Not sure which keyboard to choose? Try the Keyboard Finder now!
86
R65 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)

Royal Kludge R65 Mechanical Keyboard

The Royal Kludge R65 is a compact 66-key mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a small form factor with customization options. It suits hobbyists who enjoy swapping switches and programming layouts, as well as users seeking a quieter typing experience with noise dampening. This wired keyboard supports multiple operating systems and offers a metal volume knob for quick audio control.</p... Read more
Compare prices from $42.74 to $64
Details
Specification
Price alert

Compare prices and purchase options

Click the coupon code for a discount. Features and specs may vary by model version.

*I may earn a commission if you purchase through these links. Thanks for your support!

Price history

The price history chart tracks the lowest price over time (excluding shipping costs).

Compare Royal Kludge R65 vs Keychron V1 vs Keychron V4 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
Royal Kludge R65Keychron V1Keychron V4
86
R65 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)
97
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
91
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
0.0 (0)
2.5 (61)
5.0 (18)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Uses a Gasket Mount mounting style
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 580 g
  • Sized at 41 x 116 x 41 mm
  • Made with a Aluminum case
  • Features PBT keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb RGB lighting
  • Available in a 75% layout
  • Built with the ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO layout standard
  • Features N-key rollover
  • Weighs about 995 g
  • Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face, White, White South-face RGB lighting
  • Available in a 60% layout
  • Built with the ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE layout standard
  • Weighs about 730 g
  • Sized at 20 x 117 x 304 mm
  • Features ABS, PBT, keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 65.9
  • Build Quality: 83.9
  • Productivity: 89.2
  • Customizability: 89.7
  • Portability: 85.9
Scores
  • Performance: 90.8
  • Build Quality: 89.3
  • Productivity: 97.9
  • Customizability: 99.5
  • Portability: 64.3
Scores
  • Performance: 66.1
  • Build Quality: 86.1
  • Productivity: 94.8
  • Customizability: 99.8
  • Portability: 74.2
Name
Royal Kludge R65
Name
Keychron V1
Name
Keychron V4
Release year
2024
Release year
2022
Release year
2022
Switch Options
Linear
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Switch Options
Linear, Tactile, Clicky
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Profile
Normal Profile
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Hot Swappable
 
Layout Size
65%
Layout Size
75%
Layout Size
60%
Layout Standard
ANSI
Layout Standard
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-ES, ISO-FR, ISO-Nordic, ISO-SW, ISO-UK, ISO-NO
Layout Standard
ISO, JIS, ANSI, ISO-DE
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Layout Ergonomics
Normal
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Knob Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Display Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Mac/Win Support
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
Multi-Media Keys
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB-C
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
USB passthrough
 
Connection
Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Connection
Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate
-
Polling Rate
1000 Hz;8000 Hz
Polling Rate
1000 Hz
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Battery capacity
-
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
Hall Effect Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
QMK Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIA Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
VIAL Support
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
N-Key Rollover
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Rapid Trigger
 
Mount Style
Gasket Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Mount Style
Tray Mount
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Screw in Stabilizers
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Sound Dampening
 
Backlight
 
Rgb
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face, White, White South-face
Backlight
 
Rgb, South-face
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Colors
Case Material
Aluminum
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Case Material
Plastic, ABS
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
ABS, PBT,
Dimensions
41 x 116 x 41 mm
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
Dimensions
20 x 117 x 304 mm
Weight
580g
Weight
995g
Weight
730g
*Something incorrect or missing? Please
let me know
!

Product Description

The Royal Kludge R65 is a compact 66-key mechanical keyboard designed for users who want a small form factor with customization options. It suits hobbyists who enjoy swapping switches and programming layouts, as well as users seeking a quieter typing experience with noise dampening. This wired keyboard supports multiple operating systems and offers a metal volume knob for quick audio control.

Key Features

  • Hot-swappable switch sockets allow easy replacement of linear cream switches without soldering, enabling personalized typing feel.
  • Supports QMK and VIA firmware for advanced key remapping and macro programming, giving users control over layout customization.
  • Includes a metal volume knob for precise and tactile audio adjustments without leaving the keyboard.
  • Five-layer noise dampening reduces typing sound, making it suitable for quieter environments.

Build Quality

The keyboard uses a gasket mount design, which places a flexible layer between the plate and case to soften keypresses and reduce noise. PBT keycaps in an MDA profile provide durable, comfortable key surfaces. The case construction includes metal elements contributing to stability and a solid feel.

Typing Experience

The gasket mount combined with noise dampening layers results in a quieter, cushioned typing experience. The included linear cream switches offer smooth keypresses without tactile bumps, which some users may prefer for gaming or fast typing. The MDA keycap profile balances comfort and typing speed.

Compatibility

The R65 supports Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems. Its firmware compatibility with QMK and VIA allows extensive customization across platforms. The 66-key layout includes arrow keys and essential navigation keys, making it more versatile than a standard 60% keyboard.

Trade-offs

The wired-only connection limits portability and desk flexibility compared to wireless models. The linear cream switches may not suit users who prefer tactile or clicky feedback. The compact layout omits some dedicated keys, which could affect workflows needing full-size keyboards.

Discover and compare Royal Kludge R65 alternatives

Explore products with similar features and specifications.
97
$42
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V1
75%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

Compare specs
91
$38
Keychron V4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V4
60%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

Compare specs
85
$45
R75 75% Wired Gaming Keyboard  (QMK/VIA)
Royal Kludge R75
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
91
$42
Keychron V2 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V2
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

Compare specs
-14% off
91
$59$51
Keychron V8 (Alice Layout) QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V8
65%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

Compare specs
85
$45
YUNZII AL65 QMK/VIA Custom Hollow Mechanical Keyboard
Yunzii AL65
65%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
79
$36
SKYLOONG GK75 Rainbow Mechanical Knob Keyboard
Skyloong GK75
75%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
Alu case,
Gasket Mount

Compare specs
73
$49
Qwertykeys Neo60 Core Keyboard
Qwertykeys Neo60 Core
60%,
Hotswap,
Wireless,
Wired,
VIA,
Alu case,
PCB Mount

Compare specs
98
$44
Keychron V6 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard ISO Layout Collection
Keychron V6
100%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

Compare specs
-14% off
97
$49$42
Keychron V5 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
Keychron V5
96%,
Hotswap,
Wired,
RGB/ White LEDs,
Knob,
VIA,
QMK,
Tray Mount

Compare specs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Other users are also interested in these products

Discover products that are frequently liked and visited by other users!