Royal Kludge M87 vs S85Dual Knobs vs OLED Screen Comparison
Choose the M87 for dedicated media controls and dual knobs, or the S85 for a more compact layout with an OLED screen.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge M87
Dual Knobs
- Features dual multi-function knobs for settings and volume control.
- Includes dedicated multimedia buttons and a calculator key.
- Larger 7500mAh battery capacity.
- Wider footprint (157mm) compared to the S85.
- The vendor listing specifies some color variants have restricted shipping regions.
- Lacks the OLED screen technology of the S85.
Get the
Royal Kludge S85
OLED Screen Comparison
- More compact 85-key layout with a narrower width (142mm).
- Features an OLED display for system status information.
- Comes with pre-lubed linear Cloud switches.
- Heavier at 950 grams.
- No dedicated multimedia keys according to its tech specs.
- Slightly smaller 7200mAh battery.
Your priority for physical controls should guide your choice. The Royal Kludge M87 is the more feature-rich option for daily productivity, offering unmatched convenience with its dual knobs and media keys. Opt for the Royal Kludge S85 if you prefer a marginally more compact desk footprint and value the crisp information display of an OLED screen over tactile controls.
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 S85
Battery
7,500 mAh
7,200 mAh
Display
LCD
OLED
Weight
840 g
950 g
Media keys
Yes
No
Dimensions
41 x 157 x 41 mm
44 x 142 x 44 mm
- Royal Kludge M87
- Royal Kludge S85
- Performance
- 6667
- Build quality
- 6969
- Productivity
- 8384
- Customizability
- 7874
- Portability
- 8586
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The M87 holds a clear advantage for office and content creation due to its physical media controls and dual knobs. For travel, the S85's more compact width is beneficial, though it is heavier. Gaming, programming, and modding are effectively ties, as both keyboards share core performance and customization features like gasket mounts, hot-swap PCBs, and similar switch types.
It's a tie
- Both feature tri-mode connectivity for low-latency 2.4GHz wireless.
- Both have south-facing RGB lighting compatible with Cherry profile keycaps.
- Both utilize a gasket mount with 5-layer noise dampening for a consistent feel.
Royal Kludge M87 vs S85 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 19 specs differ
Royal Kludge M87
Royal Kludge S85
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge M87 vs S85: your questions
The primary difference is the control scheme. The M87 has two physical knobs and dedicated multimedia keys. The S85 has a more compact 85-key layout, lacks dedicated media keys, and uses an OLED screen instead of an LCD.
Yes. Both the Royal Kludge M87 and S85 feature hot-swappable PCBs that support both 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches. Each keyboard comes with a switch puller and four spare switches.
The M87 has a slightly larger 7500mAh battery, while the S85 has a 7200mAh battery. Both offer extensive wireless runtime, with the M87's vendor page claiming up to 400 hours with RGB off.
Yes. According to the manufacturer's specifications, both keyboards support Windows and Mac operating systems, as well as iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth.
The Royal Kludge S85 is more compact in width, measuring 142mm compared to the M87's 157mm. The S85 uses an 85-key layout, while the M87 uses an 88-key layout.
The Royal Kludge M87 has a color LCD smart display that can show system info and custom images. The Royal Kludge S85 features an OLED display for showing connection mode, battery status, and system mode.
The M87 comes with pre-lubed linear Cream switches. The S85 comes with pre-lubed linear Cloud switches. Both are hot-swappable, so you can easily change them.
Both keyboards use a gasket mount design with 5-layer noise dampening. The M87 vendor page mentions five layers of sound-absorbing material, while the S85 description specifies layers including silicone cushioning, IXPE foam, and PET film for a quieter experience.
The Royal Kludge M87 is better for instant volume control. It has a dedicated knob for volume adjustment, while the S85 requires using function key combinations for media control, as it lacks dedicated media keys.
The M87 vendor page mentions 'Web Driver & Software' for customization, including for its LCD screen. The S85 listing references software but does not specify a name. Both allow for lighting and likely key mapping adjustments.
Both keyboards include the keyboard itself, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a keycap and switch puller, four spare switches (Cream for M87, Cloud for S85), and a user manual.
Both keyboards use double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile. This material and profile help with durability and prevent shine over time compared to ABS keycaps.
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