Keychron V3 vs Royal Kludge RK89Wired Custom vs Wireless Compact
Choose the Keychron V3 for deep customization and a premium typing feel, or the Royal Kludge RK89 for wireless flexibility and a unique compact layout with a number pad.
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4.7 (18)4.7 · 18 reviews
from$54at Keychron
No reviews
from$69at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Keychron V3
Wired Custom
Build quality in the top 5% of 80% boards under $100.
- Extensive customization via open-source QMK and VIA firmware support.
- High-quality build features including screw-in PCB stabilizers, a steel plate, and sound dampening.
- Includes double-shot PBT keycaps in the assembled version for better durability.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Royal Kludge RK89
Wireless Compact
Build quality in the bottom 20% of 80% boards under $100.
- Triple-mode wireless connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired USB-C.
- Innovative 89-key layout that includes a number pad in a compact form factor.
- Features two built-in USB 2.0 pass-through ports for peripherals.
- No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.
Your primary need dictates the choice. For a wired, enthusiast-grade keyboard that serves as a perfect foundation for customization and offers a superior, consistent typing experience, the Keychron V3 is the clear winner. If your workflow demands wireless freedom, device switching, and the utility of a number pad in a smaller footprint, the Royal Kludge RK89 provides compelling convenience despite using more basic materials.
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 RK89
Connection
Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Knob
Yes
No
Weight
1,360 g
1,000 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Keychron V3
- Royal Kludge RK89
- Performance
- 9163
- Build quality
- 8948
- Productivity
- 9866
- Customizability
- 9862
- Portability
- 5871
- Layout size: 80%
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Clicky, Linear, Tactile
What will you mostly use it for?
The Keychron V3 dominates for users who prioritize a high-quality, customizable typing experience, winning clearly for gaming, programming, and modding. The Royal Kludge RK89 excels in mobile and shared-desk scenarios, taking the lead for office use and travel due to its wireless modes and cleverly compact layout. For content creation, the choice depends on whether a programmable knob or wireless convenience is more valuable.
Pick the Keychron V3
- The Keychron V3 has a specified 1000 Hz polling rate for lower latency.
- Its south-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry or OEM profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.
- The manufacturer states the 1000 Hz polling rate makes latency 'hardly noticeable even in competitive games'.
Keychron V3 vs Royal Kludge RK89 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
14 of 28 specs differ
Keychron V3
Royal Kludge RK89
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 passthrough
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 RK89
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 RK89: your questions
The Keychron V3 is generally better for typing due to its higher-quality components. It comes with PBT keycaps that resist shine, screw-in stabilizers for less rattle on large keys, and a steel plate. The RK89 uses ABS keycaps and its stabilizers are described as 'well-adjusted & lubed' but not screw-in.
Yes, the Royal Kludge RK89 listing states compatibility with Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows. The Keychron V3 also has Mac/Win support and includes an extra set of keycaps specifically for macOS.
Yes, the Keychron V3 is hot-swappable. Its PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing you to change switches without soldering.
The product metadata lists RGB, but the vendor's technical specifications in the description specifically state 'Blue backlighting' and '20 onboard Blue backlit modes.' This suggests it may be single-color blue lighting, not full RGB.
The Keychron V3 has superior software support. It is compatible with the open-source QMK and VIA firmware, which allow for extensive, easy remapping. The RK89 uses proprietary software that, according to its listing, only works on Windows and requires a wired connection.
The Royal Kludge RK89 has a 1850mAh battery. The manufacturer claims up to 60 hours of use with the backlight off and a 3-4 hour charge time. You can check the battery status by pressing Fn + Enter.
The Keychron V3 uses a standard TKL (Tenkeyless) layout, removing the number pad. The Royal Kludge RK89 uses an '89-key' or 85% layout, which is more compact than a TKL but reintegrates a number pad by removing some navigation keys and shrinking the spacing.
Yes, the Keychron V3 is sold in a 'Barebone' or 'Barebone Knob' configuration, which includes the ABS plastic case, PCB with screw-in stabilizers, and steel plate, but no switches or keycaps.
Yes, the Royal Kludge RK89 has a notable feature of two built-in USB 2.0 pass-through ports, allowing you to connect other devices like a mouse or flash drive directly to the keyboard.
The Keychron V3 fully assembled version comes with Keychron K Pro switches (Red, Blue, or Brown), which are factory pre-lubed. The RK89 comes with RK brand switches (Red, Blue, or Brown) and includes four extra replacement switches in the box.
The Keychron V3 is heavier, weighing 1120 grams (about 2.47 lbs) compared to the Royal Kludge RK89 at 1000 grams (2.2 lbs). The V3's weight contributes to a more stable typing feel.
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