Royal Kludge M87 vs RK89

The Royal Kludge M87 has a significantly larger battery, rated at 7500mAh, which the vendor claims can provide up to 400 hours of usage with the backlight off. In contrast, the RK89 has a much smaller 1850mAh battery that provides an estimated 60 hours of non-stop use with the backlight off.

The M87 is likely to be more comfortable for long sessions due to its gasket mount design and 5-layer noise dampening, which absorb vibration and reduce noise. The RK89 does not have these features and has a detachable frame, which may feel different. The M87 also comes with durable PBT keycaps, while the RK89 uses ABS keycaps.

The M87 is a standard TKL (80%) keyboard with 88 keys and does not include a dedicated number pad. The RK89, on the other hand, has an innovative 89-key layout that includes a number pad column, making it better for users who regularly enter numbers.

Yes, both the Royal Kludge M87 and the RK89 feature hot-swappable PCBs. The M87's vendor page specifies it supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, while the RK89 supports hot-swappable RK switches. This allows you to change switches without soldering.

The M87 is the better choice for a quiet office environment. Its gasket mount and 5-layer noise dampening materials are designed to reduce typing noise. The M87 comes with pre-lubed linear switches, which are inherently quieter than clicky or tactile switches available for the RK89.

No, the RK89 does not have an LCD screen. The RK M87 is the one that features a built-in LCD smart display screen for showing time, connection status, battery level, and custom GIF images.

Yes, both keyboards have Mac/Win support. The M87 vendor description states it is compatible with Windows, Mac, IOS, and Android. The RK89 vendor description also lists compatibility with Windows and Mac operating systems.

The Royal Kludge M87 is lighter at 840 grams, making it easier to transport. The RK89 is heavier at 1000 grams. The M87 also has a much larger battery, which is better for travel as it requires less frequent charging.

The Royal Kludge M87 uses Cherry profile PBT keycaps, which are known for their durability and resistance to shine. The RK89 uses ABS double-shot keycaps, which are generally less durable and more prone to becoming shiny with use.

Yes, both keyboards come with extra switches. The Royal Kludge M87 package includes 4 spare Cream switches. The RK89 package also includes 4 replacement switches, though the specific switch type depends on the variant purchased.

Yes, both the Royal Kludge M87 and the RK89 support tri-mode connectivity, which includes a USB-C wired mode, along with Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless connections. The M87 vendor page specifies Bluetooth 5.1, while the RK89 vendor page discusses Bluetooth 5.0.