Compare Royal Kludge R87 PRO vs Royal Kludge RK84 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two Royal Kludge keyboards that share a similar price bracket but target different priorities. The R87 PRO is a wired 80% TKL with a gasket mount, pre-lubed linear creamy switches, and full QMK/VIA programming support. The RK84 is a 75% wireless board available in multiple switch types (clicky, tactile, linear, silent) and includes a built-in USB passthrough hub. The decision is hard because both offer strong value but excel in different areas: firmware customizability versus hardware versatility.

Model
	88	63	Select a keyboard to compare
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2024 Has Linear switch options Available in a 80% layout Comes with a knob Supports QMK firmware Supports VIA configuration Features N-key rollover Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery Weighs about 760 g Sized at 43 x 131 x 43 mm Features PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting	Released in 2021 Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options Available in a 75% layout Offers a USB passthrough port Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery Weighs about 803.5 g Sized at 41 x 125 x 315 mm Features ABS, PBT keycaps Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Score	Scores Performance: 83.5 Build Quality: 78.1 Productivity: 92.9 Customizability: 92.3 Portability: 85.5	Scores Performance: 62.8 Build Quality: 50.5 Productivity: 77.8 Customizability: 69.5 Portability: 81.4
Name	Name Royal Kludge R87 PRO	Name Royal Kludge RK84
Release year	Release year 2024	Release year 2021
Switch Options	Switch Options Linear	Switch Options Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 80%	Layout Size 75%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless	Connection Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate 1000 Hz
Battery capacity	Battery capacity 6000 mAh	Battery capacity 3750 mAh
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Gasket Mount	Mount Style -
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb, South-face	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Plastic	Case Material Plastic
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material PBT	Keycaps Material ABS, PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 43 x 131 x 43 mm	Dimensions 41 x 125 x 315 mm
Weight	Weight 760g	Weight 803.5g

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Pros and Trade-offs

Go with the R87 PRO if you want deeper QMK/VIA customization, a gasket mount for a softer typing feel, and a metal volume knob. Choose the RK84 if you need wireless connectivity, a wider selection of switch types including silent options, or the convenience of USB passthrough ports for your peripherals. The R87 PRO is the better choice for modders and programmers, while the RK84 suits office workers and travelers.

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

+Gasket mount with sound-absorbing foam and case foam for a quieter typing experience
+QMK and VIA support for advanced key remapping and macro creation
+Removable CNC metal volume knob for easy audio control
+Cherry profile double-shot PBT keycaps are more resistant to wear than ABS
+South-facing RGB LEDs improve keycap legend visibility

−Only available with pre-installed linear creamy switches, no tactile or clicky options out of box
−Purely wired connectivity limits placement options compared to wireless alternatives
−TKL 80% layout may lack dedicated keys for users who need a full number pad

Royal Kludge RK84

+Available in multiple switch types (linear, tactile, clicky, silent) to suit different preferences
+Built-in 2 USB 2.0 passthrough ports plus a Type-C port for connecting peripherals
+Tri-mode wireless connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) for flexible setup
+Removable frame allows a floating key aesthetic and easy cleaning

−ABS double-shot keycaps may develop shine over prolonged use compared to PBT
−Firmware customization is limited to basic software without full QMK/VIA support
−Some user reviews report wireless connectivity issues and battery percentage glitches
−Build quality scores lower than the R87 PRO, with a plastic case that may feel less premium

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The R87 PRO wins in gaming, programming, modding, and content creation primarily because of its gasket mount, QMK/VIA firmware, and linear pre-lubed switches. The RK84 takes office and travel categories due to its wireless modes, multiple switch options including silent variants, and the handy USB passthrough hub. For users who prioritize firmware customization and a refined typing feel, the R87 PRO is the clear choice. Those who need switch flexibility, wireless freedom, and extra ports should lean toward the RK84.

GamingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO

•Gasket mount design with sound-absorbing foam reduces resonance for quieter operation during gameplay
•Pre-lubed linear creamy switches provide smooth, consistent keystrokes suitable for rapid inputs
•South-facing RGB improves keycap legend visibility in dim gaming environments

OfficeRoyal Kludge RK84

•Available in quiet switch options including linear, tactile, and silent variants for shared workspaces
•Built-in 2x USB 2.0 passthrough ports allow easy connection of a mouse or headphone
•Wireless connectivity (Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz) reduces cable clutter on the desk

ProgrammingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO

•QMK/VIA support enables deep key remapping and macro creation for coding workflows
•Removable metal volume knob provides quick access to system audio control
•Gasket mount and sound dampening create a quieter typing environment for focused work

TravelRoyal Kludge RK84

•Wireless tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, wired) offers flexibility without cables
•3750mAh battery provides extended wireless use away from power outlets
•Compact 75% layout saves space in a bag while retaining arrow and function keys

ModdingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO

•QMK/VIA firmware allows complete remapping and customization of key functions
•Gasket mount structure is a popular starting point for case and switch mods
•Hot-swappable PCB supports switch replacements without soldering
•Comes with Cherry profile PBT keycaps which are durable and aftermarket-compatible

Content CreationRoyal Kludge R87 PRO

•QMK/VIA support enables custom shortcuts for editing software like macros and layer switching
•Removable metal volume knob provides quick adjustment for audio monitoring
•Linear pre-lubed switches offer quiet, smooth keystrokes for recording-sensitive environments