About ZIFRIEND ZT98

The ZIFRIEND ZT98 RGB Side Carving is a standout entry in the budget mechanical keyboard market, specifically designed for users who want a sleek, modern aesthetic without sacrificing functionality. Combining a compact 98-key layout with unique design elements, it bridges the gap between a full-sized board and a space-saving TKL.

The "Side Carving" in its name refers to the side-printed (south-facing) legends on the keycaps. This design provides a clean, "blank" look from the top while the RGB lighting illuminates the characters from the side, making it easier to read in dark environments without the visual clutter of standard top-printed fonts.

98-Key Layout: Includes a numeric keypad and essential function keys while remaining significantly narrower than a standard 104-key board.

Hot-Swappable PCB: Compatible with 3-pin or 5-pin switches (depending on the specific revision), allowing you to swap out the default switches—often Noah Silver or Outemu variants—without any soldering.

Gasket Structure: Many versions of the ZT98 utilize a gasket-mounted design, providing a softer, more cushioned typing feel and a more "thocky" sound profile compared to traditional tray-mount keyboards.

PBT Keycaps: The board typically comes with high-quality PBT keycaps that resist the "shine" and wear common with cheaper ABS plastic.

For gamers and typists, the ZT98 offers N-key rollover (anti-ghosting) and a stable detachable USB-C connection. The RGB lighting is highly customizable, often featuring 18 or more pre-set effects that look particularly striking against the gradient colorways (like the popular Grey or Purple schemes).