A Detailed Review of the Royal Kludge R65: The Ultimate 65% Mechanical Keyboard

                                                                     Overview of the Royal Kludge R65

Mechanical keyboards have grown increasingly popular among gamers, writers, and productivity enthusiasts alike. One model that has recently been making waves in the 65% keyboard segment is the Royal Kludge R65. With a compact design, solid build quality, and a variety of features that cater to both beginners and experienced keyboard enthusiasts, the R65 is positioned as a versatile and affordable option in the mechanical keyboard market. Let’s dive deep into what makes the Royal Kludge R65 stand out, examining its build, performance, customization options, and overall value.

The Royal Kludge R65 is a 65% mechanical keyboard, a form factor that combines portability with a functional layout that retains essential keys like arrow keys and a few function keys. The R65 is ideal for users who appreciate the minimalistic design of smaller keyboards but don’t want to compromise too much on functionality. It’s particularly useful for those working in limited desk space or who prioritize a clean setup. 

Here’s a breakdown of its key specs:

Features

Size: 65% layout (68 keys)

Connection Modes: USB-C wired, OTG Adapter and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless connectivity

Switches: Available in multiple switch types, including RK’s proprietary switches as well as options for Cherry, Gateron, and TTC switches

Battery Life: 1450mAh rechargeable battery

RGB Lighting: Per-key RGB backlighting with customizable effects

Software Support: RK’s software for key remapping and RGB customization

With this combination of specs and options, the R65 offers flexibility and power in a small form factor.

Build Quality and Design

The Royal Kludge R65 boasts a sturdy plastic frame that feels durable despite its relatively lightweight build. Though the keyboard is primarily made of plastic, the overall construction feels solid, especially for the price range. Some users might miss an aluminium top plate, but this is to be expected at this price point, and the keyboard still holds up well under heavy use.

The R65 features a sleek and minimal design with a subtle branding logo on the front. Its layout maximizes desk space without sacrificing important keys, including the much-needed arrow keys and a few extra function keys. The slightly inclined typing angle combined with anti-slip rubber feet provides comfort, even for prolonged typing sessions.

Keycap Material and Design: The R65 uses ABS keycaps, which are typical in mid-range keyboards. While they don’t have the longevity of PBT keycaps, the ABS caps here are decently durable and provide a smooth feel under the fingers. That said, keycap replacement is a popular mod among R65 owners to enhance both durability and aesthetics.

Switch Options

One of the highlights of the Royal Kludge R65 is its range of switch options. This keyboard can come with either RK’s proprietary switches (available in blue, red, and brown variants) or popular third-party options like Cherry MX, Gateron, and TTC switches. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the main options:

Blue Switches (Clicky): Known for their tactile bump and loud click sound, these are ideal for users who enjoy audible feedback while typing.

Red Switches (Linear): These are smooth and quiet, perfect for gaming and fast typing without the tactile bump.

Brown Switches (Tactile): A middle-ground option that combines a subtle bump with a quieter sound, making them versatile for both gaming and typing.

Having this variety allows users to select a switch that best suits their personal typing and gaming preferences.

Typing and Gaming Performance

The Royal Kludge R65 delivers a satisfying typing experience. The choice of switches provides tactile and auditory feedback, depending on the type selected, and the build quality prevents excessive flexing or wobbling. The keyboard’s 65% layout also includes dedicated arrow keys, which are often missing in smaller keyboards, making it a great choice for writers or programmers who frequently use directional keys.

For gaming, the R65 performs well, with N-key rollover and anti-ghosting features ensuring that every keystroke is accurately registered, even during intense gameplay sessions. The linear red switches are especially popular among gamers due to their smooth actuation. The Bluetooth functionality also holds up well, with low latency, though serious gamers may still prefer the stability and response of a wired connection.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The Royal Kludge R65 shines in terms of connectivity. It supports dual connectivity modes: USB-C wired and Bluetooth 5.0 wireless. This flexibility is great for users who want a clutter-free setup but also need the reliability of a wired connection when gaming or working. The wireless mode supports up to three devices at a time, allowing seamless switching between them with a simple keystroke.

In terms of battery life, the R65 houses a 1450mAh rechargeable battery that lasts up to 10 hours with the RGB backlighting on and can extend significantly longer with the lighting off. This should be enough for most users to get through a couple of days of regular use on a single charge.

RGB Backlighting

RGB enthusiasts will appreciate the customizable backlighting options available on the R65. The keyboard comes with per-key RGB lighting and offers a variety of preset lighting modes, including static colours, breathing, and reactive effects

User Experience

The overall user experience with the Royal Kludge R65 is highly positive. The keyboard's compact design makes it an excellent option for those who need to save desk space without sacrificing functionality. The customizable RGB lighting and programmable keys allow users to tailor the keyboard to their liking, enhancing both aesthetics and practicality.

Users have reported that the typing experience is comfortable, with a satisfying sound and feel from the mechanical switches. The option to connect wirelessly adds a layer of convenience, making it easy to transition between devices without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting cables.

Value for Money

The Royal Kludge R65 offers excellent value for its price. With a range of features typically found in higher-end mechanical keyboards, such as hot-swappable switches and customizable RGB lighting, it appeals to both casual users and serious gamers. The build quality and performance further justify its price point, making it a worthwhile investment for anyone in the market for a mechanical keyboard.

Conclusion:

In summary, the Royal Kludge R65 65% Mechanical Keyboard is a fantastic choice for those looking for a compact, feature-rich keyboard that doesn't compromise performance. With its hot-swappable switches, customizable RGB lighting, and multi-device connectivity, it caters to a wide range of users, from gamers to office workers. The combination of design, functionality, and affordability makes the R65 a standout option in the crowded mechanical keyboard market.

Whether you are upgrading from a traditional membrane keyboard or looking to enhance your gaming setup, the Royal Kludge R65 is sure to impress with its versatility and performance. If you value quality, aesthetics, and functionality in a mechanical keyboard, the R65 deserves a spot on your desk.

                                                                                                                                                                                              

By Lina Eneremadu.