Keychron V1 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO: Wired Custom Keyboard Showdown

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

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular, feature-rich wired mechanical keyboards at a similar price point. The Keychron V1 offers extensive layout support and a reputation for modding, while the Royal Kludge R87 PRO provides a more compact TKL design and the option for a wireless variant. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize ultimate customizability and specific regional layouts or prefer a slightly more portable, wireless-capable board with a traditional TKL key arrangement.

Model
Rating	2.5 stars (60 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2022 Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options Available in a 75% layout Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO layout standard Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Tray Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Weighs about 995 g Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features PBT, ABS, keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2024 Has Linear switch options Available in a 80% layout Built with the ANSI layout standard Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style 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
Score	Scores Performance: 90.8 Build Quality: 89.1 Productivity: 97.8 Customizability: 99.4 Portability: 64.6	Scores Performance: 83.4 Build Quality: 78.3 Productivity: 93 Customizability: 92.5 Portability: 85.7
Name	Name Keychron V1	Name Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Release year	Release year 2022	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Clicky	Switch Options Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 75%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate 1000 Hz;8000 Hz	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 6000 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Tray Mount	Mount Style Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT, ABS,	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 18 x 149 x 329 mm	Dimensions 43 x 131 x 43 mm
Weight	Weight 995g	Weight 760g

Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard

R87 PRO TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)

Select a keyboard to compare

2.5 stars (60 reviews)

0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2022
Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
Available in a 75% layout
Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO layout standard
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
Weighs about 995 g
Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm
Made with a Plastic, ABS case
Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting

Released in 2024
Has Linear switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Built with the ANSI layout standard
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
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: 90.8
Build Quality: 89.1
Productivity: 97.8
Customizability: 99.4
Portability: 64.6

Scores

Performance: 83.4
Build Quality: 78.3
Productivity: 93
Customizability: 92.5
Portability: 85.7

Name

Keychron V1

Name

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

Release year

2022

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Clicky

Switch Options

Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

75%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

1000 Hz;8000 Hz

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

6000 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Tray Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic, ABS

Case Material

Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT, ABS,

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

18 x 149 x 329 mm

Dimensions

43 x 131 x 43 mm

Weight

995g

Weight

760g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require specific international layouts, plan to heavily mod your keyboard, or want the option to build from a barebones kit, the Keychron V1 is the more capable platform. If wireless connectivity, a lighter build for portability, and a traditional TKL form factor are higher priorities, the Royal Kludge R87 PRO is the suitable pick, provided you confirm the specific connectivity of the model you're purchasing.

Keychron V1

+Extensive layout support including multiple ISO variants (DE, ES, FR, UK, Nordic, etc.).
+Available as a barebones kit for maximum customization from the start.
+Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and supports third-party stabilizers for easy modding.
+Vendor description confirms a 1000 Hz polling rate with an ARM Cortex-M4 MCU for reliable performance.
+Offers a choice between linear, tactile, and clicky Keychron K Pro switch types.

−Wired-only connectivity, lacking wireless options.
−Heavier at 995g, making it less portable.
−Uses a proprietary OSA profile for its stock keycaps, which may feel different from more common profiles.

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

+Offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, Wired) according to its metadata.
+Lighter weight of 760g enhances portability.
+Features a gasket mount design with sound-absorbing foam for a potentially softer typing feel.
+Includes a removable metal volume knob, as per the vendor description.
+Comes with Cherry profile PBT keycaps, a widely preferred profile.

−Only available with linear 'Creamy' switches, no stock tactile or clicky options.
−Limited to ANSI layout, lacking ISO support.
−Vendor description for the specific model compared is for a wired-only version, indicating potential confusion with wireless SKUs.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Keychron V1 takes clear leads in gaming due to its high polling rate option and in modding thanks to its barebones kits and detailed construction for tinkerers. It is also the definitive choice for programmers needing specific ISO layouts. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO wins for travel, leveraging its lighter weight and available wireless connectivity. For office use and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing core features like programmability, knobs, and sound-dampening.

GamingKeychron V1

•The Keychron V1 lists an 8000 Hz polling rate option in its metadata, which can offer lower latency.
•Its 75% layout retains arrow and function keys in a compact form, saving desk space for mouse movement.
•South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.

OfficeTie

•Both keyboards feature sound-dampening foam and pre-lubed switches for a quieter typing experience.
•Both support QMK/VIA for macro programming to streamline repetitive tasks.
•Both include multi-media keys and a volume knob for convenient control.

ProgrammingKeychron V1

•The Keychron V1 supports a wide array of ISO layouts (DE, ES, FR, UK, Nordic, etc.), crucial for international programmers.
•Its 75% layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys without the full size of a TKL.
•The vendor description highlights the ability to save separate layouts for macOS and Windows, useful for cross-platform development.

TravelRoyal Kludge R87 PRO

•The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is notably lighter at 760g compared to the V1's 995g.
•Its metadata includes Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity options, eliminating the need for a cable on the go.
•The TKL (80%) layout is slightly more standardized and may be easier to fit in a bag than a 75% layout with a unique right cluster.

ModdingKeychron V1

•The Keychron V1 is explicitly marketed as a gateway to custom keyboards, with a vendor description detailing screw-in stabilizers, hot-swap sockets, and a gasket/tray mount design.
•It offers a barebones kit option, allowing users to install their own switches and keycaps from the start.
•The listing confirms support for both 3-pin and 5-pin MX switches and third-party screw-in PCB stabilizers.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards feature a programmable knob, which can be mapped to timeline scrubbing, brush size, or volume control.
•Full QMK and VIA support on both allows for complex macro layers tailored to editing software.
•South-facing RGB on both ensures compatibility with a wide range of aftermarket keycap sets for aesthetic customization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Both keyboards are designed to reduce noise. They include sound-dampening foam and pre-lubed switches. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO vendor description emphasizes its gasket mount and foam for a quieter experience, while the Keychron V1 also features sound dampening and screw-in stabilizers to minimize rattle. In practice, the switch choice (linear vs. tactile/clicky) will have a greater impact on sound levels.