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Compare Royal Kludge RK68 vs Royal Kludge RK84 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two popular, affordable wireless keyboards from Royal Kludge. The choice is difficult because both offer hot-swappable switches and triple-mode connectivity, but they target different priorities. The RK68 is a highly portable 65% layout, while the RK84 is a more feature-complete 75% design. Your decision hinges on whether you value desk space and travel weight over dedicated function keys and extra connectivity.

RK68 65% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Single Color Backlit)
63
RK84 75% Wired Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Equipped with a 1450 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 600 g
  • Sized at 39 x 309 x 103 mm
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent switch options
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Provides dedicated media keys
  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Runs at a 1000 Hz polling rate
  • Equipped with a 3750 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 803.5 g
  • Sized at 41 x 125 x 315 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 46.5
  • Build Quality: 50.9
  • Productivity: 52.6
  • Customizability: 45.3
  • Portability: 84.7
Scores
  • Performance: 62.8
  • Build Quality: 50.5
  • Productivity: 77.8
  • Customizability: 69.5
  • Portability: 81.4
Name
Royal Kludge RK68
Name
Royal Kludge RK84
Release year
2021
Release year
2021
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear, Silent
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
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
1450 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
-
Mount Style
-
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
Plastic
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT
Dimensions
39 x 309 x 103 mm
Dimensions
41 x 125 x 315 mm
Weight
600g
Weight
803.5g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your choice between the RK68 and RK84 boils down to a trade-off between portability and functionality. If your primary need is a lightweight, space-saving keyboard for travel or a minimalist desk, the RK68 is the sensible pick. If you work primarily at a single desk and value dedicated keys, a long-lasting battery, and extra features like USB passthrough, the RK84's additional cost is justified. Prioritize the layout and battery life that best match your daily routine.

Royal Kludge RK68

  • +More portable due to lighter 600g weight and compact 65% layout.
  • +Often available at a lower price point than the RK84.
  • +Hot-swappable switches allow for easy customization of typing feel.
  • +Supports connection to multiple devices via Bluetooth and wired USB-C.
  • −Small 1450mAh battery requires more frequent charging.
  • −Lacks RGB lighting, featuring only single-color blue backlighting.
  • −No dedicated F-row or navigation cluster, requiring use of function layers.
  • −Does not include USB passthrough ports or a switch puller in the box.

Royal Kludge RK84

  • +More functional 75% layout with F-row, arrows, and navigation cluster.
  • +Significantly larger 3750mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Includes two USB 2.0 passthrough ports and a removable frame.
  • +Comes with a switch puller, extra switches, and features screw-in stabilizers.
  • −Larger and heavier (803.5g) design is less portable.
  • −Typically commands a higher price than the RK68.
  • −Some user reviews mention firmware or wireless connectivity issues.
  • −The included ABS double-shot keycaps may develop shine over time.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The RK84 is the more versatile choice for stationary use cases like office work, programming, and gaming, thanks to its fuller layout and extra features. It wins in modding due to its included tools and screw-in stabilizers. For content creation, its RGB and media controls are advantageous. The RK68's primary advantage is in portability, making it the clear winner for travel due to its smaller size and lower weight.

GamingRoyal Kludge RK84
  • •The RK84 includes dedicated multimedia keys for quick audio control.
  • •Its listed 8-degree typing angle may provide a more comfortable wrist position during long sessions.
  • •The vendor description for the RK84 mentions onboard storage for profiles.
OfficeRoyal Kludge RK84
  • •The RK84's 75% layout retains the F-row and navigation cluster, reducing reliance on function layers.
  • •It features two USB 2.0 passthrough ports for connecting a mouse or flash drive.
  • •The larger 3750mAh battery promises longer wireless runtime between charges.
ProgrammingRoyal Kludge RK84
  • •The dedicated arrow keys and navigation cluster on the RK84 are more accessible without layers.
  • •The F-row is physically present, which is commonly used in IDEs for debugging and shortcuts.
  • •The vendor listing includes support for both ANSI and ISO layouts, offering more keycap compatibility.
TravelRoyal Kludge RK68
  • •The RK68 is significantly lighter at 600g compared to the RK84's 803.5g.
  • •Its 65% layout has smaller dimensions (309 x 103 mm vs 315 x 125 mm), taking up less bag space.
  • •It maintains hot-swappable functionality and wireless connectivity in a more compact form.
ModdingRoyal Kludge RK84
  • •The RK84 includes screw-in stabilizers, which are generally more stable and rattle-free than clip-in types.
  • •Its package includes a keycap and switch puller plus four replacement RK switches for immediate experimentation.
  • •The vendor page mentions a removable frame, allowing for customization of the keyboard's aesthetic.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge RK84
  • •The RK84's RGB backlighting offers more customization for a visually appealing setup compared to the RK68's single-color blue backlight.
  • •Dedicated multimedia keys via secondary FN layer allow for easier playback and volume control.
  • •The USB passthrough ports provide convenient connectivity for peripherals like drawing tablets or audio interfaces.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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