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Compare Keychron C3 Pro vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-rich TKL mechanical keyboards at a similar price point. The Keychron C3 Pro is a wired-only model emphasizing high-performance gaming with an 8000Hz polling rate. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO offers tri-mode wireless connectivity and a dedicated volume knob. The decision is difficult because both share a gasket mount, hot-swappable sockets, QMK/VIA support, and PBT keycaps, making connectivity and specific features the key differentiators.

89
Keychron C3 Pro 8K QMK Wired Custom Mechanical Keyboard
88
R87 PRO TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)

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4.5 (2)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 8000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 912 g
  • Sized at 21 x 365 x 138 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 760 g
  • Sized at 43 x 131 x 43 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 89.8
  • Build Quality: 80.7
  • Productivity: 90.7
  • Customizability: 89
  • Portability: 58.3
Scores
  • Performance: 83.4
  • Build Quality: 78.4
  • Productivity: 93.2
  • Customizability: 92.5
  • Portability: 85.4
Name
Keychron C3 Pro
Name
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
8000 Hz;1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
6000 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
21 x 365 x 138 mm
Dimensions
43 x 131 x 43 mm
Weight
912g
Weight
760g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you play fast-paced competitive games and prioritize the lowest possible latency, the wired Keychron C3 Pro with its 8000Hz mode is the clear option. If you value a clean desk, need to switch between multiple devices, or want quick access to a volume knob, the Royal Kludge R87 PRO's wireless flexibility and added control make it more versatile for daily use.

Keychron C3 Pro

  • +Features an 8000 Hz polling rate for high-speed signal transmission.
  • +Includes three adjustable typing angles (4°, 6°, 8.7°) for ergonomics.
  • +Uses north-facing RGB LEDs for brighter shine-through keycap legends.
  • +Comes with multiple internal foam layers (EVA, IXPE film, EPDM, silicone pad) for sound dampening.
  • +Offers a choice of linear, tactile, and clicky Keychron Super switch variants.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
  • −Heavier at 912g compared to the R87 PRO.
  • −Lacks a dedicated volume control knob.

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

  • +Provides tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired options.
  • +Includes a removable CNC metal volume knob for media control.
  • +Lighter weight of 760g enhances portability.
  • +Features south-facing RGB LEDs, which the vendor states improve key legend visibility.
  • +Comes with four spare Creamy switches and a switch puller in the box.
  • −Only available with linear Creamy switches, offering less variety out of the box.
  • −No user reviews are available in the aggregated metadata for performance verification.
  • −The vendor description specifies this is a wired-only version, conflicting with the metadata's wireless listing, creating potential confusion.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Royal Kludge R87 PRO wins in scenarios prioritizing flexibility and convenience, taking the lead for office use, travel, and content creation due to its wireless modes and volume knob. The Keychron C3 Pro is the definitive choice for competitive gaming, leveraging its high polling rate. For stationary, cable-friendly tasks like programming and keyboard modding, both models are equally capable, sharing core enthusiast features like programmability and hot-swap sockets.

GamingKeychron C3 Pro
  • •The Keychron C3 Pro offers an 8000 Hz polling rate for minimal input lag.
  • •Its north-facing RGB LEDs provide brighter shine-through keycap legends.
  • •It supports a wider variety of switch types, including linear, tactile, and clicky options.
OfficeRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The Royal Kludge R87 PRO offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for easy device switching.
  • •It includes a removable metal volume knob for convenient media control.
  • •It is lighter at 760g compared to the C3 Pro's 912g.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both keyboards support QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • •Both feature a TKL layout that saves space while retaining essential navigation keys.
  • •Both use Cherry profile PBT keycaps for a consistent typing feel.
TravelRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is lighter at 760g versus 912g.
  • •Its wireless connectivity eliminates the need for a cable when moving between setups.
  • •The vendor description lists a more compact dimension of 43 x 131 x 43 mm.
ModdingTie
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable, supporting 3-pin and 5-pin MX-style switches.
  • •Both utilize a gasket mount design for a softer typing feel.
  • •Both include sound-dampening foam from the factory.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The Royal Kludge R87 PRO's dedicated volume knob offers tactile control for audio editing.
  • •Wireless connectivity reduces desktop cable clutter for a cleaner workspace.
  • •Its south-facing LEDs are listed as providing better key legend visibility for the user.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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