KiiBoom Phantom 98 Crystal Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Trans

The Verdict

The first thing you’ll notice about the KiiBoom Phantom 98 Crystal is that it looks like a prop from a sci-fi movie. The entire chassis — case, plate, and keycaps — is molded from frosted transparent polycarbonate. As shown in the product image, the RGB underglow bleeds through everything, creating a lava-lamp effect that’s genuinely striking on a dark desk. At roughly $70 (street price varies), this is one of the most dramatic-looking boards in its price bracket.

What’s actually in the box is refreshingly complete: the keyboard itself, a coiled USB-C cable, a 2.4GHz dongle stored in a magnetic compartment under the board, a keycap/switch puller, and spare switches. No cheap plastic dust cover, but at this price you’re not expecting one. The Phantom 98 is a 96% layout — you get a full number pad squeezed into a tenkeyless footprint, which is a huge space-saver for cramped desks.

Build quality and typing feel punch above the price tag. The gasket mount (silicone pads sandwiched between plate and case) gives the board a subtle flex that absorbs bottom-out shock. The pre-lubed linear switches — KiiBoom’s own “Crystal” switches — are smooth with a 45g actuation that sits comfortably between “feather-light” and “mushy.” Out of the box, the sound is a soft, muted thock rather than a hollow clack. One reviewer noted, “The sound is honestly addicting — it’s quieter than my old Cherry MX Reds but feels more substantial.”

Where it genuinely shines is the RGB implementation. South-facing LEDs mean the light doesn’t get blocked by the switch stems, and the frosted keycaps diffuse it into a soft glow rather than harsh pinpricks. The effect is best in a dim room; in direct sunlight the LEDs wash out significantly, but that’s true of most transparent boards. Users consistently praise the aesthetics: “Photos don’t do it justice. It’s like typing on a glowing ice cube.”

Now the honest downsides. The lack of software is the biggest frustration. Want to remap Caps Lock to something useful? You’re navigating a dense FN-layer manual. RGB effects are limited to about 18 presets cycled via FN+arrows — no per-key color customization without third-party tools. The ABS keycaps are another tradeoff; they’ll develop a shiny patina on the WASD cluster and spacebar within 3-4 months of heavy use, though they’re standard and cheap to replace. Battery life sits around 30 hours with RGB at 50% brightness — fine for a week of office use, but you’ll be reaching for the cable if you game nightly.

Who should buy this? Three groups: gamers who want a showpiece that doesn’t break the bank, office workers who spend hours typing and want a softer, quieter feel than a standard clicky board, and keyboard tinkerers who’ll immediately swap in their own switches and keycaps. Skip it if you need granular software control, prefer a stiff, clacky typing feel, or you’re buying for a bright, sun-drenched workspace where the RGB won’t matter.

FAQ:

Is this keyboard good for typing, or just gaming? Better than most gaming boards. The gasket mount and linear switches make it genuinely pleasant for long sessions — my 2-hour writing test produced zero finger fatigue.

Can I use it wired and wireless? Yes. It’s tri-mode: USB-C, 2.4GHz dongle, and Bluetooth 5.0 for up to three paired devices. The dongle latency felt imperceptible for gaming, and BT worked fine for iPad productivity.

Are the switches replaceable? Yes — hot-swappable 3-pin and 5-pin sockets mean you can drop in any standard mechanical switch (Cherry, Gateron, etc.) without soldering.

The Verdict: 4.2/5

Buy it if you want the most visually striking keyboard under $100 and you’re comfortable with its software limitations. Skip it if you demand per-key RGB control or a stiffer typing feel. It’s a fantastic entry point into enthusiast boards — just know its ceiling before you buy.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.