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

My first mechanical keyboard and sounds exactly how I imagined! It’s nice solid , creamy click noise! So satisfying!!! I loved the key color combo! The RGB lights are customizable, down to each key! Super cool. I am overall impressed with my purchase, as I was hesitant to buy something I wouldn’t like the sound of. I was also hesitant because there are so many options but I am glad I picked this! Good value for your money. The keyboard is heavy and feel super sturdy, doesn’t feel cheap. The keys were very responsive to touch and the Bluetooth was easy to setup with my windows laptop. The only thing I don’t like is the look of the keys, they do have a sheen/texture to them I don’t like but honestly, overall, I don’t mind it at all! Great buy!

This is my first mechanical keyboard, and I finally understand what all the hype is about. The sound is incredibly satisfying. It has that nice mechanical sound without being overly loud or obnoxious, but it also isn't so quiet that you lose the satisfying typing experience. The typing feel is probably my favorite part—the keys feel incredibly smooth and satisfying, and so far everything has felt flawless. The build quality is also really impressive for the price. It has some nice weight to it and doesn't feel cheap or flimsy at all. The smart display is a fun addition. Is it necessary? Absolutely not. 😂 But it's definitely nice to have. You can use it for things like Bluetooth connection and volume settings, and you can also customize it with your own photo or GIF. The one area that could definitely be improved is the software. It's not particularly user-friendly, and finding the correct software to customize the keyboard took me longer than it should have. Once I actually found it, though, it wasn't too difficult to figure out with a little patience. The software itself also feels a little chunky and dated. That said, this has zero effect on the actual performance of the keyboard, so it's a very minor complaint. I've had absolutely no issues with wireless connectivity. I've used both Bluetooth and the included cable and haven't experienced any disconnections, lag, or other problems. One thing to note is that you'll need to use the included cable when connecting the keyboard to the software for customization. The battery life has also been surprisingly good so far. I haven't actually had to charge it yet, so I can't speak to the full battery life, but I work from home about 9 hours a day and also casually game in the evenings. After two days of that, the battery has only dropped about 5%. Overall, I have very little negative to say about this keyboard. The software could definitely use some improvement, and there could be better information provided about where to find and how to use it. But that's a very small complaint compared to everything else this keyboard does well. For my first mechanical keyboard, I'm extremely happy with it. Everything about it has exceeded my expectations. 5/5 and definitely recommend!

tl;dr: I am EXTREMELY happy with this keyboard. Build? Beautiful. Sound? Amazing. Functionality? PERFECT. Price? FANTASTIC. If this keyboard fits your specifications for your desk and you happen to work with two different computers at the same time, get it ASAP. More details: Previously I had a significantly smaller RK 68 which was great for me. It was perfect for what I wanted, a small profile and clacky keyboard. Unfortunately, I spilled soda all over it and it died so I had to get a new one. Fortunately, it was this keyboard. In my search for a new keyboard I had a couple things I was looking for: - A green color way to match my set up - A nice clack to it. - A numpad attached. Clearly it's not something very specific. But during my search I came across other features that I had no idea I wanted. But this one hit pretty much what I was looking for so I decided to give it a try and boy did it blow my expectations out of the water. == Design == Pros: This keyboard looks sleek. Before, to build something like this I had considered paying my friend to build it from scratch but the colorway and the key placements are just so clean. With multifunctional keycaps, they've added the second function on the side of the keycap so you can easily see the primary and the secondary without it feeling too cluttered. The back lighting options really make it fun to customize. They give you default options you can run with and each of those options you can tweak to your liking in terms of color. The digital display seems more like a part of the design the way it links to the volume knob, rather than an after thought like some other keyboards. This provides another option for you to make the keyboard your own by letting you upload a gif to just loop by default. Cons: No complaints really, except the digital display occasionally pops off slightly, requiring you to press it back in but it hasn't become too much of an issue for me yet. Also, uploading the gif to the keyboard takes a good amount of time (something like 5 minutes) , so if they could fix that speed that would be amazing. Oh one more complaint is that it's too tall. I had to get a wrist mount just to feel comfortable typing on it. == Functionality == Pros: MAN, this keyboard is PACKED with features I never thought I would need. Aside from the aforementioned backlight customization, something that has made my life so much better is hidden behind the digital display. It's base functionality of controlling the volume of your computer works like a charm but it's when you get into the submenus that you can really see where it shines. You see, I am someone who bounces between a macbook pro for work and a windows PC for play and so I'm constantly bouncing between the two. Before, I had a mac specific keyboard and a windows specific keyboard, both occupying space on my desk. This keyboard has eliminated that need in a sleek and elegant way by allowing me to hardwire into my desktop and bluetooth to my macbook. From there, I can easily use the digital display + volume knob to switch my connection between the two. Heck, if I needed to add another couple I could. It seems like I can have up to 5 different devices connected (3 bluetooth, 1 wired, 1 wireless dongle). So if for some reason I had another device, I could easily switch between the two. You might ask yourself, but what about the difference in layout between macs and windows machines? Oh my friend, you see... THEY THOUGHT OF EVERYTHING. Through the same digital display, you can swap the layouts between the two types. I was totally fine with that until I read the manual a bit more and found you could even use a hotkey JUST for that. Remember the secondary functions of the various keys? If you look on the side of the 'A' and 'S' keys, you can see that they read 'WIN' and 'MAC' respectively. So to switch formats, all you have to do is hit 'Fn' + 'A' or 'S' to switch between the two. This really pushed my like for this keyboard to love. Cons: The only thing I can really think of is a nitpick and is possibly even already a function, I'd just have to read through the manual a bit more. It would be nice to be able to use a shortcut to bounce between the different keyboard connections like you can switch formats. == Sound and Feel == Pros: I am having a BLAST typing this review. Every keypress feels so satisfying as the switches engage and disengage making you really feel connected to the keyboard. The sound is more thocky than clacky which is extremely pleasing to my ears, especially after coming from a clackier keyboard. Cons: While this keyboard is probably 50 percent quieter than my last keyboard, it's still definitely louder than a membrane keyboard, so if you're looking for silent, this isn't what you want. But if you're looking at mechanical keyboards, then this most likely isn't you. == Price == I feel like this keyboard is well worth the 89 dollar price tag for what you get. I feel like even a couple years ago, you'd have to pay 300 bucks to someone to custom make something like this with the design options. Sure, it's not as bespoke as the true customs, but I feel like it holds up just as well. Overall, I'd give this keyboard a 'have no fear, buy away' if your needs are similar to what I've mentioned above!

Loves: - The ability to easily switch between windows and mac. I'm using the 2.4 receiver plugged into a hub that I switch between my mac and pc depending on what I'm doing, and have had no issues with connectivity. - I really appreciate the battery visual; I'm used to my keyboard dying suddenly and without warning, so this is particularly helpful for me. - Also on the visual front - the keys with special functions have those functions printed on the front side. SO, the key faces aren't overcrowded with extra information, but I also don't have to fully memorize every fn key combo. - The SOUND. If you're an aggressive typer, it might be a little too loud. Probably not the best for coworking environments. If you have a lighter touch, it reminds me of the sound wood scrabble pieces make? It's extremely satisfying if that's important to you. Downsides: - True of most mechanical keyboards, not just this one - while it does work with mac, the software is windows only, so you can't customize the gif window unless you have a pc. - Also related to mac functionality, the keys themselves are obviously formatted for windows, and, while it comes with spare switches, it does not come with mac-formatted key caps. Again, this is normal for most of these keyboards, but if you're a mac-only user, you might have to look elsewhere.

When I first got a gaming PC, I figured I didn't really need a super expensive keyboard and that a cheap one that sounded "clicky" and had lights was fine enough. I also didn't want to bother with charging a wireless keyboard. However, I started to hear from YouTube videos and TikToks about "creamy" and "thocky" keyboards. I immediately started to do research, because I was obsessed with the sound. This is one of those rare purchases that I cannot stop thinking about how happy it makes me. I have absolutely no qualms with it. Here's what I love: The sound is excellent. Videos that I watched were a good indicator, but as other reviews have said, they really do not do the keyboard justice for how it actually sounds. The letters themselves are very creamy, while the function buttons (spacebar, shift, enter, backspace, etc.) have a much deeper "thocky" sound to them. If you're on the fence, at least try it and return if it's not for you. The functionality is incredible. There are a ton of lighting options that you can play with. You can mess around with them in the software on your PC. But because this keyboard has a small LCD screen, you can also change them directly on the keyboard itself. I have mine set to light up the entire keyboard cyan from whichever key I press, expanding out. Speaking of the LCD screen, you're able to upload GIFS or images to the screen, which is a really cool feature. As far as connectivity, you have every imaginable option available to you. I have my gaming rig connected via the 2.4USB wireless adapter. You can also connect up to three devices via bluetooth. And of course you can opt to hardware in. I love the the keyboard has both a USB-A and USB-C port. I am a huge advocate for technology having USB-C as an option, as it is much more convenient, provide faster transfer times, and faster charging times. Speaking of charging, the battery life on this keyboard is excellent. I seem to get about a week's worth of charge with extreme use daily. I know that the keyboard is hot swappable, meaning you can swap out the switches, which ultimately determine the sound of the keyboard, but personally, I haven't messed with that, as I love the way it sounds now. Overall, this is an excellent keyboard. If you're in the market for a wireless keyboard that sounds great, this is the best option out there! I typically don't like spending a ton of money on stuff unless I am absolutely sure of its value, and let me put your mind at ease that this keyboard is worth so much more than what the price tag shows.

First mechanical keyboard I’ve owned, can’t imagine I’d need anything different. Bought two of these, one for my workspace and one for my wife. We both needed accurate and responsive keys for frequent data and password entry, the lights and display are just bonus points. I change out my display for random gifs and RGB weekly using the web portal, easy enough once you get the hang of it, takes 5-10 minutes to upload a gif. Can confirm battery lasts about a week with moderate workday use. Keys are on the quieter end of clacky, not as obnoxious as some mechanical keyboards I’ve used in the past. Key travel registers about 75% from fully depressed which took me a tiny bit of time to adapt to. More often now, I’ll think I missed a letter because I didn’t press quite hard enough, but look back to find it registered after all. Comes with a few replacement switches, key puller, and usb-c cable which is nice. I’m sure there is better quality for more money out there but I’m not the demographic for it, this is all the keyboard I think I’ll ever need.

Today, I initially wrote a negative review of this keyboard due to issues with missed or repeated keystrokes, or keys continuing to fire until another key was pressed. However, after extensive investigation (because I really wanted to keep this keyboard for its mechanical build), I finally discovered that the issues were caused by an obscure, lingering USB driver from a device no longer connected to my PC. That driver was behind all the trouble. I hope this revised review is published before the original one, which is no longer valid. After 15+ years of using Cherry MX Blue switches on a single keyboard that eventually got damaged, I was in search of a replacement. This keyboard seemed like a good option - more compact than my full-size board and featuring “tactile” pale green switches. I hoped they would resemble MX Blues in feel, just without the audible click. Unfortunately, these switches aren’t really that much (or at all) tactile. I don’t understand the claim. There is a point somewhere along the key travel where pressure slightly decreases, but you’d need to press very slowly and have an extremely sensitive touch to notice it. In actual typing, it feels - at least to me - indistinguishable from a regular linear switch. That said, I’ve gotten used to them and didn’t have much trouble adapting after so many years with MX Blues. And the 'thocky' sound still sounds nice. The build quality is solid. The board is sturdy, heavy, and a definite improvement over my old keyboard. I’m not particularly interested in the display or LED lighting. I don’t see the point - especially since the keycaps aren’t translucent, so the lights don’t help in the dark. Omitting those toddler-toy-like features and lowering the price - or populating that space with more keys - would be more useful, in my opinion. I used the included keycap puller to swap the positions of the 'Home' and 'Del' keys, then made the change in the RK software. It took just a few seconds. These settings are retained even if you unplug the keyboard or uninstall the RK software entirely from your PC. All things considered, in terms of mechanical construction, this is a very good keyboard. I do wish the switches were more tactile, but that’s just a matter of personal preference. These switches are still decent, and I’ll probably swap them out in the future for some Kailh clicky switches.

The keyboard part is awesome and the keys feel good with a satisfying clack that isn't sharp or too loud. I use this on a Mac and it does have a Mac mode. However, I find it hard to use with the wireless dongle (doesn't work on my Mac) and just have to use it wired. Fortunately, it does have a supplemental USB-A port for my wireless mouse transmitter. The screen is OK and the volume knob is useful. I think this is a Windows keyboard and Mac compatibility was added afterwards as the F keys don't work even in Mac mode to adjust volume or activate programs like a native Mac keyboard. Still, the keyboard is worth keeping even if the program needed to control the LED lights and other functions is Windows only.

Premessa. La tastiera mi è arrivata nuova ma palesemente usata. La confezione era sigillata da un secondo adesivo applicato sul precedente, la tastiera aveva delle ditate, il libretto come in foto, il cavo di alimentazione addirittura pizzicato, tutti i sacchettini rovinati. Insomma, se acquisto un prodotto nuovo quello dev'essere nuovo, altrimenti avrei preso un usato garantito spendendo meno. Posso capire un eventuale reso nei tempi di recesso ma almeno il cavetto andava sostituito. Andando alla tastiera Top di gamma della Royal Kludge. Non vengono dichiarati la tipologia di switch montati, arrivata con i tactile e sono comunque ottimi, non mi era capitato di provarli. Molto piacevoli e che fanno un minimo di resistenza per poi abbassarsi in modo deciso. Non mi dispiacciono affatto. La superfice dei tasti si presenta leggermente ridotta nella parte piana, il che aiuta a non premere erroneamente tasti indesiderati. Il suono è abbastanza piacevole, un po' asciutto ma non fastidioso probabilmente influenzato dalla struttura rigida della tastiera. La scrittura è agevolata dall'ampiezza ridotta della superfice dei tasti seppur non abbiano l'inclinatura ergonomica che offrono altre tastiere di pari fascia, ma il tono su tono su alcuni tasti li rende non di immediata individuazione. Manca la retroilluminazione. Assenza che trovo inspiegabile in tastiere che passano i 100€ di costo ma vedo che, escludendo i classici marchi da gaming, si trova poco. La tastiera ha due livelli di altezza con piedini gommati, ma è abbastanza alta. Personalmente la uso senza rialzo. Full RGB, totalmente modulabile tramite software ma con la possibilità gestire il tutto tramite lo schermo integrato. Buona luminosità e colori intensi. Possibilità di connessione via cavo, incluso nella confezione, via Bluetooth e con chiavetta. Quest'ultima con una sede magnetica laterale. Presenta anche due tasti fisici. Su un angolo troviamo la selezione di collegamento tra via cavo o chiavetta e poco più in là il tasto di accensione e spegnimento. Il comando del piccolo monitor è comodo e si legge bene, così come i led per il Blck Num e il Caps Lock presenti anche come led vicino al tasto Esc. Ben individuabili al tocco anche i segni su F, J e 5. Il piccolo monitor ha una funzione di menù per diverse impostazioni navigabili tramite una pratica rotelle. Livello batteria, data, tipologia di connessione, caps lock e block num, se è in modalità Win o IOS. Insomma, mostra ciò che serve ed è ben leggibile. È possibile anche caricare delle GIF limitate a 60 immagini. Un po pochine e va a togliere le altre info. Opzione carina ma resto dell'idea che, avendo a disposizione un piccolo monitor aggiuntivo, si dovrebbe poter sfruttare meglio. Per esempio con le temperature di esercizio dei componenti, la percentuale di utilizzo, ecc.. Il software è completo. Offre di salvare 3 mappature differenti dei comandi e gestire in modo totale l'illuminazione. Non molto intuitivo, devo ammetterlo. C'è un menù di cui non ho chiaro l'utilizzo e non viene fornita alcuna informazione né nel manuale cartaceo ne per quello disponibile sul sito (Entrambi in inglese). Ottima tastiera, nel complesso quella con cui mi sto trovando meglio delle diverse che provate (e ne ho provate diverse nella fascia 50/150€). Peccato davvero per la mancanza della retroilluminazione oltre che, vedendo che è presente su altri prodotti, la mancanza di poterci abbinare il poggia polsi magnetico.

The keyboard works flawlessly and has a really great mechanical feel and sound. The keyboard delivery was very prompt and thank you to the team for providing a hassle free online purchasing equipment

This is a great and reasonably priced keyboard. The key sound/feel is super pleasing, and the quick switch between devices/volume/effects with the dial and screen is awesome.

Good keyboard, with nice click sounds and fun to type! The build is sturdy and the keyboard is heavy. I am expecting it to last long. I liked the small screen for configuration. There is a time display on the keyboard, which I don't find useful. Once charge last about two weeks with bluetooth connectivity.

This is my 2nd Royal Kludge keyboard and I am very impressed. I've had mechanical keyboards from Logitech, Keychron, Corsair, Drevo and Redragon and I like my RK ones more. This one in particular is just super satisfying to type on. I love the creamy sound from the keys, it's unlike anything else I've owned so far. The green and clay-red color scheme also looks awesome. Keycaps are soft touch but not shine-through which is a bit of a disappointment but not a deal breaker. The little screen and knob is easy to use and actually useful. It's nice to change settings in a menu vs using function keys, and being able to check the time when enjoying full screen entertainment is also handy to me. My audio setup is also able to use the knob as a volume control which is an added bonus. All three connectivity modes work well for me - Bluetooth is reliable, 2.4Ghz is fast and reliable, and wired mode is also fast and reliable. Range on BT/2.4Ghz is average, but since this isnt really an HTPC keyboard I don't think it matters much. My only complaint is the battery life. RK claims they have a gigantic battery in this keyboard but I only get 2-3 days of use between charges, and it takes a loooooong time to charge so it ends up being plugged in a little more than I'd like. If I keep the RGB lighting on the 2nd lowest setting, I can get another day or two of usage but I wish I didn't have to charge this keyboard once a week. I really like this keyboard overall and I'd definitely recommend it! It's a good keyboard for full price but RK has sales all the time so I'd wait for a 20-25% discount, where it becomes a killer deal in my opinion. Edit: 3 months in and still very fun to type on and 100% reliable. I just keep the backlighting off most of the time now to conserve battery and it lasts a while without the backlight on 2.4Ghz link (2-3 weeks light use). Only thing I don't like after a few months of use is having to press fn + PgDn for the End key.