YUNZII AL98 specifications and in-depth review

YUNZII AL98

Manufacturer: YUNZII

The YUNZII AL98 is a 96% layout mechanical keyboard built around a gasket mount construction that combines an aluminum plate with a plastic and aluminum case. It supports wireless and wired connectivity through Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, and USB, and is available in black, white, and pink colorways. The keyboard includes a detachable cable, adjustable feet, south-facing RGB backlighting, and carries Mac key support alongside a one-year warranty.

The AL98 ships with YUNZII Milk V2 Linear switches featuring a 40g actuation force, 2mm actuation distance, and 3.6mm total travel distance, and the board supports hot-swapping for switch replacement without soldering. It polls at 1000Hz, offers full NKRO, and is compatible with both QMK and VIA for extensive remapping and customization. The keyboard weighs 2175g and measures 407 x 137 x 44mm, with a claimed wireless battery life of 960 hours.

Pros
  • Hot-swappable switches allow for easy switch replacement without soldering
  • Tri-mode connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB offers flexible usage options
  • Gasket mount construction provides a softer typing feel compared to traditional top or bottom mount designs
  • QMK and VIA support enables extensive key remapping and firmware customization
  • Claimed battery life of 960 hours reduces the need for frequent recharging
  • Available in three case colors and includes adjustable feet for typing angle customization
Cons
  • Does not include a wrist rest
  • No rapid trigger, analog input, or adjustable actuation support, limiting advanced input customization
  • Media controls are only accessible via the Fn key with no dedicated media keys
  • ZMK support is absent, restricting wireless firmware customization options
  • No USB passthrough port is available
  • At 2175g, the keyboard is relatively heavy, which may reduce portability
Who is this for?

The AL98 is well-suited to users who want flexible connectivity, as its tri-mode Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, and USB support makes it practical for both desktop setups and multi-device workflows. The gasket mount combined with hot-swappable sockets appeals to enthusiasts who enjoy customizing their typing experience without advanced technical skills. QMK and VIA compatibility also makes it a solid fit for users who want deep control over key mappings and macros.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on advanced input features such as rapid trigger, analog input, or adjustable actuation — common requirements in competitive gaming — will find the AL98 lacking in that regard. Its weight of 2175g and full 96% layout make it a poor match for anyone who needs a portable or travel-friendly keyboard. Additionally, users seeking a dedicated media control experience may find the Fn-layer-only media key implementation inconvenient for frequent media use.

General info:

Keyboard type Mechanical
Keyboard layout size Full (96%)
Profile Standard
connectivity Wireless & wired
connection type Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, USB
polling rate 1000 Hz
Mount type Gasket mount
Battery life 960 hours
designed for Mac
has a detachable cable
height 137 mm
width 407 mm
thickness 44 mm
weight 2175 g
Bluetooth version 5
warranty period 1 years

The YUNZII AL98 is a mechanical keyboard with a full 96% layout and standard profile, built around a gasket mount for its structural foundation. It supports wireless and wired connectivity via Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB, with a polling rate of 1000Hz and a rated battery life of 960 hours. The keyboard measures 407 x 137 x 44mm and weighs 2175g, includes a detachable cable, and is designed with Mac key support. A one-year warranty is included.

Design:

has RGB lighting
Has a backlit keyboard
Case material Plastic, Aluminum
Plate material Aluminum
Case colors Black, White, Pink
has adjustable feet
includes a wrist rest
Backlight facing direction South-facing

The AL98 features a case constructed from plastic and aluminum with an aluminum plate, and is available in black, white, and pink colorways. It includes a backlit keyboard with south-facing RGB lighting and comes with adjustable feet for typing angle customization. A wrist rest is not included with the keyboard.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches
Switch name YUNZII Milk V2 Linear Switch
Actuation distance (min) 2 mm
Actuation distance (max) 2 mm
Actuation force 40 g
Total travel distance 3.6 mm

The AL98 comes equipped with the YUNZII Milk V2 Linear Switch, a mechanical linear switch with an actuation point of 2mm, an actuation force of 40g, and a total travel distance of 3.6mm. The board supports hot-swappable switches, allowing the switches to be replaced without soldering.

Features:

has analog input
has rapid trigger
has dual actuation
has adjustable actuation
has NKRO
has USB passthrough
Has a display
has QMK support
has ZMK support
has VIA support

The AL98 supports QMK and VIA, giving users flexibility for key remapping and firmware customization, and includes full NKRO for simultaneous keypress registration. It does not support ZMK, analog input, rapid trigger, dual actuation, adjustable actuation, USB passthrough, or an onboard display.

Keys & layout:

Keyboard layout ANSI (United States)
Keycap type PBT, Double-shot
Keycap profile Cherry
uses a standard key layout
Media keys Via Fn key
has a rotary dial

The AL98 uses an ANSI (United States) layout with a standard key arrangement and PBT double-shot keycaps in a Cherry profile. Media functions are accessible via the Fn key rather than dedicated keys, and the keyboard does not include a rotary dial.

Final Verdict

The YUNZII AL98 is a well-rounded 96% mechanical keyboard that brings together a gasket mount build, tri-mode wireless connectivity, and hot-swappable QMK/VIA-compatible switches into a single package aimed at customization-focused users. Its 960-hour battery life and Bluetooth 5.0 support make it genuinely practical for multi-device setups, while the aluminum plate and PBT double-shot keycaps reflect a reasonable level of build attention. Those seeking competitive-grade input features like rapid trigger or a lighter, more portable form factor will need to look elsewhere, but for enthusiasts who prioritize a customizable, wireless-capable keyboard with solid firmware support, the AL98 presents a coherent and capable option.