Keychron V1 Max vs Royal Kludge R87 PROWireless vs Wired Choice
Choose the Keychron V1 Max for wireless flexibility and extensive layout support, or the Royal Kludge R87 PRO for a lower-cost, wired TKL experience.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V1 Max
Wireless
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Wired Choice
- More affordable price point.
- Includes pre-lubed linear creamy switches out of the box.
- Features a removable metal volume knob.
- 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.
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.
The differences that matter
Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.
Keychron V1 Max
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Layout size
75%
80%
Battery
4,000 mAh
6,000 mAh
Case material
ABS, Plastic
Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount
Gasket Mount
- Keychron V1 Max
- Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- Performance
- 8384
- Build quality
- 8678
- Productivity
- 9793
- Customizability
- 9891
- Portability
- 7985
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Knob
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Keychron 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.
What owners say
Ratings and quotes collected from verified store reviews, including the critical ones.
Keychron V1 Max
18 owner reviews
“Feels great, haven't got a new KB since my Novatouch. Great high end features and feel, DSA caps on it feel good.”
“The dongle does not work after 6 months of using it and they want me to pay to fix it. If you want to buy a keyboard that is good don’t go for keycron”
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
No owner reviews collected yet.
Keychron V1 Max vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V1 Max
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Keychron V1 Max vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO: your questions
No, the Royal Kludge R87 PRO is a wired-only mechanical keyboard. It connects via a detachable USB Type-C cable. The Keychron V1 Max offers tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired options.
Both keyboards support QMK and VIA for key remapping and macro programming. The Keychron V1 Max also offers the Keychron Launcher, a web-based configurator that works across operating systems without software installation.
The Royal Kludge R87 PRO listing states it is compatible with macOS, but it only includes a standard ANSI US QWERTY keycap set. The Keychron V1 Max includes an additional set of keycaps specifically for Mac layouts, along with a physical system toggle switch.
Yes, but the Keychron V1 Max has an advantage. It uses screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are easier to remove and replace. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO vendor description does not specify the stabilizer type, but it is hot-swappable for switches.
The fully assembled Keychron V1 Max comes with Gateron Jupiter switches. According to Keychron, these are pre-lubed and available in linear (Red), tactile (Brown), and tactile (Banana) variants. The barebones kit includes no switches.
Yes, the Royal Kludge R87 PRO features a removable metal volume knob. The vendor states you can rotate it for volume control, press to mute, and it can be replaced with a standard keycap if desired.
The Keychron V1 Max uses a 75% layout, which is more compact than the Royal Kludge R87 PRO's 80% TKL layout. The 75% layout integrates the function keys and navigation cluster into a tighter space, saving more desk area.
Yes, the Keychron V1 Max is sold in a 'Barebone Knob' version. This kit includes the ABS plastic case, PCB with screw-in stabilizers, and polycarbonate plate, but you must supply your own switches and keycaps.
Keychron states the V1 Max has a 4000mAh battery. With RGB off, lab tests show up to 190 hours of wireless use. With RGB on at the lowest brightness, battery life is up to 100 hours. Actual use will vary.
No, neither keyboard uses shine-through keycaps for the backlight. Both feature south-facing RGB LEDs. The Keychron V1 Max uses non-shine-through double-shot PBT OSA profile keycaps, while the R87 PRO uses double-shot PBT Cherry profile keycaps.
The Keychron V1 Max is the clear choice for European users. It is available in a wide array of ISO layouts, including ISO-DE (German), ISO-UK (British), ISO-Nordic, ISO-ES (Spanish), ISO-FR (French), and ISO-IT (Italian). The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is only available in ANSI layout.
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