Royal Kludge R65 vs R87 PROAluminum vs TKL
Choose the R65 for its compact aluminum case, or the R87 PRO for its TKL layout with function keys and arrow keys.
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from$59at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge R65
Aluminum
Build quality in the top 15% of 65% boards under $100.
- 65% ANSI layout saves space compared with the R87 PRO's 80% TKL format.
- Aluminum case, while the R87 PRO uses plastic.
- 580g listed weight is less than the R87 PRO's 760g.
- 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.
Get the
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
TKL
Build quality in the top 15% of 80% boards under $100.
- 80% TKL layout retains function and arrow keys.
- Listed N-Key Rollover and multi-media keys.
- South-facing RGB LEDs and PBT keycaps.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
- No numpad.
Pick the R65 if desk space and an aluminum case matter more than direct access to a function row. Choose the R87 PRO if you want a TKL layout with function and arrow keys, plus its listed N-Key Rollover and multi-media keys. Both offer gasket mounts, hot-swap support, QMK/VIA, and Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity.
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.
Royal Kludge R65
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Layout size
65%
80%
Case material
Aluminum
Plastic
Weight
580 g
760 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
Backlight
RGB
RGB, south-facing
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Media keys
No
Yes
- Royal Kludge R65
- Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- Performance
- 6684
- Build quality
- 8478
- Productivity
- 8993
- Customizability
- 8891
- Portability
- 8585
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Switch options: Linear
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- QMK
What will you mostly use it for?
The R87 PRO takes most categories because its TKL layout keeps more keys readily accessible, with N-Key Rollover and listed multi-media keys adding practical distinctions. The R65 is the travel-oriented option here, thanks to its smaller layout and lower listed weight. For modding, both share hot-swap and QMK/VIA support, while the R87 PRO's listed spare switches give it an extra convenience. Both have a volume knob, gasket mount, linear switches, and three connection modes.
Pick the Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- The R87 PRO has an 80% TKL layout with function and arrow keys.
- Its listed N-Key Rollover supports registering multiple simultaneous key presses.
- Both keyboards have linear switches, gasket mounts, RGB, and wired connectivity.
Royal Kludge R65 vs R87 PRO specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 23 specs differ
Royal Kludge R65
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
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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Royal Kludge R65 vs R87 PRO: your questions
The R65 is a 65% keyboard with an aluminum case, while the R87 PRO is an 80% TKL keyboard with a plastic case. The R87 PRO retains function and arrow keys, while the R65 uses less desk space.
No. Its 65% layout has no function row and no numpad, according to its compatibility notes. The R87 PRO's TKL layout retains function and arrow keys.
No. The R87 PRO's compatibility notes specify that it has no numpad. Its TKL layout does retain function and arrow keys.
The R65 is the smaller layout at 65%, compared with the R87 PRO at 80% TKL. Its listed weight is 580g, versus 760g for the R87 PRO.
Both list Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity. The vendor descriptions identify wired versions of both models, so confirm the specific version before buying if wireless operation is essential.
Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable. The R65 vendor description says its PCB supports 3-pin and 5-pin switches, while the R87 PRO package listing includes four spare Creamy switches.
Yes, both products list QMK and VIA support. The R87 PRO vendor description specifically mentions remapping keys, macros, and backlight settings.
The R87 PRO has south-facing LEDs, directed toward the user. Its compatibility notes warn that shine-through legends stay dark and some sculpted keycaps may clip the LED.
The R65 has an aluminum case. The R87 PRO's listed case material is plastic.
Both list knob support and a volume knob. The R87 PRO vendor description says its metal knob can be rotated for volume control, pressed to mute or unmute, and replaced with a standard key.
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