Royal Kludge H81 80% Gasket Structure Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review (RK-H81 TRI BROWN/WHITE)
Table of Contents
Introduction
The Royal Kludge H81 is an 80% keyboard that packs a punch with its impressive features and affordability. It boasts a gasket structure, hot-swappable switches, tri-mode connectivity, and a knob control, making it a versatile option for gamers, programmers, and anyone seeking a high-quality typing experience.
Features
The Royal Kludge H81 is loaded with features that make it stand out from the competition. Here’s a breakdown of some of its key aspects:
- Gasket Structure: The gasket structure provides a softer, more cushioned typing experience, reducing the harshness of bottoming out on the keycaps. It also adds a pleasant, slightly dampened sound profile, making it ideal for both typing and gaming.
- Hot-Swappable Switches: The ability to hot-swap switches allows you to customize the feel and sound of your keyboard without the need for soldering. You can experiment with different switch types to find the perfect combination for your preferences.
- Tri-Mode Connectivity: With Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4Ghz wireless, and wired USB connectivity, you have the flexibility to use the H81 with multiple devices and environments.
- Knob Control: The dedicated knob allows you to customize features like volume, brightness, or even assign macros, adding an extra layer of control and convenience.
- PBT Keycaps: The durable PBT keycaps provide a comfortable, textured feel and are resistant to shine and oil build-up.
- RGB Backlighting: The per-key RGB backlighting lets you personalize your keyboard with vibrant colors and effects, enhancing both its appearance and functionality.
Performance
The Royal Kludge H81 delivers solid performance across the board. The Brown switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback with a pleasant click sound, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. The tri-mode connectivity is reliable and seamless, with minimal lag and stuttering even during fast-paced gaming sessions. The gasket structure significantly reduces the impact sound, resulting in a quieter and more pleasant typing experience. The knob control is responsive and offers a smooth and precise adjustment, providing an intuitive way to control various settings.
Pros & Cons
Here’s a summary of the pros and cons of the Royal Kludge H81:
Pros
- Excellent build quality and design
- Gasket structure for a softer, more comfortable typing experience
- Hot-swappable switches for customization
- Tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4Ghz wireless, and wired USB)
- Dedicated knob control for extra functionality
- Durable PBT keycaps
- Per-key RGB backlighting
- Affordable price point
Cons
- The keycaps are not fully compatible with other popular brands, like Cherry MX switches
- The software can be a bit buggy at times
- No dedicated media keys
Final Verdict
The Royal Kludge H81 is an excellent value-for-money mechanical keyboard that packs a plethora of features and delivers exceptional performance. The gasket structure, hot-swappable switches, tri-mode connectivity, and knob control make it a versatile option for gamers, programmers, and anyone seeking a comfortable and customizable typing experience. While there are some minor drawbacks, like limited keycap compatibility and occasional software issues, the H81’s overall strengths outweigh these shortcomings. If you’re looking for a high-quality, feature-rich mechanical keyboard at an affordable price, the Royal Kludge H81 is a strong contender that’s worth considering.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Layout | 80% |
| Switches | Brown |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4Ghz wireless, wired USB |
| Keycaps | PBT |
| Backlighting | Per-key RGB |
| Other features | Gasket structure, hot-swappable switches, knob control |