MCHOSE K87 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Choose the R87 PRO for QMK/VIA customization and its volume knob, or the K87 if its aluminum case components are the deciding factor.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
MCHOSE K87
Build quality in the top 35% of 80% boards under $100.
- Polycarbonate and plastic are listed case materials, with aluminum also listed.
- Vendor description specifies six-layer sound and shock-absorbing internal padding.
- Hot-swappable sockets and screw-in stabilizers are listed.
Get the
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Knob
Build quality in the top 20% of 80% boards under $100.
- QMK and VIA support are listed, and Royal Kludge describes remapping keys and creating macros.
- Includes a removable metal volume knob, which can also be replaced with a standard key according to Royal Kludge.
- N-Key Rollover and hot-swappable switches are listed.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
For most buyers comparing customization and convenience, choose the R87 PRO: QMK/VIA support, a removable volume knob, and its lower listed weight are meaningful differences. Choose the MCHOSE K87 if the case-material listing and its vendor-described six-layer internal padding matter more to you. If you plan to install shine-through or sculpted keycaps on the R87 PRO, account for its south-facing LED compatibility caveat.
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.
MCHOSE K87
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Connection
Wired, Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Wireless for several devices and wired for lower latency
Case material
Aluminum, Plastic, Polycarbonate
Plastic
Knob
No
Yes
Weight
1,000 g
760 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
No
Yes
The deep option when you want to remap every key
- MCHOSE K87
- Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- Performance
- 4883
- Build quality
- 6878
- Productivity
- 8693
- Customizability
- 6691
- Portability
- 8585
- Layout size: 80%
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 6,000 mAh
- Switch options: Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The R87 PRO takes most category picks, primarily through its QMK/VIA support, knob, and lower listed weight. Its N-Key Rollover listing also gives it a documented gaming-related distinction, though neither keyboard’s metadata establishes a latency advantage. The K87 remains a reasonable choice for shoppers who specifically value its listed polycarbonate and aluminum case materials and six-layer internal padding. For buyers planning to use shine-through keycaps, note the R87 PRO’s south-facing LED limitation.
Pick the Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- The R87 PRO lists N-Key Rollover, a feature not listed for the K87.
- Royal Kludge describes the R87 PRO's linear switches as factory-lubed and its south-facing LEDs as directing light toward the user.
MCHOSE K87 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 24 specs differ
MCHOSE K87
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Screw-in stabilizers
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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MCHOSE K87 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO: your questions
The R87 PRO adds QMK/VIA support, a removable metal volume knob, and listed N-Key Rollover. The K87 lists polycarbonate, plastic, and aluminum among its case materials, and its vendor description specifies six-layer internal padding.
Both keyboards list Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, as well as wired and wireless connections. Each also lists a 6000mAh battery.
The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is listed at 760g, while the MCHOSE K87 is listed at 1000g. That makes the R87 PRO the lighter option by the listed weights.
Yes, QMK and VIA support are listed for the R87 PRO. Royal Kludge describes using them for key remapping, macros, and backlight settings.
Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. The MCHOSE K87 vendor description specifies full-key hot-swappable sockets, while Royal Kludge describes the R87 PRO as hot-swappable.
Yes, the R87 PRO has a removable metal volume knob. Royal Kludge says it can adjust volume, mute or unmute, and be replaced with a standard key.
The R87 PRO’s compatibility note says shine-through legends stay dark with its south-facing LEDs. It also warns that some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
The R87 PRO is the clearer choice if you want programmable key remapping and macros, because it lists QMK and VIA support. The K87 is hot-swappable, but its listed features do not include QMK or VIA.
Yes, both list a gasket mount and PBT keycaps. The R87 PRO vendor description identifies its keycaps as Cherry profile, while the K87 vendor description calls its keycaps OEM height.
Both are listed with linear switches. The K87 vendor description identifies a Hyacinth Switch option, while Royal Kludge describes the R87 PRO’s switches as factory-lubed linear Creamy switches.
Both list sound dampening as an extra feature. The K87 vendor description specifies six-layer sound and shock-absorbing internal padding, while Royal Kludge describes sound-absorbing foam and case foam for the R87 PRO.
The K87 vendor listing includes a Type-C cable, keycap and switch puller, two spare switches, and a dust cover. The R87 PRO vendor listing names a Type-C cable, keycap and switch puller, four spare switches, and a user manual.
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