RK Royal Kludge RK98 Wireless 75% RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review: A Compact Powerhouse?

Table of Contents

Introduction

The RK Royal Kludge RK98 Wireless 75% RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard promises a compact, feature-rich, and affordable gaming experience. With its wireless connectivity, RGB lighting, and mechanical Blue Switches, it definitely caught our attention. But does it deliver on its promise? We put it through its paces to find out.

Features

The RK98 is a 75% keyboard, meaning it lacks the number pad and some function keys, leading to a more compact footprint. This makes it ideal for users with limited desk space or who prefer a minimalist setup. Here are some of its key features:

* **Wireless Connectivity:** The RK98 offers both Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz wireless connections, giving you flexibility to connect to multiple devices.
* **RGB Lighting:** Customize your keyboard with a range of dynamic lighting effects and color options.
* **Mechanical Blue Switches:** These switches offer a satisfying clicky feedback and tactile bump, making them a popular choice for typing and gaming.
* **Mac/Windows Compatibility:** The RK98 works seamlessly with both Mac and Windows operating systems.

Performance

We tested the RK98 in a variety of scenarios, including gaming, typing, and general use. Here’s what we observed:

* **Gaming:** The Blue Switches provided a responsive and satisfying gaming experience. The keystrokes were precise and the tactile feedback helped with accuracy.
* **Typing:** The clicky nature of the Blue Switches made typing a delight. While it might be a bit noisy for shared spaces, it certainly felt satisfying to use.
* **Wireless Connectivity:** Both Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz connections performed flawlessly with minimal latency. The range was also impressive, allowing for comfortable use from a reasonable distance.

Pros & Cons

**Pros:**

* Compact 75% layout
* Wireless connectivity with Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz options
* Customizable RGB lighting
* Satisfying clicky Blue Switches
* Mac/Windows compatibility

**Cons:**

* No dedicated media controls
* Can be noisy for some users
* Battery life could be improved

Final Verdict

The RK Royal Kludge RK98 Wireless 75% RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a strong contender in the budget-friendly mechanical keyboard market. It offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and affordability. While it has some minor shortcomings, such as the lack of dedicated media controls and the relatively short battery life, its strengths outweigh the drawbacks. If you’re looking for a compact, wireless mechanical keyboard with satisfying typing feedback and customizable RGB lighting, the RK98 is a worthy choice.

Model RK Royal Kludge RK98
Layout 75%
Switches Blue Switches
Connectivity Bluetooth/2.4Ghz
Backlighting RGB
Compatibility Windows/Mac