Royal KludgeReleased 2025
S98 ES
79/100
96% ANSIHot-swappableHall-effectQMK / VIARGB backlightWireless
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Why we rate it
- Class-leading productivity (91/100)
- Class-leading customisability (80/100)
- Hot-swappable switches
- First-class QMK / VIA firmware
- Portability is the weak point (56/100)
Score profile
Six weighted axes · the shape tells the storyWhere the S98 ES wins and loses
Full specification
Grouped · supported features marked in blueSpecifications
Layout
Layout size96
StandardANSI
ProfileNormal
ErgonomicsNormal
Volume knobYes
OLED / LCD screenYes
Switches & feel
Hot-swappableYes
Mount typeTop Mount
Screw-in stabilisersYes
Sound dampeningYes
Hall-effect / magneticYes
Rapid triggerYes
Connectivity & firmware
ConnectionWireless + wired
USB-CYes
Battery3750 mAh
N-key rolloverYes
QMKYes
VIAYes
VIALYes
Mac & WindowsYes
Multi-media keysYes
Build
Keycap materialABS
BacklightRGB
ColourwaysYes
Dimensions42
Weight1879 g
More specs
Height Mm42 mm
Passthrough UsbYes
Watch it in action
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Head to head
Highlighted cell = better in that rowS98 ES vs Weikav STARS80 V2
S98 ESSTARS80 V2
| Royal KludgeS98 ESThis page | WeikavSTARS80 V2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall score | 80 /100 | 80 /100 |
| Build quality | 70 /100 | 79 /100Better |
| Performance | 78 /100Better | 54 /100 |
| Connection | Wireless + wired | Wireless + wired |
| Polling rate | — | — |
| Mount type | Top Mount | Gasket MountBetter |
| Case material | — | AluminumBetter |
| Hot-swappable | Yes | Yes |
| QMK / VIA | Yes | Yes |
