Buying Guide
The Best 96% Keyboards
From the LINGBAO K98 to the ROG Scope II 96 RX: five keyboards ranked on polling rate and layout, with who should skip each one.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
A 96% keyboard keeps the number pad and arrow keys but removes the gaps of a full-size board, which saves about an inch of desk width. Every keyboard here is listed with a 96%, 98-key or 1800-style layout.
Our comparison rests on published figures for layout, switches and connection; nothing here was tested in-house, and where a maker leaves out switches, we say so.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Also Consider
Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard
A built-in display.
Best for: Buyers who want built-in display.
Our take Check price for Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 RX Wireless
A form factor 1cm wider than a standard 80% board at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the LINGBAO K98 costs less.
Our take Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 RX Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Hot-swappable Switches
Keychron V5 Max
Hot-swappable switches.
Best for: Buyers who want hot-swappable switches.
Our take Check price for Keychron V5 Max (opens in a new tab)
Lowest Price Here
LINGBAO K98 Wireless
The lowest price of the group at our last check.
Best for: Getting gasket mount with a five-layer dampening system for the least money.
Our take Check price for LINGBAO K98 Wireless (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
Keymatic M98 Wireless
A display panel for modes, brightness and battery level.
Best for: Buyers who want display panel for modes, brightness and battery level.
Our take Check price for Keymatic M98 Wireless (opens in a new tab)
| Pick | Why it’s here | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| A built-in display. | Buyers who want built-in display. | Check price for Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard (opens in a new tab) |
| A form factor 1cm wider than a standard 80% board at the highest price in the group. | Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the LINGBAO K98 costs less. | Check price for ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 RX Wireless (opens in a new tab) |
| Hot-swappable switches. | Buyers who want hot-swappable switches. | Check price for Keychron V5 Max (opens in a new tab) |
| The lowest price of the group at our last check. | Getting gasket mount with a five-layer dampening system for the least money. | Check price for LINGBAO K98 Wireless (opens in a new tab) |
| A display panel for modes, brightness and battery level. | Buyers who want display panel for modes, brightness and battery level. | Check price for Keymatic M98 Wireless (opens in a new tab) |
Our Picks
Also Consider1 of 5
Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Vanguard 96 keeps a number pad in a compressed layout and adds a small display and 8,000Hz polling.
Best for
- Buyers who want built-in display.
Skip if
- Look at the others if this bothers you: wired only.
Why we like it
It maps Stream Deck functions to programmable G-keys, polls at 8,000Hz, and FlashTap SOCD resolves opposing key presses. A 1.9-inch LCD shows custom images or system info. On polling rate it ties with the ROG Scope II 96 RX at 8,000Hz.
The Vanguard 96 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. You also get this: wired connection, the only one here. Its price falls between the Keychron V5 Max and the ROG Scope II 96 RX, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Connection: Wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
Pros
- 8,000Hz polling
- Built-in display
- 96% layout that keeps the number pad in a smaller frame
- Wired connection, the only one here
Cons
- Wired only
- Costs more than the LINGBAO K98 at the time of writing
Premium Pick2 of 5
ASUS ROG Strix Scope II 96 RX Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the ROG Scope II 96 RX brings to the table is a form factor 1cm wider than a standard 80% board, plus pre-lubed stabilizers and sound-dampening foam.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the LINGBAO K98 costs less.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the LINGBAO K98 was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It also offers an 8,000Hz polling rate and runs for up to 378 hours. It matches the Vanguard 96 on polling rate (8,000Hz). ROG RX optical switches is unique to it among these picks, while the Keymatic M98 uses hot-swappable creamy switches.
You also get a detachable wrist rest and three tilt positions. Use the ROG Scope II 96 RX's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. High polling rates use more CPU time; drop to 1,000Hz if an older system stutters. At our last price check it topped the group, with the Vanguard 96 the nearest cheaper option.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Switches: ROG RX optical
- Connection: Bluetooth (3 devices), 2.4GHz, wired
- Polling rate: 8,000Hz
- Battery life: 378 hours
- Keycaps: PBT doubleshot
Pros
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- 8,000Hz polling
- Up to 378 hours per charge
- PBT keycaps resist shine
Cons
- Costs more than the LINGBAO K98 at the time of writing
Hot-swappable Switches3 of 5
Keychron V5 Max on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Keychron V5 Max is built around QMK programming through the Keychron Launcher web app, with a gasket design on top.
Best for
- Buyers who want hot-swappable switches.
Skip if
- Skip it if polling rate matters most to you; the Vanguard 96 offers 8,000Hz.
Why we like it
On the spec sheet, it offers a 1,000Hz polling rate. Its 1,000Hz polling rate is the slowest in this group; the Vanguard 96 leads at 8,000Hz. You get hot-swappable switches here, which sets it apart from the Keymatic M98 and its hot-swappable creamy switches.
It also offers support for macOS, Windows and Linux. Use the Keychron V5 Max's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. Another plus: PBT keycaps resist shine. It was priced above the Keymatic M98 and below the Vanguard 96 at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Switches: Hot-swappable
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, wired
- Polling rate: 1,000Hz
- Keycaps: PBT
Pros
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- PBT keycaps resist shine
- QMK programming through the Keychron Launcher web app
- Gasket design
Cons
- Polling rate trails the Vanguard 96 (8,000Hz)
- Costs more than the LINGBAO K98 at the time of writing
Lowest Price Here4 of 5
LINGBAO K98 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the LINGBAO K98 brings to the table is a gasket mount with a five-layer dampening system, plus dual-angle tilt support.
Best for
- Getting gasket mount with a five-layer dampening system for the least money.
Skip if
- Pass if a published polling rate matters; this one has none.
Why we like it
Dual-angle tilt support lets you raise the back of the board for typing or leave it lower for games. The maker's software handles macros, key remapping and 16 RGB lighting effects. Use the LINGBAO K98's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
You also get this: factory-lubed linear, hot-swappable switches. It cost the least of the 5 picks at the time of writing, with the Keymatic M98 the next step up. There is no published polling rate figure, whereas the Vanguard 96 offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Switches: Factory-lubed linear, hot-swappable
- Connection: Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, wired
Pros
- Factory-lubed linear, hot-swappable switches
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Gasket mount with a five-layer dampening system
- Dual-angle tilt support
Cons
- No published polling rate
Strong Alternative5 of 5
Keymatic M98 Wireless on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The Keymatic M98 stands out for a display panel for modes, brightness and battery level, and it adds a multi-function knob.
Best for
- Buyers who want display panel for modes, brightness and battery level.
Skip if
- Its polling rate is not published, which rules it out if you need that number.
Why we like it
It is the only pick here with hot-swappable creamy switches; the ROG Scope II 96 RX has ROG RX optical switches instead. It also comes with full N-key rollover. Use the Keymatic M98's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
On price it sat second of 5, between the cheaper LINGBAO K98 and the pricier Keychron V5 Max, at the time of writing. The maker doesn't give its polling rate; if that figure matters, the Vanguard 96 offers 8,000Hz.
Key dimensions & specs
- Layout: 96%
- Switches: Hot-swappable creamy
- Connection: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired
Pros
- Dongle, Bluetooth and wired modes
- Display panel for modes, brightness and battery level
- Multi-function knob
- Full N-key rollover
Cons
- No published polling rate
- Costs more than the LINGBAO K98 at the time of writing
How We Chose These 96% Keyboards
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- What we compared
- We compared five keyboards on layout, switches, connection and polling rate, using each maker's published specs. These are research figures, not bench results: 1 of 5 picks leave out switches.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the Vanguard 96 to the Keymatic M98, state layout and connection and share 96% layout.
- Where the specs have gaps
- The Vanguard 96 gives no switches; the LINGBAO K98 and the Keymatic M98 give no polling rate.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the LINGBAO K98 (under $50) to the ROG Scope II 96 RX ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a 96% Keyboard
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Polling rate
The Vanguard 96 tops polling rate at 8,000Hz and the Keychron V5 Max sits lowest at 1,000Hz; 2 picks share the top figure. Start with the Vanguard 96 if polling rate decides it. The LINGBAO K98 and the Keymatic M98 give no polling rate figure, so 3 of 5 picks are compared here.
Fit and compatibility
The Vanguard 96 needs a free USB port, so check cable length to your case or monitor hub. Use the ROG Scope II 96 RX's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet.
Features beyond the spec table
The Keychron V5 Max: a gasket design. The LINGBAO K98: dual-angle tilt support. The Keymatic M98: a multi-function knob.
How much to spend
Under $50 buys the LINGBAO K98; $50 to $100 buys the Keymatic M98 and the Keychron V5 Max; $100 to $150 buys the Vanguard 96; $150 to $250 buys the ROG Scope II 96 RX at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the LINGBAO K98 costs less: the ROG Scope II 96 RX. Buyers who want hot-swappable switches: the Keychron V5 Max. Getting gasket mount with a five-layer dampening system for the least money: the LINGBAO K98.
How to Choose a 96% Keyboard
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Buyers who want built-in display | Vanguard 96 | A built-in display |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the LINGBAO K98 costs less | ROG Scope II 96 RX | A form factor 1cm wider than a standard 80% board at the highest price in the group |
| Buyers who want hot-swappable switches | Keychron V5 Max | Hot-swappable switches |
| Getting gasket mount with a five-layer dampening system for the least money | LINGBAO K98 | The lowest price of the group at our last check |
| Buyers who want display panel for modes, brightness and battery level | Keymatic M98 | A display panel for modes, brightness and battery level |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The Vanguard 96 leads on polling rate at 8,000Hz, ahead of the ROG Scope II 96 RX at 8,000Hz. "Not listed" marks switches where the Vanguard 96 leaves the figure out.
| Keyboard | Layout | Switches | Connection | Polling rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vanguard 96 | 96% | Not listed | Wired | 8,000Hz |
| ROG Scope II 96 RX | 96% | ROG RX optical | Bluetooth (3 devices), 2.4GHz, wired | 8,000Hz |
| Keychron V5 Max | 96% | Hot-swappable | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, wired | 1,000Hz |
| LINGBAO K98 | 96% | Factory-lubed linear, hot-swappable | Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, wired | Not listed |
| Keymatic M98 | 96% | Hot-swappable creamy | 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired | Not listed |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the LINGBAO K98, sat in the under $50 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the ROG Scope II 96 RX at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Keyboards |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | LINGBAO K98 |
| About $50 to $100 | Keymatic M98, Keychron V5 Max |
| About $100 to $150 | Vanguard 96 |
| About $150 to $250 | ROG Scope II 96 RX |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Keychron V5 Max the Hot-swappable Switches?
It earns the label for hot-swappable switches. The LINGBAO K98, the cheapest pick, sat in the under $50 tier against $50 to $100 here, without out-ranking it on any listed spec. It makes sense for anyone who wants hot-swappable switches.
Do the ROG Scope II 96 RX and the Keychron V5 Max differ on keycaps?
The ROG Scope II 96 RX uses PBT doubleshot; the Keychron V5 Max uses PBT. The makers of the Vanguard 96, the LINGBAO K98 and the Keymatic M98 don't state keycaps, so 2 of 5 picks are covered here.
What should I check before buying the Keymatic M98?
Use the Keymatic M98's dongle or cable for games; Bluetooth suits a laptop or tablet. In this guide it ranks fifth of 5.
Beyond the specs, what sets the Vanguard 96 and the ROG Scope II 96 RX apart?
The Vanguard 96: a built-in display. The ROG Scope II 96 RX: a form factor 1cm wider than a standard 80% board. The Keychron V5 Max: QMK programming through the Keychron Launcher web app.
Should I pick the Vanguard 96 or the Keymatic M98?
The Vanguard 96 suits buyers who want built-in display; the Keymatic M98 suits buyers who want display panel for modes, brightness and battery level.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the Vanguard 96, chosen for a built-in display. Look at the ROG Scope II 96 RX for a form factor 1cm wider than a standard 80% board at the highest price in the group, the Keychron V5 Max for hot-swappable switches and the LINGBAO K98 for the lowest price of the group at our last check if those matter more to you.
Check where the keys you use most sit; a 96% board squeezes the arrow cluster and some keycap sets will not fit.