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RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard w/Smart Display & Knob, Top Mount 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard BT/2.4G/USB-C, Hot Swappable, Software Support, Creamy Sounding, 98 Keys
RK ROYAL KLUDGE

RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard w/Smart Display & Knob

Bottom line: The RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard w/Smart Display & Knob: Smart display shows GIF, date, battery, connection mode and WIN/MAC layout; main trade-off: 96% layout is wider than a TKL and crowds small desks or mousing space.

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By , Founder & Editor-in-Chief · Listing data updated

Mike Perry — Hardware researcher since 2014. For keyboards, mice, headsets and other PC peripherals, synthesises manufacturer specs and independent reviews rather than first-hand lab testing. Core beat: GPU performance across gaming, rendering, and local-LLM inference.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • ✓ Smart display shows GIF, date, battery, connection mode and WIN/MAC layout
  • ✓ Knob controls volume, backlight brightness/speed and RGB mode without software
  • ✓ Triple connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz dongle and USB-C wired
  • ✓ Hot-swap PCB takes 3-pin and 5-pin switches with no soldering

Cons

  • ✗ 96% layout is wider than a TKL and crowds small desks or mousing space
  • ✗ Top-mount plate is firmer, so gasket-mount fans may find it stiff
  • ✗ Smart display and RGB both draw from the battery in wireless mode
  • ✗ Software support means another driver install to remap keys or load GIFs

Manufacturer description

The small screen shows a custom GIF, the date, your connection mode, WIN/MAC layout, and battery status at a glance, so you are not guessing whether the 2.4GHz dongle or Bluetooth 5.0 link is live. The knob handles volume, connection mode, backlight brightness and speed, and RGB mode and color with a twist or a click. Inside, RK ROYAL KLUDGE stacks an IXPE switch dampener pad, two layers of thicker sound-absorbing foam, and a silicone dampener pad, a combination the brand says cuts noise by 40% and removes 80% of hollow sound for the creamy, thocky typing signature enthusiasts chase. The…

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SpecPicks Verdict

SpecPicks scored RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard w/Smart Display & Knob using a rating × review-volume × price-fit model applied to published specs and reviews across the gaming peripherals category. RK ROYAL KLUDGE's gaming peripherals lineup sits within the broader category mid-tier; price and specs are the deciding factors over brand loyalty here. Judge it on the specification table and the price rather than on sentiment: check the figures that decide your use case, then put it side-by-side with two or three close alternatives in the Compare tool before clicking through.

Common buyer scenarios for gaming peripherals of this kind: matching it to an existing build, replacing a failing part, or upgrading from a previous-generation equivalent. Check the spec table below against your current setup — particularly socket / form-factor / power-rating fields — and confirm compatibility on the retailer's listing before purchase. Prices and stock are set by the retailer and may have moved since this page was last updated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the RK S98 work with both Windows and Mac?

Yes. It supports WIN and MAC layouts, and the smart display shows which layout is currently active.

Can I change the switches without soldering?

Yes. The hot-swap PCB accepts both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, so you can swap them by hand.

How many ways can the S98 connect?

Three: Bluetooth 5.0, a 2.4GHz USB dongle, and USB-C wired. The knob and the display both let you track the active mode.

What makes this keyboard sound creamy instead of hollow?

An IXPE switch dampener pad, two layers of thicker sound-absorbing foam, and a silicone dampener pad. RK rates the stack at 40% less noise and 80% less hollow sound.

What are the keycaps made of?

Double-shot PBT, which resists shine and keeps legends from fading. The board has 98 keys in a 96% layout.

Key Features

  • Big Features on a Small Screen - Is there anything it can't display? Custom gif image, date. connection mode, WIN/MAC layout, battery status, etc.
  • Knob Design- Adjust volume, connection mode, backlit brightness/speed, RGB mode/color, all it takes is just a twist or a click.
  • BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C - Wireless keyboard with stable BT 5.0, hassle-free 2.4Ghz dongle plus USB-C wired mode set no limits about your keyboard connection.
  • Gaming Friendly Top-Mount Design - Offers a superior tactile consistency, firm feeling, and better noice reducing creamy keyboard.
  • Sound Absorbing Foams - Equipped with IXPE switch dampener pad, 2 layers of thicker sound-absorbing foams, silicone dampener pad, which reduces 40% noise and removes 80% hallow sound. Bringing creamy or thocky sounding, natural and clear feedback, no more cavities noise.
  • Hot swappable mechanical keyboard - Hot-swap PCB allows you to replace 3 pins/5 pins switches freely without soldering issue. Enjoy the fun of making your own unique keyboard.

Full Specifications

BrandRK ROYAL KLUDGE
ColorClay Green
StyleClassic
Weight2.4g
Model NameS98
Style NameClassic
Unit Count1 Count
Switch TypeLinear
ConnectivityWireless, USB-C, 2.4GHz
Model NumberRK S98
Power SourceBattery Powered
CompatibilitySwitch, Mac
Built-In Media2 in 1 Keycap & Switch Puller, 2.4GHz Receiver, USB Cable, 4 x Replace Switch, Dust Cover
Number of Keys98
Button Quantity98
Connection TypeWired
Keyboard LayoutQWERTY
Special FeatureBacklit, Hot-Swappable, Hotkeys and Media Keys, Integrated Stand, Rechargeable
Antenna LocationGaming
Hand OrientationAmbidextrous
Full listing titleRK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard w/Smart Display & Knob, Top Mount 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard BT/2.4G/USB-C, Hot Swappable, Software Support, Creamy Sounding, 98 Keys

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RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard w/Smart Display & Knob, Top Mount 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard BT/2.4G/USB-C, Hot Swappable, Software Support, Creamy Sounding, 98 Keys is listed on Amazon. Price, availability, shipping and returns are set by Amazon and its sellers — check the listing for current terms. SpecPicks earns a small commission on qualifying purchases — thank you for supporting independent review work.

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RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard w/Smart Display & Knob, Top Mount 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard BT/2.4G/USB-C, Hot Swappable, Software Support, Creamy Sounding, 98 Keys
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