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Compare Royal Kludge M87 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-rich Royal Kludge TKL keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a gasket mount, hot-swappable PCB, and PBT keycaps, but diverge sharply in connectivity and software. The M87 offers a tri-mode wireless experience with a unique LCD screen, while the R87 PRO is a wired-only board with advanced QMK/VIA programmability. Your priority between wireless convenience and ultimate key remapping will decide the winner.

76
M87 TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard
88
R87 PRO TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)

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  • Includes a Yes, LCD display
  • Equipped with a 7500 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 840 g
  • Sized at 41 x 157 x 41 mm
  • Includes a No display
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 760 g
  • Sized at 43 x 131 x 43 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
Scores
  • Performance: 65.5
  • Build Quality: 68.8
  • Productivity: 83.1
  • Customizability: 78.3
  • Portability: 85.6
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 78.1
  • Productivity: 92.9
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 85.5
Name
Royal Kludge M87
Name
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
LCD
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
7500 mAh
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
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
41 x 157 x 41 mm
Dimensions
43 x 131 x 43 mm
Weight
840g
Weight
760g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your need for wireless flexibility versus software customization is the deciding factor. If you want to connect to multiple devices without cables and enjoy a visual status screen, the Royal Kludge M87 is the better investment. If you plan to heavily customize your typing experience with layered keymaps and macros, and prefer a simpler, often more affordable wired connection, the Royal Kludge R87 PRO is the superior tool.

Royal Kludge M87

  • +Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired).
  • +Built-in LCD smart display for time, battery, and custom GIFs.
  • +Large 7500mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Dual multi-function knobs for settings and volume control.
  • +Includes 5-layer noise dampening foam according to the vendor.
  • −Generally priced higher than the R87 PRO.
  • −Heavier at 840g, partly due to the larger battery and screen.
  • −Relies on proprietary software (RK Launcher) instead of open-source QMK/VIA.

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

  • +Supports QMK and VIA firmware for advanced key remapping and macros.
  • +Typically available at a lower price point.
  • +Lighter weight of 760g and a more compact depth (131mm vs 157mm).
  • +Features a removable, hot-swappable CNC metal volume knob.
  • +Includes N-Key Rollover for gaming.
  • −Wired-only connectivity, with no wireless option.
  • −Lacks the LCD screen and dedicated multimedia keys of the M87.
  • −Smaller 6000mAh battery is only relevant for RGB lighting in wired mode.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The R87 PRO is the clear choice for users who prioritize customization and consistent performance, winning in Gaming, Programming, and Modding due to its QMK/VIA support and wired design. The M87 excels in mobile and multi-device scenarios, taking the lead for Office and Travel use with its wireless connectivity, large battery, and status screen. For Content Creation, the tools are different but equally potent, making it a tie.

GamingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The R87 PRO's listing includes N-Key Rollover for simultaneous key presses.
  • •Its wired-only connection may offer more consistent latency for competitive play.
  • •The removable metal volume knob provides direct media control.
OfficeRoyal Kludge M87
  • •The M87 offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for easy switching between multiple devices.
  • •Its built-in LCD screen can display time, battery level, and connection status at a glance.
  • •It includes dedicated multimedia keys and a calculator key for quick access.
ProgrammingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The R87 PRO supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macro creation.
  • •Its hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch customization to preferred typing feels.
  • •The wired connection ensures a reliable, always-on connection without battery concerns.
TravelRoyal Kludge M87
  • •The M87's wireless capabilities eliminate the need to carry or connect a cable.
  • •Its large 7500mAh battery provides extended use between charges.
  • •It is slightly narrower in width (157mm vs the R87 PRO's vendor-listed 15.75 inches) for potentially easier packing.
ModdingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The R87 PRO explicitly supports QMK/VIA, allowing for deep firmware-level customization.
  • •It features a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes.
  • •The vendor description notes a removable metal volume knob that can be replaced with a standard key.
Content CreationTie
  • •The M87's dual knobs and multimedia buttons offer quick media and settings control.
  • •The R87 PRO's QMK/VIA support allows for creating complex macros for editing software.
  • •Both have gasket mounts and sound-dampening features for a quieter typing experience during recording.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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