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Compare Royal Kludge R87 PRO vs Royal Kludge RK89 Differences Side by Side

Both the Royal Kludge R87 PRO and RK89 are 80% wireless mechanical keyboards from the same brand, but they target different buyers. The R87 PRO is built for users who want complete control, offering QMK/VIA firmware support, a gasket mount, and a large 6000mAh battery. The RK89 takes a different route with an innovative 89-key layout that adds a numpad in a compact form, plus a detachable frame and USB pass-through ports. The decision comes down to whether you prioritize advanced customization and battery life or a unique space-saving layout with a number pad.

88
R87 PRO TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)
RK89 85% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Comes with a knob
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 760 g
  • Sized at 43 x 131 x 43 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
  • Released in 2022
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Equipped with a 1850 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 1000 g
  • Sized at 41 x 135 x 41 mm
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.4
  • Build Quality: 78.2
  • Productivity: 93
  • Customizability: 92.4
  • Portability: 85.6
Scores
  • Performance: 63
  • Build Quality: 48.1
  • Productivity: 67.2
  • Customizability: 62.8
  • Portability: 71.6
Name
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Name
Royal Kludge RK89
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
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
6000 mAh
Battery capacity
1850 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
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
43 x 131 x 43 mm
Dimensions
41 x 135 x 41 mm
Weight
760g
Weight
1000g
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Pros and Trade-offs

The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is the better choice for nearly every buyer, offering a superior typing experience with its gasket mount and sound dampening, along with unlimited customization through QMK/VIA. The RK89's main draw is its unique 89-key layout that squeezes in a numpad, making it a niche option only if you absolutely need a number pad in a compact wireless board and can accept the trade-offs in battery life and keycap material. For most users, the R87 PRO provides more value and a better overall package.

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

  • +Supports QMK/VIA firmware for extensive key remapping, macros, and backlight customization
  • +Gasket mount design combined with sound-dampening foam for a quieter, more refined typing experience
  • +Large 6000mAh battery provides significantly longer wireless use between charges
  • +Comes with Cherry profile PBT keycaps that are more durable and resistant to wear than ABS
  • +Includes a removable metal volume knob for convenient audio control
  • −The vendor description lists the R87 PRO as an 88-key keyboard, which may differ from the metadata's 80% size designation
  • −Plastic case may feel less premium than keyboards with aluminum frames at similar price points

Royal Kludge RK89

  • +Innovative 89-key layout includes a numpad in a compact form factor, saving desk space over a full-size board
  • +Features two built-in USB 2.0 pass-through ports and a Type-C port for convenient hub functionality
  • +Hot-swappable switch sockets allow for easy switch changes without soldering
  • +Detachable frame design offers a unique aesthetic customization option
  • −Comes with ABS keycaps which are more prone to developing a shiny surface over time than PBT
  • −Smaller 1850mAh battery requires more frequent charging compared to the R87 PRO
  • −Does not support QMK/VIA firmware, limiting software customization options

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The Royal Kludge R87 PRO wins in all six use-case categories. Its QMK/VIA firmware, gasket mount design, sound dampening, and PBT keycaps give it a clear edge in gaming, office work, programming, and modding. The lighter weight and much larger 6000mAh battery make it the better choice for travel and content creation as well. The RK89's unique 89-key layout with a numpad is its only distinctive advantage, but it is not strong enough to overcome the R87 PRO's superior feature set for most users.

GamingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The R87 PRO uses pre-lubed linear Creamy switches and a gasket mount for a smooth, consistent feel
  • •QMK/VIA support allows for custom key remaps and macros for different games
  • •The 6000mAh battery provides extended wireless gaming sessions on 2.4 GHz
OfficeRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •R87 PRO's PBT keycaps are more durable and resist shine compared to the RK89's ABS keycaps
  • •The R87 PRO includes sound-dampening foam for quieter typing in shared spaces
  • •Its 6000mAh battery lasts much longer between charges than the RK89's 1850mAh
ProgrammingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •QMK/VIA firmware on the R87 PRO enables deep custom key mapping and macro creation
  • •The R87 PRO's gasket mount with sound-absorbing foam provides a quieter, more pleasant typing experience
  • •Cherry profile PBT keycaps on the R87 PRO offer a stable, consistent feel for long coding sessions
TravelRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The R87 PRO is lighter at 760g compared to the RK89's 1000g
  • •The R87 PRO's 6000mAh battery offers significantly more wireless runtime away from a desk
  • •Both are similar in dimensions, but the R87 PRO's lower weight is a clear advantage for portability
ModdingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The R87 PRO's gasket mount and sound-dampening foam provide a better foundation for modding
  • •QMK/VIA support allows for extensive firmware-level customization beyond simple key swaps
  • •The R87 PRO comes with a removable metal volume knob that can be replaced with a standard key switch
Content CreationRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The removable metal volume knob on the R87 PRO offers convenient hardware control for audio editing
  • •QMK/VIA support allows for custom shortcuts for editing software like macros and layer switching
  • •The linear Creamy switches and sound dampening provide a quiet environment for recording

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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