Review of the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow keyboard

Earlier this year, I reviewed the YUNZII C75 – an unconventional mechanical keyboard from the Chinese brand YUNZII, which frequently releases new products. That model stood out due to its original design, non-standard MOA-profile keycaps, a pleasant typing experience, and a notably rich accessory set that felt closer to a themed gift box than a typical keyboard package. Overall, it left a positive impression and still remains part of my collection of unusual keyboards. Not long after, the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow arrived for review. In essence, it is the same concept as the C75, but adapted to a 96% layout. The model is relatively new to the market and can be considered a recent release.

In this review, we will look at the device and determine whether anything has changed beyond the form factor. As usual, we begin with a brief overview of the technical specifications.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS:

Specifications

Format: 96%
Layout: ANSI (99 keys)
Connectivity: wireless (2.4 GHz RF, Bluetooth 5.0), wired (USB-A to USB-C)
Polling rate: 1000 Hz
Switches: YUNZII Milk V2 Linear / YUNZII Candy Linear
Hot-swap: 5-pin (supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches)
Anti-ghosting: full (N-Key Rollover)
Architecture: Gasket Mount
Casing material: plastic with silicone inserts
Keycaps: PBT, MOA profile (dye-sublimation)
Backlighting: RGB (south-facing LEDs), 360° ring lighting, emoji indicator
Configuration software: Windows app, YUNZII web driver (Windows, macOS)
Compatible platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS
Battery: 10,000 mAh
Cable: detachable, USB-A to USB-C (2 m)
Dimensions: 405.7 × 167.6 × 44.0 mm
Weight: 1,331.5 g
Colours: Pink, Beige, Blue, Purple
Package contents: keyboard, 2.4 GHz wireless RF dongle, USB-A to USB-C cable, double puller, set of additional keycaps, two spare switches, user manual, branded postcard, set of stickers, blister dust cover, branded mouse mat

YUNZII С98

Positioning and Price of the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow

In my previous review, I already covered the concept and the broader YUNZII C-series in detail. To summarize briefly, this is a separate line of custom-style keyboards characterized by a distinctive, playful design language, often inspired by animals.

The latest model continues this theme by combining two intentionally “cute” elements – cats and cakes.

Until recently, the YUNZII C75 was the most recent release in the series. The YUNZII C98 Cake Meow now joins it as essentially the same concept in a larger 96% layout. This makes it primarily relevant for users who found the C75 too compact or who require additional keys, such as a numpad.

YUNZII С98

The new model is priced slightly higher than its predecessor at launch, averaging around $100 / €86. This is a typical price range for devices from YUNZII and remains competitive when viewed in the broader market context. This is particularly notable given that keyboards with a comparable design approach are relatively rare, which places the model in a somewhat niche but well-defined segment.

Package Contents

As mentioned earlier, the previous YUNZII C75 featured a notably rich accessory set, presented in a way that resembled a themed gift box more than a standard keyboard package. The new YUNZII C98 Cake Meow does not change this approach. It comes in the same style of packaging with a colorful cover and a similarly extensive set of accessories included in the box.

As with the previous model, the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow includes the following items in the box:

2.4 GHz RF wireless dongle in the shape of a fish
detachable 2 m USB-A to USB-C cable
dual keycap and switch puller additional keycap set featuring cake- and cat-themed designs
Two spare switches (identical to those used in the keyboard)
user manual (booklet and folded insert)
blank branded postcard in the shape of a cake
set of branded stickers
blister-style dust cover
branded mouse pad

YUNZII С98: COMPLETE SET

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By the way, the previous model arrived for review together with an unusual mouse, the YUNZII C1. It is not part of the standard keyboard package, but it complements the overall cat-and-cake themed design quite well.

YUNZII С98

It can be purchased, like the keyboard itself, through the official YUNZII website, as well as on Amazon and AliExpress, with an average price of around $40 / €34.

For convenience, relevant store links are provided below.

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Design, Ergonomics, and Build Quality

As expected, there are no significant changes in the design of the new YUNZII C98 Cake Meow apart from the layout format. It retains the same cat-and-cake themed visual identity, including the soft silicone circular accent lighting around the корпус, as well as decorative elements such as hearts, paw prints, tails, and custom MOA-profile keycaps. The previous review already covered these design elements in detail, so here the focus is kept brief.

Like the previous model, the keyboard is available in four color options: Pink, Beige, Blue, and Purple. In the earlier review, I received the pink version for testing, while this time I had the opportunity to evaluate the beige variant.

The previous version used a 75% layout. The new model has been expanded to a 96% format (99 keys), primarily to accommodate users who felt the YUNZII C75 lacked a numeric keypad. The key layout remains standard ANSI (QWERTY).

The dimensions and weight of the keyboard have also increased as expected: 405.7 × 167.6 × 44.0 mm, with a weight of 1331.5 g. However, the height and tilt angle remain effectively unchanged. A visual comparison with the previous model is shown in the photo below.

In the previous review, I already noted that the keyboard is not low-profile. Users who are not accustomed to a higher key profile may need some time to adapt. Alternatively, a wrist rest can be used. YUNZII also offers matching wrist rest options, which align well with the overall design concept.

The case, as in the previous model, is made of high-quality plastic. All decorative elements – hearts, paw prints, tail details, and the “cream layer” design accents – are made of silicone. They remain soft and pleasant to the touch, and in this regard the keyboard is unchanged compared to the previous version.

As with the previous model, the keyboard uses a Gasket Mount structure – an architecture with a full set of gaskets, sound-dampening materials, and cushioning layers designed to provide a softer and more refined typing feel. The actual typing experience and sound profile will be covered in a separate section. For a clearer understanding of the internal construction, a screenshot of the official structure diagram from YUNZII is provided below.

Like the YUNZII C75, this model comes with stylish MOA-profile PBT keycaps produced using dye-sublimation printing. In the previous review, I explained this process in detail and noted that, unlike double-shot molding, dye sublimation allows for complex multi-color legends and detailed printed designs that do not wear off over time with regular use.

YUNZII С98

In terms of key ergonomics, the implementation is solid. The MOA-profile keycaps have a rounded, smooth shape with pronounced concave surfaces that naturally guide the fingers during typing. Overall, the feel is consistent and comfortable for text input. The profile is also closely aligned with the keyboard’s visual theme, reinforcing the intended design concept without introducing functional compromises.

In terms of lighting, the keyboard remains unchanged compared to its predecessor. Like the previous model, the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow features full RGB backlighting for the keys (south-facing LEDs), a circular “cream-style” illuminated frame around the корпус, and a small emoji-style indicator light. As before, the keyboard offers multiple preset lighting effects, along with the ability to adjust lighting zones individually. These settings can be configured either through the official web-based application from YUNZII or via FN key combinations. All FN shortcuts are documented in the included user manual.

YUNZII С98: RGB

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The underside of the keyboard also remains unchanged: soft silicone cat paw elements are used instead of traditional feet, along with a tail-shaped accent in the center. The left paw (when the keyboard is oriented facing the user) is removable. Beneath it is a slot for the wireless 2.4 GHz RF dongle, which, as in the previous model, is designed in the shape of a fish.

The USB-C charging port and the connection mode switch are, as in the previous model, located on the front edge. Like the YUNZII C75, the keyboard supports three connection modes – wired USB, 2.4 GHz RF, and Bluetooth – as well as compatibility with major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.

YUNZII С98

The build quality, as with the previous model, is good. In normal use, there are no noticeable creaks, looseness, or flexing. If the keyboard is intentionally twisted or strongly compressed, minor case noises can still be heard. However, under typical everyday usage conditions, these issues do not occur. Considering the complexity of the construction (plastic chassis combined with silicone elements and decorative parts), the overall build quality can be described as solid rather than merely acceptable.

From an ergonomics perspective, there are no major issues. The keyboard is not as compact as the 75% version, and therefore occupies more desk space. Nevertheless, it remains comfortable to use. The only initial adjustment point is the relatively high profile, which may feel unusual at first, but users typically adapt quickly. A wrist rest can also be used if needed. Overall, the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow, like its predecessor, is a well-built, visually distinctive, and comfortable device for everyday use.

YUNZII С98

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Switches, Hot-Swap, and Typing Experience

Like the previous model, the keyboard comes with two types of switches: the proprietary YUNZII Milk V2 switches and YUNZII Candy Linear switches. Both are linear switches and come factory pre-lubricated. Detailed specifications for each switch type are provided in the screenshots below.

The previous model I tested came with Candy switches. Below is a video where their typing sound can be heard. In short, I found the Candy switches to be well-balanced: the keystrokes are clean, smooth, and stable, with a consistent linear travel. The only notable characteristic is that they are somewhat loud, which is not a defect but rather an intended behavior. Overall, they fit the “candies under your fingers” concept quite well in terms of both feel and sound profile.

The new YUNZII C98 Cake Meow arrived with a different set of switches – Milk V2. A typing sample video is also provided below so the sound can be evaluated.

So, what can be said about the switches? Compared to Milk switches, Candy switches are slightly more tactile and marginally louder – though the difference is very small. On the other hand, they feel more stable during keypresses, with essentially no key wobble. If this typing feel is what you prefer, the Candy version is the more suitable choice. As noted earlier, they also align better with the overall “candies under your fingers” concept in terms of both acoustics and feel.

YUNZII С98

Milk V2 switches feel slightly softer and result in a quieter typing experience compared to Candy switches. At the same time, there is a minor amount of key wobble, which is generally not a critical issue in everyday use. Overall, if the preference is for a softer and quieter typing feel, the version equipped with Milk V2 switches is the more suitable option.

YUNZII С98

Switch selection is an important aspect, but not as critical as it might initially seem. Both versions support hot-swap functionality, allowing switches to be replaced quickly without soldering. The switch sockets are standard 5-pin hot-swap sockets and are compatible with both 5-pin and 3-pin switches. This means users can install a wide range of compatible switches and replace them as often as they want, depending on preference.

The final point worth mentioning is the stabilizers. In the new model, based on the typing feel, the same stabilizers appear to be used as in the previous version. These are well-pre-lubricated stabilizers that effectively keep long keys stable during use. There are no noticeable rattling noises or other common artifacts associated with lower-quality mechanical implementations. Judging by the typing sample, this behavior is already evident in practice.

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Software for YUNZII C98 Cake Meow

As with the previous model, the YUNZII C98 Cake Meow can be configured using either a Windows application or the custom web driver provided by YUNZII.

In the previous review, both options were described in detail, so they will not be repeated here. The main point is that, in terms of configuration capabilities, nothing has changed for the C98.

A gallery of screenshots from the web driver interface is provided below for reference.

YUNZII С98: WEB-DRIVER

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The Windows application is also unchanged. To be honest, there is little practical reason to use it or review it separately when a functional web driver is available. The web-based driver allows configuration directly in a browser without installing additional software, and it also works on macOS.

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Battery Life

The previous keyboard was equipped with a 5500 mAh battery. In the new YUNZII C98 Cake Meow, the battery has been significantly upgraded to 10,000 mAh. This is notably large for a keyboard; in practice, capacities up to around 8000 mAh are more commonly seen.

According to the manufacturer, a full charge provides up to 62 hours of use with the backlight enabled, or up to 34 days without lighting. The trade-off is charging time, which can take up to approximately 19 hours.

The current battery level can be checked either in the web driver provided by YUNZII or via the keyboard shortcut FN + right Ctrl. The latter method is significantly faster, although less precise. When this shortcut is used, the number row lights up, indicating an approximate charge level. For example, if keys 1–7 are illuminated, the battery is at roughly 70%. This quick battery check feature was also present in the previous model.

YUNZII С98

Like the previous model, the keyboard enters a sleep mode in wireless operation after a period of inactivity (5 minutes by default) to conserve battery life. Both the earlier YUNZII C75 and the new YUNZII C98 Cake Meow wake up instantly, regardless of how long they have been in sleep mode. This is a notable advantage compared to keyboards that exhibit wake-up latency and may miss the first keypress after reactivation.

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Conclusion

In summary, the new YUNZII C98 Cake Meow is a strong and well-executed release. In essence, it is the same concept as the YUNZII C75, but in a fuller 96% layout with roughly double the battery capacity. If you like the design and need a numeric keypad, the C98 is the more practical choice. If you prefer a more compact layout, the C75 remains the better option. Both models offer solid build quality, strong battery life, a distinctive visual design, rich packaging, MOA-profile keycaps, a comfortable typing experience, browser-based configuration, and a relatively accessible price. Overall, they are well-rounded options for users looking for something beyond standard mechanical keyboards, and they can serve as a distinctive addition to either a gaming or work setup.

YUNZII С98