I’ve always been a big fan of Ducky keyboards, they’re always pushing the limits of the technology, innovating and creating unique and interesting keyboards that cover every part of the enthusiast PC market. From workhorse keyboards designed for editing or long days of writing reviews, to gaming focused competitive keyboards tuned for lightening fast performance, and plenty of models in between. When it comes to high-performance mechanical keyboards, Ducky is a brand that consistently commands respect from PC enthusiasts and gamers alike. Their latest release, the Ducky Cushion 98 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard looks set to raise the bar yet again, as they push for a new typing experience, premium comfort, and flawless gaming capabilities all in one.
Our sample is equipped with the incredible Ducky Shush Green switches, giving you fast action, a tactile typing sensation, but no click, making it surprisingly quiet while still feeling unique. The Cushion 98 also comes with their 96% form factor (yeah not 98%, I know, it’s a little confusing), so it still features virtually all the buttons you would expect from a full-size keyboard, but squished into a tighter form factor to free up a little more desktop space.
Key Features
The Ducky Cushion 98 brings several unique selling points to the table, most notably the innovative Ducky Nest Mount system. Moving away from traditional gasket mounts, this structure uses a dedicated cushioning layer to distribute force evenly across the board, resulting in a remarkably consistent and smooth typing feel. Any keyboard enthusiast will appreciate the design, coming with a screwless quick-latch aluminium top case, allowing you effortlessly swap out the cushioning layers, or do any other keyboard mods you desire, without reaching for some fiddly screwdriver set. The inclusion of hot-swappable Ducky Shush Green switches is great, but of course, they’re all hot-swappable, allowing you to customise even further. With tri-mode connectivity and web-based customisation through DuckyHub.io or VIA, there’s no need for desktop software to be running, and it’ll also work natively on other operating systems such as Linux, which suits me perfectly.
Features
- Ducky Nest Mount system for evenly distributed cushioning and uniform keystrokes
- Screwless quick-latch aluminium top case for tool-free modification
- Ducky Shush Green hot-swappable silent switches for quiet typing
- Tri-mode connectivity including USB Type-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth
- Web-based configuration via DuckyHub.io or VIA with no software downloads required
- 2 kHz scan rate boost for reduced input latency during competitive gaming
- Space-efficient 80% footprint that retains a 100-key layout with a dedicated numpad
The Cushion 98 is built to deliver exceptional durability and technical performance, as you might expect from a premium keyboard brand such as Ducky, there’s no compromise here. The construction combines an aluminium top case with a lightweight ABS bottom case, with an internal aluminium plate and plate-mounted stabilisers. The keycaps are durable PBT plastic using a doubleshot process and feature a classic Cherry profile so that the wealth of aftermarket caps willl be easily compatible. For illumination and aesthetics, the keyboard includes a subtle south-facing RGB lighting for between key/underkey lighting. There’s even a 4200 mAh battery, so while you can use it wired, it’ll also work using 2.4G or Bluetooth for reliable wireless use, providing up to 63 hours of continuous operation with the lighting turned off.
Specifications
- Layout: UK ISO with 100 keys in a compact 80% TKL footprint
- Case Material: Aluminium top case and ABS bottom case
- Keycaps: PBT Doubleshot in Cherry Profile
- Switches: Ducky Shush Green, hot-swappable
- Connectivity: USB Type-C wired, 2.4 GHz RF wireless, Bluetooth
- Battery: 4200 mAh capacity offering up to 63 hours of use with lighting off
- Polling Rate: 1000 Hz with a 2 kHz scan rate boost
- Dimensions: 386.16 x 147.07 x 41.74 mm
- Weight: 1216 g plus or minus 15 g
