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Compare Royal Kludge A72 Alice vs Royal Kludge C87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Royal Kludge's ergonomic-focused model and their performance-oriented gaming keyboard. The decision is difficult because both offer distinct advantages in PBT keycaps and sound dampening, but diverge completely in layout, connectivity, and core switch technology. Your choice hinges on prioritizing ergonomics and wireless freedom versus raw gaming specs and a traditional TKL form factor.

71
A72 68% Ergonomic Alice Layout Mechanical Keyboard
C87 80% TKL Magnetic Hall Effect Keyboard

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  • Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
  • Supports hot-swappable switches
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Offers Alice ergonomics
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 7500 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1350 g
  • Sized at 42 x 384 x 140 mm
  • Has Magnetic switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Offers Normal ergonomics
  • Utilizes Hall effect sensors
  • Enables rapid trigger functionality
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 41 x 366 x 139 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 57.9
  • Build Quality: 63.5
  • Productivity: 83.7
  • Customizability: 73.8
  • Portability: 94
Scores
  • Performance: 93.3
  • Build Quality: 44
  • Productivity: 70.5
  • Customizability: 48.8
  • Portability: 55.9
Name
Royal Kludge A72 Alice
Name
Royal Kludge C87
Release year
2025
Release year
2025
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Silent
Switch Options
Magnetic
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Alice
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
8000 Hz
Battery capacity
7500 mAh
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
42 x 384 x 140 mm
Dimensions
41 x 366 x 139 mm
Weight
1350g
Weight
770g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a single keyboard for a mix of work, comfort, and wireless use across multiple devices, the Royal Kludge A72 Alice is the versatile option. If your focus is solely on achieving the lowest latency and most customizable key presses for competitive PC gaming, and you don't mind a cable, the Royal Kludge C87 is the performance-focused tool. Consider the A72's ergonomic layout a long-term investment in comfort, while the C87's specs are an investment in gaming precision.

Royal Kludge A72 Alice

  • +Ergonomic Alice layout with a split, angled design to promote a natural typing posture.
  • +Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, USB-C wired).
  • +Large 7500mAh battery with up to 550 hours of use (RGB off).
  • +Gasket-mounted design with a five-layer sound dampening system for a softer typing feel.
  • +Includes a metal volume knob, media keys, and five programmable macro keys.

  • Significantly heavier at 1350g, which reduces portability despite its smaller layout.
  • Lacks the high-performance gaming features like an 8000 Hz polling rate or Rapid Trigger.
  • The unique Alice layout requires an adjustment period and may limit keycap set compatibility.

Royal Kludge C87

  • +8000 Hz polling rate and Hall effect magnetic switches for ultra-responsive gaming.
  • +Adjustable actuation points from 0.01mm to 3.5mm and support for Rapid Trigger technology.
  • +Lighter weight of 770g and a familiar TKL layout that saves space but keeps arrow keys.
  • +Includes a triple-layer sound dampening system (EVA foam, sound-absorbing foam, silicone pad).

  • Wired-only connectivity, which limits placement and adds cable clutter.
  • Hot-swap capability is restricted to RK magnetic switches only, limiting customization.
  • No dedicated media keys or volume knob, requiring function layer combinations for control.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Royal Kludge A72 Alice is the clear choice for mobile professionals, typists seeking comfort, and users who value a clean, wireless desk. It wins in Office, Travel, and Content Creation due to its connectivity and ergonomic design. The Royal Kludge C87 is specialized for Gaming, leveraging its high polling rate and Hall effect switches. For Programming, the choice is subjective and depends on layout preference. Modders will favor the A72 for its broader hot-swap compatibility and gasket mount.

GamingRoyal Kludge C87
  • The C87 features an 8000 Hz polling rate for ultra-low latency.
  • It includes Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.01mm to 3.5mm.
  • It supports Rapid Trigger technology for faster key resets.
OfficeRoyal Kludge A72 Alice
  • The A72 offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for flexible device switching.
  • Its ergonomic Alice layout is designed to reduce wrist strain during long sessions.
  • It includes a metal volume knob and media keys for convenient control.
ProgrammingTie
  • The A72's Alice layout may offer more comfort for long typing sessions.
  • The C87's TKL layout provides dedicated arrow keys and a familiar key placement.
  • Both keyboards feature PBT keycaps for durability.
TravelRoyal Kludge A72 Alice
  • The A72 is a wireless keyboard with a large 7500mAh battery, eliminating the need for a constant cable.
  • Its 65% (72-key) layout is more compact than the C87's 80% TKL form factor.
  • Tri-mode connectivity allows use with laptops, tablets, or phones without wires.
ModdingRoyal Kludge A72 Alice
  • The A72 has a hot-swappable PCB compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
  • It uses a gasket mount structure, which is often preferred for a softer typing feel.
  • Its vendor description mentions a five-layer dampening system including foam and silicone for acoustic mods.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge A72 Alice
  • The A72 includes five programmable macro keys (M1-M5) for assigning shortcuts.
  • Its volume knob and media keys provide quick audio/video editing controls.
  • Wireless connectivity reduces desk clutter for a cleaner workspace.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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