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Compare Keychron K5 Pro vs Royal Kludge N80 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular low-profile wireless mechanical keyboards. The Keychron K5 Pro offers a full-size layout with extensive programmability, while the Royal Kludge N80 provides a space-saving 75% design with unique features like a screen and knob. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a complete number pad and open-source firmware or a more portable size with multimedia controls and longer battery runtime.

88
Keychron K5 Pro QMK/VIA Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
75
N80 Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard

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4.8 (8)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 100% layout
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ANSI layout standard
  • Includes a No display
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 2000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 720 g
  • Sized at 18 x 120 x 435 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum, Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, North-face, Rgb North-face, White, White North-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1200 g
  • Sized at 28 x 330 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 80.8
  • Build Quality: 79.8
  • Productivity: 79.8
  • Customizability: 89
  • Portability: 53.2
Scores
  • Performance: 64.9
  • Build Quality: 62.9
  • Productivity: 82.3
  • Customizability: 72.6
  • Portability: 79.3
Name
Keychron K5 Pro
Name
Royal Kludge N80
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Low Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
100%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, JIS, ISO-SW, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, 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
Bluetooth, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
2000 mAh
Battery capacity
3750 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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Top Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, North-face, White
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum, Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
18 x 120 x 435 mm
Dimensions
28 x 330 x 140 mm
Weight
720g
Weight
1200g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a full number pad, plan to heavily customize your keymap with QMK/VIA, or need specific international layouts, the Keychron K5 Pro is the better tool. If saving desk space, having a screen/knob for media control, and maximizing wireless battery life are higher priorities, the Royal Kludge N80 is the more suitable compact keyboard.

Keychron K5 Pro

  • +Full-size 100% layout with a number pad.
  • +Open-source QMK and VIA firmware support for deep customization.
  • +Includes low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps for better durability.
  • +Aluminum frame construction for a more premium feel.
  • +Supports a wide array of international layout standards (ISO, ANSI, JIS).
  • −Smaller 2000mAh battery capacity.
  • −Larger footprint is less portable.
  • −Lacks a 2.4 GHz wireless dongle, relying on Bluetooth and wired modes.
  • −No integrated screen or control knob.

Royal Kludge N80

  • +Compact 75% layout saves desk space.
  • +Includes a smart display screen and control knob.
  • +Larger 3750mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Features tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired).
  • +Comes with a USB 2.0 passthrough port.
  • −Limited to ANSI layout only.
  • −Keycaps are double-shot ABS, which may develop shine over time.
  • −Hot-swap is limited to RK low-profile switches only.
  • −Lacks open-source firmware support like QMK or VIA.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron K5 Pro is the clear choice for programmers and modders due to its full layout and QMK support, while the Royal Kludge N80 wins for office and travel with its space-saving design and USB passthrough. Gamers leaning on wired performance will prefer the K5 Pro. For content creation, the K5 Pro's number pad and the N80's knob offer different advantages, making it a tie.

GamingKeychron K5 Pro
  • •The K5 Pro has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate in wired mode for lower latency.
  • •Its full-size layout includes a number pad useful for certain game genres.
  • •The manufacturer states its 1000 Hz polling rate is engineered for competitive gaming.
OfficeRoyal Kludge N80
  • •The N80's 75% layout saves significant desk space.
  • •It includes a USB 2.0 passthrough port for connecting peripherals.
  • •Its 3750mAh battery is nearly double the capacity of the K5 Pro's 2000mAh cell.
ProgrammingKeychron K5 Pro
  • •The K5 Pro's full-size layout includes a dedicated number pad for data entry.
  • •It offers QMK and VIA support for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
  • •It supports multiple layout standards including ISO and ANSI for international users.
TravelRoyal Kludge N80
  • •The N80 is a 75% keyboard, making it more compact than the full-size K5 Pro.
  • •It supports tri-mode connectivity with a 2.4 GHz dongle for reliable wireless use.
  • •Its larger 3750mAh battery supports longer use between charges.
ModdingKeychron K5 Pro
  • •The K5 Pro explicitly supports QMK and VIA firmware for deep customization.
  • •It features hot-swappable sockets for Gateron low-profile switches.
  • •It comes with low-profile double-shot PBT keycaps, a more durable material than the N80's ABS.
Content CreationTie
  • •The K5 Pro's number pad is useful for video editing timelines and spreadsheet work.
  • •The N80 includes a control knob, which can be mapped to scrub timelines or adjust volume.
  • •Both offer RGB backlighting for working in low-light environments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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