Royal Kludge L98 vs M87Southpaw Layout vs TKL Portability
Choose the L98 for a left-handed numpad and maximum keys, or the M87 for a more portable TKL layout with dual knobs.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge L98
Southpaw Layout
- 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.
- 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.
Get the
Royal Kludge M87
TKL Portability
- 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.
- 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.
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.
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.
Royal Kludge L98
Royal Kludge M87
Layout size
96%
80%
Battery
8,000 mAh
7,500 mAh
Ergonomics
Southpaw
Standard
Switch options
Linear, Silent, Tactile
Linear
Weight
990 g
840 g
- Royal Kludge L98
- Royal Kludge M87
- Performance
- 7866
- Build quality
- 7669
- Productivity
- 8083
- Customizability
- 7378
- Portability
- 5985
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Display: LCD
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
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.
Pick the Royal 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.
Royal Kludge L98 vs M87 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
12 of 23 specs differ
Royal Kludge L98
Royal Kludge M87
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB passthrough
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge L98 vs M87: your questions
The core difference is the layout. The L98 is a 96% keyboard with a left-handed numpad (southpaw), while the M87 is an 80% TKL (Tenkeyless) keyboard with a standard layout and no numpad. This makes the L98 larger and the M87 more compact.
The RK L98 has a larger 8000mAh battery compared to the M87's 7500mAh battery. According to their vendor pages, the L98 is rated for up to 310 hours with RGB off, while the M87 is rated for up to 400 hours with RGB off. Actual life depends on usage and lighting.
Yes, both the Royal Kludge L98 and M87 feature hot-swappable PCBs. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without soldering. The L98's listing mentions compatibility with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The Royal Kludge L98 is specifically designed with left-handed users in mind. Its southpaw layout places the numpad on the left side, which can be more ergonomic for lefties who use the numpad frequently while keeping their right hand on the mouse.
Yes. The Royal Kludge M87 features two multi-function knobs, one for system settings and one for volume control. The Royal Kludge L98 has a single smart knob alongside its LCD screen.
Both keyboards come with Cherry profile, double-shot PBT keycaps according to their vendor descriptions. This means they should offer similar typing feel and durability against shine from oils.
The RK M87 is more suitable for travel due to its smaller TKL size, lighter weight (840g vs 990g), and more compact dimensions. It takes up less space in a bag and on a desk, making it highly portable.
Yes, both keyboards support tri-mode connectivity via 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, and USB-C wired. Their vendor pages indicate they can connect to multiple devices, with the M87 specifically mentioning the ability to connect to three devices via Bluetooth.
The RK M87 vendor description explicitly lists Mac, IOS, and Android support alongside Windows. The RK L98 listing specifies Windows and Android compatibility. Mac support for the L98 is not explicitly stated in the provided information.
Both use a gasket mount structure for a softer typing feel. The L98's vendor page details a 5-layer system including thick sound-absorbing foams, an IXPE switch pad, silicone dampener, and PET film. The M87 listing also mentions 5-layer noise dampening but does not specify the materials.
The RK M87 includes four spare Cream switches in the box, in addition to the standard keycap/switch puller, USB-C cable, and manual. The RK L98's listed package includes a puller, cable, and manual, but does not mention spare switches.
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