YUNZII X98 QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Knob (Tri-Mode, Hot-Swappable, White Crystal Switch)
Product description
Quick overview
If you want a wireless mechanical keyboard that still feels like a “real” enthusiast setup, the YUNZII X98 is designed for exactly that. On paper, it checks the boxes that matter to people who care about customization and sound: QMK/VIA support with a function knob, hot-swappable switch sockets, and a gasket mount layout aimed at a softer, more elastic typing feel.
It’s also built around multi-device convenience. Tri-mode connectivity (wired USB-C, 2.4GHz, and Bluetooth) means you can keep it on your desk and switch between devices instead of constantly moving cables or re-pairing. That’s the practical angle here: less clutter, less friction, and a keyboard you can tune over time rather than treating as a fixed “one-and-done” purchase.
That said, not everything is guaranteed to be perfect for every buyer. Because it’s a 98% layout with a specific acoustic/sound approach and a knob-based workflow, the fit depends a lot on how you type and what you expect from RGB lighting and switch feel.
What matters most (Key points)
The biggest selling point is the pairing of flexibility and desk-friendly wireless options. You’re not just buying a keyboard to use out of the box—you’re buying something you can remap, re-profile, and adjust. With QMK/VIA open-source firmware, you can remap keys, create macros, adjust layouts, and even tweak RGB effects. The rotary knob (default: volume) adds an extra layer of control that can make day-to-day tasks faster.
Next comes the hot-swap setup. The keyboard uses hot-swappable sockets compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. It also includes pre-lubed Snow Switches, described as aiming for a silky-smooth, creamy feel with quieter actuation. If you’re the type who wants “good without immediately opening a tool kit,” this is one of the more convenient implementations.
Finally, the gasket mount and clear aesthetic are built into the experience. The gasket mount is described with five layers of dampening materials (Poron, IXPE, Silicone, and sound enhancement pads), with the goal of a milky/creamy acoustic profile and a softer, more elastic hand feel. The transparent/clear build and double-layer clear keycaps are also meant to keep characters clearer and resist fading, while the RGB lighting uses south-facing LEDs and 16.8 million colors.
Tech specs
- Name: YUNZII X98 QMK/VIA Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard with Knob
- Type: Tri-mode wireless mechanical keyboard with function knob
- Format: 98% layout
- Connections: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB-C wired
- Firmware: QMK/VIA open-source
- Hot swap: Compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches
- Switches: Pre-lubed Snow Switches
- Mounting style: Gasket mount
- Materials (sound damping layers): Poron, IXPE, Silicone, sound enhancement pads
- Case/keycap style: High-transparency PC material, double-layer clear keycaps
- Lighting: RGB backlit, south-facing LEDs, 16.8 million colors
- Keyboard profile control: Multi-device switching and profiles
Everyday use: where it shines
This keyboard is clearly aimed at people who want both gaming responsiveness (low-latency wired mode is called out for PC gaming) and wireless freedom. In real terms, tri-mode can help when you bounce between a laptop and a desktop: you can keep the keyboard in one place and switch connection modes as your workflow changes.
The “knob + QMK/VIA” angle can be genuinely useful. If you do anything repetitive—media volume, quick adjustments, or switching behaviors per profile—the knob gives you a physical control surface instead of relying only on key combinations.
And if you’re sensitive to feel and sound, the gasket mount design is the heart of the character. The included dampening stack is intended to produce a softer, more forgiving acoustic profile rather than a rigid “ping.” It’s not perfect for everyone’s taste (some people prefer a crisper, more immediate switch-to-sound response), but if you’re chasing that creamy/milky vibe, the design intent is straightforward.
Who it’s for (and who should skip it)
It makes sense if you:
- Care about customization (QMK/VIA, remapping, macros, RGB adjustments, multiple profiles).
- Want a desk-friendly multi-device setup with wired + 2.4GHz + Bluetooth.
- Prefer not to start from scratch—pre-lubed switches are included, and hot-swap means you can experiment later.
- Like a clear/transparent look with RGB shine-through.
You may want to skip it if you:
- Need a simpler, fully locked-down keyboard experience with zero tinkering.
- Expect every “sound profile” to match your taste immediately—acoustic preferences are personal, and gasket boards don’t satisfy everyone.
- Are very particular about layouts, a 98% format is close to TKL/full-size territory, but it’s still not a compact 75%/60% style.
Also keep in mind that “up to 5 devices” switching is mentioned in the provided description, but the exact behavior depends on how profiles and mode switching are configured in practice.
Buying verdict
The YUNZII X98 is worth considering if you’re shopping for a 98% wireless mechanical keyboard that’s not afraid to be customized. Its combination of tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable 3-pin/5-pin support, pre-lubed switches, and gasket mount damping is positioned as an enthusiast-leaning mid-range style board rather than a basic plug-and-play model.
If you want a keyboard that stays flexible as your setup changes—different devices, different profiles, and potentially different switches over time—this one fits the brief. But if you’re only interested in the simplest possible wireless mechanical experience and don’t care about QMK/VIA remapping, macros, or the knob workflow, you might not get enough value from the extra complexity.
Mini FAQ
Is it wired-only or does it support wireless?
It supports three modes: wired via USB-C, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth.
Does it support custom firmware and key remapping?
Yes. It’s listed as QMK/VIA open-source, with the ability to remap keys, adjust layouts, and create macros.
Can I change switches later?
Yes. The keyboard is hot-swappable and compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
What’s the default function of the knob?
The default is volume.
Does it have south-facing LEDs?
Yes, it’s described as using south-facing LEDs for the RGB lighting.