Royal Kludge C87 vs M87Gaming Speed vs Wireless Versatility

The Royal Kludge C87 is better for competitive FPS gaming. It is specifically designed for this use case with an 8000Hz polling rate, Hall effect switches featuring adjustable actuation down to 0.01mm, and Rapid Trigger technology. These features combine to provide faster response times and more precise control compared to the M87's standard linear switches.

Yes, the RK M87 supports multi-device connectivity. According to the manufacturer, it supports connecting up to three devices via Bluetooth, and you can switch between them easily. It also has a 2.4GHz wireless dongle and a wired USB-C mode for maximum flexibility across computers, tablets, and phones.

Both keyboards use Cherry profile PBT keycaps, which are durable and resist shine. The keycap material and profile are therefore similar. The main lighting difference is that the M87 uses south-facing RGB LEDs, which are better for compatibility with aftermarket Cherry profile keycaps as they won't cause interference.

The RK M87 is generally easier and more rewarding to mod. It features a gasket-mounted design, which is a popular modding platform for altering sound and feel. Its hot-swappable PCB also supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, giving you a much wider selection of replacement switches than the C87, which only accepts RK's proprietary magnetic switches.

No, the RK C87 is a wired-only keyboard. Its connectivity is limited to a detachable USB-C to USB-A cable. This design choice is focused on providing the most stable connection and highest performance for gaming, eliminating potential wireless latency or interference.

The RK M87 has a substantial 7500mAh battery. The manufacturer claims it offers up to 400 hours of usage with the RGB backlight turned off. This should translate to weeks of typical use between charges, making it very practical for wireless daily driving.

No, the RK M87 uses standard linear cream switches which have a fixed actuation point. The ability to finely adjust the actuation distance from 0.01mm to 3.5mm is a specific feature of the Hall effect magnetic switches found in the RK C87.

The RK C87 includes the keyboard, 4 backup magnetic switches, a USB-C cable, a keycap and switch puller, a dust cover, and a user manual. The RK M87 includes the keyboard, 4 spare cream switches, a 5.6-inch USB-C cable, a keycap and switch puller, and a user manual.

The RK M87 is likely the quieter option. It utilizes a 5-layer noise dampening system within its gasket-mounted design, which is more extensive than the C87's 3-layer system. This should result in a more muted, less hollow sound during typing, which is better for shared workspaces.

Yes, both keyboards list compatibility with Windows and macOS. The RK C87 vendor page explicitly states Mac/Win support, and the M87's listed operating systems include Mac and iOS. Both should function for basic input, though advanced software features may vary.

The LCD screen on the RK M87 is a smart display that shows real-time information. According to the manufacturer, it can display the time, connection status, battery level, and even custom GIF images that you can upload via the software, adding both functionality and personalization.

The RK C87 is hot-swappable, but with a significant limitation. Its product description states it is 'Yes (RK magnetic switches only).' This means you can only swap in other Royal Kludge magnetic Hall effect switches, not the vast majority of standard mechanical switches on the market.