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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Royal Kludge R75 vs RK89Compact Gasket vs 80% with USB Hub

Choose the R75 for a premium typing feel and compact layout, or the RK89 for a larger layout with integrated USB ports.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Royal Kludge R75

Compact Gasket

Build quality in the top 20% of 75% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Gasket mount structure with triple-layer sound dampening (poron cotton, IXPE foam, sponge case foam).
  • Full QMK and VIA firmware support for advanced key remapping and macros.
  • Includes a CNC-machined aluminum volume knob.

Rules this board out

  • No numpad.

Get the

Royal Kludge RK89

80% with USB Hub

Build quality in the bottom 20% of 80% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Innovative 89-key 80% layout includes a number pad while saving space over a full-size board.
  • Features two USB 2.0 pass-through ports and a Type-C port for connectivity.
  • Offers a choice of clicky, tactile, or linear switch types out of the box.

Rules this board out

  • No numpad.

Bottom line

The Royal Kludge R75 is the better overall keyboard for most users, offering superior build quality, a premium typing experience, and extensive customization at a competitive price. Its gasket mount, PBT keycaps, and QMK/VIA support are significant advantages. Only choose the RK89 if your workflow absolutely requires a built-in number pad and the convenience of USB pass-through ports, and you are willing to accept its heavier build and less advanced feature set.

What actually differs

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 RK89

  • Layout size

    75%

    80%

  • Battery

    4,000 mAh

    1,850 mAh

    A larger battery means fewer cables during the day

  • Switch options

    Linear

    Clicky, Linear, Tactile

  • Knob

    Yes

    No

  • Weight

    680 g

    1,000 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Royal Kludge R75
  • Royal Kludge RK89
Performance
72
63
Build quality
78
48
Productivity
93
66
Customizability
88
62
Portability
79
71

What they share

  • Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
  • Hot-swappable
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The R75 is the clear choice for users focused on typing quality, portability, and deep customization, winning in Gaming, Programming, Travel, and Modding. Its gasket mount, premium keycaps, and QMK/VIA support are decisive. The RK89 finds its niche in Office use, where its number pad and integrated USB hub provide tangible utility. For Content Creation, the advantages split between the R75's knob and the RK89's connectivity, making it a tie based on specific workflow needs.

For gaming

Pick the Royal Kludge R75

  • The R75's gasket mount structure with poron cotton, IXPE foam, and sponge case foam provides a more solid, vibration-dampened feel.
  • Its 75% layout is more compact, freeing up mouse space while retaining arrow keys.
  • It includes a dedicated metal volume knob for quick audio control.

Full specs

Royal Kludge R75 vs RK89 specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

12 of 21 specs differ

Royal Kludge R75

Royal Kludge RK89

Typing & switches

Switch options

Linear
Clicky, Linear, Tactile

Hot-swappable

Yes
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
—

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

75%
80%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

Yes
No

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired

Battery

4,000 mAhBetter
1,850 mAh

USB passthrough

No
Yes

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Keycaps

PBT
ABS

Weight

680 g
1,000 g

Dimensions

42 x 323 x 42 mm
41 x 135 x 41 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

QMK

Yes
No

VIA

Yes
No

Mac & Windows

Yes
Yes

Extras

Released

2024
2022

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.

FAQ

Royal Kludge R75 vs RK89: your questions

The R75 is generally better for typing. It uses a gasket mount with multiple foam layers for sound and shock absorption, and it comes with MDA profile PBT keycaps which the manufacturer states offer a comfortable experience. The RK89 uses a standard mount and ABS keycaps.

Yes, the RK89 has an innovative 89-key layout that includes a number pad. The manufacturer states it brings the number pad back compared to a TKL keyboard, saving over 30% space compared to a full-size board.

Yes, but the method and depth differ. The R75 supports QMK and VIA firmware, allowing deep remapping of any key and macro creation via a web app. The RK89 uses proprietary DIY software that, according to its listing, supports customizable key assignment and keybinding, but only in wired mode on Windows.

The R75 has a larger 4000mAh battery, while the RK89 has a 1850mAh battery. Based on capacity alone, the R75 should offer significantly longer wireless usage between charges, though actual runtime depends on usage patterns like RGB brightness.

The R75 comes with pre-lubed linear Cream switches. The RK89 offers a choice of clicky, tactile, or linear RK switches out of the box, and its package includes four replacement switches.

Yes, both keyboards are hot-swappable, meaning you can replace the switches without soldering. This also implies you can replace the keycaps with any set that matches the standard layout and stem compatibility (Cherry MX style).

The RK89 has two built-in USB 2.0 pass-through ports and a Type-C port. This allows you to connect devices like a mouse, flash drive, or security dongle directly to the keyboard, reducing cable clutter and reaching easier than the back of your PC.

No. The metadata lists the R75 with Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and Wired connectivity, making it a tri-mode keyboard. The vendor description title specifies 'Wired,' but the tech specs and connectivity options confirm it supports all three modes.

The R75 is more portable. It is a 75% layout, weighs 680g (compared to 1000g for the RK89), and has a smaller physical footprint. Its lighter weight and more compact size make it easier to pack and carry.

Yes, both the R75 and RK89 listings explicitly state compatibility with Windows and Mac operating systems. The R75 vendor page also lists Linux, iOS, and Android compatibility.

A gasket mount is a design where the keyboard's plate is suspended by rubber or silicone gaskets within the case, rather than being rigidly fixed. On the R75, this, combined with foam layers, aims to provide a softer, more cushioned typing feel and reduce vibration and noise.

The RK89's metadata lists 'Yes; Rgb,' but its vendor description and tech specs specify 'Blue backlighting' with 20 onboard modes. This indicates it has blue single-color backlighting, not full RGB per-key lighting like the R75.

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