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Compare Royal Kludge N80 vs Royal Kludge S85 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-rich Royal Kludge keyboards at a similar price point. The choice is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and a smart display screen. The decision ultimately hinges on whether you prioritize a low-profile, compact design with a knob and USB passthrough, or a more traditional, cushioned gasket mount typing feel with superior battery life and PBT keycaps.

75
N80 Low-Profile Mechanical Keyboard
75
S85 TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard

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  • Has Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Features a low-profile design
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Includes a Yes display
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Uses a Top Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1200 g
  • Sized at 28 x 330 x 140 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Includes a Yes, OLED display
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 7200 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 950 g
  • Sized at 44 x 142 x 44 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 64.9
  • Build Quality: 62.9
  • Productivity: 82.3
  • Customizability: 72.6
  • Portability: 79.3
Scores
  • Performance: 66.4
  • Build Quality: 69.5
  • Productivity: 84.4
  • Customizability: 74.4
  • Portability: 86.4
Name
Royal Kludge N80
Name
Royal Kludge S85
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
-
Profile
Low Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
80%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
OLED
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
-
Battery capacity
3750 mAh
Battery capacity
7200 mAh
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Top Mount
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
28 x 330 x 140 mm
Dimensions
44 x 142 x 44 mm
Weight
1200g
Weight
950g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your priority should guide your choice. If you want a unique, space-saving keyboard with a low typing height and handy extras like a knob, the Royal Kludge N80 is compelling. If you value a premium, cushioned typing experience, exceptional battery life, and better stock keycaps for long-term use, the Royal Kludge S85 is the clear upgrade. Both deliver excellent wireless versatility for their price.

Royal Kludge N80

  • +Low-profile switches and design for a different typing posture and feel.
  • +75% layout saves space while keeping essential navigation keys.
  • +Includes a multifunctional control knob and a USB 2.0 passthrough port.
  • +Comes with a triple sound-absorbing layer (2 foams, silicone pad).
  • +Packaged with a 2.4G dongle, spare switches, and pullers.
  • −Uses ABS keycaps, which are more prone to shine over time compared to PBT.
  • −Smaller 3750mAh battery offers less wireless runtime.
  • −Top mount design is typically firmer and less cushioned than a gasket mount.

Royal Kludge S85

  • +Gasket mount structure with silicone cushioning for a softer, more cushioned typing feel.
  • +Massive 7200mAh battery provides extended wireless usage.
  • +Includes higher-quality Cherry profile PBT double-shot keycaps.
  • +Features 5-layer noise dampening (silicone, IXPE foam, PET film).
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps.
  • −Larger 80% TKL layout takes up more desk space than a 75% board.
  • −Lacks a dedicated media knob and USB passthrough port.
  • −Slightly heavier and taller profile than a low-profile keyboard.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The S85 emerges as the stronger choice for office use and modding, thanks to its large battery, durable PBT keycaps, and premium gasket mount construction. The N80 is better suited for programming and travel due to its more compact 75% layout, low-profile design, and included utility features like a knob and USB passthrough. For gaming and content creation, the decision is a tie, leaning on personal preference for typing feel versus layout compactness.

GamingTie
  • •Both keyboards offer tri-mode connectivity for low-latency 2.4GHz wireless.
  • •Both are hot-swappable for customizing switch feel.
  • •The N80's top mount is described by the manufacturer as offering firm keystrokes for gaming.
  • •The S85's gasket mount may provide a softer, more forgiving feel during long sessions.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85 has a significantly larger 7200mAh battery for longer use between charges.
  • •Its PBT keycaps are more resistant to shine and wear than the N80's ABS keycaps.
  • •The S85's 5-layer noise dampening and gasket mount may produce a quieter typing sound.
ProgrammingRoyal Kludge N80
  • •The N80's 75% layout is more compact, saving desk space while retaining arrow and function keys.
  • •It includes a dedicated knob for quick volume or media control.
  • •The USB 2.0 passthrough port allows for easy connection of a flash drive or dongle.
TravelRoyal Kludge N80
  • •The N80 has a lower profile and a slightly more compact 75% layout.
  • •It is listed as supporting low-profile ergonomics, which may be better for laptop bags.
  • •Both are wireless, but the N80's form factor is generally more travel-friendly.
ModdingRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85 features a gasket mount, which is a premium, mod-friendly mounting style for tuning sound and feel.
  • •It includes Cherry profile PBT keycaps, a popular and durable aftermarket standard.
  • •The S85's south-facing RGB LEDs are compatible with a wider range of aftermarket keycaps without interference.
Content CreationTie
  • •Both keyboards feature a smart display screen for monitoring system status.
  • •Both have tri-mode connectivity for switching between multiple devices.
  • •The N80's knob offers tactile control for scrubbing timelines or adjusting volume, while the S85's superior battery life supports long, uninterrupted work sessions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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