Royal Kludge R87 PRO vs S85QMK/VIA vs OLED Screen Comparison
Choose the R87 PRO for deep firmware customization and a lower price, or the S85 for a built-in OLED screen and a larger battery.
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from$64at Royal Kludge
from$89at Royal Kludge
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
QMK/VIA
Build quality in the top 20% of 80% boards under $100.
- Supports QMK and VIA firmware for extensive key remapping and macro programming.
- Lighter weight (760g) and slightly more compact dimensions for better portability.
- Includes a removable metal volume knob for convenient media control.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Royal Kludge S85
OLED Screen Comparison
Build quality in the top 30% of 80% boards under $100.
- Features a built-in OLED screen for displaying battery, connection mode, and system status.
- Larger 7200mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
- Includes 5-layer noise dampening, as per the vendor description, for a potentially quieter sound profile.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Your choice hinges on a single trade-off: software freedom versus hardware utility. If you value creating deeply personalized keymaps, layers, and lighting effects, the Royal Kludge R87 PRO and its QMK/VIA support are the clear path. If you prefer a keyboard that provides immediate, at-a-glance system information via its OLED screen and offers a larger battery, the Royal Kludge S85 is the more suitable option. Prioritize your workflow needs over shared features like the gasket mount and PBT keycaps.
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 R87 PRO
Royal Kludge S85
Battery
6,000 mAh
7,200 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Display
None
OLED
A case display rather than a typing feature
Weight
760 g
950 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
QMK
Yes
No
The deep option when you want to remap every key
VIA
Yes
No
GUI remapping without compiling firmware
- Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- Royal Kludge S85
- Performance
- 8366
- Build quality
- 7869
- Productivity
- 9384
- Customizability
- 9174
- Portability
- 8586
- Layout size: 80%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Mount style: Gasket Mount
- Knob
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The R87 PRO wins in scenarios demanding high customizability and portability, such as gaming, programming, travel, and modding, primarily due to its QMK/VIA support and lighter build. The S85 takes the lead for office use, leveraging its OLED screen for system monitoring and its larger battery. For content creation, both offer compelling but different advantages, making it a tie based on whether you prioritize programmable keys or a status display.
Pick the Royal Kludge R87 PRO
- The R87 PRO's QMK/VIA support allows for extensive macro and key rebinding customization for game profiles.
- It is notably lighter at 760g compared to the S85's 950g, which may be preferable for quick desk adjustments.
- Both feature hot-swappable switches and south-facing RGB, but the R87 PRO's advanced firmware offers more control over gaming setups.
Royal Kludge R87 PRO vs S85 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 23 specs differ
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Royal Kludge S85
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
QMK
VIA
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
Compare prices
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Royal Kludge R87 PRO vs S85: your questions
The Royal Kludge R87 PRO has superior software customization. It supports both QMK and VIA firmware, which are open-source platforms allowing for deep key remapping, macro creation, and lighting control. The S85 uses proprietary software, which typically offers less granular control than QMK/VIA.
Yes, according to the manufacturer, the S85's OLED screen displays real-time information. This includes battery status, the current connection mode (wired, 2.4GHz, or Bluetooth), and the active system mode (Windows or Mac). This allows for quick monitoring without using software.
Yes, both keyboards feature hot-swappable PCBs. This means you can change the mechanical switches without any soldering. The R87 PRO comes with Creamy switches, and the S85 comes with Cloud switches, but both can accept compatible 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
The Royal Kludge R87 PRO is more portable. It weighs 760 grams, which is 190 grams lighter than the 950-gram S85. The R87 PRO is also slightly shorter in length (131mm vs. 142mm), making it a more compact option for travel or moving between workspaces.
The Royal Kludge S85 has a larger 7200mAh battery, while the R87 PRO has a 6000mAh battery. The manufacturer claims the S85 can last up to 41 hours with max RGB brightness. While specific hours for the R87 PRO aren't stated, the larger capacity in the S85 suggests potentially longer wireless runtime.
Both keyboards are listed as compatible with Mac. The vendor description for the R87 PRO explicitly states compatibility with MacOS and Linux. The S85 vendor description lists Mac/IOS/Android and Windows, but Linux compatibility is not explicitly mentioned for the S85 in the provided information.
Both keyboards come equipped with double-shot PBT keycaps in a Cherry profile. PBT plastic is more durable and resistant to shine compared to ABS, and the Cherry profile is a popular choice for its typing angle. The south-facing RGB LEDs ensure compatibility with these keycaps.
A gasket mount is a design where the keyboard's plate is suspended on soft gaskets within the case, reducing harsh vibrations and creating a softer, more consistent typing feel. Yes, both the Royal Kludge R87 PRO and S85 utilize a gasket mount design, which contributes to a quieter and more comfortable typing experience.
Both are designed to be relatively quiet with gasket mounts and sound-dampening foam. The S85 vendor description specifically mentions '5-Layer Noise Dampening,' which may give it a slight edge in reducing sound. However, the pre-lubed linear switches on both models will also contribute to a quieter typing experience compared to clicky switches.
Yes. The manufacturer's description for the R87 PRO states it has a 'removable metal volume knob.' This knob can be taken off and replaced with a standard keycap if you prefer, offering flexibility in your keyboard's layout and control scheme.
There is a discrepancy. The product metadata lists connectivity as Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and Wired (tri-mode). However, the vendor product description title calls it a 'Wired Gaming Keyboard' and details a detachable Type-C cable. You should verify with the seller to confirm if the specific model you are purchasing includes wireless functionality.
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