Royal Kludge N80 vs S85Low-Profile vs Gasket Mount Comparison

The core difference is the typing feel and construction. The N80 uses a low-profile switch design with a top mount, resulting in a firmer, shorter key travel. The S85 uses a gasket mount with standard-profile switches, offering a softer, more cushioned and typically quieter typing experience.

The Royal Kludge S85 has a significantly larger battery. It is equipped with a 7200mAh battery, nearly double the 3750mAh capacity of the N80. According to the manufacturer, the S85 can last up to 41 hours with RGB on, compared to the N80's 25 hours.

Yes. The S85 comes with Cherry profile PBT double-shot keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to shine. The N80 uses ABS double-shot keycaps, which can develop a shiny appearance with prolonged use but may offer brighter RGB shine-through.

Only the Royal Kludge N80 includes a dedicated multifunctional control knob. The S85 does not have a knob, relying on function key combinations for media control.

Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs, allowing you to change switches without soldering. The S85's listing specifies support for both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. The N80's vendor page notes it is hot-swappable with RK Low Profile switches.

The Royal Kludge N80 is more compact. It is a 75% layout with 80 keys, omitting the function row and some navigation keys to save space. The S85 is an 80% TKL layout with 85 keys, retaining the function row but removing the number pad.

A gasket mount involves suspending the keyboard's plate with silicone or foam gaskets, which absorbs vibrations and creates a softer, more uniform typing feel. It is generally considered a premium feature for sound and feel tuning. The S85 uses this, while the N80 uses a firmer top mount.

Yes, according to the manufacturer's specifications for both models, they support Windows XP/2000/7/8/10 and Mac operating systems. Both have a switch to change between Win and Mac modes.

The N80 includes the keyboard, a USB-C cable, a 2.4G dongle, 4 spare switches, a keycap & switch puller, and a manual. The S85 includes the keyboard, a USB-C cable, a keycap & switch puller, 4 spare Cloud switches, and a manual (no 2.4G dongle is mentioned in its package list).

South-facing LEDs are positioned at the bottom of the switch socket, shining away from the user. This matters for keyboard enthusiasts because it prevents the LED from hitting the north-facing legends on Cherry-profile keycaps, eliminating interference and allowing for a wider compatibility with aftermarket keycap sets. The S85 has south-facing LEDs.

Surprisingly, no. Despite its larger battery, the S85 weighs 950g, which is actually lighter than the N80's 1200g (1.2 kg). The difference in weight is likely due to materials and internal construction.