RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Xmas Edition Review: A Festive Wireless Mechanical Keyboard for $119.99
Looking for a fun holiday gift for a gamer, student, or keyboard enthusiast? The RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Xmas Edition Wireless Mechanical Keyboard combines a festive limited-edition design with practical features such as tri-mode connectivity, RGB lighting, hot-swappable switches, and a built-in control knob.
At $119.99, it sits in the more affordable end of feature-packed wireless mechanical keyboards. It also uses a compact 96% layout, giving you most of the keys found on a full-size keyboard without taking up quite as much desk space.
Check the current RK S98 Xmas Edition price and availability here.
What Makes the RK S98 Xmas Edition Stand Out?
The S98 is designed to offer a full-featured desktop experience in a slightly more compact format. Its 96-key layout keeps the number pad and useful navigation keys while reducing some of the unused space found on traditional full-size keyboards.
The Christmas Limited Edition styling gives it a seasonal look that could work especially well in a festive gaming setup. It is also a practical present for anyone who wants to upgrade from a basic office keyboard without spending on a premium enthusiast model.
Three Ways to Connect
One of the biggest advantages of the S98 is its connection flexibility. You can use it in three modes:
- 2.4GHz wireless
- Bluetooth 5.0
- USB-C wired connection
That makes it suitable for different setups. Use the wireless dongle for a desktop gaming setup, Bluetooth for compatible devices, or the USB-C cable when you prefer a wired connection.
The keyboard includes a dedicated 2.4G dongle slot, one Type-C port, and a USB 2.0 pass-through port. The pass-through port can be useful for connecting a compatible USB device, although the product data does not specify its supported power or transfer limits.
Built-In Knob and Smart Display
The control knob is a particularly convenient feature. According to the product description, it can be used to adjust volume, lighting, and connection settings with a twist or click.
There is also a smart display built into the keyboard. While the provided information does not list the display’s exact functions or customization options, it adds a more distinctive control interface than you get on many keyboards at this price.
Hot-Swappable Linear Mango Switches
The RK S98 uses hot-swappable switches, so you can change compatible switches without soldering. That is helpful for users who want to experiment with different typing feels later.
The included switches are described as linear Mango switches. The product page characterizes them as smooth, quick, and quiet. Since switch preference is personal, buyers should keep in mind that linear switches provide a consistent keystroke without the tactile bump associated with tactile models.
The keyboard also features well-lubed switches and stabilizers, which are intended to provide a smoother feel across both regular keys and larger keys such as the spacebar.
RGB Lighting and PBT Keycaps
RGB backlighting gives the S98 plenty of visual customization for gaming desks and holiday setups. The keyboard uses south-facing LEDs, which are designed to show the RGB lighting clearly.
The keycaps are made from double-shot PBT, a material commonly chosen for its durable feel. The product listing identifies the layout as US QWERTY, so shoppers who use another keyboard layout should check compatibility before ordering.
Battery Life for Wireless Use
The keyboard has a built-in 3750mAh battery. RK states that it can provide up to 200 hours of use with the backlight off, and that a full recharge takes approximately 6–7 hours.
Actual battery performance will depend on factors such as RGB usage and connection mode. Still, the stated battery capacity should make the S98 convenient for users who do not want to keep a cable attached during everyday use.
Is the RK S98 Xmas Edition a Good Gift?
The S98 makes sense as a gift for someone who wants:
- A wireless mechanical keyboard with multiple connection options
- A compact layout that still includes a number pad
- RGB lighting for a gaming or desk setup
- Hot-swappable switches for future customization
- A built-in knob for quick control
- A festive limited-edition design
- A keyboard priced at $119.99
It may be less suitable for buyers who specifically want a smaller 60% or 65% keyboard, a non-linear switch, or a layout other than US QWERTY. The keyboard is also relatively substantial, weighing approximately 1,879g according to the listed specifications.
Key Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Model | RK S98 96% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Winter Limited Edition |
| Price | $119.99 USD |
| Layout | US QWERTY |
| Number of keys | 96 keys |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C wired |
| Switches | Linear Mango switches |
| Switch type | Hot-swappable |
| Backlighting | RGB |
| Keycaps | PBT double-shot keycaps |
| Battery | 3750mAh |
| Stated battery life | Up to 200 hours with backlight off |
| Recharge time | 6–7 hours |
| Additional port | 1 x USB 2.0 pass-through |
| Onboard storage | Yes |
| Media keys | Yes |
| Dimensions | 16.1 × 5.5 × 1.6 inches |
| Weight | 4.14 lb (1879g) |
| Cable | 5.6-inch USB-A to USB-C cable |
| Supported systems | Windows XP/Win2000/Win7/Win8/Win10, Mac, iOS, Android |
| Included accessories | USB-C cable, keycap and switch puller, user manual |
| Software | RK Launcher |
Final Verdict
The RK ROYAL KLUDGE S98 Xmas Edition is a well-equipped wireless mechanical keyboard with a useful 96% layout, RGB lighting, a control knob, and hot-swappable linear switches. Its tri-mode connectivity and 3750mAh battery make it flexible for everyday use, while the Christmas Limited Edition design adds extra personality as a holiday gift.
At $119.99, it is worth considering if you want a feature-rich keyboard without moving into a higher price range.
Ready to give a gamer or keyboard fan a festive upgrade? Shop the RK S98 Xmas Edition through this link and check the latest deal.
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