on simpler web-based software that offers basic remapping and macro assignment.
Both keyboards offer linear switch options. They share the YUNZII Milk V2 Linear Switch, and each has an additional unique option: the AL98 offers the YUNZII Cocoa Cream V2 Linear Switch, while the C98 offers the YUNZII Candy Linear Switch.
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