The YUNZII C98 Cake Meow is a mechanical keyboard that combines a practical 96% layout with one of the more distinctive designs available in its price range. Instead of following the increasingly common minimalist approach, YUNZII has built the C98 around a playful cat-and-cake theme, complete with decorative silicone elements, custom MOA-profile keycaps, RGB lighting, and a themed accessory package.
The C98 is essentially the larger sibling to the YUNZII C75. While the C75 uses a 75% layout, the C98 expands to 99 keys and retains the majority of the design and internal features that made its predecessor appealing. The larger layout also makes it more suitable for users who need dedicated navigation keys and a numpad without moving to a conventional full-size keyboard.
With a 10,000mAh battery, 1000Hz polling rate, tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, gasket mounting, PBT keycaps, and software that can be accessed directly through a browser, the C98 offers considerably more than its appearance might initially suggest.
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Specifications
- Layout: 96%, ANSI, 99 keys
- Connectivity: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C wired
- Polling rate: Up to 1000Hz
- Switches: YUNZII Milk V2 Linear / YUNZII Candy Linear
- Hot-swap: 5-pin, compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- Anti-ghosting: Full N-Key Rollover
- Mounting: Gasket Mount
- Keycaps: PBT MOA profile, dye-sublimated
- Backlighting: RGB with south-facing LEDs, illuminated outer ring, emoji indicator
- Battery: 10,000mAh
- Cable: 2m USB-A to USB-C
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
- Dimensions: 405.7 × 167.6 × 44mm
- Weight: 1,331.5g
- Colours: Pink, Beige, Blue, Purple
Design and Build Quality
The defining characteristic of the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow is undoubtedly its design. The keyboard combines cat-inspired details with cake-themed accents, creating a look that is considerably more playful than the average gaming keyboard.
The beige version tested here has a softer appearance than many traditional gaming peripherals. Silicone hearts, paw prints, tail-shaped details, and the cream-inspired outer section all contribute to the overall theme without making the keyboard feel like a novelty product.
The design also carries over into the RGB implementation. In addition to per-key RGB lighting, the keyboard has a circular illuminated section around the case that reinforces the cake-inspired aesthetic. There is also a small emoji-style indicator light that adds another visual detail to the design.
The C98 is available in Pink, Beige, Blue, and Purple, giving users several ways to match it to their desk setup.
Despite the extensive use of decorative elements, build quality remains strong. The main chassis is made from plastic, while silicone components are integrated throughout the design. The case does not exhibit noticeable creaking, looseness, or flex during normal use.
There can be some minor noise if the keyboard is deliberately twisted or compressed, but this is not something that becomes apparent during everyday typing or gaming. Considering the construction and the number of additional design elements, the overall build quality is better than the price might suggest.
The biggest practical difference compared with the C75 is the layout. The C98 uses a 96% configuration with 99 keys, allowing it to retain most of the functionality of a full-size keyboard while occupying less space.
It is still considerably larger than a 75% keyboard, however, so buyers should account for the additional desk space.
Ergonomics
The C98 uses a relatively tall keyboard profile, primarily because of its MOA-profile keycaps and overall construction. Users accustomed to low-profile keyboards may need a short adjustment period.
The keycaps themselves are well shaped for typing. Their rounded surfaces and pronounced concavity provide a comfortable resting point for the fingers, while the MOA profile fits naturally with the keyboard's overall aesthetic.
A wrist rest can further improve comfort for longer sessions. YUNZII also offers matching accessories, allowing users to maintain the same visual theme across their setup.
For both gaming and general productivity, the 96% layout is particularly useful. It provides access to the numpad and navigation keys without requiring the footprint of a conventional full-size mechanical keyboard.
MOA PBT Keycaps
The YUNZII C98 Cake Meow uses PBT keycaps with a MOA profile and dye-sublimated legends.
The keycaps are one of the strongest parts of the keyboard's presentation. Their rounded shape and detailed graphics complement the cat-and-cake theme, while the PBT construction should provide good long-term durability.
Dye sublimation is particularly well suited to this type of design because it allows YUNZII to use detailed, multi-colour graphics rather than relying exclusively on simple legends.
The included additional keycaps also allow users to further customise the keyboard. These include extra cat- and cake-themed designs that fit naturally with the rest of the board.
Switches and Typing Experience
The YUNZII C98 Cake Meow is available with YUNZII Milk V2 Linear or YUNZII Candy Linear switches.
Both options are factory pre-lubricated linear switches, although they offer slightly different characteristics.
The Milk V2 switches provide a softer and somewhat quieter typing experience. They are a good fit for users who prefer smooth and relatively subdued keypresses.
The Candy switches are marginally louder and feel slightly more tactile during use, while also offering very good stability. Their sound profile arguably suits the keyboard's candy-inspired theme particularly well.
Neither option is a bad choice, and the differences are relatively subtle. The Milk V2 version is better suited to users prioritising a softer and quieter experience, while Candy switches are preferable for those who want a slightly livelier sound and firmer feel.
The keyboard also benefits from its gasket-mounted construction. The internal cushioning helps produce a softer typing experience than a rigid tray-mounted keyboard and contributes to the more refined sound profile.
The stabilizers are another strong point. Larger keys remain stable during use, with no significant rattling or distracting mechanical noise. This is particularly important on a 96% keyboard because it contains several larger keys that can expose poor stabilizer implementation.
Hot-Swappable Switches
The C98 supports 5-pin hot-swappable switches and is compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin alternatives.
This is a significant advantage for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts. Users are not locked into the factory switches and can replace them without soldering.
It also means the C98 can evolve with the user's preferences. Someone who initially chooses Milk V2 switches can later experiment with different linear, tactile, or other compatible mechanical switches.
For a keyboard at this price point, hot-swap functionality adds considerable value.
RGB Lighting
The C98 features full RGB backlighting with south-facing LEDs.
The lighting is visible through the keycaps while also contributing to the decorative elements around the case. Multiple lighting effects are available, and users can customise lighting zones through the software or keyboard shortcuts.
The illuminated outer ring is particularly effective because it separates the C98 from conventional gaming keyboards. Rather than simply placing RGB LEDs beneath the keys, YUNZII has incorporated lighting into the physical design of the keyboard.
Users who prefer a more restrained setup can also reduce or disable the lighting.
Connectivity and Gaming Performance
The YUNZII C98 supports three connection methods: wired USB, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth.
The 2.4GHz connection provides a practical wireless option for gaming, while Bluetooth makes the keyboard more convenient for laptops, tablets, and mobile devices.
The keyboard supports a polling rate of up to 1000Hz, which is appropriate for gaming and helps ensure responsive input.
The C98 is also compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it a versatile option for users who switch between multiple devices.
The wireless receiver continues YUNZII's attention to detail. Rather than using a conventional black dongle, the 2.4GHz receiver is designed to resemble a small fish, matching the keyboard's overall theme.
It can be stored underneath the removable silicone paw on the bottom of the keyboard, keeping it secure when the keyboard is being transported.
Software and Customisation
YUNZII provides two configuration options for the C98: a Windows application and a browser-based web driver.
The web driver is arguably the more convenient solution. It allows users to configure the keyboard without installing dedicated software and is also compatible with macOS.
Users can adjust the keyboard's configuration and lighting through the software, while many everyday functions can also be accessed through FN shortcuts.
The included manual documents the available shortcuts, making it relatively easy to operate the keyboard without constantly opening the configuration software.
For users who prefer lightweight peripherals without additional desktop applications, the browser-based approach is a particularly welcome feature.
Battery Life
The 10,000mAh battery is one of the biggest upgrades over the C75.
That capacity is unusually large for a mechanical keyboard and gives the C98 considerable wireless endurance.
According to YUNZII, the keyboard can provide up to 62 hours of use with RGB lighting enabled or up to 34 days without lighting.
Actual battery life will naturally vary depending on brightness, lighting effects, connection method, and usage patterns, but the large battery should mean that frequent charging is not necessary.
The main drawback is charging time. A full charge can take up to approximately 19 hours, which is considerably longer than many smaller-capacity wireless keyboards.
Still, the long runtime means this is unlikely to be a major inconvenience for most users.
Battery status can be checked through the web driver or using the FN + Right Ctrl shortcut. The shortcut uses the number row to provide an approximate battery percentage, allowing users to check the charge level without opening software.
The C98 also automatically enters sleep mode after inactivity to preserve battery life. Importantly, it wakes almost instantly when a key is pressed, avoiding the frustrating input delay sometimes found on wireless keyboards.
Accessories and Package Contents
The C98 Cake Meow comes with an unusually generous accessory package.
Inside the box are:
- YUNZII C98 Cake Meow keyboard
- 2.4GHz wireless receiver
- 2m USB-A to USB-C cable
- Dual keycap and switch puller
- Additional cat- and cake-themed keycaps
- Two spare switches
- User manual
- Branded postcard
- Stickers
- Blister-style dust cover
- Branded mouse pad
The included mouse pad and themed accessories make the package feel closer to a complete desk accessory set than a standard keyboard box.
The additional switches are also useful because they provide immediate replacements should one of the factory switches develop an issue.
YUNZII C98 Cake Meow: Pros and Cons
Pros
- Distinctive cat-and-cake design
- Practical 96% layout with 99 keys
- Excellent 10,000mAh battery capacity
- 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity
- 1000Hz polling rate
- Hot-swappable 3-pin and 5-pin switches
- Comfortable MOA-profile PBT keycaps
- Smooth factory-lubricated switches
- Effective gasket-mounted construction
- Good stabilizer performance
- Browser-based configuration
- Windows and macOS compatibility
- Strong RGB implementation
- Extensive accessory package
- Good overall build quality
Cons
- Relatively tall typing profile
- Larger footprint than the C75
- Charging can take a long time
- Milk V2 switches exhibit a small amount of key wobble
- Plastic construction will not appeal to users specifically looking for an aluminium chassis
Verdict
The YUNZII C98 Cake Meow is a very successful expansion of the C-series concept. Rather than simply increasing the size of the C75, YUNZII has retained the design, typing characteristics, software, connectivity, and overall feature set while addressing one of the main limitations of a 75% layout.
The 96% configuration makes the C98 considerably more practical for users who need a numpad and additional navigation keys. At the same time, it remains more compact than a conventional full-size keyboard.
Its strongest features extend beyond the appearance. The gasket-mounted construction, comfortable MOA-profile PBT keycaps, hot-swappable switches, tri-mode connectivity, 1000Hz polling rate, and browser-based configuration provide a solid foundation for both gaming and everyday productivity.
The 10,000mAh battery is another major advantage. Although charging is slow, the potential runtime is excellent, particularly with RGB lighting disabled.
There are a few compromises. The keyboard is relatively tall, the plastic case will not satisfy buyers specifically looking for a premium aluminium construction, and the larger 96% layout inevitably takes up more space than the C75. However, none of these issues significantly undermine the overall package.
At around $100 / €86, the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow occupies an interesting position in the mechanical keyboard market. It combines enthusiast-oriented features with a highly distinctive design that is rarely found at this price.
For users who like the cat-and-cake aesthetic and want a practical wireless mechanical keyboard with a numpad, the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow is an easy recommendation. Those who prefer a smaller desk footprint should consider the C75 instead, but the C98 is arguably the more versatile option for users who want a single keyboard for gaming, work, and everyday use.
Overall, the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow succeeds because its unusual design does not come at the expense of functionality. It is a well-equipped, comfortable, customisable, and genuinely practical mechanical keyboard that happens to look very different from most of its competitors.
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