Keyboard Builders' Digest / Review
KiiBOOM Phantom 98 & Pixelpop Arcade keycap set review
Testing KiiBOOM's wireless Phantom 98 keyboard. An acrylic beauty, nicely matching the cool Pixelpop Arcade keycap set.
Published March 23, 2026
This is another combined review, introducing the purple KiiBOOM Phantom 98 keyboard, and the matching MOA-profile KiiBOOM x PlanetMars Purple Pixelpop Arcade keycap set.
KiiBOOM's Phantom series is a collection of more affordable plastic keyboards compared to e.g. members of their aluminum Moonshadow line-up. The already covered Phantom 81 Lite, just like the upcoming Phantom 98 Lite, feature molded ABS housings. In contrast, this (non-Lite) Phantom 98 comes with a nice and hefty milled acrylic chassis.
TL;DR: The KiiBOOM Phantom 98 is a 1800 layout acrylic wireless keyboard. Positioned between the brand's molded ABS and CNC aluminum models, it features an elegant transparent/translucent case, bottom, keycaps, and even switches – for great lighting characteristics. Hotswap switches, MX-compatible keycaps, and a proprietary software make it easily customizable. Definitely a nice offer to consider if you're looking specifically for this form factor.
Disclaimer
As always: I received this review unit, along with the extra keycap set, for free. This may introduce all kinds of biases, both negative and positive in my experience, so take everything I write with a grain of salt.
Variants
Four available color variants: clear, pink, black, and purple. Plus not indicated, but there's also a teal colorway in the photos.
I went with the purple version, mainly to match the theme of the extra keycap set I was offered.
Unboxing & Contents
The KiiBOOM Phantom 98 came in a very nice cardboard box as it is usual from KiiBOOM:
Contents:
- The pre-built keyboard itself with keycaps and switches mounted
- a white braided cable
- separate keycap puller and switch puller
- screwdriver
- wireless dongle (holder attached to the cable)
- manual
- a huge microfiber cloth
- 2x spare switches
- 2x spare screws
The keycap set came in the nice three-level trays that appeared on my radar last year, thanks to KiiBOOM and MoeeTech. Frosted, stackable, they snap into each other.
First impressions, design language
The consistently transparent acrylic (case and keycaps) and polycarbonate (switches) design results in an elegant keyboard well-suited for RGB.
The colored encoder knob and PCB are nice additional touches, just like the color-matched switches and bottom plate. Well, even the acoustic PET layer is purple.
Specs
- Layout: 98% (1800), 97 keys + encoder
- Case material: acrylic
- Keycaps: translucent, SA-like high profile
- Switches: translucent PC KiiBOOM Jacaranda (45gf linear)
- Stabilizers: plate mounted (screw-in stab support)
- Typing angle: about 6 degrees
- Mounting: gasket mounted
- Plate: frosted PC without flex cuts
- PCB: hotswap, south-facing per-key RGB, underglow, no flex cuts
- Connectivity: wired, 2.4GHz, Bluetooth
- Software support: proprietary software
- Battery 2x4000mAh
- Dimensions: 395x150 mm + 24/38/38 mm height (front/back/home row caps)
- Weight: 1635g
Layout
With its relatively rare 1800-ish ANSI layout, featuring 97 keys, the KiiBOOM Phantom 98 saves some space while ensuring that all essential functions are easily accessible for new users transitioning from e.g. a fullsize layout.
The 1800 layout is known of reducing the keyboard's overall width by removing the classic navigation and arrow cluster, and repositioning the arrows between the main alpha area and numpad, in a slightly offset way.
This specific layout variant features a bit more symmetric F13 function row, with a Del key by default in place of the F13 key. In addition, left of the rotary knob there are two more keys, remnants of the navigation cluster: PgUp and PgDown by default.
Unlike many of the more prevalent 60 or 75% layouts, this 1800 variant is not cramped at all: the offset arrow cluster is easy to locate when touch typing, so you don't get lost when changing between the home row and arrows.
1800 / 98% means numpad, arrows, function row, number row – only the classic navigation cluster is absent, however, three out of the six keys are available in other positions.
Keycaps
Color-matched, transparent keycaps, said to be Cherry profile according to the product page, but that's impossible. It's pretty hard to recognize the profile with fully transparent caps, but it's definitely something much higher, closer to SA. The legends are SA-style as well.
With regards to keycap compatibity, the 1800 layout should be widely supported if you opt for a premium keycap set.
Watch out for the 1U modifiers on the right side, plus the smaller right Shift.
The extra KiiBOOM x PlanetMars Purple Pixelpop Arcade keycap set coming with the review unit supports this layout – and more. It's MOA profile set, with uniform and spherical keycaps, the homing keys feature tiny dots.
No dedicated 1U mods for the right part of the bottom row, but plenty of other 1U caps to select from. Even concave split spacebars and ISO Enter if you're considering this playful set for an Alice or other keyboard.
Switches
The board comes with KiiBOOM's Jacaranda switches, which are relatively light (45gf) linears. Smoothness and stem wobble is average.
- Actuation force: 45gf
- Bottom force: 55gf
- Total travel: 3.8mm
- Pre travel: 1.6mm
- Top housing: PC
- Bottom housing: PC
- Stem material: PC
The PCB features hotswap sockets, so you're not restricted to the factory setup as you can easily swap switches.
Feel free to use the most recent best-selling mechanical switches, or your personal favorites.
Build quality, structure, case
Very solid build quality. The whole thing has a decent mass despite being plastic. I mean, 1.6 kg is definitely authoritative. This is not layered acrylic but a two-piece design. The top case is a 8 mm plain sheet of acrylic, the bottom one is a thick milled one.
Typing angle: fixed, about 6 degrees, no adjustable feet.
The disassemble is very easy. Eight exposed screws, and you receive a tiny screwdriver in the bundle, so you don't even have to look for one. The only missing tool is a small hex key to remove the metal encoder knob, but this step is not even necessery if you'd like to check e.g. the battery.
Mounting
Gasket mounting. The plate/foam/silicone/PCB sandwich features this pretty rare one-piece silicone gasket layer, which surrounds the sandwich and sits on notches carved into the bottom case. By the way, gasket mounting in general serves for some extra cushioning, usually resulting in a softer typing experience.
Plate
Frosted PC plate, no flex cuts.
Plate-mount stabilizers, color-matched for the ridiculous level of detail, but the PCB supports screw-in stabs as well.
PCB
This is a prebuilt keyboard so most of you won't need to get this far in disassembling it. The PCB features hotswap sockets and south-facing LEDs. It's ANSI-only, with a single space and bottom row layout option.
Yep, it's colored as well, perfectly matching the light purple colorway.
Weight
No fancy weight, but a nice color-matched plate to hide the batteries. Otherwise the transparent bottom case would expose the wiring and power source.
Even the battery tray is surrounded by a purple silicone ring, similar to the gasket layer – for better look from the sides.
Sound & Sound dampening
This is a relatively loud keyboard.
No foams in the bottom case, the usual PORON sandwich padding has been replaced (or just hidden?) by the silicone gasket layer, but there's a PET acoustic film – colored as well.
As a result, the Phantom 98 offers a moderately soft, still somewhat direct typing feel combined with a loud sound.
Lights
Well, per-key RGB in not an essential feature for me, however, given that the Phantom 98 is almost entirely transparent (bar the PCB), I spent some more time with testing the lights than usual.
The keyboard is equipped with south-facing RGB backlighting (FN+]}), plus independent underglow (FN+B). Combined with transparent acrylic case, the frosted PC plate and transparent default keycaps, the setup is especially great for configuring and enjoying various lighting effects.
Plenty of colors and patterns.
For your interest: The acrylic case, while slightly tinted, is almost perfectly transparent, so it doesn't really diffuse the light.
Wireless
The Phantom 98 is a tri-mode wireless keyboard (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB Type-C wired connections) with 8000mAh battery capacity (2x4Ah). There's a physical mode selector button on the back of the case, but I'm not sure about its role in decoupling the battery.
General warning: If you use your wireless keyboard permanently connected, please read this article about built-in keyboard batteries and how to avoid fire – for details, tips, and horror stories.
Basically, keeping the board plugged in constantly leads to accelerated degradation of the lithium battery. You have to follow proper battery care practices, so you should remove or disconnect the battery if you don't need wireless functionality.
Check the battery for swelling regularly, even when disconnected or removed. Disassembling the Phantom 98 is relatively easy, only eight screws, so you can quickly unplug or check the batteries.
Software
To program the Phantom 98 you have to install a proprietary software. (A JSON file link on the product page made me think the board would support VIA, but this is not the case in my experience.)
If the factory settings don't meet your needs, you have the option to customize your keymap via the proprietary KiiBOOM Keyboard Driver, supporting multiple KiiBOOM models.
I've reviewed many other KiiBOOM boards, so rearranging your keymap should work as expected, however, I have yet to confirm layer functionality like SpaceFN. This single layer can be a real game-changer, putting arrows, navigation and numbers under your fingertips. No need to leave the main alpha area or even the home row for most of the tasks.
Portability
The Phantom 98 is a great board for your desk, but if mobility is your main concern, I would choose something much smaller and lighter. Sure, its wireless features make it portable in theory, being slightly more compact than a fullsize keyboard may help too, however, maybe something even smaller and lighter than 1.6 kg is better suited for on the go.
Comparison
It's been a while since I reviewed anything 1800 – it was the MelGeek Modern97.
Similar layouts, both wireless, both playing with nice materials, but still two entirely different worlds.
Conclusion
The Phantom 98 is a 1800 layout wireless board – almost all the keys of a fullsize board, but still saving some space. The transparent design is consistent across the case, keycaps, even switches. Hotswap PCB, MX compatible keycaps, gasket mounting, per-key RGB, and QMK/VIA support (untested). Yep, and a rotary knob. If you're looking for specifically this form factor, I encourage checking out this board.
Pros
- classy and consistent theme with acrylic everywhere
- nice build quality
- highly customizable (hotswap, MX, VIA)
Cons
- The board wasn't recognized by VIA, I'll have to give this another try.
Price & Availability
The KiiBOOM Phantom 98 is available for a price of $175 $169. Don't forget to use the KBDNEWS coupon code to claim your 5% discount!
Published on Mon 23rd Mar 2026. Featured in KBD #209.
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