Today, we will be taking a quick look at the Royal Kludge RK87 Wireless TKL Mechanical Keyboard (white version). It’s a 87 key Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard that can be operated using USB-C cable (wired) or wirelessly via a 2.4GHz USB dongle. It comes with dynamic RGB illumination, 3 onboard Macros, tactile Brown switches and a fairly large 1850 mAh battery.
Here’s the prologue. My Corsair wireless TKL keyboard died a few weeks ago, so I decided to get myself a replacement, and started to search several e-tailers for prices. But to my shock, these wireless TKL keyboards are NOT cheap! Average prices were around USD $150+ with a high-end brand such as Razer’s DeathStalker V2 Pro TKL Wireless Gaming Keyboard
So after an extensive search, I cam arcoss this brand called Royal Kludge. They specialize in all types of keyboards, from full-size all the way down to 60% size. And there is one particular keyboard I’m after, and it so happens they have it … the Royal Kludge RK87 Wireless TKL mechanical keyboard (white version). Why this model? Well, firstly I’m after a Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard, plus it’s wireless and comes with RGB illumination and more importanly, I needed a white keyboard to match upcoming PC project build, which will be based around a white-theme.
After speaking to Royal Kludge, they were happy to send us a sample. For those who don’t who they are, here’s a little blurb taken from their website …
About Royal Kludge
RK owns a complete set of automated production lines independently researched and developed, focusing on the R & D and production of game equipment peripherals. It is equipped with a domestic senior electronic R & D team and carefully designed for many years. After years of meticulous research and development of professional mechanical keyboard, gaming mouse and headset and other product lines.
For more information please visit Royal Kludge’s website.
Features
- 87 Keys No Numpad Tenkeyless Compact 2.4G Wireless Keyboard
- Tactile Brown Switches
- Wired and Wireless
- 2.4G Wireless Keyboard With Exceptional Macro Settings
- Energy Saving and Durable
Overview
Dual Modes Connection
Geared with both solid 2.4Ghz wireless and Type-C detachable wired connection. Easy to choose the wired or wireless mode from the switch at the bottom of the keyboard. Work hard, play hard.
Dedicated for FPS Pro
80% compact TKL layout saves more mouse movement space for FPS gamers. 15.3 x 5.4 inches size plus 1.1kg lightweight frame offers more desk space for other devices and easy carrying with while on business travel.
Ergonomic 8° Angle or Add a Pad Foot
The tested comfortable Ergonomic 8°angle might not meet every users’ need, so we give them another options to choose. Add a magnetic pad foot or not, is up to your definition of comfort.
RGB TKL KEYBOARD
Engineered with 20 types of RGB light & 8 types of single light, it comes with different styles (flashing, breathing, or static etc) which will match up to your mood.
Simply press Fn + ScrLk or Fn + PgUp to achieve it. Brightness and glowing speed adjustable will light up your vibe perfectly.
Specifications
Box and Packaging
The packaging is fairly simple. No fancy colors … just orange and black. Inside, you’ll find the keyboard, instruction manual, a USB dongle, a keycap removal tool, and a USB-C cable, which can be used to connect the keyboard to the PC, and at the same times charges the keyboard.
A Closer Look
The lettering on the keys are clear and easy to identify. The keycaps are nice and white, just how I wanted it. You can use the included keycap removal tool to replace the original keycaps with your own custom ones.
The keyboard comes with tactile Brown switches which I think offers the best in both response and feel, without being too noisy.
The RK87 keyboard isn’t the slimmest I’ve seen. It’s about the same thickness as my retired Corsair K63 wireless TKL keyboard. So I’m not to bothered about that.
If you go wireless, there is a power on/off switch located at the base of the keyboard. You’ll also find the a pair of keyboard stilts for positioning the keyboard for your perfect typing angle.
Royal Kludge RK87 in Action!
The RGB illumination kicks in as soon as you power up the keyboard. According to Royal Kludge, the RK87 Wireless TKL Mechanical Keyboard can last up to 7 days from a full charge. Fast charge takes between 3-4 hours.
RK87 Software
You can control the RGB lighting effects and program your Macros using the downloadable software from Royal Kludge here.
Verdict and Conclusion
Although the Royal Kludge RK87 keyboard is not compatible with some of the more exquiste RGB eco-systems out there (mostly from motherboard maufacturers), I’m really not that bothered about to be honest. Gone are the days of spending a big premium for a keyboard, just so that it can match my motherboard’s RGB eco-system. Thanks, but no thanks!
For those who are not familar with the different types of switches on keyboards here’s a simple infographic. Brown switches are tactile and often have a actuation force of around 45g-55g, with an actuation distance of 2mm. In my opinion, it offers the best in both response and feel, without being too noisy.
As I mentioned earlier, I was after a white keyboard and the RK87 didn’t disappoint. The keycaps are nice and white, just how I wanted it. The lettering on the keys are clear and easy to identify. You can replace the original keycaps with your own custom ones using included keycap removal tool.
You can buy the Royal Kludge RK87 Wireless TKL Mechanical Keyboard
Pros
- Extremely affordable
- Brown switches
- Dynamic RGB illumination
- TKL size (TenKeyLess)
- 2.4GHz wireless
- USB-C for wired connection
- Long battery life
- 3 onboard Macros
- Downloadable Software
Cons
- Not compatible motherboard’s RGB eco-systems
Final words
Costing only around USD $54, the Royal Kludge RK87 Wireless TKL Mechanical Keyboard is a surprisingly good keyboard for the price. It comes with tactile Brown switches and a large 1850 mAh battery that can last up to 7 days. The dynamic RGB illumination and 3 onboard Macros can be programmed via the downloadable software from Royal Kludge.
Get 10% off at Royal Kludge for all our followers who would like to shop on rkgamingstore.com. Discount Code: “Funkykit” … Link: https://bit.ly/3FjF2Yh
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