YUNZII X98 specifications and in-depth review

YUNZII X98

Manufacturer: YUNZII

The YUNZII X98 is a 96% full-size mechanical keyboard that covers the essentials without straying into excess. It runs on a gasket mount construction, which gives the typing surface a degree of flex and sound dampening not typically found in tray or top-mount designs. The board supports Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB simultaneously, and its 320-hour battery life means recharging is rarely a concern for daily users. A detachable cable, Mac key support, and adjustable feet round out the practical side of the package.

On the switch side, the X98 ships with YUNZII Snow Linear switches featuring a 1.5 mm actuation point, 45 g actuation force, and 3.3 mm total travel — and the board is hot-swappable, so those can be replaced without soldering. The keycaps are PBT double-shot in OEM profile with south-facing RGB backlighting underneath. For customization, the keyboard carries both QMK and VIA support alongside full N-key rollover. A rotary dial is also built in, handling media or other functions depending on configuration. The case combines plastic and aluminum, and the whole unit weighs 1,270 g at 390 × 142 × 45 mm.

Pros
  • Hot-swappable switches allow for solderless switch replacement without any additional tools
  • Triple connectivity via Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB gives flexibility across different setups
  • 320-hour battery life reduces how often the board needs to be charged during wireless use
  • QMK and VIA support enable deep key remapping and firmware-level customization
  • Gasket mount construction provides a degree of flex and sound dampening in the typing experience
  • PBT double-shot keycaps in a standard layout are compatible with a wide range of aftermarket keycap sets
Cons
  • No wrist rest is included, which may require a separate purchase for extended typing sessions
  • Rapid trigger, adjustable actuation, and analog input are not supported, limiting advanced actuation customization
  • No USB passthrough port is available on the board
  • Media controls are only accessible via the Fn key rather than dedicated keys
  • ZMK support is absent, which affects wireless firmware customization options
  • Warranty coverage is limited to one year
Who is this for?

The YUNZII X98 suits users who want a full-featured mechanical keyboard with flexible connectivity, particularly those who switch regularly between wired and wireless setups or across multiple devices. The 320-hour battery life and triple-mode connection make it practical for desk setups where cables are inconvenient. Users who enjoy tinkering with their hardware will benefit from the hot-swappable switches and full QMK and VIA support, which together allow both physical and firmware-level customization without specialized tools. The gasket mount and linear switches also make it a reasonable fit for those who prefer a softer, quieter typing feel over a stiff or clicky board.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who rely on rapid trigger or adjustable actuation for competitive gaming will find the X98 lacking, as none of those advanced actuation features are supported. The absence of ZMK support means it is not a strong choice for those specifically seeking wireless-first open-source firmware customization. The board's 1,270 g weight and full 96% layout also make it a poor fit for users with limited desk space or those who need a portable, travel-friendly setup. Additionally, anyone who prefers tactile or clicky switch feedback would need to factor in a switch swap, as the board ships exclusively with linear switches.

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 320 hours
designed for Mac
has a detachable cable
height 142 mm
width 390 mm
thickness 45 mm
weight 1270 g
Bluetooth version 5.3
warranty period 1 years

The YUNZII X98 is a mechanical keyboard in a full 96% layout with a standard profile, measuring 390 × 142 × 45 mm and weighing 1,270 g. It uses a gasket mount and supports three connection methods — Bluetooth 5.3, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB — with a polling rate of 1000 Hz. The wireless battery delivers up to 320 hours of use, and the detachable cable adds flexibility for wired setups. The board is designed with Mac compatibility in mind and comes with a one-year warranty.

Design:

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

The YUNZII X98 features a backlit keyboard with RGB lighting directed in a south-facing orientation, which affects how light interacts with the keycaps. The case is built from a combination of plastic and aluminum, and adjustable feet are included to set the typing angle. A wrist rest is not included with the board.

Switches:

Switch type Mechanical
Switch feel Linear
Hot-swappable switches
Switch name YUNZII Snow Linear Switch
Actuation distance (min) 1.5 mm
Actuation distance (max) 1.5 mm
Actuation force 45 g
Total travel distance 3.3 mm

The YUNZII X98 comes equipped with the YUNZII Snow Linear Switch, a mechanical linear switch with an actuation point of 1.5 mm, an actuation force of 45 g, and a total travel distance of 3.3 mm. The linear feel means keystrokes register smoothly without any tactile bump or audible click. The board supports hot-swappable switches, allowing the stock 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 YUNZII X98 supports QMK and VIA, giving users the ability to remap keys and adjust settings through widely used open-source firmware and configuration tools. Full N-key rollover (NKRO) is included, ensuring every simultaneous keypress is registered accurately. The board does not offer analog input, rapid trigger, dual actuation, adjustable actuation, USB passthrough, ZMK support, or a built-in display.

Keys & layout:

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

The YUNZII X98 uses an ANSI (United States) layout with a standard key arrangement, so aftermarket keycap sets fit without compatibility issues. The included keycaps are PBT double-shot in an OEM profile, offering a familiar sculpted feel across the rows. Media functions are accessible via the Fn key rather than dedicated keys, and a rotary dial is built into the board for additional input control.

Final Verdict

The YUNZII X98 is a well-rounded 96% mechanical keyboard that covers a broad set of practical needs without overreaching. Its standout combination of triple-mode connectivity with a 320-hour battery life, gasket mount construction, and full QMK/VIA support gives it genuine appeal for users who value both daily usability and customization depth. The hot-swappable socket and standard keycap layout further add to its long-term flexibility. Where it falls short — namely the absence of advanced actuation features and its considerable weight — reflects deliberate trade-offs rather than oversights, and these will only matter to a specific subset of users. For those seeking a customizable, wireless-capable mechanical keyboard with solid build choices and firmware openness, the YUNZII X98 represents a coherent and capable option.