C98 96% Hall Effect Magnetic Switch Keyboard

Great balance of gaming performance and everyday usability

I’ve been using the RK Royal Kludge C98 Hall Effect Magnetic Switch Keyboard for both work and gaming, and I’m very satisfied with it. The 96% layout is very practical because it keeps the number pad, arrow keys, and function keys while still saving desk space compared to a full-size keyboard. The typing feel is smooth, and the Hall Effect magnetic switches feel responsive, especially for gaming. I also like the design. It looks stylish without being too flashy, so it fits well on my desk. The included accessories, such as the keycap/switch puller and spare switches, are also a nice touch. The only thing to note is that it is wired-only, so it may not be the best choice for someone who wants a wireless keyboard. However, for performance, typing feel, and overall value, I think the C98 is a very solid keyboard. Overall, I would recommend it to anyone looking for a practical keyboard that works well for both gaming and everyday use.

It's a solid keyboard for it's price

I really enjoy it. It works and sounds great!

Strong Budget Hall Effect Option With Some Sound Trade-Offs

The Royal Kludge C98 HE is a solid budget entry into the hall effect keyboard space. At around $90 for an 1800-layout hall effect board, it offers a lot of functionality for the price, especially if you are looking for something inexpensive with rapid trigger-style gaming features and a decent web-based driver. The ABS case construction feels good for the price, and the aluminum plate makes sense here because it helps keep everything properly aligned for the magnetic sensors to perform consistently. The board also supports most Wooting-compatible magnetic switches, which is a nice bonus if you want to experiment or upgrade later. That said, the stock switches are not my favorite. They remind me a lot of the older Akko Glare switches from Akko’s early hall effect boards, right down to the color and the sound profile. They work well, but they do not sound especially good, and the board itself has a somewhat hollow tone out of the box. This is not the keyboard I would pick if sound is your top priority. But as a budget hall effect keyboard, the C98 HE makes a lot of sense. You get an 1800 layout, hall effect functionality, a usable web driver, decent build quality, and future switch compatibility at a very approachable price. It is not perfect, but for the money, it is a genuinely compelling option.