Royal Kludge R75 vs RK Sink87GGasket Mount vs Basic TKL
Choose the R75 for modern features and customizability, or the Sink87G for a basic, no-frills TKL layout at a similar price.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge R75
Gasket Mount
- Gasket mount structure with triple-layer sound dampening (poron cotton, IXPE foam, sponge) for a premium typing feel.
- Full QMK and VIA firmware support for unlimited key remapping and macro programming.
- Hot-swappable PCB allows easy switch customization without soldering.
- 75% layout may require adaptation for users who heavily rely on dedicated function keys.
- The vendor description notes some users have experienced issues with the VIA web app recognizing the keyboard.
- Does not include media keys according to the listed tech specs.
Get the
Royal Kludge RK Sink87G
Basic TKL
- Traditional 80% TKL layout is familiar and provides dedicated navigation keys.
- Includes a magnetic pad foot for adjusting the typing angle beyond the built-in 8° incline.
- Vendor description highlights a smart power-saving mode that activates after 3 minutes of inactivity.
- Uses ABS double-shot keycaps, which are more prone to shine over time compared to PBT.
- Significantly heavier at 1100g, reducing portability.
- Lacks advanced features like hot-swap sockets, QMK/VIA support, and a volume knob.
For nearly all users, the Royal Kludge R75 is the better investment. At a similar price, it delivers a vastly more modern package with superior build techniques, extensive customization, and thoughtful features like a volume knob. Only choose the RK Sink87G if you are certain you need a traditional TKL layout and have no interest in the customizability, sound profile, or compactness offered by the R75.
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 RK Sink87G
Layout size
75%
80%
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Battery
4,000 mAh
1,850 mAh
Knob
Yes
No
Weight
680 g
1,100 g
- Royal Kludge R75
- Royal Kludge RK Sink87G
- Performance
- 7259
- Build quality
- 7943
- Productivity
- 9359
- Customizability
- 8849
- Portability
- 7967
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
What will you mostly use it for?
The Royal Kludge R75 is the decisive winner across all defined use cases. It outperforms the RK Sink87G by offering a more modern and customizable foundation. Key advantages include its superior typing experience via gasket mounting, extensive programmability with QMK/VIA, quieter operation for shared environments, and a more portable form factor. The Sink87G's primary appeal is its familiar TKL layout for users who explicitly want that format without extra features.
Pick the Royal Kludge R75
- The R75's gasket mount with triple-layer sound dampening provides a more stable and potentially quieter typing experience.
- Its 75% layout retains arrow keys while saving more desk space than the TKL Sink87G for mouse movement.
- Includes a dedicated metal volume knob for quick audio control.
Royal Kludge R75 vs RK Sink87G specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
11 of 22 specs differ
Royal Kludge R75
Royal Kludge RK Sink87G
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
QMK
VIA
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge R75 vs RK Sink87G: your questions
The Royal Kludge R75 is far more customizable. It features a hot-swappable PCB for easy switch changes and supports QMK/VIA firmware for deep key remapping and macro programming. The RK Sink87G's product listing does not mention hot-swap capability or advanced firmware support.
The provided specifications and vendor description for the RK Sink87G do not list hot-swappable as a feature. The keyboard comes with pre-soldered tactile brown switches. In contrast, the R75 explicitly lists hot-swappable as a key feature.
The R75 is designed to be quieter. Its vendor description details a gasket-mounted structure with 5-layer noise dampening, including poron cotton, IXPE foam, and sponge case foam. The Sink87G's description does not mention any specific sound-dampening materials.
The R75 has a larger 4000mAh battery, while the Sink87G has a 1850mAh battery. This suggests the R75 will generally have a longer wireless runtime between charges, assuming similar power consumption.
The RK Sink87G vendor description mentions support for 3 sets of macro recording via key combinations (FN+Ctrl+Q/W/E). It does not offer the full, system-wide key remapping and layering capabilities provided by QMK/VIA support found on the R75.
The R75 is better for travel. It is significantly lighter at 680g compared to the Sink87G's 1100g. Furthermore, its 75% layout is more compact in both length and depth than the 80% TKL form factor of the Sink87G.
No, only the Royal Kludge R75 includes a dedicated metal volume knob. The RK Sink87G does not have a knob, so volume control would need to be done through function key combinations or software.
The R75 uses MDA profile, double-shot PBT keycaps, which are more durable and resistant to shine. The RK Sink87G uses ABS double-shot keycaps, which can develop a shiny appearance with prolonged use.
The R75 uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended on rubber gaskets to absorb typing vibrations, aiming for a softer, more consistent feel. The Sink87G uses a standard mount (not specified as gasket), which typically results in a firmer, more direct typing feedback.
Yes, both the Royal Kludge R75 and RK Sink87G list compatibility with Mac and Windows operating systems in their specifications.
Both keyboards feature RGB lighting. The R75 vendor description lists 18 dynamic RGB backlight modes and 8 monochrome options. The Sink87G description mentions 20 types of RGB light and 8 types of single light. The specific effects differ, but both offer a wide variety.
Not sold on either?
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