Are you looking for a full size gaming keyboard in the market? That’s why Ares98 gaming keyboard was designed. This wired gaming keyboard still adopts the appearance of K98 series, with the aluminum roller on the upright corner. The thicken case injection process also features the keyboard better build quality and typing experience.
Ares98 is not the first cool gaming keyboard of Kzzi. G series was released in 2024 including G68 CNC aluminum mechanical gaming keyboard and G68se budget gaming keyboard. Both Kzzi G68 and G68se equip gateron magnetic keyboard switches. However, in this article, let’s dive into the Ares98 magnetic keyboard from the aspects of design, features, performance and software.
If we are a starter to the magnetic switch keyboard or magnetic keyboard switch, we can go through former articles first. <Magnetic vs. Mechanical Keyboard>also introduces the differences between magnetic keyboard switches and regular mechanical keyboard switch.
Understanding these differences is crucial for making an informed decision. Magnetic switches offer smoother keystrokes and quieter operation, ideal for those who type extensively. Regular mechanical switches, on the other hand, provide a tactile feedback that many prefer for gaming. Each type caters to different user preferences and usage scenarios.
Ares is a new series of Kzzi, aiming for wired gaming keyboard. That’s to say, the long cable is fixed with the keyboard. If you are looking for a wireless gaming keyboard, Ares is not suitable temporarily. Let’s check the important specifications of Ares98 pc keyboard for gaming.
Specifications
Switch type: Kzzi Ruyi magnetic keyboard switch
Keycaps: cherry profile PBT double shot keycaps
Connectivity: Wired
Form factor: 98%
Lighting: South face per-key RGB
Structure:Top structure
Features: Thicken case injection, rapid trigger, macro keys, multi profile,
Price: 64.99 plus 15% off discount
Design
Layout
The Ares98 black gaming keyboard is the first keyboard of Ares series. It is designed for fixed gaming places, like e-sports room. With the full size gaming mechanical keyboard design and wired connection only, it is not suitable for moving frequently. On the other hand, thanks for its size and 1.44KG weight, the keyboard is not prone to move around when we are in an intense game. The remain of F row and number pad is friendly to gaming beginner. For a mobile gaming keyboard, we can look forward to Ares75, which is smaller and lighter.
Thicken case injection molding
Ares98 mech gaming keyboard still uses thicken case injection molding process in producing cases. The thickness of Ares98 keyboard bottom cases can reach to 12.8mm, while the normal keyboard case is just a thin piece. The thicken case makes the gameing keyboard uneasy to twist. The typing sound inside are not as hollow as normal mechanical keyboard.
Keycap
Ares98 budget keyboard for gaming adopts Cherry profile keycap set, which ensure the ergonomic gaming experience even if one immerses themselves in the game for a long time. And the double shot pbt keycaps also prevent oil or wear for a long time typing. The pink keycaps add some fun to the cool black gaming keyboard. The MX switches also support to replace the keycaps if there is more favored keyboard setup.
Multifunctional aluminum roller
The same as the K98 keyboard, Ares98 keeps the roller on the upright corner. But there is difference in its function. Since Ares98 is a keyboard gaming wired, the roller has no need to switch the keyboard connection mode. It is used to switch keyboard mode between standard mode/RT mode/custom mode. Choosing the suitable mode for different games. And it still remains the usage to adjust computer volume.
Performance
Low latency HE gaming keyboard
With the help of e-sport grade chip, the latency is between 0.125ms~0.3ms，on the average of 0.2ms. 8000 polling rate with the low latency to make sure the advantage position in the gaming.
Structure
Unlike normal mechanical keyboard K98, Ares98 computer gaming keyboard equips Top structure with aluminum PC plate. The top structure uses screws to fix the pc plate with the case. the shorter operating travel and lighter operating force of the hall effect switches, the positioning plate is more evenly fixed by the housing, which helps to maintain the stable distance between the switches and the sensor. Reducing the resonance of the bottom case, the sound becomes more concentrated and clear.
Accessory
Apart from aluminum PC plate, the PCB is also coated with film to effectively prevent dust and moist. So that the lifespan of PCB can be longer. This Ares98 budget keyboards for gaming is quite suitable for e-sports room or dormitory.
Switches
Ares98 creamy gaming keyboard provides kzzi Ruyi magnetic keyboard switches. Adopting full pom material and linear styles. The backlighting with transparent light guide enhances visibility in low-light conditions, adding to its practicality. The smooth and stable ensures each keystroke is accurately registered even during intense gameplay. Ares98 is a hotswap gaming keyboard indeed, but please make sure the N pole of the new switch is on the south. And it is necessary to correct all the switch in the kzzi driver after assembling.
Software
When talking to software, Ares98 gaming keyboard black can be customized in kzzi web driver. As a magnetic mechanical keyboard, the actuation point of each key can be easily adjusted. Based on the RT features, the driver supports DKS, MT, TGL, SOCD setting. Additionally, the keyboard features full key anti-ghosting technology. There are 15 kinds of rgb effects available besides single rgb light. Rgb brightness and speed can be customized via both driver and shortcut key.
All the keys can be customized with single function, key combination, macro or other media usage.
There are 3 keyboard modes can be set in the driver. Standard mode offers all the keys 1.2 trigger travel as default. And under the RT mode, the WASD is 0.1mm only, while other keys are 1.2mm. If we switch to custom mode by pressing the aluminum roller, the kzzi driver will pop up auto for customization.
The RGB part within the driver allows us to set rgb brightness, speed, effect, and color.
What’s more, the driver also enable us to lock some shortcut key. So that there would not be key conflict in the gaming.
5 exclusive magnetic switch keyboard features:
SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Direction)
Meaning: How the keyboard handles pressing opposite directional keys at the same time (e.g., Up + Down or Left + Right).
Purpose: Mainly for fighting games and arcade-style input, to prevent conflicts when opposite inputs are pressed together.
Common Settings:
Neutral – Opposite inputs cancel out (A + D = no left/right input)
Last Input Priority – The most recently pressed direction overrides the earlier one
First Input Priority – The first pressed direction is kept, ignoring the later one
Why it matters: Ensures fair play in competitions and avoids unintended “speed hacks” or illegal inputs.
RS (Rapid Trigger / Rapid Strike)
Meaning: The key resets and becomes ready to trigger again the moment you start releasing it — no need to return to the top of its travel.
Benefits:
In FPS games, allows extremely fast counter-strafing (A/D tapping)
In rhythm games, MOBAs, and RTS, enables smoother rapid tapping
How it works: Hall Effect switches continuously track key position, so the actuation point can reset instantly at a partial release.
DKS (Dual Key Stroke)
Meaning: One key can trigger different actions depending on how deep you press it.
Example:
Shallow press (1.2 mm) = switch weapon
Deep press (3.5 mm) = fire weapon
Benefit: Reduces finger travel by combining two actions into a single key for faster reaction time.
MT (Mod Tap)
Meaning: One key triggers different functions depending on how long you hold it.
Example:
Quick tap = type the letter assigned to the key
Hold = act as a modifier key (Ctrl, Shift, Alt, etc.)
Difference from DKS:
DKS is based on press depth
MT is based on press duration
TGL (Toggle)
Meaning: Press once to turn a function on, press again to turn it off — like a switch.
Example:
In FPS, press Shift once to sprint continuously, press again to stop
Toggle macro mode, lighting effects, or other features
Benefit: Reduces fatigue from holding keys for long periods and makes it easy to enable/disable features.
Q&A
what is the best gaming keyboard?
If you are searching for the best gaming keyboard in 2025, the answer hinges on your priorities—such as speed, customization, layout, wireless capability, or budget. The best gaming keyboards for near $50, Ares98 magnetic hall effect keyboard is worth to try.
are wireless keyboards good for gaming
whether wireless gaming keyboard is a better choice depends on the type of games you play, your tolerance for latency, and your need for convenience. For some gamer, wired gaming keyboard is also good because of low latency and stable connection.
how to customize gaming keyboard
Normally the gaming keyboard can be customized via brand driver.
how to disable gaming mode on keyboard
Regarding the mechanical keyboard K98pro, there are both gaming mode and office mode. We can switch them in the kzzi software. While as for the Ares magnetic gaming keyboard, if we want to disable the gaming mode, we can set the actuation point suiting for normal typing.
are mechanical keyboards better for gaming
Yes, mechanical keyboards are generally better for gaming than membrane keyboards, especially if you care about speed, precision, and long-term durability.