Keychron V4 vs Royal Kludge RK61
The Keychron V4 and the Royal Kludge RK61 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Royal Kludge RK61 is the cheaper of the two at $40 versus $60; the Royal Kludge RK61 runs wireless where the Keychron V4 is wired-only; stock, the Keychron V4 sounds creamy, muted and the Royal Kludge RK61 thin, clacky.
- Lower priceRoyal Kludge RK61$40 versus $60
- Easier to modKeychron V4hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectRoyal Kludge RK613 connection modes versus 1
4.59,700 ratings· Amazon
Choose the Keychron V4 if
- you mainly want it for gaming.
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Choose the Royal Kludge RK61 if
- you mainly want it for beginners.
- you want to spend less ($40).
- you need wireless.
Keychron V4 vs Royal Kludge RK61, spec by spec
| Keychron V4 | Royal Kludge RK61 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 60% | 60% |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired (stronger spec) |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | PBT double-shot, OSA profile | ABS |
| Case | ABS plastic (frosted or solid) | ABS plastic |
| Mount | Tray | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Battery | n/a | 1450 mAh |
| Typical price | $60 | $40 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | creamy, muted | thin, clacky |
| Released | 2022 | 2018 |
Highlighted rows are where the two differ; a check marks the objectively stronger spec (price, battery, modability). Feel and preference rows never get a check. Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.
Where they sit among all 509 boards we track
6% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Keychron V4; 1% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Royal Kludge RK61.
2% of the 172 wireless boards tracked here carry a smaller battery than the Royal Kludge RK61.
Where to buy the Keychron V4
Where to buy the Royal Kludge RK61
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