Royal Kludge L98 vs M87: Southpaw Layout vs TKL Portability

Compare Royal Kludge L98 vs Royal Kludge M87 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-rich Royal Kludge keyboards at similar price points. The choice is difficult because both offer tri-mode wireless, gasket mounts, LCD screens, and hot-swappable switches. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize the L98's unique southpaw 96% layout with a built-in numpad or the M87's more compact 80% TKL design with dual control knobs.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2025 Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options Available in a 96% layout Offers Southpaw ergonomics Offers a USB passthrough port Features N-key rollover Includes screw-in stabilizers Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery Weighs about 990 g Sized at 45 x 400 x 140 mm	Released in 2024 Has Linear switch options Available in a 80% layout Offers Normal ergonomics Compatible with both Mac and Windows Provides dedicated media keys Equipped with a 7500 mAh battery Weighs about 840 g Sized at 41 x 157 x 41 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 78.3 Build Quality: 75.6 Productivity: 79.9 Customizability: 72.9 Portability: 59.2	Scores Performance: 65.5 Build Quality: 68.8 Productivity: 83.1 Customizability: 78.3 Portability: 85.6
Name	Name Royal Kludge L98	Name Royal Kludge M87
Release year	Release year 2025	Release year 2024
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear, Tactile, Silent	Switch Options Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 96%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Southpaw	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support LCD	Display Support LCD
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 Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 8000 mAh	Battery capacity 7500 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 Gasket 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	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 45 x 400 x 140 mm	Dimensions 41 x 157 x 41 mm
Weight	Weight 990g	Weight 840g

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2025
Has Linear, Tactile, Silent switch options
Available in a 96% layout
Offers Southpaw ergonomics
Offers a USB passthrough port
Features N-key rollover
Includes screw-in stabilizers
Equipped with a 8000 mAh battery
Weighs about 990 g
Sized at 45 x 400 x 140 mm

Released in 2024
Has Linear switch options
Available in a 80% layout
Offers Normal ergonomics
Compatible with both Mac and Windows
Provides dedicated media keys
Equipped with a 7500 mAh battery
Weighs about 840 g
Sized at 41 x 157 x 41 mm

Scores

Performance: 78.3
Build Quality: 75.6
Productivity: 79.9
Customizability: 72.9
Portability: 59.2

Scores

Performance: 65.5
Build Quality: 68.8
Productivity: 83.1
Customizability: 78.3
Portability: 85.6

Name

Royal Kludge L98

Name

Royal Kludge M87

Release year

2025

Release year

2024

Switch Options

Linear, Tactile, Silent

Switch Options

Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

96%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Southpaw

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

LCD

Display Support

LCD

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

8000 mAh

Battery capacity

7500 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Case Colors

Case Material

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

45 x 400 x 140 mm

Dimensions

41 x 157 x 41 mm

Weight

990g

Weight

840g

Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you require a numpad and value the ergonomic benefit of having it on the left side, the Royal Kludge L98 is the compelling option. If you want to maximize desk space, prioritize portability, and desire the convenience of dual knobs, the Royal Kludge M87 is the better TKL keyboard. Both deliver core features like tri-mode wireless, gasket mounts, and hot-swap sockets at a similar price.

Royal Kludge L98

+Unique left-handed (southpaw) numpad layout ideal for lefties or right-handed users wanting more mouse space.
+Larger 8000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
+Includes a USB 2.0 passthrough port for connecting other devices.
+Offers a choice of Linear, Tactile, and Silent switch types from the factory.
+Detailed 5-layer sound dampening system with foam, silicone, and PET film.

−Larger, heavier 96% form factor is less portable.
−Southpaw layout requires adaptation for users accustomed to a right-side numpad.
−Only includes a single control knob, whereas the M87 has two.

Royal Kludge M87

+More portable 80% TKL layout saves desk space and is easier to transport.
+Features dual multi-function knobs for separate system and volume control.
+Includes dedicated multimedia buttons and a calculator key.
+Vendor listing explicitly states Mac/IOS/Android support in addition to Windows.
+Comes with four spare Cream switches in the box.

−Lacks a numpad, which can be crucial for data entry or certain creative workflows.
−Smaller 7500mAh battery compared to the L98.
−Only available with Linear switch type out of the box.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The L98 is the more specialized tool, winning for gaming, programming, and content creation primarily due to its southpaw numpad layout. The M87 is the clear choice for travel due to its smaller TKL form factor. For office use, it's a tie, as the L98 provides a numpad while the M87 offers dedicated media controls. Both are viable for modding, with the L98 having a slight edge in documented sound-dampening layers.

GamingRoyal Kludge L98

•The L98's left-handed numpad layout frees up mouse space on the right side.
•It includes N-key rollover, a feature not listed for the M87.
•The larger 8000mAh battery may support longer wireless gaming sessions.

OfficeTie

•The L98 offers a full numpad, which is essential for data entry.
•The M87 includes dedicated multimedia keys and a calculator key for quick access.
•Both have tri-mode connectivity for switching between multiple devices.

ProgrammingRoyal Kludge L98

•The L98's 96% layout provides arrow keys and a numpad without a full-size footprint.
•The USB 2.0 passthrough port on the L98 adds convenience for peripherals.
•Both feature Cherry profile PBT keycaps for durable typing.

TravelRoyal Kludge M87

•The M87 is significantly more compact with an 80% TKL layout.
•It is lighter at 840g compared to the L98's 990g.
•Its smaller dimensions (41 x 157 x 41 mm vs 45 x 400 x 140 mm) make it easier to pack.

ModdingRoyal Kludge L98

•The L98 offers a choice of Linear, Tactile, and Silent switch types out of the box.
•Its vendor description details a 5-layer sound dampening system with specific foams and films.
•Both are hot-swappable, but the L98's listing explicitly mentions screw-in stabilizers.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge L98

•The L98's left-handed numpad allows for shortcut input without moving the right hand from a graphics tablet.
•The larger 8000mAh battery supports extended wireless use.
•The USB passthrough can be useful for connecting other creative tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)