RK ROYAL KLUDGE R98 Pro — Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Numpad and RGB

Overview

The RK ROYAL KLUDGE R98 Pro — Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Numpad and RGB is a 98-key wired mechanical keyboard from RK ROYAL KLUDGE (RK). The short verdict: it suits people who want to keep a numpad without paying the desk-space cost of a full-size board, and who want to tune the typing feel by swapping switches.

At a low-teens yen price point (around ¥12,000–13,000), it combines a gasket mount, hot-swap sockets, and PBT doubleshot keycaps.

The board measures 38.9 × 14 × 4.1 cm and weighs about 1.2 kg.

It keeps both the numpad and the arrow keys but pushes them tightly together to trim the width. A gasket-mount structure with five layers of sound-dampening foam gives it a soft bottom-out and a muted, "creamy" sound profile.

Its headline feature is the hot-swappable linear cream switches. You can pull and replace switches without soldering, so you can start with the stock switches and later move to a different feel without buying a new keyboard.

As the product name says, it also has a volume knob, which is handy for adjusting audio mid-game or mid-call.

Who a 98-Key Layout Is For

A 98-key layout (sometimes called 1800) takes a full-size board of about 108 keys, drops a handful of rarely used keys, and packs the arrow cluster against the numpad. Many full-size keyboards are roughly 44 cm wide, so the R98 Pro's 38.9 cm is about 5 cm shorter as a rule of thumb.

That lets your mouse sit closer to your body's center line, which reduces shoulder reach in mouse-heavy games such as FPS titles.

The trade-off is a layout with quirks. There is almost no gap between the arrow keys and the numpad, and keys like Insert, Scroll Lock, and Pause are typically removed or moved to Fn combinations.

Coming from full size, expect a few days of hitting a numpad key when you meant an arrow. Check the layout image on the product page to see exactly which keys require Fn.

This table is a rough guide, but if you enter numbers in spreadsheets and also play games on the same machine, 98-key is a sensible middle ground. If you rarely touch a numpad, a TKL or 75% board frees up more room for your mouse.

Compatibility Guide

Connection is USB-C wired only. The board works with both Windows and macOS, and four indicator LEDs show Num Lock, Caps Lock, Win Lock, and Mac mode.

On a Mac, switch to Mac mode and confirm that the modifier keys map the way macOS expects before you start working.

Key remapping, macros, and RGB lighting (20+ modes) are handled through RK's online driver, which is offered for Windows and macOS. Linux support for the configuration tool is not confirmed in the available data, so Linux users who want to change settings should check the product page.

Basic typing usually works as a standard USB keyboard, but configuration is a separate question.

The board may work over USB on consoles such as PS4 or PS5, but whether keyboard input is supported depends on each game. RK designs it for PC use, so don't buy it primarily for a console.

With N-key rollover, every simultaneous keypress is registered, which matters in PC games with complex key combinations.

Before buying replacement switches, confirm whether the sockets are 3-pin or 5-pin. In general, 5-pin sockets accept 3-pin switches, but fitting a 5-pin switch into a 3-pin socket requires clipping two legs.

Low-profile switches use a different form factor and won't fit. Stick to standard MX-compatible switches.

Product Info

On Amazon.co.jp the price was ¥13,426 as of June 21, 2026, and ¥12,532 as of August 26, 2026.

That is a drop of roughly ¥900 over two months, and prices move with sales and stock, so check the product page for the current figure. As of June 21, 2026, Amazon showed 290 reviews averaging 4.6 out of 5 stars (92% positive).

The box includes the keyboard, a USB-C cable, a keycap puller, a switch puller, and a manual. Shipping a switch puller signals that the board is built with switch swapping in mind.

A one-year warranty is typical, but terms vary by retailer, so confirm at purchase.

Few boards at this price combine a gasket mount, PBT doubleshot keycaps, and hot-swap sockets. PBT resists the shine that ABS keycaps develop over time, and doubleshot legends are molded in, so they won't wear off.

MDA Profile and Gasket Mount in Practice

MDA keycaps have a rounded, scooped top that cradles the fingertip. They are taller than common OEM or Cherry profiles and are sculpted row by row.

Many people find them comfortable for long writing sessions, but the extra height can bend the wrist more. Combined with the 4.1 cm body height, a wrist rest is a good idea.

A gasket mount floats the plate on soft material instead of bolting it rigidly to the case. Bottoming out feels cushioned, and the sound is a soft thock rather than a sharp clack.

If you prefer a firm, crisp feel, though, the flex may feel vague.

The stock linear switches travel smoothly with no bump. They are much quieter than clicky blue-style switches, but they are not silent: bottom-out and return sounds are still audible.

If you type during late-night calls or share space with light sleepers, plan on swapping in silent switches later.

Best Use Cases

• First-time mechanical keyboard buyers: Hot-swap lets you start with the stock switches and try a few alternatives without replacing the whole board.
• People who game and crunch numbers: The numpad stays, while the 38.9 cm width leaves room for your mouse. Good for MMO shortcuts and spreadsheets alike.
• Remote workers and heavy typists: MDA keycaps and the gasket mount soften each keystroke. Add a wrist rest and it holds up well over long sessions.
• Tinkerers: Remap keys, record macros, and pick from 20+ RGB modes in the driver, then swap keycaps and switches to taste.

Things to Check Before Buying

It is not wireless. The board is USB-C wired only. If you want a cable-free desk or plan to carry it with a laptop, look elsewhere.

Check the key layout (ANSI vs. JIS). The product name ends in "Win," and the Amazon listing shows Amazon US as seller and shipper.

It may be a US (ANSI) layout, so if you are used to Japanese JIS, check the product images for the Enter key shape and kana legends before buying. Symbol keys sit in different places, so expect typos at first.

MDA keycaps are tall. If you type without lifting your wrists, you may need a wrist rest to avoid strain.

Swapping to a different profile changes both feel and look noticeably, so stick with MDA if you like the stock shape.

Be careful when swapping switches. Forcing switches out can damage sockets or legs.

When inserting, make sure the pins are straight and press evenly. A dead key after a swap almost always means a bent pin.

The driver is web-based. You need access to RK's driver page to change settings.

On locked-down work PCs you may not be able to configure it, though the board still works with its default mapping.

The 98-key layout takes adjustment. The packed arrow and numpad area causes typos at first.

If you use Insert or Pause daily, check the layout image to see whether they need Fn.

FAQ

Q. Does it work on a Mac?
A. Yes. It has a Mac mode with its own indicator, and the configuration driver has a macOS version.

Q. Can I use it wirelessly or over Bluetooth?
A. No. It is USB-C wired only.

Q. Can I install switches from other brands? A.

Most standard MX-compatible switches will work, but compatibility depends on whether the sockets are 3-pin or 5-pin, so check the product page. Low-profile switches will not fit.

Q. Is it quiet? A.

The linear switches, gasket mount, and foam give it a muted sound with no clicky noise. It is not silent, though, so consider silent switches for noise-sensitive settings.

Q. Will it work on a PS5?
A. It may work over USB for text input, but keyboard support depends on the game. RK designs it for PC use.

Product Disclosure (Amazon)

• Manufacturer: RK ROYAL KLUDGE
• Seller: Amazon US
• Fulfilled by: Amazon US
• ASIN: B0GTNLY2QL
• Note: This article covers a manufacturer-made product based on Amazon listing details.