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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.

89
R87 PRO TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)
63
RK84 Wired RGB Limited Edition Keyboard

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  • 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 Linear, Tactile, Silent, Clicky 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 315 x 125 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 83.6
  • Build Quality: 78.4
  • Productivity: 93.3
  • Customizability: 92.4
  • Portability: 85.4
Scores
  • Performance: 63.3
  • Build Quality: 50.6
  • Productivity: 77.7
  • Customizability: 69.7
  • Portability: 81.2
Name
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Name
Royal Kludge RK84
Release year
2024
Release year
2021
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Silent, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
80%
Layout Size
75%
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
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
6000 mAh
Battery capacity
3750 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
Plastic
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
43 x 131 x 43 mm
Dimensions
41 x 315 x 125 mm
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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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