Yunzii X98 Transparent Mechanical Keyboard Review – Nostalgia in Clear Plastic
Transparent tech has always had a special place in the hearts of enthusiasts. From translucent Game Boys to Plexiglass PC towers, the late 90s and early 2000s were filled with see-through gear that let us peek into the guts of our gadgets. Yunzii clearly knows this because the X98 Transparent Mechanical Keyboard is a direct throwback to that era, updated with modern features like QMK/VIA support, tri-mode wireless connectivity, and a programmable knob.
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But here’s the question: is it actually a good keyboard, or is it just a flashy showcase piece? Let’s break it down.
Design & Build Quality
The Yunzii X98 doesn’t hide what it is. It’s a plastic showcase keyboard through and through. The entire body is clear, the keycaps are crystal-styled, and the RGB is so bright it could double as a desk lamp. There’s even a reflective rainbow shimmer on the top that feels extra playful.
At 98% layout, you get a number pad without going full-size, plus a large knob with a satisfying click. It’s all eye candy, and whether that appeals to you depends on how much you like being flashy.
Still, it’s not perfect. The smaller feet collapse easily, especially if you nudge the board forward while eating at your desk. The larger feet, on the other hand, are rock solid.
Features
- Tri-Mode Connectivity: Bluetooth, 2.4GHz dongle, and USB-C wired.
- QMK/VIA Support: Fully remappable, including that clicky knob.
- Hot-Swappable Switches: Crystal linear switches with extras included.
- RGB Lighting: Extremely bright, but limited to top-down shine only. No side or rear diffusion, which feels like a missed opportunity.
- Magnetic Dongle Storage: Hidden under a strong magnetic plate at the bottom.
It’s worth pointing out that Yunzii already makes boards with RGB strips that wrap around the frame, so it feels like they held back here. On a keyboard meant to be a showcase piece, side or underglow lighting would have sealed the deal.
Typing & Sound
Typing on the X98 is surprisingly good. For an all-plastic build, it avoids the cheap hollow rattle you might expect. The stabilizers are well tuned out of the box, and the 52g linear switches feel snappy with a pleasant sound profile.
That said, the spacebar is still a bit hollow, which is mostly due to the clear keycaps. Crystal caps look great under RGB, but they can add a plasticky resonance. The rest of the board holds its own, though, and it honestly sounds better than some pricier pre-builts.
Price & Value
Here’s where things get tricky. On Yunzii’s website, the X98 lists at $109, which feels steep for a plastic board. Amazon drops it closer to $88, which is a more reasonable range. At $75, this would be a no-brainer pickup.
At $109, though, you’re paying a premium for the transparent look and RGB spectacle. Whether that’s worth it depends on how much you value aesthetics over build materials.
Pros
- Transparent design that stands out on any desk
- Bright, playful RGB with fun patterns
- VIA/QMK support with a programmable knob
- Hot-swappable switches with extras included
- Stabilizers tuned well from the factory
- Clever magnetic storage for the wireless dongle
Cons
- MSRP is too high for an all-plastic build
- No side or underglow RGB, which feels like a missed design chance
- Crystal caps can sound hollow at times
- Small feet collapse under pressure
Verdict
The Yunzii X98 Transparent Mechanical Keyboard is not just a keyboard. It’s a showpiece. It’s designed to wow anyone who walks into your room with its glowing, see-through aesthetic. And to Yunzii’s credit, it doesn’t just look good — it actually sounds and types well too, which is not always the case with showcase keyboards.
If you want a solid everyday driver that blends in at the office, this is not it. If you want a keyboard that makes your setup look like a scene out of a K-pop music video, this is your board.
At the right price point — around $75 to $90 — it’s an easy recommendation. Above $100, it’s harder to justify unless you’re chasing that pure nostalgia of transparent tech.
