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Compare Keychron V3 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two similarly priced, wired, 80% TKL keyboards focused on customization. The Keychron V3 and Royal Kludge R87 PRO both offer hot-swappable PCBs, QMK/VIA support, and south-facing RGB. The decision is difficult because they share core enthusiast features but diverge in key areas like mount style, layout support, and physical build, making the choice dependent on specific modding goals and regional layout needs.

96
Keychron V3 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
88
R87 PRO TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)

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2.4 (16)
0.0 (0)
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Linear, Tactile, Clicky switch options
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-CH 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 1360 g
  • Sized at 19 x 141 x 367 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White 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
  • 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: 91
  • Build Quality: 88.5
  • Productivity: 97.5
  • Customizability: 99.7
  • Portability: 57.6
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 78.1
  • Productivity: 92.9
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 85.5
Name
Keychron V3
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
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW, ISO-CH
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;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
-
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
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
19 x 141 x 367 mm
Dimensions
43 x 131 x 43 mm
Weight
1360g
Weight
760g
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Keychron V3

  • +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.
  • +Comes with dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle.
  • +Heavier 1120g build for solid desk presence.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, lacking wireless options.
  • −Heavier and larger dimensions than the R87 PRO, making it less portable.
  • −Uses a tray mount design instead of a gasket mount.

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

  • +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.
  • +Comes with a keycap and switch puller and four spare switches.
  • −Only supports the ANSI layout, limiting international use.
  • −Only available with linear switches, no tactile or clicky options from the vendor.
  • −Vendor description lists 'Media Keys: No', which may conflict with other listed features.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie
  • •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.
OfficeKeychron V3
  • •The Keychron V3 offers extensive layout support including ISO-DE, ISO-UK, and ISO-FR for international users.
  • •It includes dedicated Mac and Windows keycaps and a system toggle.
  • •Its heavier 1120g weight provides more desk stability.
ProgrammingKeychron V3
  • •The Keychron V3 supports a wider variety of layouts (ANSI, ISO, JIS, multiple ISO variants).
  • •It offers a choice of linear, tactile, and clicky switch types out of the box.
  • •Both support full QMK and VIA programming for macros and layers.
TravelRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is significantly lighter at 760g compared to the V3's 1120g.
  • •Its listed dimensions are more compact (43 x 131 x 43 mm vs 19 x 141 x 367 mm).
ModdingKeychron V3
  • •The Keychron V3 supports a vast array of layouts and switch types (linear, tactile, clicky) for experimentation.
  • •It uses screw-in PCB stabilizers, which are preferred for modding over plate-mounted ones.
  • •It is available in a barebones kit form, allowing for complete personalization.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a programmable aluminum knob for timeline scrubbing or volume control.
  • •Both have south-facing RGB lighting and multimedia keys.
  • •Both support deep key remapping via QMK/VIA for software shortcuts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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