The CoolKiller CK98 in a transparent “Mathematician” colorway, showcases its full acrylic construction and built-in OLED display. The CK98’s transparent acrylic chassis reveals the keyboard’s internals, emphasizing build quality and aesthetics. It uses a 97-key (98%) layout that retains a full-function row and arrow keys in a compact form. CoolKiller notes that “the entire build right from the chassis, to the switches, and the keycaps have a transparent crystal-like design”. The clear housing complements the built-in OLED screen (for stats or custom images), making the CK98 a uniquely feature-rich mechanical keyboard
Key Technical Highlights: The CK98 packs several enthusiast-grade features into its compact 98-key frame:
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Triple-Mode Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz wireless, or wired USB‑C – all supported out of the box. It ships with a 2.4 GHz dongle and coiled USB-C cable for ready setup. The built-in 3750 mAh battery enables hours of wireless use.
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Full Hot-Swap PCB: Every switch socket supports both 3‑pin and 5‑pin mechanical switches, so you can change any key switch without soldering.
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Gasket-Mounted Build: Silicone and Poron foam pads cushion the plate on all sides, resulting in a softer, quieter typing feel.
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South-Facing RGB & Keycaps: South-facing LEDs and durable translucent CSA V2 profile keycaps (oil-resistant PC) produce vibrant, even backlighting.
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OLED Display: A color OLED screen in the top corner shows system info or user-uploaded graphics/GIFs for personalization.
Tri-Mode Connectivity & Wireless Freedom
The CK98 gives you every connection option. Its triple-mode design covers USB-C wired mode, Bluetooth 5.1, and 2.4 GHz wireless. The keyboard comes with a USB-C cable and 2.4 GHz dongle, and you can switch modes with a function-key shortcut. Thanks to the 3750 mAh battery, it can run for many hours on a single charge. You can pair it with laptops, tablets or phones, and it supports both Windows and macOS (as well as iOS/Android) right out of the box, so it works seamlessly whether you’re on a PC or a Mac.
Hot-Swappable Flexibility & Customization
The CK98’s PCB is fully hot-swappable. Every key socket accepts 3-pin or 5-pin switches, so you can mix and match switches at will. Out of the box it uses CoolKiller’s Ice Blade tactile switches (pre-lubed for smooth, precise feedback)mechkeys.com, but you can easily pull any switch and install your favorite Cherry, Gateron, or other compatible switch without soldering. This plug-and-play design means you can tailor the keyboard’s feel on the fly – swapping in linear switches for faster actuation or heavier springs for more resistance. In short, it delivers the full customization that many mechanical keyboard enthusiasts demand.
Gasket-Mounted Structure & Typing Experience
Beneath its shell, the CK98 features a premium gasket-mount design. High-quality silicone pads on the top and bottom of the plate (plus a Poron foam switch mat) absorb shock from each keypresscoolkiller.com. This three-layer dampening scheme significantly reduces noise and makes typing feel softer and more cushioned. In practice, keystrokes feel remarkably refined – crisp yet muted – delivering a satisfying "thock" rather than a harsh clack. As one reviewer noted, the CK98 is “stunning, with keys that feel smooth to the touch and produce a delightful sound when typing”coolkiller.com. That praise reflects how the gasket mounts and sound-absorbing foams create a comfortable, high-end typing experience.
OLED Display and Customizable Graphics
A standout feature of the CK98 is the built-in color OLED screen in the upper corner. This small display can show real-time system data (CPU/GPU temperatures, time, etc.) or user-uploaded images and animations. CoolKiller’s software for Windows/macOS lets you draw or import custom graphics, emojis or GIFs to appear on the OLED. Such a screen is rare on keyboards: most compact boards only have basic LEDs or no display at all. Here, the OLED adds both practicality (showing metrics) and personality, letting you brand the keyboard with unique visuals.
Vibrant South-Facing RGB Lighting & Translucent Keycaps
The CK98’s RGB lighting is driven by south-facing LEDs on the PCB. These downward-pointing LEDs shine through the keycaps without interference, producing smooth, even illumination. The keycaps themselves are high-quality CSA V2 profile made of translucent PC material. According to CoolKiller, these keycaps are “durable, oil-resistant” and let the RGB glow through clearly. In practice, this means every letter and the sides of the keys glow vividly, even under heavy typing. The combination of south-facing LEDs and clear, double-shot legends ensures the lighting looks clean and bright – a notable step above many standard 98% keyboards.
In summary, the CoolKiller CK98 takes everything you expect in a high-end 98-key mechanical keyboard and enhances it: triple-mode wireless, a huge battery, full hot-swap support, a gasket-mounted design, vibrant south-facing RGB, and even a custom OLED screen. It works seamlessly on both Mac and Windows PCs, and its premium materials ensure excellent build quality. For typing enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds (full functionality in a compact layout and enthusiast features), the CK98 truly redefines the 98-key experience. Interested? Explore the official CoolKiller CK98 OLED keyboard page for more details and to purchase.
