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Compare Royal Kludge RK68 vs Royal Kludge S85 Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Royal Kludge's entry-level and mid-range offerings. The RK68 is a compelling, inexpensive 65% keyboard, while the S85 is a more expensive 80% TKL model packed with modern features. The choice is difficult because both offer tri-mode connectivity and hot-swappable switches, but they target vastly different budgets and user priorities, from basic functionality to enhanced typing feel and customization.

RK68 65% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard (Single Color Backlit)
75
S85 TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard

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  • Released in 2021
  • Has Clicky, Tactile, Linear switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Includes a No display
  • Equipped with a 1450 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 600 g
  • Sized at 39 x 309 x 103 mm
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Features ABS keycaps
  • Offers No RGB lighting
  • Released in 2024
  • Available in a 80% layout
  • Comes with a knob
  • Includes a Yes, OLED display
  • Compatible with both Mac and Windows
  • Has built-in sound dampening
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Equipped with a 7200 mAh battery
  • Weighs about 950 g
  • Sized at 44 x 142 x 44 mm
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 46.6
  • Build Quality: 51.2
  • Productivity: 52.8
  • Customizability: 45.3
  • Portability: 84.7
Scores
  • Performance: 66.4
  • Build Quality: 69.5
  • Productivity: 84.4
  • Customizability: 74.4
  • Portability: 86.4
Name
Royal Kludge RK68
Name
Royal Kludge S85
Release year
2021
Release year
2024
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
-
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
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
1450 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
-
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
-
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Dimensions
39 x 309 x 103 mm
Dimensions
44 x 142 x 44 mm
Weight
600g
Weight
950g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Your budget and need for premium features dictate the choice here. The RK68 is a capable, no-frills wireless keyboard for those who want to save money and desk space. The S85 is worth the investment if you value a superior typing feel, extensive battery life, and modern amenities like a knob and screen. Prioritize the S85 for a primary workstation keyboard and the RK68 for a secondary or travel board.

Royal Kludge RK68

  • +Significantly lower cost, making it an accessible entry point.
  • +More compact and portable 65% layout with standalone arrow keys.
  • +Offers tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) at a budget price.
  • +Hot-swappable PCB allows for basic switch customization.
  • +Includes DIY software support for key remapping and lighting.
  • −Uses ABS double-shot keycaps, which are more prone to shine over time.
  • −Very small 1450mAh battery requires more frequent charging.
  • −Limited to single-color blue backlighting with no RGB options.
  • −Basic plastic case construction without advanced mounting or dampening.

Royal Kludge S85

  • +Premium gasket mount structure with 5-layer noise dampening (silicone, IXPE foam, PET film).
  • +High-quality Cherry profile PBT double-shot keycaps included.
  • +Massive 7200mAh battery for extended wireless use.
  • +Features a customizable OLED screen for system status.
  • +Includes south-facing RGB lighting, a volume knob, and pre-lubed Cloud switches.
  • −Commands a higher price point.
  • −Larger and heavier 80% TKL form factor is less portable.
  • −Some user reviews mention occasional software quirks with lighting profiles.
  • −The vendor description notes it lacks dedicated media keys.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The S85 is the clear winner for stationary, feature-focused use cases like office work, programming, and content creation, thanks to its superior layout, battery, and build quality. The RK68 finds its niche in travel and for users with a strict budget, where its small size and low cost are primary advantages. For gaming and modding, the S85's advanced construction gives it the edge, though both are hot-swappable.

GamingRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85's gasket mount and 5-layer noise dampening may provide a more stable, consistent typing feel during long sessions.
  • •South-facing RGB lighting is less likely to interfere with Cherry-profile keycaps, a common choice for gamers.
  • •The inclusion of a volume knob, as noted in vendor descriptions, offers convenient in-game audio control.
OfficeRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85's 80% TKL layout retains the function row and navigation cluster, which are often used in office software.
  • •Its massive 7200mAh battery promises significantly longer wireless use between charges compared to the RK68's 1450mAh battery.
  • •The vendor lists extensive OS compatibility including Windows and Mac, and the OLED screen can display connection status.
ProgrammingRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The TKL layout on the S85 provides dedicated arrow and navigation keys without a layer, which can improve coding efficiency.
  • •PBT keycaps are more resistant to shine from frequent use compared to the RK68's ABS keycaps.
  • •The gasket-mounted design and pre-lubed Cloud switches may offer a more comfortable typing experience for long coding sessions.
TravelRoyal Kludge RK68
  • •The RK68's 65% layout is more compact (309 x 103 mm) and lighter (600g) than the S85 (larger dimensions, 950g).
  • •Its lower price point reduces financial risk if damaged during travel.
  • •Both offer wireless connectivity, but the RK68's smaller form factor is easier to pack.
ModdingRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85 features a gasket mount structure, which is a desirable starting point for sound and feel mods.
  • •It includes 5-layer noise dampening (silicone, IXPE foam, PET film) out of the box, providing a solid foundation.
  • •The hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and it comes with a keycap & switch puller and spare switches.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge S85
  • •The S85's volume knob, mentioned in user reviews, is a direct asset for audio/video editing workflows.
  • •The OLED screen can display system information, potentially useful for monitoring system status during resource-intensive tasks.
  • •The more premium build and PBT keycaps suggest better long-term durability for heavy daily use.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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