RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK98 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Tri-Mode 2.4G/BT5.1/USB-C Hot Swappable Full Size Keyboard, RGB Backlit Gaming Keyboard, Massive Battery Software Support, Brown Switch

I ordered this keyboard as a replacement to a RedThunder keyboard that had quit working after 4 days. I received this keyboard in the mail around the second week of April and have used it almost daily. If you don’t feel like reading everything, here is the short. Buy it, it’s worth it, but if you want more details, please see below. First Impressions: The first thing I noticed was the weight. It is pretty hefty and feels rock solid. It feels like a quality product. The clicking sounds is very satisfying (I turned off the sound in the video, since there was music playing). I really like the fact that you can change the color modes, and what the keyboard itself does. I chose this effect, which I thought was really cool. Set Up: I decided to use it with the USB dongle, since I use docking station, and constantly swap between my personal laptop and my work laptop. It was as simple as plug and play. The fact that it worked out of the box, with both Mac (my personal laptop) and PC (my company laptop) without any additional drivers is/was a huge win for me. Battery Life: The battery life on it is incredible, I maybe charge it once every other week. I work from home for most of the week, so this thing sees a lot of use, I would say at minimum it see’s 24 hours of continuous use (8 hours a day, over 3 days) along with however long i’m on it for my personal projects. Checking the battery level is as simple as holding down two keys, and is easily done on the fly. *The battery life may vary based on which color mode you select, so be mindful of that, but with the one I have selected, it seems to last a very long time on a charge, which is another win. The brightness is also perfect, it isn’t too overpowering but also not too dim. Downside(s): My only gripe about it is that for me, having the keys so close together can be a bit of a headache. I am constantly having to retype things from accidentally hitting the wrong key, as the keys are very sensitive (which makes sense, since it is made for gaming). This is more of user error and not a fault of the keyboard/manufacturing though, so I don’t hold that against it. Final Thoughts: All in all, for the price point, functionality, and the quality, you can’t beat this. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a gaming keyboard, or someone who just wants that mechanical feel. It is a great product, and does exactly what you want it to do. I know that gaming/mechanical keyboards come in all shapes/sizes/features/price points, but for me, this checks every box. I actually plan on purchasing a second keyboard from RK Royal Kludge, but the quieter version while i’m in the office. Whenever I get around to that, be on the lookout for another review. Great work, RK Royal Kludge, this is an amazing product.

When on sale for $64, this keyboard is a great value. I've never spent more than a hundred dollars on a keyboard nor plan to. The most I've spent in the past was $99 on a GMMK TKL and an AKKO 5108S. I also have a Skyloong SK96 Lite (Epomaker GK96) 96% layout with 100 keys total (no spacing between keys). This RK98 is an 1800 layout keyboard (with slight spacing around the arrow keys, numpad, and F row) but with 100 keys, which is not so common. Most 1800 layout boards have either 96, 98, or 99 keys. For me, the more keys the merrier as I need the numpad for work and the other keys for simulators like MSFS. The slight extra spacing of the 1800 layout makes a difference for me (less mistakes) compared to my SK96. Since the white model only came with RK brown tactile switches, I switched them out for my favorite budget linears, the Gateron G Pro Yellow 2.0, and they sound and feel great on this keyboard. Stabs may need a bit of work but they didn't bother me out of the box. While the stock PBT keycaps are good overall, I switched them out for shine through PBTs (I basically do this for all my boards as I don't see much point in RGB if the keycaps aren't backlit). After this switch, I noticed just how bright the lighting is on this board, probably more than twice as bright as my SK96 (the design of the Gateron pros also helps in this regard). Out of the 5 brightness levels (not including OFF), I keep it at 2 most of the time. As for RGB color accuracy, it will depend on the color of the switches and keycaps installed. While the static white color seemed on the cool (bluish) side temp-wise when the stock brown RK tactiles were installed, with the yellow linear switches it is pretty much close to a white that I like. And the RK software easily allows you to tweak the exact RGB values too. Per key lighting is possible, and this keyboard has 3 custom lighting slots on its onboard memory which can be accessed via FN+1, 2, or 3. And once the custom lighting presets are saved onto the board, no need at all to have the Royal Kludge software open to access them. Another thing to note is that there is a pad layer between the plate and PCB, as well as (thin) case foam underneath. I'm satisfied with how this keyboard sounds and feels with the yellow linears, so I don't feel the need to mod this thing any further (not even a tape mod), but perhaps the stabs sometime in the future. It's nice to spend only $64 on a hot-swappable (5-pin compatible) RGB mech keyboard with a nice 100-key 1800 layout and wireless functionality. With the leftover money, you can buy switches or keycaps of your choice. Yes, budget boards like this do not have QMK or VIA firmware compatibility, but if the software can do the basic things like edit keymapping, FN shortcuts, macros, and RGB lighting, that's good enough for me. I do wish that the case bezels of the RK98 were slightly slimmer, but the overall dimensions are still quite compact especially compared to a full size. Overall, highly recommend this at the sale price.

This is the very first time I get a mechanical keyboard and was scared it wouldn't work well because of the price difference to other mechanical keyboards, but this has worked wonderfully! It's been nearly a year since I got it and I don't think it ever failed me. The colors work and look great; it's much sturdier than I'm used to with basic keyboards, so that was a nice surprise, and the bluetooth works very well. Definitely happy with the size, as I'm a person that likes to use the numeric pad without having to get another peripheral and/or having extra keys that I will definitely not use. I would say it was worth it.

I just opened this thing like ten minutes ago and I'm already not only writing this review, but USING IT to write the review. I bought different swtiches and keycaps to put into it that haven't arrived yet but I actually love the ones that it ships with. They feel and sound absolutely perfect for me; tactile, superb actuation force, and a sound that I believe is described as "thocky" among you keyboard connoisseurs. I haven't earned that title yet as I'm still a noob with them and trying to learn more about them (hence my purchase of this one), so if I got that wrong try to resist threatening me with your dad's ownership of Microsoft and ability to hack me. You get the point, though - They're not "clicky," which was an intentional choice on my part because I do know enough at this point to know that I don't care for "clicky" switches. They have a duller sound, yet they're also not very muted like some other quieter switches. Actuation force is on the heavier side (67g, I believe) so if you like the light and quick ones the browns this puppy comes pre-loaded with won't be for you and you'll want to look into some other switches to put into it. They're also tactile, which means they don't feel as smooth as linear ones but in a pleasant way that provides extra feedback you can feel in your fingers as you type. The lighting is nice and I have no complaints about it. It's background lighting underneath the keys - Nothing shines through these default keycaps. But that's the beauty of the modular mechanical keyboard - If you want more lighting, just grab yourself a pawful of ones that do allow lighting to pass through and you can slap 'em on this bad boy like he's been a... bad boy. Sorry. Anyway, I'll update this review in a couple of days once I've used it more and played around with the software. I just really wanted an excuse to type like five paragraphs on this thing. In the meantime, though, even though I'm fairly green regarding keyboards this seems to be a very nice one for its price point. You probably won't be disappointed.

*Updated 2* The company reached out to resolve the issues. Although the connectivity issues have not been resolved, their customer service was very good. They took me through several fixes to test, and ended up offering me a refund or replacement. I think I just had a faulty product. Otherwise, the keyboard is still great! *Updated 1* I've had the keyboard for 6 months now and it is just slowly deteriorating. The the Bluetooth connection and connectivity through the USB-C cord no longer works. I have to use the USB Dongle to get any connectivity. Also, the USB ports on the keyboard don't work. *Original Post* A few things I love about this keyboard: it can be connected via Bluetooth or USB Cable, it doesn't require an app to change the lights, it has a number pad but is still small, it has some color, the key press sounds are softer. It is almost perfect. Things I don't like: they keycaps don't illuminate the letter. And I have already had to replace one of the switches, but that was admittedly likely my fault for pressing it too hard one night. All in all, I love it! And for the price, it really can't be beat. :))

I recently purchased the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK98 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard and it has been an absolute delight to use. This keyboard stands out not only for its functionality but also for its exceptional build quality and typing feel. Typing Experience: The tactile feedback and the satisfying sound of the keys are what make this keyboard a joy to use. Typing is comfortable, responsive, and gratifying, making it perfect for both work and gaming. The quality of the typing experience far surpasses that of other keyboards I've tried in a similar(but slightly) price range. Build Quality and Value: The RK98 feels like a premium product. It's sturdy and well-constructed. It's evident that the quality of this keyboard rivals that of more expensive models that I have seen. Overall Satisfaction: I am extremely satisfied with my purchase. The RK98 has exceeded my expectations in every aspect – from its superb typing experience to its solid build quality. It's definitely worth spending a few extra dollars for a keyboard of this caliber. I highly recommend the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK98 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard to anyone in search of a high-quality, satisfying, and affordable mechanical keyboard. Whether for professional use, gaming, or everyday tasks, this keyboard is a fantastic choice that offers good value for money.

For the last several years I've been using a Corsair keyboard I bought when I had a different desk and there was much more room for the keyboard and mouse. During the pandemic I upgraded to a larger desk but the keyboard tray is smaller and I sacrificed space to move my mouse. It was a minor inconvenience until recently. During the recent Xmas in July sale I was in Best Buy and decided to play with some of the keyboards that were on sale. Another Corsair caught my attention with the action of the keys and it was $50 off. I decided I didn't really need it and left. Recently I had rotator cuff surgery so I'm stuck at home with nothing to do and I've been testing my setup for working with weak hand. The limited space for the mouse became much more significant. I looked around and discovered a whole new world of custom mechanical keyboards and was blown away. I can't tell you how glad I was that I didn't purchase the other keyboard a month ago. I was looking for a keyboard with a num pad because I do a decent amount of numbers and I never really learned to use the top row number keys very well. I saw good reviews for The Royal Kudge keyboards and then found this one on sale. It was less than the Corsair I bought 4 years ago. It arrived in the mail today. I've watched a lot of YouTube videos the last few days about the qualities of keyboards like these but nothing compares to getting one in hand. The weight of the box was the initial wow moment. Then taking the keyboard out was the second. Then pressing the keys to feel the action. This keyboard is 4 inches narrower then the old one which freed up all the space I need to use my mouse and move the keyboard close the edge. Now I'm 5 days out from my surgery and I'm able to type comfortably with my arm in the sling. I'm blown away. Some things truly do work out for the best. I bought the black with silver switches. It's a bit soft but I'll adjust. I would recommend one of these to anyone. Do it for yourself and for the people that make these wonderful keyboards. Once you try one you'll never want to use anything else. The only thing that might be a negative for some people is the noise of the keys. I think it's great. It's not too loud for me. I think it kind of reminds of the old days hearing the clack of a typewriter. From what I've seen they make models that perform great but make much less noise. <8/22/24> Update: After using the keyboard more, with silver switches, I have found that the springs in the switches are too light and the distance to actuation is too short for my fat fingers. I have errors regularly because I'll graze another switch or sometimes actuate one while I'm just pausing to look at something or think. If you have a light touch these will probably be fine for you but I ordered a set of black switches which I'm hoping will be better suited to my style.

My job requires lots and LOTS of typing. So a nice keyboard with good sound is important to me, as sometimes I need to obtain things for my job that make it more satisfying. It’s the little things that get us through the work day right? Here is what I like about it: 1. It seems to be very sturdy and well made. I was very surprised at how much this keyboard weighs. I consider it to be very heavy and solid. 2. It makes nice clicky and typing noises. The keys seem to be heavy duty, so you can angry type if needed. They are also very responsive to touch. I was worried about having to deep press each key, but that doesn’t seem to be an issue. The space bar is responsive as well, which can be an issue with a mechanical keyboard, but not this one. 3. Setting up was plug and play for me. I just plugged in the dongle and turned it on, it worked instantly. I prefer a Bluetooth set up. I also like that you can hard plug it in to your computer and keep it wired, I’d that is your style. It comes with a switchable USB and USB-C cord, too. The keyboard is chargeable if you like to keep it wireless. 4. It’s pretty. The lights are mesmerizing and have a nice glow. They definitely put some thought into the RGB and didn’t cheap out. There are different settings for the lights or you can turn them off altogether. Overall, it’s good bang for your buck and probably my favorite keyboard.