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Head to head · Prices checked Oct 23, 2026

Royal Kludge C84 HE vs C8775% vs 80% Hall Effect Keyboard Comparison

Choose the C84 HE for a more compact desk footprint, or the C87 for a traditional TKL layout without a numpad.

C87 80% TKL Magnetic Hall Effect Keyboard

80% Hall Effect Keyboard Comparison

Royal Kludge C87

from$73at Royal Kludge

Shop nowSee all prices

Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Royal Kludge C84 HE

75%

If you want

  • More compact 75% layout (317mm wide) saves desk space.
  • Explicitly listed as hot-swappable for RK magnetic switches.
  • Includes a triple-layer sound dampening system with EVA foam, sound-absorbing foam, and a silicone pad.

And can live with

  • Lacks dedicated media keys.
  • The 75% layout condenses the navigation cluster, which may require adaptation.
  • Vendor package listing does not mention a dust cover.

Get the

Royal Kludge C87

80% Hall Effect Keyboard Comparison

If you want

  • Traditional 80% TKL layout (366mm wide) offers familiar key spacing.
  • Vendor package includes a dust cover for protection.
  • Shares the same triple-layer sound dampening, 8K polling, and adjustable Hall Effect switches as the C84.

And can live with

  • Larger footprint than the C84 HE.
  • Lacks dedicated media keys.
  • The vendor description mentions hot-swappable support, but it is not listed in the provided metadata's extra features.

Bottom line

Your choice between the Royal Kludge C84 HE and C87 comes down to layout preference and desk space. If you want the smallest possible board that retains arrow keys, the 75% C84 HE is the clear pick. If you prefer the classic TKL form factor with more separation between key groups, the C87 is the better option. Both deliver identical high-performance Hall Effect features at a similar price point.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

Royal Kludge C84 HE

Royal Kludge C87

  • Layout size

    75%

    80%

  • Hot-swappable

    Yes

    No

  • Dimensions

    41 x 317 x 126 mm

    41 x 366 x 139 mm

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Royal Kludge C84 HE
  • Royal Kludge C87
Performance
94
93
Build quality
50
45
Productivity
76
71
Customizability
59
49
Portability
63
56

What they share

  • Hall effect (magnetic)
  • Rapid trigger
  • Connection: Wired
  • Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
  • Switch options: Magnetic
  • Weight: 770 g
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The C84 HE and C87 are tied for gaming and content creation due to identical performance specs. The C87 has a slight edge for office use with its more traditional TKL layout and included dust cover. The C84 HE wins for travel and modding, thanks to its more compact 75% size and clearer hot-swap support. For programming, the choice is neutral, hinging purely on layout preference.

For gaming

It's a tie

  • Both feature an 8000Hz polling rate and a 0.125ms response time.
  • Both support Rapid Trigger technology with a 0.01mm step distance.
  • Both have adjustable actuation points from 0.01mm to 3.5mm per key.

Full specs

Royal Kludge C84 HE vs C87 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

3 of 18 specs differ

Royal Kludge C84 HE

Royal Kludge C87

Typing & switches

Switch options

Magnetic
Magnetic

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
Yes

Rapid trigger

Yes
Yes

Hot-swappable

Yes
No

Sound dampening

Yes
Yes

Layout

Layout size

75%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 Hz
8,000 Hz

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Keycaps

PBT
PBT

Weight

770 g
770 g

Dimensions

41 x 317 x 126 mm
41 x 366 x 139 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2025

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

  • Royal KludgeUS

    In stock
    $74Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    Visit
  • Royal KludgeUS

    In stock
    $73Visit
  • AmazonGlobal

    Check price
    Visit

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FAQ

Royal Kludge C84 HE vs C87: your questions

The main difference is the layout size. The C84 HE is a 75% keyboard with 84 keys, offering a compact design that integrates the function row and navigation cluster. The C87 is an 80% TKL (Tenkeyless) with 87 keys, which removes the numpad but keeps a traditional navigation cluster and spacing.

The vendor description for both models states they are hot-swappable, but only for RK magnetic switches. The provided metadata for the C84 HE explicitly lists 'Hot-Swappable' as an extra feature, while the C87's metadata does not include this tag. It is advisable to confirm this detail with the seller before purchasing the C87 if hot-swap capability is critical.

No. Both the Royal Kludge C84 HE and C87 are wired-only keyboards, using a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable for connection. Neither model offers Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless options.

According to the manufacturer, both keyboards feature a triple-layer sound dampening system. This system includes a thick EVA sound dampener, a layer of sound-absorbing foam, and a bottom silicone pad to reduce hollow sounds and typing noise.

Yes. Both the C84 HE and C87 use Hall Effect magnetic switches that allow you to adjust the actuation point for each key individually. The adjustable range is from 0.01mm to 3.5mm, which is configured through the web-based driver software.

Both keyboards have an 8000Hz (8K) polling rate. The manufacturer states this provides a 0.125ms response time, which is significantly faster than a standard 1000Hz gaming keyboard.

Both the Royal Kludge C84 HE and C87 come equipped with Cherry profile, double-shot PBT keycaps. PBT plastic is more durable and resistant to shine compared to ABS.

Yes. Both models support Rapid Trigger technology, which the manufacturer describes as having a 0.01mm step distance. This allows a key to reset and be pressed again with minimal physical movement, which is beneficial for fast-paced gaming.

The vendor listing for the C87 states the package includes the keyboard, four backup magnetic switches, a USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap and switch puller, a dust cover, and a user manual.

The vendor listing for the C84 HE states the package includes the keyboard, four backup magnetic switches, a USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap and switch puller, and a user manual. A dust cover is not mentioned.

Both keyboards are equally capable for competitive FPS gaming. They share the same 8000Hz polling rate, ultra-low latency, Rapid Trigger support, and adjustable actuation points. The manufacturer specifically markets both models for games like Valorant and CS:GO. The choice here is purely about which layout you find more comfortable during long gaming sessions.

Both keyboards use a web-based driver, which means you access the customization software through a browser instead of installing a dedicated application. This software allows you to remap keys, create macros, adjust RGB lighting, and configure advanced features like Rapid Trigger and actuation points. The manufacturer states it is compatible with both Windows and macOS.

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