RK ROYAL KLUDGE Wireless 60% Mechanical Keyboard PBT keycaps, Bluetooth Mechanical Keyboard with CNC Frame, Compact Gaming Keyboard with Software - 68 Keys Hot Swappable Gateron Red Switch, RK68 pro

This has been my primary keyboard since I bought it almost 2 years ago. It is not flashy or over the top, but I like that about it. I find myself coming back to it for its solid simplicity. The layout is unique, but really clever. I like that I can still access backtick (`) and tilde (~) via a dedicated key. Most 60% and 65% keyboards have those accessible only via finger gymnastics involving modifiers and the Escape key.I work from home as a software programmer and technical writer, so I have spent a LOT of time with this keyboard. I have also been into mechanical keyboards for about 8 or 9 years now, and in that time, I've had a number of keyboards of varying quality. I haven't tried every brand or style under the sun, but this is by no means my first introduction to mechanical keyboards.I cannot speak to the backlighting/RGB as I turned it off immediately and never turned it back on. At least without the lighting on, battery life has been acceptable for wireless use (see below for caveats around the wireless modes).I also cannot speak to the quality of the included keycaps nor switches, but that's what makes hotswappable switch sockets so great. I believe mine originally came with Gateron browns, which are what they are (perfectly fine IMO, but not my favorites). I put in Kailh box whites, which I think pair really nicely with the really solid build of this keyboard.Seriously, between the aluminum case, thick metal baseplate, and lack of gasket mounting, this keyboard has an extremely rigid typing experience. Personally, that is precisely what I look for, as one of the main reasons I like mechanical keyboards is that they allow me to work on my touch-typing technique to avoid "bottoming out" every keystroke. That is when you use the tactile and/or audible feedback of non-linear switches to only press the keys as hard as necessary. Doing so results in not only faster typing, but much lower fatigue.I have also added foam to the inside, which helps dampen any stray high-pitched frequencies and/or "ping" sounds. I don't recall this keyboard having a noticeable amount of that pre-foam, but the overall sound is now more... "intentional" sounding, for lack of a better term. I do not recall the type of foam that I used, but it was nothing special.The wireless connectivity is the biggest drawback to the keyboard. The Bluetooth connection seems stable, but introduces a noticeable delay (if you do not touch type, this honestly might not be noticeable). It's adequate, but not ideal. It does not ruin the experience and I can use it just fine in a pinch. I believe this latency is more to do with the nature of Bluetooth itself than anything specific to this keyboard.The USB wireless has much better (i.e. lower) latency, but is far less stable. If you have the dongle up on the desk (but perhaps just out of view), then it's perfectly fine. However, plugging it into the back of a computer that's under a desk results in the occasional dropped or repeated keystrokes, which is incredibly frustrating.Given the possibility of workaround (keeping the receiver closer to the keyboard), I don't consider this a deal-breaker, but it is something to be mindful of when purchasing. I do not know if this is exclusive to the aluminum-cased ("Pro") variant. I have had keyboards with USB wireless that have no dropped keystrokes even at much further distances. None of those had metal cases, so perhaps the plastic non-Pro RK68 interferes less with the signal? Personally, I use the keyboard plugged in via USB-C for now and have had 0 issues since.Overall, if you can work around the wireless issues, this has been an extremely solid keyboard. Especially for the price ($75 USD in my case), it's a great starting point. I would recommend trying a few different switches and keycaps. The included ones are fine, but your experience with a mechanical keyboard will be heaviliy influenced by the switches and keycaps.If I could give this a 4.5/5 stars, I would. For my uses, the wireless issue is pretty minor, but it is a heavily advertised feature with a sub-par experience. I still rated it 5 stars simply because I think that even if they removed the wireless functionality entirely, it's still easily worth the price I paid.

I've wanted to have a 96% keyboard for awhile now. Sadly you don't get QMK/VIA support with the RK100, and it's a real shame considering what RK100pro offers in terms of aesthetic and quality. But I guess beggars can't be choosers.96% and 1800 layouts are not common, especially getting a pre-built with a metal case. Premium boards like the IQUINIX F97 cost around 200+ dollars.Krepublic's BM980 or YMDK's Melody96 can be bought for cheaper, but you can't buy through amazon, both require payment for them to be assembled or get a DIY kit and you have to wait weeks for the parts or pay overseas shipping. So the RK100pro is in a prime spot at such a low price point of $89.99 comparatively. Even Keychron's K4 only comes with a plastic case and no external software support.With the RK100 pro you get a nice anodized silver case, USB-C cable, combine keycap and switch puller and a usb receiver for using the 2.4ghz band. You will not get the 2 USB 2.0 pass-through with the RK100pro, so you'll have to choose if you want the anodized case or the usb pass-through that comes with the standard RK100.TIP: ctrl+F and type “bit” on the product page will highlight the shortened link to the Google Drive to download RK's software. Once set-up make sure you are in wired mode so the software can identify your keyboard. The Software will prompt you to update the boards firmware. UPDATE THE FIRMWARE FIRST BEFORE YOU UPDATE THE SOFTWARE. Trust me you don't want the headache of doing this the other way around.Layout:96% shortens the standard keyboard layout to the size of a TKL (ten key less) layout. This provides more desk-space. On the other hand the keys are closer together, which can get some getting used to if you're coming from standard 104 keys. You also lose the dedicated end and scroll lock keys with this board. It took me a day to get used to the smaller layout and I feel more comfortable since that the layout places my arms closer together for typing. Your Mileage May Vary however.Frame:Sturdy anodized silver CNC frame which adds some nice heft to the overall keyboard. Corners are nicely rounded off, and I didn't find any machining marks on the outside of case. It looks very clean, and is very subtle in low-light. The only faults I can see with the case:A) The provided removable magnetic feet create an obvious contrast to the metal frame casing causing a cheaper look.B) The added height of the case definitely means the keys are higher off the desk. I'd recommend getting a wrist-wrest if you plan on getting this keyboard for long periods of time.C) The space inside of the case creates a very hollow sound when typing even when not bottoming out.Note: if you are planning to add foam to the inside of the case, be aware that the R4 row (row with space bar) is pretty tight. I had to avoid adding foam around the standoffs and leave a lot more empty space than I'd like to avoid clearance issues. BE CAREFUL when removing the pcb and back-plate as the internal usb-c cable is held taught and in an awkward position inside of the case.Wired, 2.4ghz and Bluetooth:The provided usb-c cable is of good quality, not braided, and comes with a removable velcro cable-tie. It's 6ft in length, so it should be able to reach most PCs depending on the location. Stable with no disconnections when I used it.I've noticed some reviews bringing up lag when using the 2.4ghz band and Bluetooth. I had the same problem until I upgraded the firmware of the keyboard, writing this review now on the 2.4ghz band with no issues.NOTE: the usb receiver is a pretty snug fit, and is a pain to unplug. I'm so sorry if you've read this too late, I pray for your index and thumb.RGB:Nicely lit, though the LEDs are north facing so that can cause some interference with certain key caps. The White back-plate reflects a lot more of the colors and gives this nice under glow to the keys when in low light. Using RK's software you can get some interesting lighting effects and reactive lighting to music, and custom ambient effects as well.One con is that the ambient-lighting effects option does not stay in memory when switching to wireless mode. Macros, custom function of keys, custom static lighting effects however do.Switches:These are standard Gateron Switches, and I got the Gateron Linear reds. A little scratchy to be honest, but that isn't something a little SuperLube or plastic lube can't fix. If you don't want Gaterons, the hotswap switches are compatible with MX style switches, so you can get pretty creative with different switches in each slot if you want. As for me, I went with a Gazzew Boba Bubblegum, Silent Silver, and U4 Silent Tactile switches.UGLY KEY CAPS:Okay you should have noticed by now that most customers who posted pictures (myself included), changed the stock key caps out. The stock key caps are hollow sounding, add rattle, and have a really thin font. In short, “dang they be uggy”. I got myself some YMDK's to replace the ugly font and get a gradient color-way. Get yourself a 122 key cap set, and make this keyboard look nice.Final ThoughtsThis keyboard is at a great price, and with a little TLC can feel more like a premium board. It definitely needs some mods in my opinion: stabilizers come lubed but need to be clipped, I had to balance my space bar wire, and I band aid modded the stabs to get a less thin shaky sound. I'm too lazy to hole-mod anything right now, but I'd recommend it in the long run. Just as an FYI the stabilizers are plate mounted.In conclusion if you want a prebuilt 96% rgb hotswap keyboard under $100 with a metal case and room for modification: You can't go wrong with the RK100pro.

Pros:- The keyboard is very solid and you can feel it form the weight.- Typing is really comfortable and quiet (mine is red-switch).- Size is compact, good for portability.- Generously comes with four extra switch for replacement.- Rich lighting choices- The light of keys is programmable. Useful for gaming.- Bluetooth connection is reacted fast, convenience when you used it with more than one computers.Cons:- The items is a bit difference from the description in the manual. The mentioned USB 2.0 ports and the dongle parking space in manual are actually not available.- Dongle is separated from the keyboard, so chances to loss it is quite high unless if you are not yet using it.- Personally, I prefer the "Legs" solid attached to the keyboard (See the my another keyboard in the picture) rather than this "Magnetic legs". The same reason as the dongle and it's not a good arrangement for people need a portable keyboard.- There is no a independent "End" key, somehow inconvenience for editing.- The "Num lock" provides no function at all (the "Home, End, Arrows, PgUp and PgDn" doesn't work when pressed the Num Lock. I don't know why just waste a key space for that. Perhaps because I am using Mac, but no information in the manual.- As above, the "Ins" key doesn't function as expected with my Mac.Overall it's a good keyboard and worth for the money.