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Compare Royal Kludge R87 PRO vs Royal Kludge S85 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two feature-rich Royal Kludge TKL keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share a gasket mount, PBT keycaps, and tri-mode connectivity. The R87 PRO stands out with its QMK and VIA firmware support for advanced programming, while the S85 offers a unique OLED screen for system monitoring and a slightly larger battery. Your priority between ultimate software customization and visual utility will determine the winner.

88
R87 PRO TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)
74
S85 TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard

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  • Has Linear switch options
  • Includes a No display
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Supports QMK firmware
  • Supports VIA configuration
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Equipped with a 6000 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 760 g
  • Sized at 43 x 131 x 43 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Includes a Yes, OLED display
  • Equipped with a 7200 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 950 g
  • Sized at 44 x 142 x 44 mm
Scores
  • Performance: 83.5
  • Build Quality: 78.1
  • Productivity: 92.9
  • Customizability: 92.3
  • Portability: 85.5
Scores
  • Performance: 66.5
  • Build Quality: 69.5
  • Productivity: 84.3
  • Customizability: 74.3
  • Portability: 86.3
Name
Royal Kludge R87 PRO
Name
Royal Kludge S85
Release year
2024
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
-
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
 
OLED
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
7200 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
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
43 x 131 x 43 mm
Dimensions
44 x 142 x 44 mm
Weight
760g
Weight
950g
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Pros and Trade-offs

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.

Royal Kludge R87 PRO

  • +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.
  • +Comes with pre-lubed Creamy switches and Cherry profile PBT keycaps out of the box.
  • +Gasket mount design with sound-absorbing foam and case foam for a quieter typing experience.
  • −Lacks the integrated OLED screen found on the S85 for system monitoring.
  • −Smaller 6000mAh battery compared to the S85's 7200mAh capacity.
  • −Vendor description notes it is a wired version, which may conflict with the tri-mode metadata; wireless functionality should be verified.

Royal Kludge S85

  • +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.
  • +Hot-swappable with pre-lubed Cloud switches and Cherry profile PBT keycaps.
  • +Offers tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz, Bluetooth, wired) for versatile device pairing.
  • −Heavier at 950g and larger in size than the R87 PRO.
  • −Lacks support for QMK/VIA firmware, limiting advanced software customization.
  • −Typically commands a higher price point than the R87 PRO.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

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.

GamingRoyal 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.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85's OLED screen provides at-a-glance information on battery life and connection mode, useful for managing wireless use.
  • •It has a larger 7200mAh battery compared to the R87 PRO's 6000mAh, potentially offering longer wireless runtime.
  • •Both offer tri-mode connectivity for switching between multiple office devices seamlessly.
ProgrammingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The R87 PRO's QMK and VIA firmware support is a major advantage for creating complex layers and shortcuts tailored to coding workflows.
  • •Its listed compatibility with Linux, as per the vendor description, is explicitly stated for advanced users.
  • •The removable metal volume knob on the R87 PRO offers convenient media control without leaving the home row.
TravelRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The R87 PRO is significantly lighter at 760g versus the S85's 950g, making it easier to transport.
  • •It is also slightly more compact in its dimensions (131mm vs 142mm in length).
  • •Both have tri-mode wireless, but the lighter weight gives the R87 PRO a portability edge.
ModdingRoyal Kludge R87 PRO
  • •The R87 PRO explicitly supports QMK and VIA open-source firmware, allowing for deep, community-driven customization of keymaps and lighting.
  • •Both keyboards are hot-swappable and gasket mounted, but the R87 PRO's firmware support is a superior platform for modders.
  • •The vendor description for the R87 PRO includes details on sound-absorbing foam and case foam, indicating a mod-friendly design.
Content CreationTie
  • •The R87 PRO's programmable keys via QMK/VIA can be mapped to software shortcuts for editing suites.
  • •The S85's OLED screen can display system stats or custom graphics, adding a visual element to a setup.
  • •Both include a volume control knob, which is highly useful for adjusting audio levels during media work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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