Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Head to head · Prices checked Nov 2, 2026

Yunzii AL98 vs X98Aluminum vs Transparent Polycarbonate Choice

Choose the AL98 for a premium metal build and the X98 for a lighter, transparent aesthetic with a rotary knob.

KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Yunzii AL98

Aluminum

Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Constructed with a full CNC aluminum case for durability and a premium feel.
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers, which are favored for modding and stability.
  • Supports Hall Effect switches in addition to standard mechanical switches.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Get the

Yunzii X98

Transparent Polycarbonate Choice

Build quality in the top 10% of 98% boards under $150.

If you want

  • Features a unique transparent polycarbonate case for a distinctive aesthetic.
  • Includes a programmable rotary knob for media control or custom functions.
  • Significantly lighter at 1270g, improving portability.

Rules this board out

  • South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.

Bottom line

Your priority should guide this choice. If a solid, metallic build quality, modding-friendly features like screw-in stabilizers, and Hall Effect compatibility are most important, the Yunzii AL98 is the clear selection. If you prefer a lighter keyboard with a unique transparent look, a dedicated programmable knob, and a potentially more pronounced RGB display, the Yunzii X98 is the better option. Both deliver excellent core functionality for the price.

What actually differs

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 X98

  • Case material

    Aluminum

    Polycarbonate

  • Knob

    No

    Yes

  • Weight

    2,175 g

    1,270 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • Keycaps

    PBT

    ABS, PC

  • Dimensions

    44 x 407 x 137 mm

    45 x 391 x 142 mm

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Yunzii AL98
  • Yunzii X98
Performance
80
82
Build quality
82
77
Productivity
89
93
Customizability
86
89
Portability
67
65

What they share

  • Layout size: 98%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 8,000 mAh
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
  • Switch options: Linear
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The X98 holds slight advantages for gaming, programming, travel, and content creation, primarily due to its included knob and lighter weight. The AL98 is the stronger pick for modders thanks to its screw-in stabilizers and Hall Effect support. For general office use, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing the same productive layout and wireless versatility.

For gaming

Pick the Yunzii X98

  • The X98's listing mentions ultra-low latency for PC gaming enthusiasts in its wired mode.
  • Its lighter weight (1270g vs 2175g) may allow for easier repositioning on a desk.
  • Both share a 1000Hz polling rate and N-key rollover.

Full specs

Yunzii AL98 vs X98 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

5 of 23 specs differ

Yunzii AL98

Yunzii X98

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear
Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

No
Yes

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

8,000 mAh
8,000 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Polycarbonate

Keycaps

PBT
ABS, PC

Weight

2,175 g
1,270 g

Dimensions

44 x 407 x 137 mm
45 x 391 x 142 mm

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
Yes

VIA

Yes
Yes

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

Yunzii AL982 stores
Yunzii X982 stores

FAQ

Yunzii AL98 vs X98: your questions

The primary difference is the case material. The AL98 uses a full CNC aluminum case, while the X98 uses a transparent polycarbonate case. The X98 also includes a programmable rotary knob, which the AL98 lacks.

Both are gasket-mounted with sound-dampening features. The AL98's vendor description mentions a sound-dampening design. The X98's listing specifies a 5-layer structure using Poron, IXPE, silicone, and sound enhancement pads for a creamy acoustic profile. The final sound will also depend on the installed switches and keycaps.

Yes, both the Yunzii AL98 and X98 offer tri-mode connectivity, which includes Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and wired USB-C connections. The AL98 listing specifies Bluetooth 5.0, while the X98 listing specifies Bluetooth 5.3.

Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs that support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. This allows you to change switches without soldering. The AL98 also lists support for Hall Effect switches.

Both keyboards offer extensive customization through open-source QMK and VIA firmware. This allows you to remap every key, create macros, and adjust lighting effects on both models. The X98's knob can also be reprogrammed via this software.

Yes, the weight difference is significant. The AL98 weighs 2175g (about 4.8 lbs), while the X98 weighs 1270g (about 2.8 lbs). This makes the X98 notably more portable and easier to move around a desk.

Yes, according to their listed features, both the Yunzii AL98 and X98 support Mac and Windows operating systems. Their tri-mode connectivity allows them to pair with various devices.

The Yunzii AL98 uses double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile. The Yunzii X98 uses transparent PC keycaps in a CSA profile with 3D-printed characters.

Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs with 16.8 million colors. However, the X98's transparent polycarbonate case and clear PC keycaps are designed to showcase and enhance the RGB lighting effects more visibly than the AL98's opaque aluminum and PBT keycaps.

The vendor descriptions do not specify if the stabilizers are pre-lubed. The AL98 is confirmed to use screw-in stabilizers, while the stabilizer type on the X98 is not detailed in the provided specifications.

Both keyboards are equipped with the same large 8000mAh battery. The vendor descriptions for both claim this provides exceptional endurance for extended wireless use, though exact battery life in hours will depend on usage patterns and RGB settings.

The provided specifications and descriptions do not indicate if the knob on the Yunzii X98 is removable or replaceable. It is described as a programmable function knob with a default volume control assignment.

Still torn?

Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.