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Compare Royal Kludge M87 vs Royal Kludge RK89 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two similarly priced 80% wireless keyboards from Royal Kludge that prioritize different features. The M87 is a feature-packed TKL with a smart display screen, dual knobs, and a large battery, while the RK87 offers an unconventional layout that squeezes in a number pad and includes a built-in USB hub. The decision is difficult because both are hot-swappable, use gasket or detachable frame designs, and offer tri-mode connectivity, but they cater to very different daily use cases. We break down where each keyboard excels so you can choose based on whether you value battery endurance and screen feedback or layout efficiency and connectivity options.

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M87 TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard
RK89 85% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • 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 2022
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Includes a No display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Equipped with a 1850 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Sized at 41 x 135 x 41 mm
  • 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: 63
  • Build Quality: 48.1
  • Productivity: 67.2
  • Customizability: 62.8
  • Portability: 71.6
Name
Royal Kludge M87
Name
Royal Kludge RK89
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, 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
1850 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
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
-
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
41 x 157 x 41 mm
Dimensions
41 x 135 x 41 mm
Weight
840g
Weight
1000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Royal Kludge M87 is the better all-around choice for most users, offering a premium typing experience with its gasket mount and sound dampening, along with standout features like an LCD screen and a 7500mAh battery. Only choose the RK89 if the compact number pad layout and need for USB passthrough ports are non-negotiable for your workflow, as you will be sacrificing battery life, keycap quality, and overall build refinement.

Royal Kludge M87

  • +Built-in LCD smart display screen shows time, connection, battery, and custom GIF images.
  • +Massive 7500mAh battery for extended wireless use, with up to 400 hours of use with RGB off.
  • +Gasket mount design with 5-layer noise dampening for a quieter, softer typing experience.
  • +Durable Cherry profile PBT keycaps that resist shine over time.
  • +Multi-function dual knobs for granular control of settings and media.
  • −No built-in USB passthrough ports for connecting peripherals.
  • −Lacks a detachable frame for customization or cleaning.
  • −Only comes with linear cream switches, limiting switch choice at purchase.

Royal Kludge RK89

  • +Innovative 89-key layout includes a dedicated number pad in a compact 85% form factor.
  • +Features 2 built-in USB 2.0 passthrough ports for connecting a mouse or flash drive.
  • +Detachable frame allows for easy customization and cleaning.
  • +Available in clicky, tactile, and linear switch options at purchase.
  • −Smaller 1850mAh battery results in significantly less wireless usage time, rated at 60 hours with backlight off.
  • −ABS double-shot keycaps are less durable and more prone to developing a shiny surface over time than PBT.
  • −Heavier weight at 1000g makes it less portable than the M87.
  • −Lacks built-in multimedia keys, an LCD screen, and any knob control.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The M87 wins in five out of six categories, including gaming, office, travel, modding, and content creation, primarily due to its superior battery life, integrated LCD screen, and sound dampening features. The RK89 ties in programming because its unique layout with a dedicated number pad is a strong alternative for users who frequently input data. The M87's lighter weight and longer battery life also make it the clear choice for portability. Ultimately, the RK89's main appeal is its innovative layout and built-in USB hub, which the M87 lacks entirely.

GamingRoyal Kludge M87
  • •Gasket mount design with 5-layer noise dampening provides a softer, quieter typing experience favored in gaming sessions.
  • •Equipped with pre-lubed linear cream switches for fast, responsive keystrokes.
  • •Built-in LCD smart display screen shows real-time information like connection status and battery level.
OfficeRoyal Kludge M87
  • •Massive 7500mAh battery offers longer wireless usage without frequent charging.
  • •Cherry profile PBT keycaps are more durable and resistant to shine than the RK89's ABS keycaps.
  • •Includes multi-function dual knobs for easy volume and settings control.
  • •Multi-media keys provide quick access to essential functions.
ProgrammingTie
  • •Both are hot-swappable, allowing programmers to easily change switches for a preferred typing feel.
  • •Both offer tri-mode connectivity for flexibility across different devices.
  • •The M87 has a standard TKL layout, while the RK89 has an 89-key layout with a number pad, a personal preference for data entry.
TravelRoyal Kludge M87
  • •Lighter weight at 840g compared to the RK89's 1000g, making it easier to carry.
  • •Significantly larger 7500mAh battery provides much longer battery life on the go.
  • •More compact TKL form factor without the extra columns for a number pad.
ModdingRoyal Kludge M87
  • •Gasket mount and 5-layer noise dampening provide a superior foundation for sound customization.
  • •PBT keycaps are more resistant to warping from heat or aftermarket keycap installations.
  • •Comes with 4 spare cream switches, supporting further experimentation.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge M87
  • •LCD smart display screen can show custom GIF images, adding a creative element.
  • •Dual knobs offer separate control for keyboard settings and volume, streamlining workflow.
  • •Multi-function keys including a dedicated calculator key can speed up editing and administrative tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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