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Kreo Hive 98 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£35
  • Avg. price in US: ~$40
  • Layout size: 1800-compact
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Kreo Hive 98 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

4.1

Switches

20.0%

7.0

Materials

12.0%

7.0

Features

6.0%

8.7

Design

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 3.5
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    10

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 7.4
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    10

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    9.0

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    4.0

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 2.8
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Kreo Hive 98 is a compact 98-key mechanical keyboard that combines the utility of a full-sized numpad with a space-saving 96% layout. It features hot-swappable Outemu switches (available in Red, Blue, or Brown) rated for 60 million keystrokes, a dedicated metal volume knob, and vibrant per-key RGB lighting customizable via software. Built with a sturdy ABS plastic frame and internal sound-dampening foam, it offers a 1000Hz polling rate and N-key rollover for high-speed performance. Main pros include its space-efficient hybrid design, smooth tactile volume control, and excellent value-for-money for a hot-swappable board. However, cons include potential issues with rattling stabilizers, legends on colored keycaps that may appear slightly blurred under RGB, and a lack of dedicated keys for Print Screen, Home, or End, requiring software remapping.

Technical Specifications of Kreo Hive 98

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

?

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

?

Switches

20.0%

?

Materials

12.0%

?

Features

6.0%

?

Design

6.1
Kreo Hive 98 has a technical score of 6.13 points, which is lower than that of 70.3% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
1.0
Kreo Hive 98 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 79.8% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.1

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.3
Kreo Hive 98 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.3 points, which is lower than 74% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile / clicky
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

44 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.2 mm
Kreo Hive 98 has a minimum actuation distance of 1.2 mm, which is shorter than 59.9% of keyboards and equal to 15.6% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

1800-compact
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

98
Kreo Hive 98 has 98 keys, which is more than 66.9% of keyboards and equal to 1.7% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

standard
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB
Kreo Hive 98 offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Kreo Hive 98 is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Kreo Hive 98 has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Kreo Hive 98 has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

98
Kreo Hive 98 has 98 RGB zones, which is more than 74.1% of keyboards and equal to 1.4% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Kreo Hive 98 does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

north-facing
Show more
Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

?
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

ABS
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

OEM
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

double-shot
Kreo Hive 98 uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.8% of keyboards and equal to 74.2% of keyboards.
Show more

Kreo Hive 98 vs the average keyboard

  • Volume control wheel
    Kreo Hive 98 includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
    Metal volume wheel.
    What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes a dedicated wheel or roller for hardware volume control.
    When it matters: When frequent hardware volume control matters enough that you do not want to rely on function-key shortcuts.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kreo Hive 98 includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    Kreo Hive 98 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kreo Hive 98 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 0.1 mm shorter actuation distance
    Kreo Hive 98 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.9 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
    What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
    When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kreo Hive 98 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.9 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.1.9 mm vs 2 mm
  • 0.1 mm shorter key travel
    Kreo Hive 98 has 3.9 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    What it is: Measures the full distance a key can move from top to bottom.
    When it matters: When full key movement changes comfort, speed, or the way the keyboard feels under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kreo Hive 98 has 3.9 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.9 mm vs 4 mm
  • 11 more keys
    Kreo Hive 98 has more keys than the average keyboard (98 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kreo Hive 98 has more keys than the average keyboard (98 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.98 vs 87
  • 24.5% lower weight
    Kreo Hive 98 weighs less than the average keyboard (737 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Kreo Hive 98 weighs less than the average keyboard (737 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.737 g vs 976 g
  • 15 more RGB zones
    Kreo Hive 98 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (98 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    Kreo Hive 98 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (98 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.98 vs 83
  • 3.71x cheaper
    Kreo Hive 98 is cheaper than the average keyboard (£35 vs £130).
    Kreo Hive 98 is cheaper than the average keyboard (£35 vs £130).£35 vs £130
  • 11 more keys
    Kreo Hive 98 has more keys than the average keyboard (98 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 24.5% lower weight
    Kreo Hive 98 weighs less than the average keyboard (737 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 10.5 mm lower keyboard height
    Kreo Hive 98 is lower than the average keyboard (28 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    Kreo Hive 98 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • 0.1 mm shorter actuation distance
    Kreo Hive 98 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.9 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
  • 0.1 mm shorter key travel
    Kreo Hive 98 has 3.9 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
  • Volume control wheel
    Kreo Hive 98 includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.8% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • 15 more RGB zones
    Kreo Hive 98 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (98 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.

Total
Overall
Design
Switches
Features
  • 104 mm thicker design
    Kreo Hive 98 is thicker than the average keyboard (142 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • 37 mm wider width
    Kreo Hive 98 is wider than the average keyboard (392 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Kreo Hive 98 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • No pre-lubed stabilizers
    Kreo Hive 98 does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Kreo Hive 98 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    Kreo Hive 98 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • No pre-lubed stabilizers
    Kreo Hive 98 does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
    What it is: Shows whether the stabilizers arrive factory-lubricated instead of requiring manual tuning for smoother larger keys.
    When it matters: When larger keys like space, enter, and shift need to feel smoother and sound less rattly out of the box.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kreo Hive 98 does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
  • 5.77x less popular
    Kreo Hive 98 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).
    What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
    Kreo Hive 98 is less popular than the average keyboard (1.00 vs 5.772).1 vs 5.77
  • 104 mm thicker design
    Kreo Hive 98 is thicker than the average keyboard (142 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's front-to-back depth or body thickness.
    When it matters: When front height and overall keyboard bulk affect comfort or portability.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kreo Hive 98 is thicker than the average keyboard (142 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.142 mm vs 38 mm
  • 7% worse value for money
    Kreo Hive 98 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.29 vs 7.802).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Kreo Hive 98 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.29 vs 7.802).7.29 vs 7.8
  • 37 mm wider width
    Kreo Hive 98 is wider than the average keyboard (392 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard from side to side.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to match limited desk width or fit inside a specific setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Kreo Hive 98 is wider than the average keyboard (392 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.392 mm vs 355 mm
Total
Overall
Design
Connectivity & Power
Materials

Graphic comparison of Kreo Hive 98 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Kreo Hive 98?

  • Excellent value for money for a budget mechanical keyboard
  • Compact 98% layout includes a number pad and dedicated volume wheel
  • Aesthetically pleasing retro 90's design with multiple colour options
  • Bright and customisable RGB lighting with various effects
  • Includes features like case foam for sound dampening and a detachable USB-C cable
  • Sturdy build quality for its price point
  • Comes with extra switches, a keycap puller, and a switch puller in the box

What customers dislike about Kreo Hive 98?

  • Hot-swappability is limited to Outemu-style (3-pin) sockets, making it difficult to swap with other brands
  • Keycaps are basic ABS plastic and legends can appear blurry when backlit
  • Stabilisers (especially the spacebar) can be loose, rattly, or loud
  • The metal volume knob can be stiff or require extra force to turn
  • Software lacks polish and has been reported as difficult to use or buggy
  • Reported long-term reliability issues, such as keys failing or RGB malfunctions after a few months
  • After-sales support and RMA processes can be slow or unresponsive

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