One volume to the end, RK R98 three-mode mechanical keyboard evaluation

The year 2022 that has just passed can be described as a year of domestic keyboard manufacturers' involuntary involution. The crazy involution in product configuration, design, price, etc. has also brought more choices to consumers. As a veteran peripheral manufacturer, RK has also launched a variety of keyboard products with good workmanship and high cost performance, which have also won a good reputation among the user groups. RK recently released its own brand new R98 series mechanical keyboard, which provides four configuration options, continues the mainstream three-mode hot-swappable configuration, and provides a new color matching style, shaft matching and detail scheme, and then follow the author Get up and see.

包装&附件：

The RK R98 three-mode mechanical keyboard adopts a brand-new outer packaging style, with dark and light color transitions and diagonal stripes, and the design sense is still very online. The brand name, product model, and product display diagram are provided on the package, and the side stickers indicate the keyboard version information, manufacturer contact information, etc. In terms of accessories, a transparent dust cover, USB Type-C cable, key puller, supplementary keycaps, and product manuals are provided. The cable is a dual-interface solution, providing USB-A and USB-C adjustable solutions, which can better take into account the use of the user's PC host or notebook platform.

RK R98 series keyboards currently provide four different configuration schemes, all of which are Gasket structure schemes, but depending on the version, there will be slight differences in the feel feedback. At the same time, the mid-to-high configuration also provides HIFI sound packs and higher-quality shaft solutions. The price plan of 149 yuan to 399 yuan also covers the price budget range of entry-level users, and the choices are more abundant. What the author got this time is the top version and the second top version, both of which adopt the same color scheme, and only differ in the shaft scheme.

外观&细节：

The RK R98 three-mode mechanical keyboard adopts the popular 98-like layout. Compared with the conventional 98 keyboard, the F area adopts a compact design, and there is an extra Del key on the right. The arrow key area adopts a sunken design, and is separated from the letter area and number area. With the combination of color keycaps, the look and feel is simple and tidy, compact and not cluttered. The frame of the upper cover of the fuselage is slightly wider, and the lower corners are treated with beveled surfaces, which further improves the comfort of use. The overall color of the fuselage is white, and the keycap is white with dark blue and dark red large keys. The color scheme is simple, and the identification is clear. The reasonable key layout and keyboard division area also allow users to use it immediately without getting used to it.

As for the details of the fuselage, a three-mode switching switch is provided at the top, which is convenient for users to change the connection mode according to the usage scenarios and devices. It is convenient and quick to use, and the experience is still good. An RGB light strip is provided at the space between the number area on the right and the main key area, which enhances the lighting effect and makes the keyboard more recognizable. Four status indicator lights are provided on the top of the number keypad, corresponding to the number keypad, upper and lower case status, Win key status and power status display respectively. In addition to the four function keys in the upper right corner, silver metal decoration is added, which enriches the visual effect and makes the look and feel more layered.

The bottom of the keyboard provides a three-way outlet, and with the 1.8-meter connecting wire, it can also meet the desktop layout needs of most users. Two-stage support feet are provided at the left and right ends, which is convenient for users to adjust the height of the keyboard according to their personal preferences, ensuring the comfort of the input experience. A section of RGB light strip is provided on both sides of the bottom, and a storage slot for the wireless adapter is provided on the right side, which is convenient for users to store the receiver and avoid loss.

键帽&轴体：

The author's two keyboards are equipped with TTC's brand-new steel switches and RK's customized smoke and rain switches. The former adopts a linear feel scheme, all POM shaft material, with a trigger pressure of 41gf, a total key stroke of 3.8mm, and a trigger key stroke of 1.4mm. The theoretical life span can reach 80 million times. , Rebound to follow the hand, the lengthened axis scheme also brings clear tactile feedback, and the sound performance is cleaner and more thorough. The RK Misty Rain switch also adopts the linear feel scheme, the POM shell, and the LY extended axis. The feel feedback is smooth and soft, the sound is more crisp, and the performance is also very good. The large key position adopts the upgraded R87 satellite axis scheme, the feel adjustment is crisp and neat, there is no shaking and abnormal noise, and the feel consistency is also excellent.

The hot-swapping scheme of the shaft body is naturally also indispensable. The hole positions are compatible with mainstream tripod shafts and five-pod shafts. Players can also easily replace the shaft body they like, which is very practical and playable. The R98 series keyboards are also equipped with rich internal filling solutions. The low configuration uses PE cotton, and the middle and high configuration uses Poron sandwich cotton. At the same time, they all provide ixpe shaft pads, bottom cotton and silicone, which can reduce cavity sound and shaft noise. , There is also a certain improvement in the percussion feel. At the same time, the mid-to-high configuration version has a single-key slot on the PCB. With the Gasket structure, the feel feedback is softer and more elastic, and it is very friendly to users who have certain requirements for the feel.

In terms of keycaps, Zhonggao provided PBT double keycaps with two-color technology, the original height scheme, opaque treatment, and closed character technology. The surface of the keycap is delicate and dry to the touch, combined with the wear-resistant and oil-resistant properties of the PBT material, the feel lasts longer and is more durable. The inset curvature of the keycap can also bring users a better sense of wrapping, and the feel feedback is more comfortable. The detail workmanship of the keycaps is very good, there is no obvious problem of burrs and spouts, and the internal ribs also ensure the strength of the keycaps, and the workmanship is still very solid.

RGB backlight:

RK R98 series keyboards support RGB backlight in the middle and high configuration, while the wired version and low configuration version support white and ice blue backlight respectively. In addition to the RGB backlight of all keys, this keyboard also provides RGB light bars on the front and side respectively. Users can quickly switch the lighting mode, light color, and adjust the light brightness and dynamic speed of the keys through the combination of keys. The light bar supports light effect mode and brightness adjustment, and the light bars on both sides support light effect mode switching. There are still very rich lighting methods. The overall brightness of the light is moderate, the perception is soft, the colors are real and gorgeous, and the dynamic performance is also very smooth. The perception experience is still very good. The light strips on both sides can also realize light projection on the desktop, making the lighting performance more atmospheric. The front light bar can also play a good embellishment effect, enhance the keyboard recognition, and the performance is still very good. However, the brightness of the front light bar is a bit high, and the light strips on both sides have some overflow light. I still hope that the manufacturer will further optimize it through firmware updates.

Driver settings:

In terms of software support, users can use RK's official software to set and change the key functions and lights of the keyboard. The software also provides a recording and editing page for macro keys, which is convenient for users to record macro key functions by themselves. The configuration file page provides the key value change function, and the user can set and change the key function according to personal habits; the macro manager can record and edit macro keys; the lighting effect mode page can intuitively and quickly select the keyboard lighting effect scheme, Adjust light brightness, color, dynamic speed and light sleep time; in the custom light mode, users can customize the backlight scheme and light effect. The interface of the driver software is simple and intuitive, and the functions can basically meet the needs of users, and the user experience has also been greatly improved.

RK R98 series keyboards provide different versions of single-mode wired and three-mode wireless. The three-mode wireless version provides three connection methods: wired, wireless 2.4Ghz and Bluetooth. In Bluetooth mode, it supports 3 groups of connection information storage and has good scene adaptability. Compatible with devices, it is also very friendly to cross-platform and multi-device users. The independent mode switching switch on the top is easy to use and fast to switch, and the reconnection speed is also very fast after changing the connection mode or wireless hibernation, and the performance is very good. The three connection schemes all support the full-key no-repeat scheme, and pressing multiple buttons at the same time can also trigger the response accurately and quickly, without failure due to conflicts, and it is more handy to use in game scenarios. Through the button debounce in the software, the connection delay can also be reduced, the button response speed can be improved, and it can also bring a better user experience to gamers.

In terms of built-in battery capacity, the mid-to-high configuration provides a 7200mAh lithium battery, while the low-end configuration provides a 3000mAh lithium battery. In terms of battery life, it can easily meet the daily needs of most users. The keyboard also provides a wealth of combined key functions, which can realize functions such as calling system programs, multimedia control, and lighting adjustment, which is still a big improvement for daily use. At the same time, this keyboard also supports the MacOS system, and the keys have been adapted, and the compatibility of the operating platform is better. Although this keyboard only provides 5 commonly used function keys, it can also supplement other function keys through the combination of FN keys, which can bring users a complete and complete input experience.

Summarize:

The starting price of RK R98 series keyboards is 149 yuan, and the top price is 399 yuan. The pricing is still very close to the people. Compared with the first-generation 98 keyboard, the internal filling and shaft scheme have been greatly upgraded. While bringing users a good feel feedback, the percussion sound is also more HIFI, which is more in line with the needs of users in the current keyboard market. Ready-to-use can further enhance the user experience without any fuss, so it is worth trying.