Royal KludgeReleased 2025

S98 ES

80/100
Strong value
Overall score · how we rate
96% ANSIHot-swappableHall-effectQMK / VIARGB backlightWireless
Referenceno UK retailer stocks this right now

We may earn a commission on purchases via this link. It never affects our scores or rankings.

Independent score · no sponsored placement
Price checked across retailers daily

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

Where the S98 ES wins and loses

Six weighted axes · the shape tells the story
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall708078915680
Build quality
70
Customisability
80
Performance
78
Productivity
91
Portability
56
Overall
80
Full specification

Specifications

Grouped · supported features marked in blue

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
Head to head

S98 ES vs Wooting 60HE v2 Silver

Highlighted cell = better in that row
BuildCustom.Perform.Productiv.Portab.Overall
S98 ES60HE v2 Silver
 Royal KludgeS98 ESThis pageWooting60HE v2 Silver
Overall score80 /10080 /100
Build quality70 /10079 /100Better
Performance78 /10096 /100Better
ConnectionWireless + wiredBetterWired only
Polling rate8,000 Hz
Mount typeTop MountBetterPlate Mount
Case materialABS · AluminumBetter
Hot-swappableYesYes
QMK / VIAYesYes