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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 10, 2026

Yunzii AL98 vs YZ98Aluminum Build vs Budget-Friendly Choice

Choose the Yunzii AL98 for its premium aluminum build and advanced firmware support, or the YZ98 for a lighter, more budget-conscious option.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Yunzii AL98

Aluminum Build

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

If you want

  • Full CNC aluminum case for premium durability and feel.
  • Supports QMK and VIA for deep, open-source programmability.
  • Large 8000mAh battery for extended wireless usage.

Rules this board out

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

Get the

Yunzii YZ98

Budget-Friendly Choice

Build quality in the bottom 15% of 98% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Significantly lighter weight (1050g) for easier portability.
  • Generally more affordable than the AL98.
  • Includes side RGB lighting in addition to south-facing per-key RGB.

Rules this board out

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

Bottom line

Your budget and need for a premium foundation should guide this decision. Invest in the Yunzii AL98 if you want a durable aluminum keyboard with top-tier programmability for long-term customization. Choose the Yunzii YZ98 if you need a capable, lighter-weight wireless keyboard at a more accessible price point and can forgo advanced firmware support.

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 YZ98

  • Battery

    8,000 mAh

    4,600 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Weight

    2,175 g

    1,050 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • QMK

    Yes

    No

    The deep option when you want to remap every key

  • VIA

    Yes

    No

    GUI remapping without compiling firmware

  • Released

    2025

    2024

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Yunzii AL98
  • Yunzii YZ98
Performance
80
57
Build quality
82
47
Productivity
89
75
Customizability
86
58
Portability
67
54

What they share

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

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Yunzii AL98 is the clear choice for users who prioritize premium build quality, extensive firmware customization for programming and modding, and maximum battery life for office use. The Yunzii YZ98 wins for travel due to its substantially lower weight. For gaming, the AL98's aluminum construction and marketed low latency give it an edge, while content creators will find capable tools in either keyboard, with the AL98 offering more advanced macro programming.

For gaming

Pick the Yunzii AL98

  • The AL98's aluminum case may provide a more stable, vibration-resistant platform.
  • Both offer a 1000Hz polling rate and N-key rollover for reliable keypress registration.
  • The AL98's vendor description emphasizes 'ultra-low latency' for gaming.

Full specs

Yunzii AL98 vs YZ98 specs

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

6 of 22 specs differ

Yunzii AL98

Yunzii YZ98

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

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 mAhBetter
4,600 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
—

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

2,175 g
1,050 g

Dimensions

44 x 407 x 137 mm
39 x 390 x 147 mm

Backlight

RGB, south-facing
RGB, south-facing

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

N-key rollover

Yes
Yes

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2024

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 YZ983 stores

FAQ

Yunzii AL98 vs YZ98: your questions

The core difference is the build material and firmware support. The AL98 features a full aluminum case and supports QMK/VIA programming. The YZ98 uses a lighter, unspecified case material and relies on proprietary software, making it a more budget-friendly and portable option.

The Yunzii AL98 has a much larger 8000mAh battery compared to the YZ98's 4600mAh battery. This gives the AL98 a significant advantage for long wireless usage sessions between charges.

Yes, but the method and depth differ. The AL98 supports QMK and VIA, allowing for extensive, on-the-fly remapping and macro creation. The YZ98 uses proprietary custom software, which its vendor page notes is only for Windows.

Yes. Both the Yunzii AL98 and YZ98 feature hot-swappable PCBs that support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing for easy switch changes without soldering.

Both use a gasket mount and have sound-dampening features. The AL98's vendor description mentions a multi-layer gasket mount structure. The YZ98's listing specifies it includes IXPE gasket pads, PORON sandwich foam, and silicone pads. The AL98's aluminum case will likely produce a more solid, muted sound compared to a plastic case.

Yes, the YZ98 is better suited for travel. It weighs 1050g, which is less than half the weight of the 2175g AL98. Its dimensions are also slightly more compact, making it easier to pack and carry.

Both keyboards list Mac support in their extra features. They offer Bluetooth connectivity, which is compatible with macOS, and wired USB-C connections will also function.

Both the Yunzii AL98 and YZ98 come equipped with double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile, according to their respective vendor descriptions.

The YZ98 features additional side RGB lighting alongside the south-facing per-key RGB that both models share. Its vendor page mentions 15 types of front lighting and 11 types of side lighting modes.

The vendor description for the YZ98 states it has pre-lubed stabilizers. The AL98's description confirms pre-lubed linear switches but does not explicitly mention stabilizer lubrication, though it includes screw-in stabilizers.

Yes. Both keyboards offer a 2.4GHz wireless mode with a 1000Hz polling rate, which is suitable for gaming where low latency is important. The AL98's vendor page specifically markets its 'ultra-low latency' for gaming.

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