Keydous NJ98 V2 Review: The Ultimate 98-Key Keyboard for Work and Play

The Keydous NJ98 V2 has quickly become a favorite among keyboard enthusiasts who need a balance between a full-size layout and desktop space. With its 98-key design, it packs all the essential keys, including a numpad, into a more compact footprint. But does it deliver on both productivity and gaming? We've spent weeks with this board, and here's our comprehensive review.

In this deep dive, we'll cover the design, build quality, typing experience, sound profile, and gaming performance of the Keydous NJ98 V2. We'll also compare it to other popular keyboards in its class and help you decide if it's the right choice for your setup.

Design and Build Quality

The Keydous NJ98 V2 features a sleek, minimalist design with a sturdy plastic case that feels solid on the desk. The keycaps are double-shot PBT, which resist shine and provide a nice texture for typing. The board comes in a variety of colorways, including a classic black and a vibrant blue, so you can match your aesthetic.

One of the standout features is the gasket-mounted design, which gives the keyboard a slight flex and a softer typing feel. This, combined with the included sound-dampening foam, reduces hollowness and creates a pleasant, thocky sound. The overall build quality is impressive for the price point, with no noticeable flex or creaking.

• Gasket mount for a softer, more uniform typing feel
• Double-shot PBT keycaps for durability and legends that won't fade
• Multiple color options to suit any setup
• Detachable USB-C cable for easy portability

The 98-Key Layout: A Perfect Compromise

The 98-key layout, also known as 1800 layout, is the sweet spot for many users. It retains the full function row, arrow keys, and a numpad, but eliminates the wasted space between groups of keys. This makes it ideal for productivity tasks like data entry and spreadsheet work, while still leaving plenty of room for your mouse during gaming.

Compared to a full-size keyboard, the NJ98 V2 saves about 20% of desk space. If you're coming from a tenkeyless (TKL) board, you'll gain a numpad without sacrificing much width. The layout is well-spaced, and the keycaps are sculpted for a comfortable typing angle. The only minor adjustment is the slightly condensed navigation cluster, but most users adapt quickly.

• Full numpad for productivity
• Compact footprint saves desk space
• Function row and arrow keys intact
• Sculpted keycaps for ergonomic typing

Typing Experience and Sound Test

The typing experience on the NJ98 V2 is exceptional, thanks to its hot-swappable switch sockets and a choice of switches. Out of the box, you can opt for the Keydous BOX Ice Cream Pro Switch Series, which are pre-lubed and offer a smooth, linear feel. They're perfect for both typing and gaming, with a satisfying bottom-out and a subtle clack.

We also tested the board with a set of tactile switches, and the gasket mount really shines here, absorbing the impact and reducing fatigue during long typing sessions. The sound is deep and thocky, with minimal ping or rattle. If you're into customizing, the hot-swap feature lets you swap switches without soldering, so you can experiment with different feel and sound profiles.

• Pre-lubed switches for a smooth out-of-box experience
• Hot-swappable sockets for easy customization
• Sound-dampening foam reduces echo and enhances acoustics
• Stabilizers are well-tuned with minimal rattle

Gaming Performance

While the NJ98 V2 is not marketed as a dedicated gaming keyboard, it performs admirably in games. The 1000Hz polling rate ensures responsive input, and the N-key rollover means every keypress is registered, even during intense combos. The linear switches we tested were quick and consistent, making them great for FPS games where rapid tapping is essential.

The compact layout also gives you more mouse space, which is a boon for low-sensitivity players. The keyboard's sturdy build prevents any wobble during frantic gameplay. If you're looking for a board that can handle both work and play without compromise, the NJ98 V2 is a solid contender. For those who want a dedicated gaming board, Keydous also offers HE (Hall Effect) options like the Keydous NJ80-CP V3 HE Gaming Keyboard, which features analog inputs and rapid trigger technology.

• 1000Hz polling rate for low-latency input
• N-key rollover for complex key combinations
• Compact layout frees up mouse space
• Stable build for intense gaming sessions

Software and Customization

The Keydous NJ98 V2 is compatible with Keydous' companion software, which allows you to remap keys, create macros, and customize RGB lighting. The software is intuitive and offers a wide range of effects, from static colors to dynamic animations. You can also program per-key lighting, which is great for highlighting specific game keys or productivity shortcuts.

If you prefer a more hands-on approach, the keyboard also supports VIA, an open-source configuration tool. This gives you even more flexibility, allowing you to adjust layers, set up dynamic macros, and tweak the lighting directly in the browser. The on-board memory stores your settings, so you can take your layout anywhere.

• Full remapping and macro support
• Per-key RGB with many effects
• VIA support for advanced customization
• On-board memory for portability

Comparison with Other Keydous Keyboards

If you're considering other Keydous models, the NJ98 V2 sits comfortably between the compact NJ68 Pro and the full-featured NJ80-AP V3. The NJ68 Pro is a 65% board that's great for minimalists but lacks a numpad and function row. The NJ80-AP V3 is a 75% layout with a more compact footprint but still no numpad. The 98-key layout of the NJ98 V2 is the best choice for those who need a numpad for work but don't want a full-size board.

For gamers, Keydous has recently introduced HE (Hall Effect) keyboards like the Keydous AJ68-CP HE Gaming Keyboard and the Keydous NJ81-CP V3 HE Gaming Keyboard. These offer rapid trigger and analog input, which can give you a competitive edge. However, they are more expensive and may lack the same typing feel as the NJ98 V2. If you need a versatile board for both typing and gaming, the NJ98 V2 is a great value.

• NJ98 V2: 98-key layout, best for productivity and gaming balance
• NJ68 Pro: 65% layout, ultra-compact, no numpad
• NJ80-AP V3: 75% layout, more compact, still no numpad
• HE models: faster switches, but higher price and less typing comfort

The Keydous NJ98 V2 is a versatile keyboard that excels in both productivity and gaming. Its 98-key layout is a thoughtful compromise, and the build quality, typing feel, and sound are top-notch for the price. Whether you're a professional who needs a numpad or a gamer who wants more desk space, the NJ98 V2 is a worthy investment. If you're ready to upgrade your setup, check out the Keydous NJ98 V2 Mechanical Keyboard and experience the difference.