Keychron V3 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Choose the Keychron V3 for extensive layout and switch options, or the Royal Kludge R87 PRO for a lighter, gasket-mounted build with a simpler layout.
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4.9 (17)4.9 · 17 reviews
from$54at Keychron
No reviews
from$64at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V3
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $100.
- Extensive layout support including ANSI, ISO, JIS, and multiple European ISO variants.
- Choice of linear, tactile, or clicky Keychron K Pro switches in the fully assembled version.
- Includes screw-in PCB stabilizers and is available as a barebones kit.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Build quality in the top 20% of 80% boards under $100.
- Features a gasket mount design with sound-absorbing foam for a potentially quieter, more flexible typing feel.
- Significantly lighter at 760g, enhancing portability.
- Includes a removable metal volume knob and pre-lubed linear creamy switches.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Your primary need dictates the choice. Select the Keychron V3 if you require specific international layouts, want to choose between linear, tactile, or clicky switches, or plan extensive modding with screw-in stabilizers. Opt for the Royal Kludge R87 PRO if you prefer a lighter, gasket-mounted keyboard for a potentially softer typing feel and only need the standard ANSI layout with linear switches.
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 V3
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
ABS, Plastic
Plastic
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Linear
Mount style
Gasket Mount, Plate Mount, Tray Mount
Gasket Mount
Weight
1,360 g
760 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Keychron V3
- Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- Performance
- 9183
- Build quality
- 8878
- Productivity
- 9893
- Customizability
- 9891
- Portability
- 5885
- Layout size: 80%
- Hot-swappable
- Knob
- QMK
- VIA
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron V3 holds clear advantages for office use and programming due to its international layout support and wider initial switch selection. It is also the stronger choice for modders seeking maximum flexibility. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO wins for travel due to its lighter weight. For gaming and content creation, the keyboards are evenly matched on core performance features like polling rate and programmability.
It's a tie
- Both keyboards feature a 1000 Hz polling rate for responsive input.
- Both support N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Both have south-facing RGB LEDs and programmable knobs for media control.
Keychron V3 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
10 of 27 specs differ
Keychron V3
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
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Keychron V3
Keychron
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
In stockShips to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-ES
In stockDoes not ship to you
Keychron (DE)
ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
Out of stockDoes not ship to you
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
No ISO layout at the stores we track.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
Keychron V3 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO: your questions
The Royal Kludge R87 PRO uses a gasket mount, which the manufacturer states reduces sound resonance and offers more typing flexibility with foam layers. The Keychron V3 uses a tray mount design. Gasket mounts are generally associated with a softer, more consistent feel, while tray mounts can feel firmer and more direct.
Yes. The Keychron V3 listing confirms Mac/Win support. The vendor description specifies it includes an additional set of keycaps for macOS and a system toggle to switch between macOS and Windows layouts, making it particularly Mac-friendly.
Yes. According to the Royal Kludge package contents, it includes four spare Creamy switches along with a keycap and switch puller. The Keychron V3 vendor description does not mention including spare switches.
Yes. Both the Keychron V3 and Royal Kludge R87 PRO support QMK and VIA firmware. This allows for deep customization of key mappings, layers, and macros through their respective web apps or firmware.
The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is more portable. It weighs 760g compared to the Keychron V3's 1120g, and its listed dimensions are also more compact. The significant weight difference makes the R87 PRO easier to carry.
Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable. The Keychron V3 PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin MX mechanical switches. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is also listed as hot-swappable, allowing for easy switch changes without soldering.
The Keychron V3 uses OSA profile double-shot PBT keycaps, which the vendor describes as OEM height with an SA-like shape. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO uses Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps. The choice between OSA and Cherry profile is subjective to typing preference.
Yes, both keyboards feature a programmable knob. The Keychron V3 has an aluminum rotary encoder. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO specifically mentions a removable metal volume knob that can also be replaced with a standard keycap.
Yes. Both the Keychron V3 and Royal Kludge R87 PRO have south-facing RGB LEDs. This design prevents interference with Cherry-profile keycaps and often provides better lighting from the user's perspective.
The Keychron V3 is the clear choice. Its metadata lists support for ISO-UK and ISO-DE layouts, among others. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO only supports the ANSI layout, which is not standard for the UK or Germany.
Both use plastic cases. The Keychron V3 uses an ABS plastic case with a steel plate and screw-in stabilizers, contributing to its heavier weight. The Royal Kludge R87 PRO uses a gasket mount structure with sound-absorbing foam and case foam, focusing on acoustic dampening and flex.
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