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Compare Royal Kludge R75 vs Royal Kludge R87 PRO Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two of Royal Kludge's popular wired, gasket-mounted keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share core features like hot-swappable linear switches, QMK/VIA programmability, PBT keycaps, and sound dampening. The decision ultimately hinges on your preferred layout size and a few key feature differences. The R75 offers a more compact 75% form factor, while the R87 PRO provides a larger 80% TKL layout with a unique removable knob.

86
R75 75% Wired Gaming Keyboard  (QMK/VIA)
88
R87 PRO TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard  (QMK/VIA)

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  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Equipped with a 4000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 680 g
  • Sized at 42 x 323 x 42 mm
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 760 g
  • Sized at 43 x 131 x 43 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 72.2
  • Build Quality: 78.2
  • Productivity: 93
  • Customizability: 89.5
  • Portability: 80.2
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 78.1
  • Productivity: 92.9
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 85.5
Name
Royal Kludge R75
Name
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Linear
Profile
Normal 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
 
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
4000 mAh
Battery capacity
6000 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
Gasket 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
-
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
42 x 323 x 42 mm
Dimensions
43 x 131 x 43 mm
Weight
680g
Weight
760g
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Royal Kludge R75

  • +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.
  • +Uses MDA profile PBT keycaps, which some users prefer for typing comfort.
  • +Generally available at a slightly lower price point.

  • 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.

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

  • +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.
  • +South-facing RGB LEDs, which are compatible with a wider range of keycap profiles.
  • +Includes four spare creamy switches in the box, according to its product listing.

  • 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.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingRoyal 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.
OfficeTie
  • Both offer tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for flexible device switching.
  • Both include a volume knob for quick media control.
  • Both have sound dampening features for a quieter environment.
ProgrammingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • The R87 PRO's TKL layout retains the function row, which can be useful for IDE shortcuts.
  • Its Cherry profile PBT keycaps, as stated in its description, are a common and comfortable profile for long typing sessions.
  • The removable knob can be replaced with a standard key for a more traditional key block.
TravelRoyal Kludge R75
  • The R75 is lighter at 680g compared to the R87 PRO's 760g.
  • Its 75% layout is more compact, saving desk or bag space.
  • It has a slightly smaller physical footprint.
ModdingTie
  • Both keyboards are hot-swappable for easy switch changes.
  • Both support QMK and VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming.
  • Both use gasket mount designs and include sound dampening foam from the factory.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • The R87 PRO includes a removable metal volume knob, offering customization or the option for a standard key.
  • Its larger 6000mAh battery offers longer wireless runtime than the R75's 4000mAh battery.
  • The TKL layout may provide more comfortable spacing for macro pads or other peripherals.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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