KeebFinder
Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!

Compare Keychron V2 vs Royal Kludge R65 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular, feature-rich 65% keyboards at a similar price. The Keychron V2 and Royal Kludge R65 both offer hot-swap sockets, programmable knobs, and QMK/VIA support, making the choice difficult. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize wired-only flexibility with multiple layout and switch options, or a more portable wireless design with a specific premium feel.

91
Keychron V2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
86
R65 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)

Select a keyboard to compare

2.5 (17)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ANSI layout standard
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Includes screw-in stabilizers
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Weighs about 855 g
  • Sized at 20 x 123 x 330 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 580 g
  • Sized at 41 x 116 x 41 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 66.8
  • Build Quality: 86.2
  • Productivity: 94.7
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 74.9
Scores
  • Performance: 65.8
  • Build Quality: 84
  • Productivity: 89.1
  • Customizability: 89.8
  • Portability: 86.1
Name
Keychron V2
Name
Royal Kludge R65
Release year
2022
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
65%
Layout Standard
ISO, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, 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
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
20 x 123 x 330 mm
Dimensions
41 x 116 x 41 mm
Weight
855g
Weight
580g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!
Show more

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require wireless freedom, a lighter keyboard, and prefer a gasket-mounted typing experience, the Royal Kludge R65 is the clear pick. If your priority is maximum customization from layout options to switch types, and you plan to heavily modify your keyboard, the wired Keychron V2 offers a more flexible foundation. Both deliver excellent programmability and a compact 65% form factor.

Keychron V2

  • +Extensive layout support for ISO, ANSI, and multiple European ISO standards.
  • +Available in both fully assembled and barebones kit configurations.
  • +Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers for a stable typing feel.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • +Comes with dedicated keycap sets for both Mac and Windows systems.
  • −Wired-only connectivity limits placement and device switching.
  • −Heavier build at 855g reduces portability.
  • −Uses a tray mount design, which can feel stiffer than gasket mounts.

Royal Kludge R65

  • +Offers tri-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired options.
  • +Features a gasket mount design with 5-layer noise dampening for a softer typing feel.
  • +Lighter weight of 580g and potentially more compact dimensions.
  • +Constructed with an aluminum case for a premium material feel.
  • −Only available with linear switches, limiting tactile or clicky options out of the box.
  • −Supports only the ANSI layout standard.
  • −Vendor description does not mention screw-in stabilizers, which may indicate clip-in stabilizers are used.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Royal Kludge R65 wins for office use and travel due to its wireless features and lighter weight. The Keychron V2 is the stronger choice for programming and modding, thanks to its extensive layout support and barebones availability. For gaming and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched on core performance features, leaving the choice to personal preference on connectivity and typing feel.

GamingTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive input.
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for creating gaming macros.
  • •The Keychron V2's south-facing RGB LEDs avoid interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, while the R65's gasket mount may offer a more comfortable feel for long sessions.
OfficeRoyal Kludge R65
  • •The Royal Kludge R65 offers Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity for a cleaner desk and device switching.
  • •It is significantly lighter at 580g compared to the V2's 855g, making it easier to move.
  • •The R65's aluminum case and 5-layer noise dampening, as described by the vendor, may provide a more premium and quieter presence.
ProgrammingKeychron V2
  • •The Keychron V2 supports multiple layout standards including ISO, ANSI, and various European ISO layouts, offering greater keycap compatibility.
  • •It includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle for seamless switching between operating systems.
  • •Screw-in PCB stabilizers, as listed in its features, can contribute to a more stable typing experience on large keys.
TravelRoyal Kludge R65
  • •The Royal Kludge R65 is over 270g lighter than the Keychron V2.
  • •Wireless connectivity eliminates the need to carry or manage a cable.
  • •Its smaller listed dimensions (41 x 116 x 41 mm vs 20 x 123 x 330 mm for the V2) suggest a more compact overall footprint.
ModdingKeychron V2
  • •The Keychron V2 is available as a barebones kit, allowing you to choose your own switches and keycaps from the start.
  • •It supports a wider variety of switch types out of the box, including linear, tactile, and clicky, not just linear.
  • •The vendor description confirms it uses screw-in PCB stabilizers which are preferred by modders for stability and ease of tuning.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a programmable aluminum knob for controlling volume, zoom, or brush size.
  • •Both support QMK/VIA for extensive macro programming to streamline workflows.
  • •The Keychron V2's south-facing RGB is better for shine-through keycaps, while the R65's gasket mount may offer a more pleasing acoustic profile for recording.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Discover similar products

You might also like similar products in that price range:

97
$44
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3
80%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

97
$44
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

97
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

92
$59
Keychron Q4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q4
60%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

96
$49
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

92
$59
Keychron Q7 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q7
70%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

94
$94
Keychron V3 Max QMK Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Max
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

86
$59
R75 75% Wired Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)
Royal Kludge R75
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

92
$114
Keychron V3 Ultra 8K Wireless Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V3 Ultra
80%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

93
$59
Keychron Q2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron Q2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount