Royal Kludge C87 vs L98: Gaming Speed vs Southpaw Layout

Compare Royal Kludge C87 vs Royal Kludge L98 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two distinct Royal Kludge models at a similar price point. The choice is difficult because the C87 is a specialized, high-performance wired gaming tool, while the L98 is a feature-rich, wireless keyboard with a unique layout. Your decision hinges on whether you prioritize raw gaming specs or a versatile, ergonomic design for mixed use.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Magnetic switch options Available in a 80% layout Offers Normal ergonomics Includes a No display Compatible with both Mac and Windows 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 Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting	Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options Supports hot-swappable switches Available in a 96% layout Offers Southpaw ergonomics Comes with a knob Includes a Yes, LCD display Offers a USB passthrough port Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 990 g Sized at 45 x 400 x 140 mm Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 93.3 Build Quality: 44 Productivity: 70.5 Customizability: 48.8 Portability: 55.9	Scores Performance: 78.3 Build Quality: 75.6 Productivity: 80 Customizability: 73 Portability: 59.1
Name	Name Royal Kludge C87	Name Royal Kludge L98
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2025
Switch Options	Switch Options Magnetic	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 96%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Southpaw
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support LCD
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 8000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 8000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style -	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 366 x 139 mm	Dimensions 45 x 400 x 140 mm
Weight	Weight 770g	Weight 990g

C87 80% TKL Magnetic Hall Effect Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Has Magnetic switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Offers Normal ergonomics
Includes a No display
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
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
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
Supports hot-swappable switches
Available in a 96% layout
Offers Southpaw ergonomics
Comes with a knob
Includes a Yes, LCD display
Offers a USB passthrough port
Features N-key rollover
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Weighs about 990 g
Sized at 45 x 400 x 140 mm
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 93.3
Build Quality: 44
Productivity: 70.5
Customizability: 48.8
Portability: 55.9

Scores

Performance: 78.3
Build Quality: 75.6
Productivity: 80
Customizability: 73
Portability: 59.1

Name

Royal Kludge C87

Name

Royal Kludge L98

Release year

2025

Release year

2025

Switch Options

Magnetic

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Silent

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

96%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Southpaw

Knob Support

Display Support

LCD

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

8000 Hz

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

41 x 366 x 139 mm

Dimensions

45 x 400 x 140 mm

Weight

770g

Weight

990g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary task dictates the choice. For a dedicated gaming station where every millisecond counts, the Royal Kludge C87 and its Hall effect switches are the logical pick. If you need a versatile daily driver for work, creative tasks, or prefer a wireless setup with a unique ergonomic layout, the Royal Kludge L98 offers significantly more features and customization. The L98 is the more well-rounded board for most users.

Royal Kludge C87

+8000 Hz polling rate for minimal input latency in gaming.
+Hall effect magnetic switches with software-adjustable actuation points (0.01mm–3.5mm).
+Includes Rapid Trigger technology for competitive gaming.
+Triple-layer sound dampening system with EVA foam, sound-absorbing foam, and a silicone pad.
+Compact 80% TKL layout saves desk space.

−Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
−Hot-swap capability is restricted to RK magnetic switches only.
−Lacks media keys and a control knob.
−Heavier construction focus is on performance rather than premium materials.

Royal Kludge L98

+Unique southpaw (left-handed) 96% layout with a numpad.
+Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired).
+Features a smart display and a control knob.
+Five-layer sound dampening with foam, IXPE pad, silicone, and PET film.
+Fully hot-swappable PCB compatible with 3-pin and 5-pin switches.

−Larger and heavier (990g) than the C87, less portable.
−Southpaw layout requires adaptation for right-handed users accustomed to a right-side numpad.
−Wireless performance and battery life are not specified for gaming scenarios.
−Higher price point relative to the C87.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The C87 is the clear choice for dedicated, competitive gaming due to its high polling rate and Hall effect switches. For nearly all other scenarios, the L98 pulls ahead with its practical features. Its wireless connectivity, smart knob, and unique southpaw layout make it superior for office work, programming, and content creation. The L98 also offers more modding potential with its hot-swap sockets and gasket mount.

GamingRoyal Kludge C87

•The C87 has a dedicated 8000 Hz polling rate for ultra-low latency.
•It features Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.01mm to 3.5mm.
•It includes Rapid Trigger technology for faster key resets.

OfficeRoyal Kludge L98

•The L98 offers tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for device flexibility.
•Its 96% layout with a left-handed numpad provides full functionality in a compact form.
•It includes a smart display and knob for media control and system monitoring.

ProgrammingRoyal Kludge L98

•The L98's 96% layout includes a numpad, useful for data entry and shortcuts.
•Its southpaw layout can free up mouse space on the right for improved ergonomics.
•It features a USB 2.0 passthrough port for connecting peripherals.

TravelRoyal Kludge C87

•The C87 is lighter at 770g compared to the L98's 990g.
•Its 80% TKL layout is more compact, measuring 366mm wide versus the L98's 400mm.
•As a wired-only keyboard, it requires no battery management or charging cables.

ModdingRoyal Kludge L98

•The L98 is fully hot-swappable, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•It features a gasket mount structure for a customizable typing feel.
•It comes with screw-in stabilizers, which are typically more stable and moddable.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge L98

•The L98's integrated knob and screen offer quick access to volume and system controls.
•Its left-handed numpad allows for efficient numerical input while keeping the right hand on a pen or mouse.
•The vendor description states it is 'ideal for creators' with its south-facing RGB and software support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)