MonsGeek M3 vs Royal Kludge RK87
The MonsGeek M3 and the Royal Kludge RK87 are close alternatives. The main differences: the Royal Kludge RK87 is the cheaper of the two at $60 versus $129; the Royal Kludge RK87 runs wireless where the MonsGeek M3 is wired-only; stock, the MonsGeek M3 sounds deep, muted (build-dependent) and the Royal Kludge RK87 clacky.
- Lower priceRoyal Kludge RK87$60 versus $129
- Easier to modMonsGeek M3hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA
- More ways to connectRoyal Kludge RK873 connection modes versus 1
4.5481 ratings· Amazon
Choose the MonsGeek M3 if
- you mainly want it for enthusiast.
- you mainly want it for programming.
- you want QMK/VIA remapping.
Choose the Royal Kludge RK87 if
- you mainly want it for budget.
- you mainly want it for gaming.
- you want to spend less ($60).
- you need wireless.
MonsGeek M3 vs Royal Kludge RK87, spec by spec
| MonsGeek M3 | Royal Kludge RK87 | |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | TKL | TKL |
| Height | Standard | Standard |
| Connectivity | Wired | Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired (stronger spec) |
| Hot-swap | Yes | Yes |
| Keycaps | n/a | n/a |
| Case | CNC aluminum | ABS plastic |
| Mount | Gasket | Tray |
| Backlight | RGB | RGB |
| QMK / VIA | Yes (stronger spec) | No |
| Battery | n/a | n/a |
| Typical price | $129 | $60 (stronger spec) |
| Sound (stock) | deep, muted (build-dependent) | clacky |
| Released | 2023 | n/a |
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 Fields marked n/a are unpublished by the maker; we list only verifiable numbers.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
50% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the MonsGeek M3; 6% of the 509 boards tracked here cost less than the Royal Kludge RK87.
Where to buy the MonsGeek M3
Where to buy the Royal Kludge RK87
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