Compare Royal Kludge M87 vs Royal Kludge S85 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two premium Royal Kludge TKL keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a gasket mount, tri-mode connectivity, and hot-swappable switches. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize the M87's dual knobs and dedicated media keys or the S85's slightly more compact form factor and OLED display.

Model
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Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Has Linear switch options Includes a Yes, LCD display Provides dedicated media keys Equipped with a 7500 mAh battery Weighs about 840 g Sized at 41 x 157 x 41 mm	Includes a Yes, OLED display Equipped with a 7200 mAh battery Weighs about 950 g Sized at 44 x 142 x 44 mm
Score	Scores Performance: 65.9 Build Quality: 69.2 Productivity: 83.2 Customizability: 78.6 Portability: 85.5	Scores Performance: 66.8 Build Quality: 69.8 Productivity: 84.6 Customizability: 74.5 Portability: 86.2
Name	Name Royal Kludge M87	Name Royal Kludge S85
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2024
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 OLED
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 7200 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 Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb, South-face
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material -	Case Material -
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 157 x 41 mm	Dimensions 44 x 142 x 44 mm
Weight	Weight 840g	Weight 950g

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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Royal Kludge M87

+Features dual multi-function knobs for settings and volume control.
+Includes dedicated multimedia buttons and a calculator key.
+Larger 7500mAh battery capacity.
+Comes with pre-lubed linear Cream switches.
+LCD smart display can show time, connection status, and custom GIFs.

−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.

Royal Kludge S85

+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.
+Utilizes a gasket structure with silicone, IXPE foam, and PET film layers.
+South-facing RGB lighting is optimized for Cherry profile keycaps.

−Heavier at 950 grams.
−No dedicated multimedia keys according to its tech specs.
−Slightly smaller 7200mAh battery.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingTie

•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.

OfficeRoyal Kludge M87

•The M87 includes dedicated multimedia buttons and a calculator key for quick access.
•It features dual knobs, with one dedicated to volume control for easy adjustments.
•The M87 has a slightly larger 7500mAh battery compared to the S85's 7200mAh.

ProgrammingTie

•Both offer an 80% TKL layout, preserving arrow and navigation keys.
•Both are hot-swappable, allowing for switch customization to preferred actuation.
•Both use Cherry profile PBT keycaps for a consistent typing experience.

TravelRoyal Kludge S85

•The S85 is slightly narrower (142mm vs 157mm) and has a more compact 85-key layout.
•It is heavier (950g vs 840g), which may contribute to a more stable feel on the go.
•Both have similar large-capacity batteries for extended wireless use.

ModdingTie

•Both keyboards feature a hot-swappable PCB supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
•Both use a gasket mount structure with internal sound-dampening foam layers.
•Both come with a keycap and switch puller and four spare switches in the box.

Content CreationRoyal Kludge M87

•The M87's dual knobs provide dedicated control for settings and volume during editing.
•Its dedicated multimedia buttons offer instant playback control.
•The vendor description states the M87's LCD screen can display custom GIF images.