RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard

Name: RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard
Price: 99.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 2.9 (120 reviews)

Curated from 120 real Reddit conversations

Refreshed on: March 29, 2025

RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard

Brand: RK ROYAL KLUDGE

Price: $99

Snoop Score:

2.9

Sentiment

2.9

Popularity

0.9

Technical

3.5

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Snoop's Take

The RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard is a feature-packed 96% wireless keyboard that brings a smart display, adjustable knob, and hot-swappable switches to the forefront of its design. It seamlessly integrates BT5.0, 2.4G, and USB-C connectivity options while delivering a unique creamy thock sound that appeals to both typists and gamers. User feedback is a lively mix of high praise and pointed criticism. One fan even exclaimed, "is that an led screen on the upper right corner? That is sick!!!", underscoring the enthusiasm for its innovative display. Yet, detractors highlight issues such as random shutdowns, flashing backlights, and a lack of intuitive software support. The community debate reveals a product that dazzles with its creative features but simultaneously frustrates with reliability hiccups. In conclusion, the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 stands out for its inventive design and customizable experience, though potential buyers should be prepared for possible quirks. While it might delight tech enthusiasts and gamers, professionals seeking a flawless, plug-and-play keyboard might want to weigh the mixed reviews before committing.

Not for you? Check out our other rated Keyboards

You should do a retake!! It now comes with a 1500 mAh battery, reinforced frame, hot-swappable, type c, connected with bluetooth/dongle/wired, pre-lubed stabilizers, and an updated software.
Positive Feedback

Don't buy Royal Kludge, I spent hours tricking out my g68 and now I get to buy a new board.
Negative Feedback

2.9

RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard

Buy on Amazon for $99

Office Productivity

2 / 10

Gaming

4 / 10

Home Entertainment

4 / 10

Everyday Use

4 / 10

See how this compares to all Keyboards

What it does well!

Key strengths users can’t stop talking about.

Updated features in newer versions

“You should do a retake!! It now comes with a 1500 mAh battery, reinforced frame, hot-swappable, type c, connected with bluetooth/dongle/wired, pre-lubed stabilizers, and an updated software.”➕

Solid and durable build with excellent feel (S98)

“It is an excellent keyboard, great feel and sound in my opinion; and the build appears to be very solid.”➕

“From my experience, those are the most durable feeling in build quality.”➕

Impressive LED screen feature

“is that an led screen on the upper right corner? That is sick!!!”➕

Where it needs some work!

Areas to watch—feedback on possible improvements.

Multiple functional and support issues

“Don't buy Royal Kludge, I spent hours tricking out my g68 and now I get to buy a new board.”➕

“RK are crap. They are well known to be crap.”➕

“Overall reliability would be my concern with RK stuff.”➕

“you really shouldn't be buying a royal kludge keyboard anyways, much better options, even for the price.”➕

Flashing lights issue

“the lights on it flash and go black and flash and repeat idk if it needs to be charged.”➕

Lack of Mac software compatibility

“So essentially I can't change anything... such a fail.”➕

Pre-lubed stabilizers deteriorate over time

“I think they're pretty darn good for the price!”➕

Poor layer implementation on 60% keyboard

“A bad implementation of layers will scare off people trying 60% for the first time so that is a shame.”➕

Non-intuitive function key mode switching

“my royal kludge keyboards number row wont work, its binded to function keys even though i dont press FN.”➕

Random shutdown issues

“I just bought an rk71 and when i use it, it turns of 3 seconds after!”➕

Limited color and aluminum build options

“Shame it doesnt come in black and no aluminum.”➕

Backlight hampers key legend visibility

“It would be easier to see the legends with the light from your screen and keyboard Backlight off.”➕

“So with the lights off you can't see the legends?”➕

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

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Logitech K120 Wired Keyboard	$12	9.4	Details	Buy
Dell Wired Keyboard - Black KB216	$11	7.9	Details	Buy
Redragon K668 RGB Gaming Keyboard	$49	6.9	Details	Buy
Amazon Basics Wired Keyboard, Full-Sized, QWERTY Layout, Black	$11	6.8	Details	Buy
Redragon Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Wired	$29	6.6	Details	Buy
Logitech Wave Keys Wireless Ergonomic Keyboard	$59	5.4	Details	Buy
Logitech G413 SE Full-Size Mechanical Gaming Keyboard	$67	5.2	Details	Buy
TECKNET Gaming Keyboard	$29	4.8	Details	Buy
SABLUTE Large Print Backlit Computer Keyboards	$29	4.8	Details	Buy
Logitech G213 Prodigy Gaming Keyboard by Logitech G	$46	3.9	Details	Buy
Rii RK907 Ultra-Slim Compact USB Wired Keyboard for Mac and PC	$9	3.7	Details	Buy
RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard	$99	2.9	Details	Buy
MOWUX Computer Keyboard Wired Retro Round Typewriter Keyboard	$29	2.6	Details	Buy
MageGee Portable 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard MK-Box	$29	2.0	Details	Buy
SteelSeries Apex 3 RGB Gaming Keyboard	$42	1.4	Details	Buy
Rii RK100+ Multiple Color Rainbow LED Backlit Keyboard	$16	1.2	Details	Buy

Core Power Plays

The specs and strengths that make it shine.

Durable performance reported for other RK models

“Works perfectly fine.”➕

“it's still going strong since 2018.”➕

Preference for custom-built keyboards

“Hey! I ended up spending a bit more and building my own keyboard.”➕

Appreciation for compact layout with dedicated arrow keys (RK71)

“This looks like a good compromise staying small but has arrows.”➕

Attractive pastel keycaps and value proposition (RK96)

“First and foremost, the pastel color keycaps are a showstopper.”➕

Hidden Hero Hacks

Unexpected tricks and side‑door uses you’ll love.

Unconventional key mappings for special characters on RK61

“I do get a ~ using Fn + Left Shift + Esc, for some odd reason the right Shift will not work.”➕

“The Fn + Shift + Esc works for me, but is not very easy.”➕

“I could only get it to type a ~ after I changed to US International.”➕

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

What to check before you click ‘Add to Cart.’

Notable price discrepancies among RK models

“It's weird how the full size(rk920) is way cheaper.”➕

Mixed experiences with software setup (RK71)

“It’s a beast though & I haven’t had any issues.”➕

Inquiry about Cherry MX switch compatibility (RK71)

“is this a cherry mx?”➕

Inquiry for backlight appearance in the dark

“Can you please share a photo with the backlight in the dark?”➕

Cautionary Callouts

Know the pitfalls before they catch you off guard.

Boards are rebranded versions of CIY designs

“Whats interesting is that people even buy Royal Kludge boards when they are literally just rebranded CIY boards?”➕

“Many of those cheap Chinese boards are made by some OEM and rebranded to hell.”➕

“accidentally pressed whatever keys I was pressing but it suddenly changed the mode and all of sudden I can't type down numbers.”➕

Wired connector issues in some models (e.g., RK100)

“The wired connector in RK100 is clunky and needs to be replaced after few weeks, unless you want to experience repeated disconnection.”➕

Key remapping confusion and mode switching issues on RK61

“For me the keyboard starts up with the Mac mode in Linux and when I switch to the Windows mode the keys are switched.”➕

“Bro thank you, i was going crazy with this keyboard lol thanks for the tips.”➕

Difficulty with Bluetooth pairing/manual for RK61

“I never use mine with BT.”➕

“Kinda weird that every manual seems to say FN+P.”➕

Confusing FN lock behavior and firmware issues on RK61

“Seriously the problem with this keyboard is that it's SO fucking random.”➕

“the funniest thing is the normal fn lock did nothing to help.”➕

Customization limitations require soldering (RK R65)

“I was disappointed you'd need to solder it to change the switches and could not customize it beyond the keycaps.”➕

Naming confusion over keyboard model

“I seriously read it as rs 65 keyboard lol”➕

RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard

Curated from 120 real Reddit conversations

RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard

Snoop's Take

RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Mechanical Keyboard

Office Productivity

Gaming

Home Entertainment

Everyday Use

What it does well!

Where it needs some work!

Compare On All Talked About Dimensions

Core Power Plays

Hidden Hero Hacks

Buyer’s Cheat Sheet

Cautionary Callouts

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