Royal Kludge RK61 Review: Compact Yet Powerful

The RK Royal Kludge Layout RK61 is a 60% mechanical keyboard that has taken the gaming and typing world by storm. With its compact layout, RGB backlighting, and wireless functionality, it’s a powerhouse in a small package. In this detailed review, we will break down every aspect of the RK61 to help you decide if it’s the right keyboard for your setup.

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Design and Build Quality

The Royal Kludge RK61 features a sleek and minimalistic design, a key characteristic of 60% keyboards. With its 61-key layout, it ditches the function row, navigation keys, and number pad to save desk space without sacrificing essential functionalities. Made mostly from premium ABS plastic, the keyboard features a sturdy but lightweight design. While it might lack the heft of aluminum-bodied keyboards, the build quality feels solid with minimal flex.

Crafted from double-shot ABS plastic, the keycaps are designed to withstand heavy use and resist fading over time. The legends on the keys are clear and easy to read, even in dimly lit environments. The inclusion of RGB backlighting adds to its aesthetic appeal, allowing for a wide range of customizable lighting effects.

Size and Portability Of Royal Kludge RK61

Measuring in at approximately 29 cm in length and weighing just around 500 grams, the RK61 is a highly portable option. It’s an excellent choice for those who need a keyboard for on-the-go use or for minimalist desk setups. Despite its compact size, the keyboard retains the essential keys by using a clever key combination system to access secondary functions.

Switch Options

The RK Royal Kludge Layout RK61 is available in multiple switch options, including Red, Blue, and Brown mechanical switches. Each switch delivers a distinct typing experience:

• Red Switches: These are linear switches, providing a smooth keystroke without tactile bumps or audible clicks. Ideal for gamers who prioritize fast and responsive key presses.
• Blue Switches: Known for their tactile feedback and clicky sound, they’re perfect for typists who enjoy a classic mechanical feel.
  Brown Switches: Offering a middle ground, Brown switches provide tactile feedback without the loud click, making them suitable for both typing and gaming.

The hot-swappable feature is a significant advantage for enthusiasts who like to experiment with different switch types. You can easily replace the switches without soldering, enhancing the keyboard’s lifespan and versatility.

Connectivity and Compatibility

The RK Royal Kludge Layout RK61 supports both wired and wireless connections, giving users flexibility in their setup. It can connect wirelessly via Bluetooth to up to three devices simultaneously, allowing for seamless switching between devices. For those who prefer a wired connection, the RK61 comes with a detachable USB-C cable, ensuring stable data transfer and fast charging.

Compatibility-wise, it works effortlessly with Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. Switching between the operating systems is made simple through a key combination, allowing users to enjoy the RK61 on various platforms.

Bluetooth Performance Of Royal Kludge RK61

With Bluetooth 5.1 technology, the connection remains steady and highly responsive, keeping latency to a minimum. During extensive testing, the RK61 performed exceptionally well in both gaming and typing tasks when connected wirelessly. However, hardcore gamers might still prefer the wired mode to eliminate any potential input lag.

Battery Life Of Royal Kludge RK61

One of the standout features of the Royal Kludge RK61 is its impressive battery life. Equipped with a 1450mAh rechargeable battery, it can last up to 10 hours of continuous use with RGB lighting on. When the lighting is turned off, the battery life extends significantly, reaching up to 360 hours in standby mode.

Charging is quick and easy via the included USB-C cable, taking about 3-4 hours to reach a full charge. The keyboard also has an auto-sleep feature to conserve battery when not in use, which can be particularly useful for those using it wirelessly.

Customization and Software

The RK61 comes with built-in customization options that let users change RGB lighting modes, brightness, and effects directly from the keyboard using key combinations. For those who desire deeper customization, the RK61 is compatible with Royal Kludge’s software, although it is somewhat basic compared to other mechanical keyboard software.

Through the software, users can remap keys, create macros, and fine-tune the RGB lighting settings. While the software is not as robust as offerings from other brands like Razer or Corsair, it covers the essential customization needs.

Typing Experience Of Royal Kludge RK61

Despite its compact 60% layout, the RK61 provides a comfortable typing experience once you adjust to the lack of dedicated arrow keys and function row. The keyboard’s layout requires the use of the “FN” key for secondary functions, which might take some getting used to, especially for those transitioning from full-sized keyboards.

The keycaps’ sculpted profile provides a pleasant feel under the fingers, and the spacing between keys is adequate, reducing the likelihood of accidental presses. The mechanical switches offer a satisfying keystroke, with the choice of Red, Blue, or Brown switches catering to different preferences. Typists who enjoy tactile feedback might find the Blue or Brown switches more appealing, while gamers might opt for the smoother Red switches for rapid actuation.

RGB Backlighting and Effects

One of the highlights of the RK61 is its vibrant RGB backlighting. The keyboard comes with multiple preset lighting options, including wave, ripple, breathing, and static effects. These effects can be adjusted by users using the onboard controls or the software. Each key’s LED is individually addressable, allowing for a wide range of color combinations.

However, it is worth noting that the key legends’ shine-through isn’t as bright as some higher-end keyboards due to the ABS keycaps. Despite this, the RGB lighting adds a dynamic visual element to the keyboard, especially in low-light environments.

Who Is the Royal Kludge RK61 For?

The RK Royal Kludge Layout RK61 is ideal for those who want a compact, portable keyboard without compromising on mechanical switch options or RGB lighting. Its wireless connectivity and long battery life make it an excellent choice for those who use multiple devices, whether it’s for work, gaming, or casual use. If you’re on a budget but still want a feature-rich mechanical keyboard, the RK61 delivers exceptional value for its price.

FAQs

1-Is the Royal Kludge RK61 hot-swappable?

Yes, the RK61 supports hot-swapping, so users can replace the mechanical switches without any soldering.

2-What is the battery life of the RK61?

When the RGB lighting is active, the battery can last for up to 10 hours. Turning off the lighting extends the battery life significantly, with a standby time of up to 360 hours.

3-Can I use the RK61 with a Mac?

Yes, the RK61 works with macOS, and users can toggle between Windows and Mac modes by using a specific key combination.

4-Does the RK61 have dedicated arrow keys?

The RK61’s 60% layout means it lacks dedicated arrow keys. However, arrow keys can be accessed using the “FN” key in combination with other keys.

5-What switch types are available for the RK61?

The RK61 is available with Red (linear), Blue (tactile and clicky), and Brown (tactile) switches, catering to different preferences.

6-Is it possible to adjust the RGB lighting on the RK61?

Yes, the RGB lighting can be customized using key combinations on the keyboard or through the Royal Kludge software for more detailed control.

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Conclusion

The Royal Kludge RK61 is a versatile, budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that packs many features into a compact 60% layout. Its dual-mode connectivity, hot-swappable switches, and vibrant RGB lighting make it a compelling choice for both gamers and typists alike. However, there are a few minor drawbacks, including limited software customization and a slight learning curve for the layout. Despite these issues, the RK61 still offers excellent value for those seeking a portable yet powerful mechanical keyboard.

Looking for the Best Keyboard with high-end Features? Check out the Best Custom Gaming Keyboards

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