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Compare Keychron V1 Max vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a premium wireless 75% keyboard and a value-oriented wired TKL. Both boards offer gasket mounts, hot-swappable sockets, and QMK/VIA programmability, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize wireless connectivity and international layouts or a lower price point and a traditional TKL form factor.

98
Keychron V1 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
88
R87 PRO TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)

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4.3 (32)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2023
  • Has Tactile, Linear, Clicky switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, ANSI layout standard
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 770 g
  • Sized at 22 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a ABS, Plastic case
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • 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
Scores
  • Performance: 83.2
  • Build Quality: 86.3
  • Productivity: 97.3
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 79.2
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 78.1
  • Productivity: 92.9
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 85.5
Name
Keychron V1 Max
Name
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Release year
2023
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-IT, ISO-PT, ISO, 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, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
4000 mAh
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, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
ABS, Plastic
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
22 x 149 x 329 mm
Dimensions
43 x 131 x 43 mm
Weight
770g
Weight
760g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and need for wireless operation are the deciding factors. The Keychron V1 Max justifies its higher cost with robust wireless performance, exceptional layout flexibility, and superior modding foundations. Choose the Royal Kludge R87 PRO if you want a solid, wired TKL keyboard with good programmability at a more accessible price, and do not need wireless or ISO layouts.

Keychron V1 Max

  • +Tri-mode wireless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz.
  • +Extensive layout support for multiple ISO regions (DE, UK, Nordic, etc.).
  • +Available as a barebones kit for full customization.
  • +Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and a polycarbonate plate.
  • +Comes with double-shot OSA PBT keycaps and Mac/Windows keycap sets.
  • −Higher price point compared to the R87 PRO.
  • −Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to some wireless competitors.
  • −The vendor description notes some users have reported key chatter issues over time.

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

  • +More affordable price point.
  • +Includes pre-lubed linear creamy switches out of the box.
  • +Features a removable metal volume knob.
  • +Uses Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, lacking wireless options.
  • −Only available in ANSI layout, with no ISO support.
  • −Comes with only linear switch options, no tactile or clicky variants listed.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V1 Max is the more versatile choice, winning in scenarios demanding wireless connectivity, multi-device use, or specific international layouts for office and programming work. Its modding credentials are also stronger. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is a simpler, more affordable wired option that suits travel and users who prefer a standard TKL layout. For content creation, both are evenly matched due to their shared knob and programmability features.

GamingKeychron V1 Max
  • •The Keychron V1 Max offers a 1000 Hz polling rate in its 2.4 GHz wireless mode for low-latency gaming.
  • •Its 75% layout saves desk space while retaining arrow and function keys.
  • •The manufacturer states its ARM MCU and 1000 Hz polling rate make latency 'hardly noticeable' in competitive games.
OfficeKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max supports tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for easy switching between multiple devices.
  • •It includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for seamless cross-platform use.
  • •Its wireless capability and compact 75% layout can help reduce cable clutter in a shared workspace.
ProgrammingKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max offers extensive layout support, including ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-Nordic, and other European layouts.
  • •Full QMK/VIA support allows for deep key remapping and macro creation for coding shortcuts.
  • •The 75% layout provides arrow keys and a compact function row without sacrificing too much key real estate.
TravelRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is a wired-only keyboard, eliminating the need to manage battery charging on the go.
  • •It is slightly lighter at 760g compared to the V1 Max's 770g.
  • •Its TKL (80%) layout is a familiar, portable size that is widely compatible.
ModdingKeychron V1 Max
  • •The V1 Max is available in a barebones kit version for custom builds.
  • •It features screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are preferred by modders for their stability.
  • •Its hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches, according to the manufacturer's specifications.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a programmable knob for media control and volume adjustment.
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for creating macros for editing software.
  • •Both use south-facing RGB LEDs, which are compatible with Cherry-profile keycaps for aftermarket customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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