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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 28, 2026

Meletrix Zoom98 EE vs Zoom98 SE

Choose the Zoom98 SE for a PCB flex-cut option and anodized aluminum case, or the EE for a non-flex PCB and electrophoresis-processed case.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Meletrix Zoom98 EE

Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $300.

If you want

  • Includes electrophoresis-processed aluminum top and bottom case for a specific finish.
  • Comes with a non-flex cut 1.2mm hotswap PCB as standard.
  • Kit includes a Poron sound dampener kit and Wuque Studios 3.1 stabilizers.

Rules this board out

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

Get the

Meletrix Zoom98 SE

Build quality in the top 5% of 98% boards under $300.

If you want

  • Offers a choice between a 1.2mm Flex Cut PCB and a 1.6mm Non-flex Cut PCB.
  • Features anodized aluminum top and bottom cases.
  • Includes a wider variety of color options with different external weight finishes.

Rules this board out

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

Bottom line

For most users, either the Zoom98 EE or SE will deliver an excellent high-end typing experience with extensive features. If having a choice in PCB flex is important for your desired sound and feel, the SE is the clear pick. If you prefer the specific electrophoresis case finish of the EE and do not need a flex-cut PCB, it remains a solid option. Check current vendor stock for specific colors and PCB configurations before deciding.

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.

Meletrix Zoom98 EE

Meletrix Zoom98 SE

  • Display

    Yes

    LCD

    A case display rather than a typing feature

  • Released

    2024

    2023

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Meletrix Zoom98 EE
  • Meletrix Zoom98 SE
Performance
79
79
Build quality
88
85
Productivity
93
93
Customizability
95
90
Portability
55
55

What they share

  • Layout size: 98%
  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
  • Battery: 4,500 mAh
  • Ergonomics: Split Spacebar
  • Max polling rate: 1,000 Hz
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The Zoom98 EE and SE are functionally identical for most use cases, sharing core specs for gaming, office work, programming, and content creation. Their size and weight make them equally unsuitable for travel. The primary distinction is for modders, where the SE provides a meaningful choice in PCB flex and a different case finishing process, giving it a slight edge for custom builds.

For gaming

It's a tie

  • Both offer a 1000 Hz polling rate over the 2.4GHz and wired connections.
  • Both feature N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • Both have south-facing RGB LEDs for compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps.

Full specs

Meletrix Zoom98 EE vs Zoom98 SE specs

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

2 of 24 specs differ

Meletrix Zoom98 EE

Meletrix Zoom98 SE

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Linear
Clicky, Linear

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Screw-in stabilizers

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

98%
98%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Split Spacebar
Split Spacebar

Display

Yes
LCD

Connectivity & battery

Connection

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

Max polling rate

1,000 Hz
1,000 Hz

Battery

4,500 mAh
4,500 mAh

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Aluminum
Aluminum

Plate material

Polycarbonate
Polycarbonate

Weight

—
1,000 g

Dimensions

—
22 x 450 x 150 mm

Typing angle

8°
8°

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

2024
2023

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.

FAQ

Meletrix Zoom98 EE vs Zoom98 SE: your questions

The main differences are in the case finishing and PCB options. The SE offers anodized aluminum cases and a choice between Flex Cut and Non-flex Cut PCBs. The EE uses electrophoresis-processed aluminum and comes with a non-flex cut PCB.

No, both the Essential Edition and Special Edition are sold as barebones kits. The vendor descriptions explicitly state they do not include switches or keycaps. You must purchase those separately.

Yes, both models are tri-mode keyboards. They can connect via a wired USB-C cable, a 2.4GHz wireless receiver, or Bluetooth 5.2, according to the manufacturer's description.

The manufacturer lists a 1000 Hz polling rate when using the 2.4GHz wireless dongle or the wired USB-C connection. The polling rate over Bluetooth is listed as 125 Hz.

Yes, both keyboards are programmable using VIA software. The included LCD screen is also described as programmable for displaying custom information.

Both the EE and SE kits include one set of Wuque Studio 3.1 stabilizers, which are screw-in stabilizers known for their smooth performance and modding potential.

Both kits include a Poron sound dampener kit. Poron is a type of foam used to reduce case reverberation and create a more muted, thocky sound profile.

Both models have a 4500mAh battery, which is achieved by including two 2250 mAh Li-ion batteries in the kit, as per the vendor descriptions.

Yes, the manufacturer lists both the Zoom98 EE and SE as compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems.

A flex-cut PCB has intentional cuts in the fiberglass to allow for more flex when typing. This is a modding feature offered on the SE model that can create a softer, more bouncy typing feel compared to a rigid, non-flex cut PCB.

According to the manufacturer, both keyboards have a 22mm front height and a 7.7-degree typing angle. This is a relatively high front height, so a wrist rest may be desirable for some users.

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