Compare Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD vs Royal Kludge RK84 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between a premium-feeling, wired compact keyboard and a more versatile, feature-packed wireless option. The Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD offers high-end modding features like a gasket mount and premium foams at a competitive price, but is wired-only. The Royal Kludge RK84 counters with triple-mode wireless, a 75% layout with dedicated keys, and a built-in USB hub, but uses more basic materials. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a refined, customizable typing experience or maximum connectivity and layout utility.

Model
	86	63	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2023 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options Available in a 65% layout Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Includes screw-in stabilizers Uses a Plate Mount mounting style Supports Wired, Wired only connectivity Made with a Plastic, ABS case Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2021 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options Available in a 75% layout Offers a USB passthrough port Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery Weighs about 803.5 g Sized at 41 x 125 x 315 mm Made with a Plastic case Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 64.1 Build Quality: 81.3 Productivity: 92.3 Customizability: 94.2 Portability: 75.6	Scores Performance: 62.7 Build Quality: 50.5 Productivity: 77.9 Customizability: 69.7 Portability: 81.6
Name	Name Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD	Name Royal Kludge RK84
Release year	Release year 2023	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 65%	Layout Size 75%
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	Display Support
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 Wired, Wired only	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity 3750 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 Plate Mount	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic, ABS	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions -	Dimensions 41 x 125 x 315 mm
Weight	Weight -	Weight 803.5g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Your primary need dictates the choice. If you want a deeply customizable, great-sounding typing experience and will keep it on one desk, the Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD offers exceptional value and quality for a wired keyboard. If you need to connect to multiple devices, value a cleaner wireless setup, or require the dedicated keys of a 75% layout for work, the Royal Kludge RK84 is the more flexible daily driver, albeit with more basic materials.

Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD

+Superior modding foundation with gasket mount design, FR4 plate, and screw-in stabilizers.
+Includes premium sound-dampening materials like IXPE switch dampeners and Poron foams.
+Full support for QMK and VIA firmware for extensive, easy reprogramming.
+Uses durable PBT keycaps and features south-facing RGB LEDs.
+Comes with a detachable braided USB-C cable and a 3-stage keyboard stand.

−Wired-only connectivity, limiting placement and device-switching flexibility.
−65% layout lacks dedicated arrow keys and function row, requiring layers.
−Some user reviews mention stabilizer rattle and difficulty opening the case.

Royal Kludge RK84

+Versatile triple-mode connectivity with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz wireless, and wired USB-C.
+75% layout efficiently includes arrow keys, function row, and navigation cluster.
+Features a built-in hub with two USB 2.0 pass-through ports.
+Includes a large 3750mAh battery for extended wireless use.
+Comes with a comprehensive accessory kit including a switch puller and spare switches.

−Uses ABS keycaps, which are prone to shine and feel less premium than PBT.
−Lacks advanced mounting styles or detailed sound-dampening features mentioned for the Ducky.
−Some user reviews report firmware issues and unreliable wireless performance over time.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Royal Kludge RK84 is the more practical choice for office work, programming, and travel due to its wireless connectivity and more functional 75% layout. The Ducky Tinker 65 ProjectD is the clear winner for enthusiasts focused on modding, offering a superior internal construction and firmware support. For gaming and content creation, the choice depends on whether you value a wireless setup or a more premium, customizable typing foundation.

GamingTie

•Both keyboards are hot-swappable for switch customization.
•The Ducky Tinker 65 has south-facing RGB LEDs for better compatibility with aftermarket keycaps.
•The RK84 offers a 2.4 GHz wireless mode for a cleaner desk setup.

OfficeRoyal Kludge RK84

•The RK84's 75% layout retains arrow keys, function row, and navigation cluster without a full-size footprint.
•Triple-mode wireless (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) allows easy switching between multiple devices.
•The built-in USB pass-through ports can connect a mouse or headset.

ProgrammingRoyal Kludge RK84

•The RK84's 75% layout provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys, which are frequently used in coding.
•Wireless connectivity reduces cable clutter on a developer's desk.
•Both keyboards support Mac and Windows, but the RK84's listing also includes Linux, iOS, and Android.

TravelRoyal Kludge RK84

•The RK84's wireless functionality eliminates the need to carry or connect a cable on the go.
•It includes a 3750mAh battery for extended cordless use.
•While slightly larger, its wireless nature offers more placement flexibility.

ModdingDucky Tinker 65 ProjectD

•The Ducky Tinker 65 features a gasket mount design with an FR4 plate and screw-in stabilizers for a premium typing feel.
•It includes IXPE switch dampeners and Poron plate and bottom foam for sound dampening out of the box.
•It supports QMK and VIA for deep, open-source firmware customization.

Content CreationTie

•Both keyboards have multimedia keys for controlling media playback.
•The Ducky's PBT keycaps are more durable and resistant to shine over long typing sessions.
•The RK84's wireless modes and USB hub can help manage a workspace with multiple peripherals.