Royal Kludge C84 HE vs C87Hot-Swap or TKL Size
Get the C84 HE for its compact 75% layout and hot-swappable magnetic switches, or the C87 for its larger 80% layout and included dust cover.
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from$74at Royal Kludge
from$73at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge C84 HE
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 75% boards under $100.
- Hot-swappable design for RK magnetic switches.
- 75% layout and smaller listed dimensions than the C87.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- No numpad.
Get the
Royal Kludge C87
Build quality in the bottom 5% of 80% boards under $100.
- 80% layout with 87 keys.
- Includes a dust cover in the package.
- Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
- No numpad.
Choose the C84 HE if you want the smaller 75% footprint and hot-swappable RK magnetic switches. Choose the C87 if its 80% layout and included dust cover better match your desk and storage needs. Both offer Hall Effect switches, Rapid Trigger, and adjustable actuation, but neither has a numpad or supports standard MX switches.
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
Switch changes without soldering
Dimensions
41 x 317 x 126 mm
41 x 366 x 139 mm
- Royal Kludge C84 HE
- Royal Kludge C87
- Performance
- 9493
- Build quality
- 5044
- Productivity
- 7670
- Customizability
- 5949
- Portability
- 6356
- Hall effect (magnetic)
- Rapid trigger
- Connection: Wired
- Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
- Switch options: Magnetic
- Weight: 770 g
What will you mostly use it for?
Gaming is a close call because both boards share the core Hall Effect and Rapid Trigger features. The C84 HE is the more compact pick for travel and switch swapping, while the C87's larger layout may suit buyers who prefer more keys. The C87 also includes a dust cover. Both are wired-only and have no numpad.
It's a tie
- Both models have Hall Effect magnetic switches, Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation from 0.01–3.5mm, and an 8K Hz polling rate.
- The C84 HE is 75%, while the C87 is 80%, so choose based on the footprint and key layout you prefer.
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
Switch options
Hall effect (magnetic)
Rapid trigger
Hot-swappable
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge C84 HE vs C87: your questions
The C84 HE is a 75% keyboard with 84 keys, while the C87 is an 80% keyboard with 87 keys. The C84 HE is hot-swappable for RK magnetic switches, while the C87 package includes a dust cover.
Yes, the C84 HE is listed as hot-swappable for RK magnetic switches. Standard MX switches will not fit.
No, the C87 product specifications say it is not hot-swappable. It uses magnetic switches, and standard MX switches will not fit.
Yes, both models list Rapid Trigger and Hall Effect magnetic switches. Their vendor descriptions also specify adjustable actuation from 0.01–3.5mm.
The C84 HE is smaller, with listed dimensions of 41 x 317 x 126 mm. The C87 measures 41 x 366 x 139 mm.
No, both are listed as wired-only keyboards. Their vendor descriptions specify a detachable USB-A to USB-C connection.
Neither product's compatibility information indicates a numpad, and both are listed with the rule that the layout has no numpad. The C84 HE is 75%, while the C87 is 80%.
Both use magnetic switches, and standard MX switches will not fit. The C84 HE is hot-swappable for RK magnetic switches, while the C87 is not listed as hot-swappable.
Yes, both are listed with an 8K Hz polling rate. Their vendor descriptions also list Hall Effect switches and Rapid Trigger.
The C87 package listing includes four backup switches, a Type-C-USB cable, a keycap and switch puller, a dust cover, and a user manual. The C84 HE package listing does not include a dust cover.
The C84 HE is the more suitable choice if switch replacement matters because it is hot-swappable for RK magnetic switches. The C87 is listed as not hot-swappable, and neither model accepts standard MX switches.
Both product listings specify Windows and macOS compatibility. Both also list a web-based driver for customization.
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