Introduction

Magnetic keyboards are becoming increasingly popular among competitive gamers for their speed and precision. The RK C98 Hall Effect keyboard builds on the S98—RK's best-selling gaming keyboard for the past two years—offering full-size magnetic switches and Rapid Trigger functionality. These upgrades provide faster key resets and more consistent responsiveness, making it well-suited for FPS, MOBA, and rhythm games. Multiple layouts, including DE, FR, ES, and JP, ensure it works for gamers worldwide.

We've gathered hands-on reviews from some of the best tech reviewers on YouTube to see how the C98 performs in real gaming scenarios. From key feel to rapid actuation, these insights demonstrate why this magnetic switch keyboard stands out in both performance and versatility.

@MIGSS REVIEW---BIG budget magnetic keyboards are here!

Migss recently checked out the Royal Kludge C98 HE and had a lot of positive things to say. Right off the bat, he mentioned, “60% 65% 75% TKL… those are too small for me. I want a bigger layout. Well, good news because this is one of the biggest budget magnetic keyboards I’ve tried so far.” For him, the board’s design and build really stood out: “It is made out of plastic but still has some weight and it is pretty good quality plastic.” The MDA profile PBT keycaps also earned praise for feeling high quality and solid under the fingers.

Performance-wise, Migss highlighted the switches and sound. “They sound pretty good, pretty stable as well… Although officially it’s only hot-swappable with other RK magnetic switches, I tried TTCK and it actually works too—as long as the switches have that centralized magnet design,” he said. He also added, “I think the sound is pretty okay, pretty decent for the price… You can tell they put a good amount of effort into making the keyboard sound good, and I saw quite a bit of lube in there.” With specs like rapid trigger, 0.01 mm actuation, 8,000 Hz polling rate, and 64 kHz key scanning, it performs well for both gaming and everyday typing.

Migss also enjoyed the web-based software, which lets you fully customize RGB lighting, rapid trigger, SOCD, and key remapping. He commented that “the customization options are very versatile.” On the gameplay side, he found the keyboard extremely responsive: “All features work as expected, keys activate instantly. The full layout is not just good for gaming but also for daily typing. Overall, a solid experience.” His final takeaway? For anyone looking for a feature-packed, large-format keyboard without breaking the bank, the C98 is definitely worth considering: “I’d say the C98 is definitely worth it.”

@SULCE REVIEW---Budget Full Size Hall Effect Keyboard

Sulce has high praise for the Royal Kludge C98, calling it a full-size Hall effect keyboard that works well for both gaming and productivity. He liked the extras in the box, including spare switches, a USB-C cable, a switch and keycap puller, and a dust cover. The Cherry profile keycaps feel comfortable, and the dark olive green with cream and orange keys gives it a stylish fall-inspired look. The aluminum plate combined with three layers of foam provides a solid typing feel with a slightly crisp, “poppy” sound.

He also highlighted the full-size layout and features, such as the volume knob for media control and the numpad for macros or work tasks: “Gaming with this keyboard was actually really fun. The response time is incredible.” Advanced Hall effect functions like rapid trigger, adjustable actuation, DKS, MPT, and SOCD give plenty of flexibility, making it responsive for both gaming and typing.

Sulce was impressed with the software and customization options, which allow users to adjust lighting, remap keys, and create complex macros: “There are many other key functions… start recording the macro, save the recording, and then assign it to a key.” In his final thoughts, he concluded that the C98 is a great value: “This keyboard actually sounds better [than the C68]. It’s bigger, and it makes this keyboard definitely 100% worth it.”

@BiboyHaranero REVIEW---Budget Full Size Hall Effect Keyboard

BiboyHaranero shares a clear-cut perspective on the Royal Kludge C98, highlighting that its 90% layout is relatively rare in the market, offering a balanced hybrid between functionality and compactness. He emphasizes that this wired keyboard, with its “8000Hz polling rate matched with 64,000Hz scan rate,” ensures no delays during gaming, while full-key anti-ghosting (NKRO) allows pressing all keys simultaneously without interference. He also notes the thoughtful extras included in the box, like “extra switches… and a PET dust cover,” and praises the build quality: “the internals of the keyboard is fully dampened… the top case… feels sturdy and the plastic materials feels thick.” The aluminum volume knob adds practicality, giving “ample silent clicky feedback” for quick adjustments during gameplay.

BiboyHaranero also demonstrates the keyboard’s versatility in gaming, showing how pressing W can automatically trigger sprint by linking it with Left Shift (5:30). He highlights the typing experience as well, noting that the “double shot PBT key caps in Cherry Profile” are comfortable, and the stabilizers, though slightly rattly, are “perfectly fitted onto the positioning plate” with good lube. Overall, he concludes that the C98 is “a really good option if you’re looking for a hybrid keyboard that will do the job in terms of typing having a numpad,” offering both versatility and strong performance for gaming and daily use.

@Samuel Tan REVIEW---Budget Full Size Hall Effect Keyboard

Samuel Tan offers a detailed look at the Royal Kludge C98, emphasizing its 96% layout, 8000Hz polling rate, and adjustable actuation range. He notes that the keyboard comes with all the usual extras—manual, Type-A to Type-C cable, keycap and switch pullers, four extra magnetic switches, and a hard plastic dust cover. The keyboard itself weighs just under 1 kilogram (2.2 lb), featuring cherry profile double shot PBT keycaps in a white, brown, and copper-like colorway, and a top-mounted aluminum plate that ensures a stable typing experience with minimal flex.

Samuel also highlights the volume knob, four extra keys above the arrow keys, and three indicator lights, calling attention to the thoughtful design details that enhance both gaming and productivity. He appreciates the pre-lubed magnetic switches and plate-mounted stabilizers, noting that the sound dampening setup inside the case contributes to a smooth and responsive feel.

On the performance side, Samuel showcases the keyboard’s speed and responsiveness in gaming and typing scenarios. With an actuation range from 0.01 to 3.5mm, the keyboard reacts instantly, making gameplay in titles like Valorant and Rivals seamless. He demonstrates the keyboard’s gaming capabilities and typing sound, giving readers a sense of its real-world performance (7:45–9:10 for gameplay demo, 9:15–10:00 for typing sound). In his conclusion, Samuel calls the C98 a solid choice under $100, praising its fast polling rate, hall effect features, and web-based driver customization, while noting that the keyboard’s larger size may take up extra mouse space. Overall, he recommends the C98 for those looking for a highly responsive 96% hall effect keyboard that balances gaming and productivity.

In short, the Royal Kludge C98 stands out as a versatile and responsive magnetic hall effect keyboard, offering a comfortable typing experience, fast performance, and plenty of customization options. Whether you’re gaming or working, it’s a solid choice for anyone looking for a high-quality 90–98% layout keyboard. Check out the C98 product page to learn more and see if it’s the right fit for you.