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

This comparison is for buyers deciding between Royal Kludge's two 75% wireless keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share the same core layout, hot-swap capability, and 3750mAh battery. The decision hinges on whether you prioritize a solid aluminum case and vibrant RGB lighting, or a lighter plastic build with practical USB passthrough ports and potentially wider availability.

RK84 75% Wired Mechanical Keyboard
64
RK84 Pro 75% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard

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  • Offers a USB passthrough port
  • Weighs about 803.5 g
  • Made with a Plastic case
  • Weighs about 1290 g
  • Made with a Aluminum case
Scores
  • Performance: 62.7
  • Build Quality: 48
  • Productivity: 66.7
  • Customizability: 69.4
  • Portability: 81.7
Scores
  • Performance: 61.6
  • Build Quality: 57.6
  • Productivity: 66
  • Customizability: 68.1
  • Portability: 80.9
Name
Royal Kludge RK84
Name
Royal Kludge RK84 Pro
Release year
2021
Release year
2021
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Switch Options
Clicky, Tactile, Linear
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
75%
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
-
Battery capacity
3750 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
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Plastic
Case Material
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
ABS
Keycaps Material
ABS
Dimensions
41 x 125 x 315 mm
Dimensions
41 x 125 x 315 mm
Weight
803.5g
Weight
1290g
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Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Royal Kludge RK84 Pro if you want the tactile heft of an aluminum case and vibrant RGB lighting for a stationary setup. Choose the standard RK84 if you need a lightweight keyboard with practical USB passthrough ports for desk cable management and plan to move it frequently. Both are competent, customizable 75% boards, so let your need for material prestige or everyday utility guide your final decision.

Royal Kludge RK84

  • +Aluminum CNC case construction for a solid, premium feel.
  • +Full RGB backlighting with 21 onboard modes and adjustable brightness.
  • +Includes magnetic pad feet and four replacement RK switches in the package.
  • +Triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz, wired) for versatile use.

  • Substantially heavier at 1290g, which reduces portability.
  • Lacks the USB passthrough ports found on the RK84.
  • Vendor description notes some user reports of inconsistent wireless connectivity.

Royal Kludge RK84 Pro

  • +Includes two USB 2.0 passthrough ports for connecting peripherals.
  • +Significantly lighter at 803.5g, making it easier to move.
  • +Features a removable frame for customizable aesthetics.
  • +Comes with a USB receiver, which is explicitly listed in its package contents.

  • Plastic case construction lacks the premium feel of aluminum.
  • Only has blue single-color backlighting, not full RGB.
  • Vendor description includes user reports of firmware and battery indicator issues.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The RK84 Pro wins in scenarios where build material and lighting are priorities, such as gaming and content creation. The standard RK84 is the better office and travel companion due to its lighter weight and integrated USB hub. For programming and modding, the keyboards are evenly matched on their core customizable features. Your primary use case will clearly point you toward one model's specific advantages.

GamingRoyal Kludge RK84
  • The aluminum CNC case on the RK84 Pro provides a more solid, premium feel during intense use.
  • Full RGB backlighting with 21 modes offers more customization for gaming setups compared to the RK84's single-color blue backlight.
  • Both offer identical triple-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, wired) for low-latency options.
OfficeRoyal Kludge RK84 Pro
  • The RK84 includes two built-in USB 2.0 passthrough ports, convenient for connecting a mouse or dongle.
  • Its lighter plastic build at 803.5g makes it easier to reposition on a desk.
  • The listed 8° typing angle and secondary FN media keys support comfortable, all-day use.
ProgrammingTie
  • Both keyboards use the same 75% layout with arrow and function keys, preserving key accessibility.
  • Hot-swappable PCBs allow for easy switch replacement to preferred tactile or linear switches.
  • Both support DIY software for key remapping and macro creation, useful for coding shortcuts.
TravelRoyal Kludge RK84 Pro
  • The RK84 is significantly lighter at 803.5g compared to the RK84 Pro's 1290g.
  • Identical compact dimensions (315 x 125 x 41 mm) make both portable, but the weight difference is substantial.
  • Both include magnetic pad feet and share the same large 3750mAh battery for long wireless use.
ModdingTie
  • Both feature hot-swappable PCBs for 3-pin and 5-pin switches without soldering.
  • Each includes a 2-in-1 keycap and switch puller and four replacement RK switches in the box.
  • The RK84's vendor description mentions a removable frame for a floating key look, while the RK84 Pro's aluminum case is a fixed modding platform.
Content CreationRoyal Kludge RK84
  • The RK84 Pro's full RGB lighting with adjustable brightness and speed is better for stream setups or video backgrounds.
  • The aluminum case may provide a more acoustically dampened typing sound, which can be preferable for audio recording.
  • Multimedia keys via FN layer are present on both, offering equal control for editing software.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)


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