Royal Kludge M87 vs RK Sink87G: Feature-Rich vs Budget TKL

Compare Royal Kludge M87 vs Royal Kludge RK Sink87G Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two Royal Kludge TKL keyboards at different price points. The decision is challenging because both offer wireless connectivity in a compact form factor, but they diverge significantly in build quality, features, and intended user experience. The M87 is a feature-packed modern board, while the Sink87G is a straightforward, budget-oriented option.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Has Linear switch options Supports hot-swappable switches Comes with a knob Includes a Yes, LCD display Provides dedicated media keys Has built-in sound dampening Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Equipped with a 7500 mAh battery Weighs about 840 g Sized at 41 x 157 x 41 mm Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2021 Includes a No display Equipped with a 1850 mAh battery Weighs about 1100 g Sized at 39 x 360 x 135 mm Made with a Plastic case Features ABS keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 65.5 Build Quality: 68.9 Productivity: 83.2 Customizability: 78.4 Portability: 85.7	Scores Performance: 58.1 Build Quality: 42.6 Productivity: 59.3 Customizability: 49 Portability: 67.4
Name	Name Royal Kludge M87	Name Royal Kludge RK Sink87G
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options -
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 80%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support LCD	Display Support
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 7500 mAh	Battery capacity 1850 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 -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material ABS
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 157 x 41 mm	Dimensions 39 x 360 x 135 mm
Weight	Weight 840g	Weight 1100g

RK Sink87G RK87 Wireless TKL Mechanical Keyboard

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2024
Has Linear switch options
Supports hot-swappable switches
Comes with a knob
Includes a Yes, LCD display
Provides dedicated media keys
Has built-in sound dampening
Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
Equipped with a 7500 mAh battery
Weighs about 840 g
Sized at 41 x 157 x 41 mm
Features PBT keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting

Released in 2021
Includes a No display
Equipped with a 1850 mAh battery
Weighs about 1100 g
Sized at 39 x 360 x 135 mm
Made with a Plastic case
Features ABS keycaps
Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting

Scores

Performance: 65.5
Build Quality: 68.9
Productivity: 83.2
Customizability: 78.4
Portability: 85.7

Scores

Performance: 58.1
Build Quality: 42.6
Productivity: 59.3
Customizability: 49
Portability: 67.4

Name

Royal Kludge M87

Name

Royal Kludge RK Sink87G

Release year

2024

Release year

2021

Switch Options

Linear

Switch Options

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

80%

Layout Size

80%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

LCD

Display Support

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

7500 mAh

Battery capacity

1850 mAh

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Gasket Mount

Mount Style

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb, South-face

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Plastic

Keycaps Material

PBT

Keycaps Material

ABS

Dimensions

41 x 157 x 41 mm

Dimensions

39 x 360 x 135 mm

Weight

840g

Weight

1100g

Pros and Trade-offs

The Royal Kludge M87 is the clear recommendation for most buyers willing to invest more for a full-featured, modern mechanical keyboard. Its gasket mount, hot-swap capability, superior battery life, and extra controls justify its price. Only consider the RK Sink87G if your budget is strictly limited and you can accept a basic, non-hot-swappable board with fewer features and a smaller battery.

Royal Kludge M87

+Advanced gasket mount design with five-layer sound dampening foam.
+Large 7500mAh battery for extended wireless use.
+Hot-swappable PCB for easy switch customization.
+Includes a functional LCD screen and dual control knobs.
+Tri-mode wireless connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired).

−Typically commands a higher price than the Sink87G.
−The LCD screen and additional features may be unnecessary for some users.
−Vendor description mentions it includes a short 5.6-inch USB cable.

Royal Kludge RK Sink87G

+Generally available at a lower cost.
+Includes a stated 8° typing angle for ergonomics.
+Vendor description highlights macro recording functionality.

−Uses ABS keycaps, which are prone to shine over time.
−Smaller 1850mAh battery requires more frequent charging.
−Lacks hot-swap capability, LCD screen, and advanced mounting style.
−Heavier at 1100g despite having fewer premium features.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Royal Kludge M87 is the decisive winner across all use cases due to its superior feature set. It brings modern enthusiast features like a gasket mount, hot-swap sockets, PBT keycaps, and a large battery to a wireless TKL format. The RK Sink87G serves as a more basic alternative, potentially suitable if the absolute lowest cost is the primary concern and advanced features are unnecessary.

GamingRoyal Kludge M87

•The M87 features a gasket mount design with five layers of sound dampening for a quieter, more consistent typing feel.
•It includes south-facing RGB LEDs, which are preferred for compatibility with Cherry-profile keycaps to avoid interference.
•The M87's linear Cream switches, described as pre-lubed by the manufacturer, may offer a smoother keystroke for rapid inputs.

OfficeRoyal Kludge M87

•The M87's massive 7500mAh battery promises significantly longer wireless usage between charges compared to the Sink87G's 1850mAh battery.
•It offers tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired), allowing connection to multiple devices, while the Sink87G is listed with only 2.4GHz and wired modes.
•Dual knobs and dedicated multimedia buttons on the M87 provide quick access to volume and settings.

ProgrammingRoyal Kludge M87

•The M87 comes with PBT keycaps, which are more resistant to shine and wear over time than the Sink87G's ABS keycaps.
•Its hot-swappable PCB allows easy switch replacement to tailor the typing feel, a feature not indicated for the Sink87G.
•The TKL layout on both preserves arrow and navigation keys, which are essential for coding.

TravelRoyal Kludge M87

•The M87 is notably lighter at 840g compared to the Sink87G's 1100g.
•Its larger 7500mAh battery reduces the frequency of needing to recharge while away from a desk.
•Tri-mode Bluetooth connectivity on the M87 allows pairing with laptops, tablets, or phones without a dongle.

ModdingRoyal Kludge M87

•The M87 is explicitly hot-swappable, supporting both 3-pin and 5-pin switches for easy customization.
•Its gasket mount construction and five-layer dampening foam are mod-friendly features for sound and feel tuning.
•It includes a keycap and switch puller and spare switches in the box, as noted in the vendor description.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge M87

•The built-in LCD screen on the M87 can display time, battery level, and custom GIFs, useful for tracking session time or system stats.
•Dual knobs offer dedicated control for settings and volume, streamlining audio and workflow adjustments.
•Multi-function media keys provide instant access to playback controls.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)