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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 $54.99 to $64
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Compare Royal Kludge R65 vs Keychron V1 vs Keychron Q4 Specification

Compare similar keyboards side by side, or use the comparison table to compare all keyboards!
Royal Kludge R65Keychron V1Keychron Q4
86
R65 65% Wired Gaming Keyboard (QMK/VIA)
97
Keychron V1 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
92
Keychron Q4 QMK Custom Mechanical Keyboard
0.0 (0)
2.5 (60)
4.8 (18)
  • Released in 2024
  • Has Linear switch options
  • Available in a 65% layout
  • Built with the ANSI layout standard
  • Supports Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired, Wireless connectivity
  • Weighs about 580 g
  • Sized at 41 x 116 x 41 mm
  • 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
  • Uses a Tray Mount mounting style
  • Weighs about 995 g
  • Sized at 18 x 149 x 329 mm
  • Made with a Plastic, ABS case
  • 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 ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW layout standard
  • Weighs about 1500 g
  • Sized at 20 x 121 x 303 mm
  • Features PBT, ABS keycaps
  • Offers Yes, Rgb, South-face, Rgb South-face RGB lighting
Scores
  • Performance: 65.8
  • Build Quality: 84
  • Productivity: 89.1
  • Customizability: 89.8
  • Portability: 86.1
Scores
  • Performance: 90.8
  • Build Quality: 89.1
  • Productivity: 97.8
  • Customizability: 99.4
  • Portability: 64.7
Scores
  • Performance: 67.3
  • Build Quality: 89.7
  • Productivity: 95.2
  • Customizability: 100
  • Portability: 71.6
Name
Royal Kludge R65
Name
Keychron V1
Name
Keychron Q4
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
ANSI, ISO, JIS, ISO-DE, ISO-Nordic, ISO-UK, ISO-FR, ISO-ES, ISO-SW
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
Gasket 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
Aluminum
Keycaps Material
PBT
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS,
Keycaps Material
PBT, ABS
Dimensions
41 x 116 x 41 mm
Dimensions
18 x 149 x 329 mm
Dimensions
20 x 121 x 303 mm
Weight
580g
Weight
995g
Weight
1500g
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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.

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