Royal Kludge RK61 vs RK6860% vs 65% Compact Keyboard Choice
Choose the RK61 for maximum portability and triple-mode wireless, or the RK68 for a more practical layout with dedicated arrow keys.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge RK61
60%
- More connectivity options with 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth, and wired modes.
- Lighter weight (500g) and slightly smaller dimensions for better portability.
- Vendor page explicitly states compatibility for multi-device connection across smartphone, laptop, and tablet.
- 60% layout lacks dedicated arrow keys, requiring a function layer for navigation.
- ABS double-shot keycaps may develop shine over time with heavy use.
- No RGB lighting, only single-color blue backlight.
Get the
Royal Kludge RK68
65% Compact Keyboard Choice
- 65% layout includes dedicated arrow keys, Delete, PgUp, and PgDn keys.
- Vendor description emphasizes it as a 'huge optimization' over 60% layouts for easier input.
- Hot-swappable design allows for switch customization.
- Heavier (600g) and larger than the RK61.
- Connectivity is limited to Bluetooth and wired, lacking a 2.4 GHz dongle option.
- Uses ABS double-shot keycaps which are less durable than PBT.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If your priority is the smallest possible footprint, triple-mode wireless flexibility, and you are comfortable with function layers, the RK61 is the better pick. If you value immediate access to arrow and navigation keys for productivity tasks and can sacrifice a 2.4 GHz dongle and a bit of desk space, the RK68 is the more practical daily driver. Both represent strong value in the budget compact keyboard segment.
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 RK61
Royal Kludge RK68
Layout size
60%
65%
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky, Linear, Silent, Tactile
Weight
500 g
600 g
Sound dampening
No
Yes
Backlight
None
RGB
- Royal Kludge RK61
- Royal Kludge RK68
- Performance
- 5655
- Build quality
- 5250
- Productivity
- 6970
- Customizability
- 5859
- Portability
- 8886
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Battery: 1,450 mAh
- Keycaps: ABS, PBT
What will you mostly use it for?
The RK68 is the more pragmatic choice for work and creation, winning in Office, Programming, and Content Creation due to its dedicated navigation keys. The RK61 excels in pure portability for Travel and shows a slight edge in Modding features. For Gaming, the decision is neutral, hinging on a user's preference for the RK61's 2.4 GHz dongle or the RK68's arrow key convenience.
It's a tie
- Both offer hot-swappable switches for customizing feel.
- Both have a similar 1450mAh battery for wireless sessions.
- The RK61's triple-mode connectivity includes a 2.4 GHz dongle for potentially lower latency gaming, according to its vendor page.
- The RK68's dedicated arrow keys can be beneficial for certain game genres.
Royal Kludge RK61 vs RK68 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
8 of 20 specs differ
Royal Kludge RK61
Royal Kludge RK68
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge RK61 vs RK68: your questions
The main difference is the layout size. The RK61 is a 60% keyboard with 61 keys, requiring function layers for arrow keys and navigation. The RK68 is a 65% keyboard with 68 keys, featuring dedicated arrow keys, Delete, PgUp, and PgDn keys for more direct access.
No. According to the vendor comparison chart and product listing, the RK68 only supports Bluetooth wireless and wired USB-C connectivity. The RK61 supports both 2.4 GHz wireless via a dongle and Bluetooth.
Yes, both the Royal Kludge RK61 and RK68 feature hot-swappable PCBs. The RK61's vendor page specifically notes it allows you to replace 3-pin or 5-pin switches without soldering.
The RK68 is generally better for office work. Its 65% layout includes standalone arrow keys and navigation keys, reducing the need to memorize and use function layer combinations for common tasks like cursor movement or page navigation.
Both keyboards have the same 1450mAh rechargeable battery. The RK61 vendor page estimates about 10 hours of battery life. Actual runtime will depend on usage patterns and backlight brightness.
The RK61 vendor description lists compatibility with Mac, iOS, Android, and Windows. The RK68 listing does not explicitly state Mac compatibility, so it's advisable to check the manufacturer's support information for the RK68 specifically if Mac use is required.
Both the RK61 and RK68 come equipped with ABS double-shot keycaps. These are shine-through keycaps to allow the single-color blue backlight to illuminate the legends.
The RK61 is more portable. It weighs 100 grams less (500g vs 600g) and has a shorter length (292mm vs 309mm), making it easier to fit into a laptop bag or backpack. Its vendor description also markets it as 'mini portable size'.
Both product listings include a 'Software' section and mention 'DIY Software Supports'. The vendor comparison chart for other RK models indicates software is available, but the specific capabilities for remapping keys or lighting for these exact models are not detailed in the provided information.
Both keyboards are available with linear Red, tactile Brown, and clicky Blue mechanical switch options from Royal Kludge. The vendor pages list switch specs like operating force and actuation point for each type.
The listed price ranges for both keyboards overlap significantly, suggesting they are similarly priced. The final cost will depend on the vendor, any active promotions, and the specific switch variant chosen.
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