Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe Ducky Cushion 98 is a wireless mechanical gaming keyboard designed to make typing quieter without giving up a number pad. In Club386’s week-long review, its Shush switches and cushioning system made it remarkably quiet, but the softest setup also felt distinctly soft under the fingers. The included firmer cushion offered a more balanced feel, while the compact 100-key layout, hot-swappable switches and three connection modes make the board more versatile than its unusual name suggests.
How quiet is the Ducky Cushion 98?
Quietness is the Cushion 98’s defining strength. Ducky’s Nest Mount design places a flexible silicone cushion between the keyboard’s base and other layers to absorb keystroke force, and the board pairs it with silent Shush switches. Club386 described its review sample as remarkably quiet during a week of daily use.
The included black cushion reduced sound the most in the reviewer’s use, but it also made the keys feel soft and somewhat “mattress”-like. The grey cushion felt firmer and was somewhat louder, while remaining much quieter than the reviewer’s comparison keyboards. Club386 preferred the grey option for typing and gaming. The large spacebar was a notable exception to the board’s low-noise character: it remained more audible than the rest of the keys.
Club386 compared recordings made 1 cm from the Cushion 98 with a Razer BlackWidow V4 X using clicky Green switches and a Corsair K95 RGB Platinum using tactile Cherry MX Brown switches. This was an informal demonstration, not a calibrated acoustic test; it does not establish decibel levels or how every unit will sound in every room.
#1 Best Overall
- More Uniform Keystroke Feel Than Gasket Mount
- Tool-free Keyboard Tuning
- Quiet Performance with Total Flexibility
- Total Customization, Zero Software Hassle
- Win the Split-second with Faster Input
Layout, build and everyday controls
The 100-key layout keeps a number pad while taking up less space than a full-size keyboard. Ducky classifies it as a compact 80% layout. Club386 found the numpad useful in a compact footprint and described the tested board’s frame as heavy aluminum.
Ducky lists an aluminum top, ABS bottom, aluminum plate and PBT double-shot Cherry-profile keycaps. The manufacturer’s published dimensions are 386.16 × 147.07 × 41.74 mm, and its stated weight is 1,216 g ± 15 g. These are manufacturer specifications; finishes and visible color accents can vary by SKU.
Rank #2
- Budget-friendly Price: Ducky Ok-M delivers a premium mechanical typing experience at a budget-friendly price.
- Great Typing Experience: Its gasket-mount design and five-layer acoustic dampening reduce pinging and echoes for a quieter, more comfortable feel.
- Versatile Connectivity: Supports USB-C, BT, and 2.4GHz wireless for flexible, multi-device use.
- VIA Support: Unlock full key and macro customization through VIA (web-based) software.
- Side RGB: Subtle side lighting enhances the keyboard’s look with a touch of flair.
There are some practical compromises. The board has no dedicated Print Screen or media keys, although secondary functions can be remapped with Ducky’s web configuration tool. Club386 also found some legends on dark grey keys difficult to read. The south-facing RGB lighting sits between the keycaps rather than shining through their legends, so it offers limited help with legibility.
Switch choices and opening the case
Ducky lists two silent Shush switch types: linear and tactile. The retailer listing gives the linear switch an actuation force of 43 g and bottom-out force of 58 g. It lists the tactile version at 45 g actuation force and 2.0 mm pretravel. Both are listed with 4.0 mm total travel. These are listing specifications, not independent measurements, and availability may vary by region or configuration.
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- Kailh yellow hotswap sockets on stabilizer keys (ESC, Back Space, Enter, left Shift, right Shift, Space Bar, Numeric 0, +, and Enter)
- Detachable braided USB-C cable
- Bonus enter key in a random color
- OEM profile Double Shot PBT keycaps
- South-facing switches
The switches are hot-swappable, so compatible switches can be changed without soldering. A rear quick latch and magnets let you open the case without a screwdriver to swap the cushioning layer. Club386 found the process straightforward, but cautioned users to take care around the internal cables. The review says the box includes a combined keycap-and-switch tool, a cleaning brush and four spare Shush switches.
Connections, battery and gaming features
The Cushion 98 supports USB-C wired, Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connections. Ducky specifies a 4,200 mAh battery and up to 63 hours of use with lighting off; that is a manufacturer-rated maximum, not a guarantee for every lighting or connection configuration. Ducky also lists a 1,000 Hz polling rate, wired NKRO and 6KRO over wireless.
Rank #4
- Kailh yellow hotswap sockets on stabilizer keys (ESC, Back Space, Enter, left Shift, right Shift, Space Bar, Numeric 0, +, and Enter)
- Detachable braided USB-C cable
- Bonus enter key in a random color
- OEM profile Double Shot PBT keycaps
- South-facing switches
Ducky’s web configuration tool supports remapping, macros, lighting and SOCD controls. Club386 reports that the tool requires a Chromium-based browser and cannot be used while the keyboard is connected over Bluetooth. SOCD features are prohibited in some games, including CS2, according to the review; check the current rules for the specific game before enabling them.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Should you buy the Ducky Cushion 98?
The Cushion 98 makes the most sense if you want a quieter mechanical keyboard, need a number pad, and value the option to switch between wired and wireless use. Its included cushions let you choose between maximum quiet with a softer feel and a firmer, somewhat louder typing experience. Hot-swap support and tool-free access to the cushion add flexibility for owners who like to adjust or maintain their board.
Best Value
- Kailh yellow hotswap sockets on stabilizer keys (ESC, Back Space, Enter, left Shift, right Shift, Space Bar, Numeric 0, +, and Enter)
- Detachable braided USB-C cable
- Bonus enter key in a random color
- OEM profile Double Shot PBT keycaps
- South-facing switches
It is a less obvious fit if you rely on dedicated media or Print Screen keys, want legends illuminated by RGB, or prefer a crisp, firm feel in the quietest configuration. Compare the cushion and switch variant, layout, seller and current local price before ordering. Club386 listed a UK price of £149.99 when its review was published on 26 September 2026; that is a publication-time price, not a current-market quote.
Sources: Ben Hardwidge’s Club386 review, published 26 September 2026; Ducky’s Cushion 98 product page, accessed 4 October 2026; and the Mechanical Keyboards retailer listing, accessed 4 October 2026. Specifications and retailer details may vary or change; Ducky’s manufacturer specifications are used where source summaries conflict.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
