Royal Kludge R75 vs R87 PROCompact 75% vs TKL Layout Choice
Choose the R75 for maximum space savings and a slightly lower price, or the R87 PRO for a larger layout with a removable knob and a larger battery.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge R75
Compact 75%
- More compact 75% layout saves significant desk space.
- Lighter weight of 680g enhances portability.
- Includes 5-layer noise dampening with poron cotton, IXPE foam, and sponge case foam per the vendor description.
- Lacks the removable knob feature found on the R87 PRO.
- Smaller 4000mAh battery compared to the R87 PRO's 6000mAh.
- The vendor description for the R75 does not mention N-Key Rollover, while it is listed for the R87 PRO.
Get the
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
TKL Layout Choice
- TKL (80%) layout retains the function row and navigation cluster.
- Features a unique removable metal volume knob for customization.
- Larger 6000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
- Larger and heavier (760g) than the R75, making it less portable.
- Uses a shorter 5.6-inch USB cable, as noted in its specs, compared to the R75's 1.6m cable.
- The Cherry profile keycaps may not be preferred by all users over the R75's MDA profile.
Your primary layout preference should guide this decision. Opt for the Royal Kludge R75 if you want the most compact, portable package and value a lower price. Choose the Royal Kludge R87 PRO if you prefer a TKL layout with dedicated function keys, want the flexibility of a removable knob, and need the longer battery life. Both are excellent values with strong modding support.
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 R75
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Layout size
75%
80%
Battery
4,000 mAh
6,000 mAh
Weight
680 g
760 g
Backlight
RGB
RGB, south-facing
Media keys
No
Yes
- Royal Kludge R75
- Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- Performance
- 7283
- Build quality
- 7978
- Productivity
- 9393
- Customizability
- 8891
- Portability
- 7985
- 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 holds slight advantages for gaming, programming, and content creation due to its layout, specified N-Key Rollover, and unique removable knob. The R75 is the clear choice for portability thanks to its smaller size and lower weight. For office use and modding, the keyboards are evenly matched, sharing their most compelling features like programmability and wireless connectivity.
Pick the Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- The R87 PRO's listing includes N-Key Rollover, a feature not explicitly mentioned for the R75.
- Its south-facing RGB LEDs are less likely to interfere with Cherry-profile keycaps, a detail highlighted in its vendor description.
- The TKL layout provides more consistent spacing for some gamers used to a larger form factor.
Royal Kludge R75 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 R75
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 R75 vs R87 PRO: your questions
The main difference is the layout size. The R75 uses a 75% layout that combines the function row with the number row to save space. The R87 PRO uses an 80% TKL (Tenkeyless) layout, which keeps the function row and navigation keys separate in a larger form factor. The R87 PRO also has a removable volume knob.
Yes, both the Royal Kludge R75 and R87 PRO feature hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to change the mechanical switches without any soldering, using 3-pin or 5-pin switches for easy customization.
The Royal Kludge R87 PRO has a larger 6000mAh battery, while the R75 has a 4000mAh battery. Based on the specifications, the R87 PRO should offer longer wireless usage between charges, assuming similar power consumption.
Yes, both the RK R75 and R87 PRO list compatibility with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android in their vendor descriptions. They include tri-mode connectivity (wired, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz) for connecting to various devices.
Yes, both keyboards support QMK and VIA programming. This allows for advanced key remapping, layer creation, and macro programming directly through a web-based configuration tool for extensive customization.
Both keyboards use double-shot PBT keycaps for durability. The R75 comes with MDA profile keycaps, while the R87 PRO uses Cherry profile keycaps, as specified in their respective product listings.
The RK R75 is more portable. It is smaller due to its 75% layout, lighter at 680g compared to the R87 PRO's 760g, and has a more compact overall footprint, making it easier to transport or use in tight spaces.
Yes, according to the Royal Kludge product description, the R87 PRO features a hot-swappable, removable CNC metal volume knob. It can be taken out and replaced with a standard keycap if desired.
Both keyboards come with pre-lubed linear switches. The R75 is listed with linear cream switches, and the R87 PRO comes with linear creamy switches. Both are designed for a smooth and quiet typing experience out of the box.
Both keyboards are designed for a comfortable typing experience. They use gasket mount structures with internal sound-dampening foam (like poron cotton and IXPE foam in the R75) to reduce noise and vibration, and they come with pre-lubed linear switches for smooth keystrokes.
The R87 PRO may have a slight edge for gaming as its specification list includes N-Key Rollover (NKRO), which ensures every keypress is registered simultaneously. Its south-facing RGB LEDs also prevent interference with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.
Both include the keyboard, a USB-C to USB-A cable, a keycap and switch puller, and a user manual. The R87 PRO's listing specifically notes it also includes four spare creamy switches, which is not mentioned for the R75.
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