In the ever-evolving world of mechanical keyboards, the Royal Kludge RK84 has emerged as a formidable contender, capturing the attention of both novice users and seasoned enthusiasts alike. This comprehensive review delves deep into the features, performance, and overall value proposition of the RK84, offering insights gained from extensive hands-on testing and research.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Upon unboxing the Royal Kludge RK84, it becomes immediately apparent that this keyboard is designed to impress. The packaging is thoughtfully arranged, revealing not just the keyboard itself, but an array of accessories that speak to the manufacturer's attention to detail. Included in the box are a user manual, keycap and switch pullers, two magnetic feet for height adjustment, four additional switches, a USB-C to USB-A cable, and a removable outer panel.
The inclusion of these accessories, particularly the switch and keycap pullers, signals Royal Kludge's understanding of the mechanical keyboard community's penchant for customization. The removable outer panel is an especially nice touch, allowing users to immediately personalize the keyboard's aesthetic without additional purchases.
Design and Build Quality
The RK84 boasts an 80% layout, striking a balance between compactness and functionality. This form factor retains the function row and arrow keys, making it suitable for a wide range of users, from programmers to office workers. The keyboard's construction, while primarily plastic, exudes a sense of solidity that belies its affordable price point.
Our test unit came in white, which presents a clean, modern aesthetic. However, it's worth noting that this color choice may show dirt and wear more readily than darker alternatives. The build quality is impressive, with no discernible flex or creaking during use, even under intense typing sessions.
Connectivity: A Triple Threat
One of the RK84's standout features is its versatile connectivity options. Users can choose between:
- Wired USB-C connection
- Bluetooth 5.0 wireless (supporting up to 3 devices)
- 2.4GHz wireless via an included USB dongle
This trifecta of connectivity options ensures that the RK84 can adapt to virtually any setup or use case. The Bluetooth 5.0 implementation is particularly noteworthy, offering improved range and stability compared to older Bluetooth standards. The ability to pair with up to three devices and switch between them effortlessly (using Fn + Q/W/E) is a boon for users who work across multiple devices.
The 2.4GHz wireless option, while less commonly used, provides a low-latency alternative that's particularly appealing for gaming scenarios where every millisecond counts. In our testing, the 2.4GHz connection proved to be rock-solid, with no noticeable input lag or dropouts.
Switch Options and Performance
Royal Kludge offers the RK84 with four switch options: RK Red (linear), RK Blue (clicky), RK Brown (tactile), and RK Low Profile Red (linear). Our review unit came equipped with RK Red switches, which are likely rebranded Gateron Reds. These switches offer a smooth, linear action with a 40g actuation force, making them well-suited for both typing and gaming.
The factory lubrication on these switches is a pleasant surprise at this price point, contributing to a smoother and quieter typing experience out of the box. During our testing, we found the RK Red switches to be consistent and enjoyable to use, with minimal spring ping or scratchiness.
Perhaps the most exciting feature for enthusiasts is the hot-swappable PCB, which supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches. This opens up a world of customization possibilities, allowing users to experiment with different switch types without the need for soldering. It's a feature typically reserved for more expensive keyboards, and its inclusion here significantly enhances the RK84's value proposition.
Keycaps and Stabilizers
The RK84 comes equipped with double-shot ABS keycaps that are notably thick for a keyboard in this price range. The benefits of these keycaps are multifaceted: they provide a comfortable typing surface, ensure durability of the legends, and enhance the diffusion of RGB lighting.
During our extended testing period, we did notice slight discoloration on some keys, particularly the Enter key and number row. While not a deal-breaker, it's something to be aware of for those who prioritize long-term aesthetics.
The stabilizers on larger keys such as Enter, Shift, and Spacebar are pre-lubed, contributing to a consistent feel across the board and minimizing the rattle often associated with budget keyboards. This attention to detail in the stabilizer department further elevates the overall typing experience.
Typing Experience and Ergonomics
The combination of quality switches, thick keycaps, and well-tuned stabilizers results in a typing experience that punches well above the RK84's price class. The keyboard provides a satisfying tactile and auditory feedback that encourages prolonged typing sessions.
Ergonomically, the RK84 offers two-stage feet for height adjustment, allowing users to find their optimal typing angle. The compact 80% layout may require a slight adjustment period for those accustomed to full-size keyboards, particularly regarding the placement of navigation keys. However, the space savings and improved ergonomics of having the mouse closer to the typing area can be significant benefits for many users.
RGB Lighting and Software
The RK84 features per-key RGB lighting powered by north-facing LEDs. The illumination is bright and even, with minimal light bleed between keys. The default lighting effects are impressive, and users can control basic functions directly on the keyboard.
For more advanced customization, Royal Kludge offers their RK Gaming software (Windows only). This software allows users to create custom lighting profiles, program macros, adjust built-in lighting effects, and update firmware. While generally user-friendly, we did encounter occasional quirks and update issues during our testing. It's worth noting that the software's Windows exclusivity may be a drawback for Mac or Linux users seeking deep customization options.
Battery Life and Charging
Powering the wireless functionality is a 3750mAh battery, which provides respectable endurance. In our testing, we achieved approximately 7 days of use with RGB lighting enabled, and around 10 days with it disabled. These figures align closely with Royal Kludge's claims and should be sufficient for most users' needs.
Charging is accomplished via the USB-C port, with a full charge taking about 6 hours. While not the fastest charging time we've seen, it's reasonable given the battery capacity and the keyboard's ability to be used while charging.
USB Pass-Through: A Surprising Addition
One feature that sets the RK84 apart from many of its competitors is the inclusion of a built-in 2-port USB 2.0 hub. This allows users to connect additional peripherals directly to the keyboard when using it in wired mode. While not a high-speed hub, it's perfectly adequate for mice, flash drives, or other low-bandwidth devices. This thoughtful addition can help reduce cable clutter on your desk and adds significant value to the overall package.
Customization Potential
The hot-swappable PCB and standard 80% layout of the RK84 open up a world of customization possibilities. Users can easily experiment with different switch types to find their perfect typing feel. However, it's worth noting that the north-facing LEDs may cause interference with certain Cherry-profile keycap sets, potentially limiting some customization options.
Price-to-Performance Ratio
When considering the Royal Kludge RK84's feature set—including its triple connectivity options, hot-swappable switches, and USB pass-through—its pricing is remarkably competitive. It offers capabilities often found in keyboards costing significantly more, making it an excellent value proposition for both beginners and enthusiasts looking to experiment without breaking the bank.
Conclusion: A Compelling Package with Minor Caveats
The Royal Kludge RK84 stands out as a highly capable and versatile mechanical keyboard that offers exceptional value for its price point. Its combination of build quality, connectivity options, and customization potential make it a compelling choice for a wide range of users.
The typing experience is excellent, thanks to the quality switches, thick keycaps, and well-tuned stabilizers. The hot-swappable PCB is a standout feature, offering flexibility rarely seen at this price point. The inclusion of a USB hub further enhances its utility, potentially simplifying your desk setup.
However, it's not without its minor drawbacks. The keycap discoloration issue, while not severe, may concern some users. The software's Windows exclusivity and occasional quirks might frustrate power users on other platforms. Additionally, the north-facing LEDs, while great for RGB enthusiasts, can limit compatibility with some aftermarket keycap sets.
Despite these minor issues, the Royal Kludge RK84 remains an impressive package that punches well above its weight class. For those in the market for a compact mechanical keyboard that offers a premium feature set without the premium price tag, the RK84 should be high on the list of considerations. It successfully bridges the gap between budget-friendly options and high-end enthusiast keyboards, offering a taste of premium features at an accessible price point.
