REVIEW: The KiiBOOM Phantom 98 Lite is a cute, customizable, and aesthetically pleasing upgrade to your dream desk.

When it comes to desktop design, I firmly believe that technology should not only be functional, but also fun and expressive. You only have to read my recent reviews and articles to see that this is true.

Meet KiiBOOM Phantom 98 Lite. This is a keyboard that exudes kawaii charm, vibrant RGB lighting, and thoughtful design right out of the box. If you’re looking to bring pure personality to your workspace without sacrificing a high-quality customization, this might be your next favorite mechanical whiteboard. I came across one and I’m here to tell you the whole essence of kawaii.

Unboxing and first impressions

From the moment I received the package, unboxing the Phantom 98 Lite was a real pleasure. KiiBOOM really leans into the cute and playful aesthetic of their brand. The box itself has a cute pink vibe to it, showcasing the character art on the box and drawing you in from the start.

Inside the box, along with the expected accessories, you get a nice branded dust cloth; a really nice touch to keep the pristine, shiny new board looking. The attached instructions also deserve special attention. Instead of a dry standard tutorial, it describes different types of keyboards while still maintaining a cute kawaii vibe. There’s even a sticker inside featuring KiiBOOM characters and kawaii designs.

In terms of connection equipment, KiiBOOM is equipped with everything you need:

• Connection cable: For reliable wired typing and low-latency charging.
• Hidden 2.4GHz USB Dongle: Neatly tucked away in a magnetic compartment on the case so you’ll never lose it on the go.
• Keycap remover: Included so you can start setting up immediately.

The board is equipped with adjustable legs on the bottom side, allowing you to adjust the angle of inclination. However, keep in mind that the chassis itself is quite thick and tall. If you prefer an ultra-low or flat typing experience, this shorter profile may take some getting used to.

Plastic, but make it quality

Don’t let the lack of a heavy metal body fool you. The KiiBOOM Phantom 98 Lite feels incredibly durable. It’s made from thick, high-quality acrylic and polycarbonate that feels solid in the hand rather than cheap or hollow.

The translucent body works overtime here, allowing the interior RGB lighting to diffuse throughout the desk. There are so many combinations of lighting colors and dynamic modes that I could sit there for hours just switching between options to create something that felt unique to me. It doesn’t just light up; it emits RGB in the best possible way.

Ease of everyday use and Kawaii aesthetics

I chose the KiiBOOM Phantom 98 Lite Pink version because it fits my style really well and comes with adorable cat keycaps that are super cute.

Admittedly, due to the crystal clear, sweet aesthetic, seeing faint lettering (letters, numbers and symbols printed on the keys) can be a little difficult, depending on the lighting angle. Moreover, the legends are written in white 8-bit font on an already translucent keycap. But if you can touch-type with your eyes closed like me, this isn’t a problem. The trade-off for this aesthetic is worth it.

Switching between operating systems is completely smooth. You don’t have to fiddle with tiny switches hidden in the back; just use quick hardware shortcuts:

• Fn + A: Windows
• Fn + S: Poppy

Compact layout with room to grow

The 98% form factor is a fantastic benefit for those who want a more compact space on their desk without sacrificing dedicated arrow keys or a numeric keypad. The KiiBOOM Phantom 98 Lite fits all regular keys while maintaining a slightly more compact look.

If you prefer something even smaller, KiiBOOM has similar translucent mechanical boards in almost every size. It’s got everything from 75% and 65% layouts to a tiny separate 20% number pad (I’m now dying to add that to my setup).

Deep customization: VIA support and hot swapping

What really sets the Phantom 98 Lite apart is how easy it is to set up. You can change everything from switches to keycaps, macros, lighting, and connectivity.

VIA Web Software

You don’t have to overload your computer with heavy background software to remap FN keys, program macros, or adjust lighting. KiiBOOM supports the VIA web application. This means you simply plug in the board, open a browser, and configure everything right from the web interface. Settings are saved on the keyboard, so you don’t have to load them every time you boot your computer or change computers.

Hot-swappable switches

When ordering, you can choose from options such as Mossy Silent Linear Switches or Mochi Linear Switches in Pink, Green and Clear. I like the clicky, smooth feel of the keys, so I opted for linear switches.

Because the PCB is fully hot-swappable, you are not stuck with your original choice. You can slide out switches and change keycaps whenever you want to change the sound or feel.

Pro tip: Although KiiBOOM includes a basic key puller, if you plan on changing switches frequently, I highly recommend purchasing a dedicated 2-in-1 switch and key puller. It grips much better and prevents damage to keycaps and switches.

Purchase and availability

The KiiBOOM Phantom 98 Lite is one of my favorite keyboards to date. It really has a kawaii pink vibe to it. Compared to many keyboards on the market, KiiBOOM is quite cheap. This particular keyboard can be purchased directly from the official KiiBOOM store starting at US$108.99 (~AU$153).

It’s available in clear, pink and green, and with optional silent or standard linear switches to match your desk ambiance. While you’re on the website, check out the different keycaps KiiBOOM has to offer, including the new Opal Kitty Keycap Set for $34.99 (~AU$50). There are plenty of other caps starting at $25.99 and switches starting at just $14.39.