ROYALAXE F98 Creamy 98% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard with Number Pad, Knob, and RGB (Hot-Swappable)
Product description
What it is and why it matters
The ROYALAXE F98 Creamy is a 98% layout mechanical keyboard in a pink “creamy” style, built for people who want the productivity of a number pad without taking up a full-size desk footprint. On paper, it’s a pretty fun mix: a volume/playback control knob, RGB backlighting, and hot-swappable 3-pin/5-pin switch sockets—plus tri-mode connectivity so you can hop between devices.
If you care about typing and sound feel, the brand leans into a “thocky creamy” sound profile. That’s the kind of claim that’s hard to verify without testing, but the setup is clearly aiming at a more satisfying, softer audio vibe than bargain boards. The hot-swap design is the bigger practical win, because it gives you flexibility if your taste in switches changes.
The essentials (so you can judge fast)
This keyboard uses a space-saving 98% layout with a built-in number pad for work and gaming workflows. You also get an integrated media control knob that’s meant to make volume and playback changes quick—handy when you don’t want to alt-tab or reach for software controls.
For connection, it’s tri-mode: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB wired. That makes it suitable for switching between a PC/laptop setup and a Mac environment, or even using it across different devices at home.
RGB is included with multiple lighting effects. And while you’ll still need to manage backlight usage like any RGB board, the included battery detail is encouraging: it’s powered by a 4000mAh rechargeable battery and the standby time is listed at about 80 hours when the backlight is off.
One thing to keep in mind: the “80 hours” figure is standby with the backlight turned off. If you game or type with RGB on most of the time, real-world runtime could be less impressive.
Where it shines for daily use
The F98’s design is clearly oriented around desk practicality and fast controls. In a realistic scenario, you could be in a meeting on your laptop, twist the knob to dial volume, press to control playback, and keep typing without hunting for the mouse/trackpad. Then, for gaming, you can switch over to 2.4GHz mode for low-latency wireless use (that’s the typical reason people choose that mode), and keep the same board layout.
The hot-swappable sockets are also the kind of feature you feel over time. Even if the stock switch sound isn’t exactly your preference, you won’t be locked into it permanently—you can swap compatible switches as your taste evolves.
What to watch before you buy
A few practical questions are worth answering before committing.
First, confirm how “hot swappable” fits your expectations. The board supports 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches via 5-pin hot-swap sockets, which is good news for compatibility within that scope—but it still means you’ll want switches that match those pin types.
Second, if you’re extremely sensitive to switch sound and feel, remember the “thocky creamy” description is still a marketing direction, not a guarantee. The final result depends heavily on which switches you use, how they’re mounted, and your keyboard setup.
Third, tri-mode is convenient, but it also means you’ll want to learn the switching workflow so you don’t accidentally jump modes during a session.
Key specs (from the info provided)
- Layout: 98% with number pad
- Hot-swap: 5-pin hot-swappable sockets supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches
- Connections: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB-C wired mode
- Battery: 4000mAh rechargeable
- Standby time: approximately 80 hours without backlight turned on
- Lighting: RGB backlit with multiple lighting effects
Is it worth it?
It’s worth considering if you want a cute pink 98% mechanical keyboard with a number pad, an on-board volume/playback knob, and the flexibility of hot-swappable switches. If you use multiple devices—like a laptop plus a Mac setup—and you don’t want to keep changing keyboards, tri-mode connectivity is a strong reason to buy.
It may not be the best match if you only want the simplest, lowest-effort keyboard experience, since hot-swapping usually invites tinkering (which some people don’t want). Also, if you expect battery life with RGB on all the time, the “80 hours” standby note may not translate to your exact usage.
Mini FAQ
Is the ROYALAXE F98 actually wireless?
Yes—based on the provided details, it supports Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless modes, plus wired USB-C.
Does it have a number pad?
Yes. The layout is described as a 98% design that keeps a number pad while staying more space-saving than full-size.
Can I change the switches?
The board is described as hot swappable with 5-pin sockets that support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
How long does the battery last?
The listed standby time is approximately 80 hours when the backlight is turned off. If you run RGB frequently, battery life could be different.
Final buy decision
When it makes sense
Buy it when you want a compact 98% mechanical keyboard with number pad functionality, tri-mode switching for different devices, and a knob for faster media/volume control.
When you may want to skip it
Skip it if you don’t care about hot-swappable switches or you need consistently long RGB-heavy runtime without thinking about settings.