Royal Kludge RK61 vs Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad
Choose the RK61 for a complete, portable typing keyboard, or the MA21M R2 if you specifically need a separate numpad.
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from$49at Royal Kludge
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Royal Kludge RK61
Hot-swappable
Build quality in the bottom 35% of 60% boards under $100.
- 60% ANSI layout in a 39 x 292 x 101 mm case.
- Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, and wired connectivity with USB-C.
- Hot-swappable design, with Royal Kludge describing support for replacing 3-pin or 5-pin switches without soldering.
Get the
Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad
- Dedicated numpad format for adding numeric keys alongside another keyboard.
- PBT keycaps, described by the vendor as thick dye-sub PBT.
- White LED backlighting.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
For a primary keyboard, choose the Royal Kludge RK61: its 60% layout, multiple connection modes, and hot-swap support cover general typing and travel. Choose the Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad when you specifically want a separate numeric keypad with PBT keycaps and white LED lighting. Keep in mind that its switches are soldered.
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
Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad
Hot-swappable
Yes
No
Switch changes without soldering
Switch options
Clicky, Linear, Tactile
Clicky
Keycaps
ABS, PBT
PBT
Backlight
None
White
RGB for looks and low light rather than speed
Media keys
Yes
No
- Royal Kludge RK61
- Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad
- Performance
- 5656
- Build quality
- 5250
- Productivity
- 6947
- Customizability
- 5851
- Portability
- 8844
What will you mostly use it for?
The RK61 takes the general-purpose categories because it is the only complete keyboard in this comparison, and it also has wireless connectivity and hot-swap support. Its 500g weight and compact dimensions make it the clearer travel choice. The MA21M R2 makes sense as a dedicated numpad, particularly if white LED lighting and PBT keycaps are priorities. It is not a like-for-like replacement for the RK61.
Pick the Royal Kludge RK61
- The RK61 is a 60% keyboard, while the MA21M R2 is a numpad rather than a complete typing keyboard.
- The RK61 offers linear, tactile, and clicky switch options in its specifications, compared with the Varmilo's clicky switch type.
Royal Kludge RK61 vs Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
7 of 21 specs differ
Royal Kludge RK61
Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Display
Media keys
Connection
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Typing angle
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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Royal Kludge RK61 vs Varmilo MA21M R2 Numpad: your questions
The RK61 is a complete 60% ANSI keyboard, while the MA21M R2 is a dedicated numpad. For everyday typing, the RK61 is the more suitable of the two.
No, the MA21M R2 is listed as a numpad. It is intended to provide a separate numeric keypad rather than replace a complete keyboard.
Yes. The RK61 lists Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz connectivity, as well as wired USB-C operation.
Yes, hot-swapping is listed as an RK61 feature. Royal Kludge describes the PCB as supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switch replacement without soldering.
The MA21M R2's switches are soldered, so replacing them requires soldering. Its listing does not identify it as hot-swappable.
The Varmilo uses PBT keycaps, and its vendor description calls them thick dye-sub PBT. The listing also describes the keycap color as white with green legends.
Yes, the product specifications list white LED backlighting. It is distinct from the RK61, whose metadata lists RGB as absent.
The RK61 is the more portable choice based on its listed 500g weight and 39 x 292 x 101 mm dimensions. The MA21M R2 is a numpad, and its listing does not give a weight or dimensions.
The RK61 lists Mac/Win support. The MA21M R2 vendor listing also identifies Mac and Windows compatibility.
The RK61 metadata lists linear, tactile, and clicky switch types. Royal Kludge's product page describes red, blue, and brown switch options, though availability can vary by listing.
Choose the Varmilo MA21M R2 if you need a dedicated numpad. It has PBT keycaps and white LED backlighting, while the RK61 is a compact complete keyboard rather than a separate numeric keypad.
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