RoyalaxeReleased 2023

XL98

67/100
Solid pick
Overall score · how we rate
98% ANSIHot-swappableHall-effectQMK / VIARGB backlightWireless
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Why we rate it

  • Strong productivity (76/100)
  • Strong customisability (72/100)
  • Hot-swappable switches
  • First-class QMK / VIA firmware
  • Performance is the weak point (56/100)
Score profile

Where the XL98 wins and loses

Six weighted axes · the shape tells the story
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall577256766667
Build quality
57
Customisability
72
Performance
56
Productivity
76
Portability
66
Overall
67
Full specification

Specifications

Grouped · supported features marked in blue

Layout

Layout size98
StandardANSI
ProfileNormal
ErgonomicsNormal
Volume knobYes
OLED / LCD screenYes

Switches & feel

Switch typesLinear
Hot-swappableYes
Mount typeGasket Mount
Screw-in stabilisersYes
Sound dampeningYes
Hall-effect / magneticYes
Rapid triggerYes

Connectivity & firmware

ConnectionWireless + wired
USB-CYes
Battery8000 mAh
N-key rolloverYes
QMKYes
VIAYes
VIALYes
Mac & WindowsYes
Multi-media keysYes

Build

Case materialAluminum · Plastic
Keycap materialPBT
BacklightRGB
ColourwaysYes
Dimensions67
Weight1800 g

More specs

Height Mm67 mm
Passthrough UsbYes
Head to head

XL98 vs AULA Hero 68 HE

Highlighted cell = better in that row
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall
XL98Hero 68 HE
 RoyalaxeXL98This pageAULAHero 68 HE
Overall score67 /10067 /100
Build quality57 /10057 /100Better
Performance56 /10091 /100Better
ConnectionWireless + wiredBetterWired only
Polling rate8,000 Hz
Mount typeGasket MountBetter
Case materialAluminum · PlasticAluminum
Hot-swappableYesYes
QMK / VIAYesYes