Royal Kludge M87 vs R87 PROLCD or QMK/VIA
Choose the M87 for an LCD status screen, dual knobs, and wireless use; choose the R87 PRO for QMK/VIA customization, N-key rollover, and a removable metal volume knob.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
from$89at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge M87
Battery
Build quality in the top 35% of 80% boards under $100.
- LCD screen for status information and custom GIF images.
- Dual knobs for keyboard settings and volume control.
- 7500mAh battery with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired modes.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
QMK
Build quality in the top 20% of 80% boards under $100.
- QMK/VIA support for key remaps, macros, and backlight settings.
- N-key rollover for simultaneous key presses.
- Removable CNC metal volume knob that can be replaced with a standard key.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the M87 for its LCD, dual knobs, and wireless modes, features the R87 PRO does not offer. Choose the R87 PRO for QMK/VIA support, N-key rollover, and its replaceable metal knob, which the M87 does not list.
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 M87
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Battery
7,500 mAh
6,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Display
LCD
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
Weight
840 g
760 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
No
Yes
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Royal Kludge M87
- Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- Performance
- 6583
- Build quality
- 6878
- Productivity
- 8393
- Customizability
- 7891
- Portability
- 8585
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
What will you mostly use it for?
The R87 PRO has the edge for gaming-oriented customization and programming workflows, with N-key rollover and QMK/VIA support. The M87 is a more flexible fit for wireless travel and desk use where a screen or dedicated controls are useful. For modding, the R87 PRO's programmable firmware and replaceable metal knob stand out. Both have the same south-facing LED limitation for shine-through legends and some sculpted keycaps.
Pick the Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- The R87 PRO supports N-key rollover.
- Its vendor description specifies QMK/VIA customization for key remaps and macros.
Royal Kludge M87 vs R87 PRO specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 23 specs differ
Royal Kludge M87
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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.
Royal Kludge M87 vs R87 PRO: your questions
The M87 has an LCD screen, dual knobs, and Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired modes. The R87 PRO is wired and adds QMK/VIA support and N-key rollover.
Yes, the M87 supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and USB-C wired connectivity. Its 7500mAh battery is listed in the product specifications.
The R87 PRO is the wired version and uses Type-C wired connectivity. The vendor description distinguishes it from a separate tri-mode wireless model.
Yes, the M87 has an LCD smart display. The vendor says it can show time, connection status, battery level, and custom GIF images.
Yes, the R87 PRO lists QMK/VIA support. Its vendor description says these tools can be used for key remaps, macros, and backlight settings.
The M87 has a listed 7500mAh battery, while the R87 PRO has a listed 6000mAh battery. The R87 PRO is wired, so its battery capacity does not make it a wireless option.
Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. The M87 vendor description says its PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The M87 has multimedia buttons, including a dedicated calculator key and four additional media function keys, according to its vendor. The R87 PRO listing says it has no media keys, though its knob controls volume and mute.
Both use south-facing LEDs, and their compatibility notes warn that shine-through legends stay dark. Some sculpted keycaps may also clip the LED.
The R87 PRO is the more programming-focused choice if you want QMK/VIA support for remaps and macros. The M87 instead offers an LCD display and wireless modes, but its listing does not specify QMK/VIA.
Yes, the vendor describes its CNC metal volume knob as replaceable with a standard key. The knob also rotates for volume adjustment and presses to mute or unmute.
Both are listed as 80% ANSI keyboards, and both vendor descriptions identify them as 88-key TKL models. Each uses PBT keycaps and a gasket mount.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.