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RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK84 Wireless RGB 75% Triple Mode BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboard, 84 Keys Wireless Gaming Keyboard w/High-Capacity Battery, Tactile Brown Switch
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Free returns are available for the shipping address you chose. You can return the item for any reason in new and unused condition: no shipping charges
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Save 10% on RK96 LTD when you purchase 1 or more RK84 offered by AceGadget. Shop items
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Save 10% on RK96 when you purchase 1 or more RK84 offered by AceGadget. Shop items
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Purchase options and add-ons
Brand | RK ROYAL KLUDGE |
Compatible Devices | Laptop, PC, Tablet, Smartphone |
Connectivity Technology | USB-C |
Keyboard Description | Gaming |
Recommended Uses For Product | Everyday Use |
Special Feature | Backlit, Hotkeys and Media Keys, Integrated Stand, Rechargeable |
Color | White |
Number of Keys | 84 |
Keyboard backlighting color support | RGB |
Style | Classic |
About this item
- That is THREE MODES: Believe it or not, this is the first generation of RGB three-mode wireless keyboards. Wireless mode with stable BT5.0, hassle-free 2.4Ghz dongle plus USB-C wired mode set no limits about your keyboard connection.
- 84 Keys, Redefine TKL - The innovative 75% unique layout differs from traditional TKL keyboards, which cuts more clumsy space off while supporting the same functionality as practical arrow, multimedia and control keys.
- Hot-swappable - Hot-swap PCB allows you to replace 3 pins/5 pins switches freely without soldering issue. Enjoy the fun of making your own keyboard.
- High-capacity Battery - This keyboard is week-durable to 200 hours with nonstop using under backlight off status, fully charged requires only 6-7 hours
- Hub Design - This wireless mechanical keyboard is armed with 2 built-in USB pass-through ports and 1 Type-C Port, allowing to back up more facilities
- RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK84 RGB Brown Switch White & RK96 Blue Backlight Brown Switch White BundleThis bundle contains 2 items
Frequently bought together
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This Item RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK84 Wireless RGB 75% Triple Mode BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboard, 84 Keys Wireless Gaming Keyboard w/High-Capacity Battery, Tactile Brown Switch | Recommendations | dummy | dummy | dummy | dummy | |
Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | Try again! Added to Cart | |
Price | -22% $69.99$69.99 List: $89.99 | $69.99$69.99 | -22% $69.99$69.99 List: $89.99 | $79.99$79.99 | -11% $79.99$79.99 List: $89.98 | -22% $69.99$69.99 Typical: $89.99 |
Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, Mar 19 |
Customer Ratings | ||||||
For gaming | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.4 |
Brightness | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4.4 | 4.7 |
Quality of material | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 4.6 | 4.5 | 4.5 |
Value for money | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.5 |
Battery life | 4.5 | 4.5 | 4.5 | — | 4.3 | 4.5 |
Sold By | AceGadget | AceGadget | AceGadget | AceGadget | J-Devol | AceGadget |
connectivity tech | USB-C | RF | RF, wired, wireless | RF | Bluetooth, USB-C, 2.4GHz | wired, wireless |
number of keys | 84 | 84 | 84 | 84 | 81 | 96 |
hardware interface | bluetooth | bluetooth | usb3.0, bluetooth, radio frequency | bluetooth | bluetooth | bluetooth |
compatible devices | Laptop, Smartphone, PC, Tablet | Laptop, PC, Tablet, Smartphone | Laptop | Gaming Console | Laptop, Tablet, PC | Laptop, PC, Tablet |
keyboard description | Gaming | Multi Functional | Flexible | Gaming | Mechanical | Mechanical |
operating system | Windows | Mac OS X 10.12 Sierra | Windows | Windows 10 | Windows 7, Windows 10, Windows 8 | Windows |
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Product information
Product Dimensions | 13.86 x 6.89 x 1.89 inches |
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Item Weight | 2.2 pounds |
Manufacturer | RK ROYAL KLUDGE |
ASIN | B08M3KPXV5 |
Country of Origin | China |
Item model number | 072998043 |
Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
Customer Reviews |
4.6 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #20,886 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #1,572 in PC Gaming Keyboards |
Date First Available | October 28, 2020 |
Warranty & Support
Feedback
Product guides and documents
What's in the box
Videos
Videos for this product
7:54
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Royal Kludge Kludges again with the RK84!
Eight-Six Media
Videos for this product
1:28
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REVIEW - RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK84 Wireless RGB 75% Triple Mode
Margeaux Lynn
Product Description
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High-capacity Battery
The RK84 is week-durable to 200 hours with nonstop using under backlight off status.
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Take the Top Frame off
The top frame is movable.
Choose embedded or floated style as you like.
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RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK84 RGB Driver
bit.ly/RK_Keyboard_SW_240104
Note: Please run the software in wired mode.
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Diverse RGB Backlit
21 onboard RGB backlit modes, 5 levels of brightness and flowing speed adjustable.
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Magnetic Pad Foot
Add a magnetic pad foot or not, is up to your definition of comfort.
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Hot-swappable PCB
Supports 3 pins or 5 pins switches.
Almost 98% switches on the market are compatible.
How can I get the software and the latest version of the firmware?
bit.ly/RK_Keyboard_SW_240104
Why the keyboard becomes disconnected in the BT mode?
When the battery level is low, the keyboard cannot support the BT function normally, Please re-update the BT function of the device and fully charge the keyboard.
Can it work with a PS4, PS5 or Xbox?
RK keyboards are compatible with some games of PS4, PS5 and Xbox on wired mode. Our keyboard can't connect with Xbox one, PS4 and PS5 through Bluetooth mode
What brand are the switches?
RK switches.
RK Keyboards Comparison Table
RK84 RGB | RK84 Limited Ed | RK84 Limited Ed | RK S98 | RK96 Limited Ed | RK89 Blue | RK61 Blue | |
Customer Reviews
|
4.6 out of 5 stars
2,996
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4.6 out of 5 stars
230
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4.6 out of 5 stars
230
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4.6 out of 5 stars
60
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4.6 out of 5 stars
302
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4.1 out of 5 stars
138
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4.5 out of 5 stars
10,960
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Keys Layout
| 75%, 84 keys | 75%, 84 keys | 75%, 84 keys | 90%, 98 keys | 90%, 96 keys | 80%, 89 keys | 60%, 61 keys |
Connection
| BT 5.0/2.4Ghz/Wired | BT 5.0/2.4Ghz/Wired | BT 5.0/2.4Ghz/Wired | BT 5.0/2.4Ghz/Wired | BT 5.0/2.4Ghz/Wired | BT 5.0/2.4Ghz/Wired | BT 5.0/2.4Ghz/Wired |
Back light
| RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | RGB | Blue | Blue |
Size/Inch
| 12.4 x 4.9 x 1.6 | 12.4 x 4.9 x 1.6 | 12.4 x 4.9 x 1.6 | 16.1 x 5.5 x 1.6 | 14.8 x 4.9 x 1.5 | 14.2 x 5.3 x 1.6 | 11.4 x 4 x 1.5 |
Battery Capacity
| 3750 mAh | 3750 mAh | 3750 mAh | 3750 mAh | 3750 mAh | 1850 mAh | 1450 mAh |
From the brand
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Trending 3 Modes
Wireless mode with stable Bluetooth 5.0, hassle-free 2.4Ghz dongle plus USB-C wired mode set no limits about your keyboard connection.
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Hotter than Hot
Hot-swap PCB allows you to replace 3 pins/5 pins switches freely without soldering issues.
Important information
To report an issue with this product or seller, click here.
Looking for specific info?
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the performance, comfort, and appearance of the keyboard. For example, they mention it works great, the switches feel great out of the box, and it's a pretty solid typing experience. That said, opinions are mixed on the quality and connectivity.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers are mixed about the keyboard quality. Some mention that it's great, a great starter keyboard for people who want to start off on customizing, the keycaps are very good ABS keycap, and the keyboard is solid. However, others say that some of the keys are in unfamiliar locations, the keyboard software did not recognize the keyboard, and that the keyboard was a bit high off of whatever you put it on.
"...Hot-swappable switches, swappable keys, works both wired via USB-C, or wireless via any of its 3 different Bluetooth channels or it’s 2.4ghz USB,..." Read more
"...the stock RK84 itself is great for everyday consumers and the stock keyboard is sturdy and surprisingly a bit heavy for a plastic build..." Read more
"...it was 1.3 kilos, but because of metal frame, which is nice quality.backlihts can customize levels, colors, speed, modes...." Read more
"...it’s barely any smaller than a TKL layout, some of the keys are in unfamiliar locations (unlike a TKL) and it’s a bit harder to find aftermarket..." Read more
Customers like the performance of the keyboard. For example they say it works great, sounds great, has no issues, and is good for programming. They also appreciate the USB-C connector and the quick and easy swapping between wireless profiles. Overall, most are happy with the product's features and quality.
"...I am currently blown away at the features and quality of this board (and I’m a picky guy)...." Read more
"...The included switches are their own brand and they are good enough, but need lube and feel a bit loose...." Read more
"...Reassembled the board, only to find it still no longer worked...." Read more
"...I've been using this keyboard for almost 2 years now and still works very well and I'm very happy with it. I had an issue with the wired mode though...." Read more
Customers like the value of the keyboard. They say it's a great budget mechanical keyboard, with fantastic features for the price. Customers also mention that it' a solid keyboard and one of the cheapest wireless models on the market with swappable keys. They also appreciate the good quality and battery life for the money.
"This keyboard offers fantastic features for this price. Wired, bluetooth, 2.4...." Read more
"...This one is modestly priced and represents a great value...." Read more
"...This version also came with Fn media keys which I like, the price is better than the K2, hot swappable, RGB...." Read more
"...This keyboard is an exceptional value and I would highly recommend it." Read more
Customers like the brightness of the keyboard. They say that the colors are bright and nice, the lights are adjustable, and the built-in LED modes are awesome. The keyboard has a good number of colors and control over brightness and lighting.
"...could connect to two computers (but not at the same time), has red linear switches, is hot swappable, had decent battery life, adjustable RGB..." Read more
"...is has fantastic colors and modes to choose from, for more detailed customisation it needs software, which is normal, looks like beta one but..." Read more
"...It's got a bunch of RGB modes, colors, and settings. It's nice to be able to just play around with them at my whim...." Read more
"...While it is no major deal-breaker, I wish the keyboard has brighter RGB lighting...." Read more
Customers like the comfort of the keyboard. They say that it feels great, the switches feel great out of the box, and the fit and finish feels good. It's a pretty solid typing experience, and it has a nice rough texture.
"...Much more comfortable!That said - here is my review:..." Read more
"...keyboard to its fullest potential, I managed to make this keyboard feel smoother and sound thockier than it ever has before (as shown in the video)...." Read more
"...I'm typing very well and very comfortably on this keyboard. It makes a bit of noise but it's still pretty quiet...." Read more
"...1. The keycaps are very close together and narrow, making it more difficult to type.2...." Read more
Customers like the sound quality of the keyboard. They mention that it feels smoother and sounds thockier than it ever has before, it is surprisingly quiet, and the switches both feel and sound good. Some say that the keyboard is bright and not too rattle-y.
"...potential, I managed to make this keyboard feel smoother and sound thockier than it ever has before (as shown in the video)...." Read more
"...Wired, bluetooth, 2.4. mine is red switches which has nice sound, box had extra 4 red switches...." Read more
"...The keyboard is surprisingly quiet, especially compared to the Corsair that I had...." Read more
"...a handful of case mods and swapped the switches + keycaps for a really nice sound that I am happy with...." Read more
Customers generally like the appearance of the keyboard. They say it's gorgeous, looks and feels great, the LEDs and effects are fairly neat, and the stock is still very nice. They also like the size, and say it is not very rattly. Overall, customers are satisfied with the appearance and find it to be acceptable.
"...As for its built quality, I would say the RK84 is decently fine...." Read more
"...The baseplate is pretty nice though, heavy and solid enough to give the keyboard some good weight and keep everything held nicely in place...." Read more
"...Looks great, easy to set up, lights are solid and easy to customize. This keyboard is an exceptional value and I would highly recommend it." Read more
"...It's not the highest quality but definitely a great keyboard. RGB is a little dim in a well lit room, but in the dark it's pretty good...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the connectivity of the keyboard. Some mention that the Bluetooth connection was also good, the 2.4GHz connection for them is stellar, and they never had connection problems. However, others say that it is great when connected, very laggy when used through wireless, and has significant connection issues. Some customers also mention that there's a long delay upon start up before the keyboard will connect.
"...computers (but not at the same time), has red linear switches, is hot swappable, had decent battery life, adjustable RGB backlight, USB-C, and does..." Read more
"...There is a noticeable difference in latency between wired and wireless use.-most of the replaceable components do seem pretty cheap...." Read more
"...connected (for competitive gaming reasons) but the wireless connectivity options are a plus. Tested the 2.4 GHz USB Reciever mode...." Read more
"...bluetooth connection seems stable, so is wired, don't know about 2.4 yet,..." Read more
Reviews with images
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Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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For starters - YES, this keyboard works on Mac! It even says so in the description AND user manual. It has a Mac mode and a Windows mode right on the keys! I can’t speak for the software - I imagine that may only be usable on windows - but it is swappable, and it is compatible with both! I own both and use it on both so I promise you that it is. You can even swap the windows key with the alt key to where the command key normally is on a Mac when you switch the keyboard to Mac mode if you’d like. Much more comfortable!
That said - here is my review:
While this Mechanical keyboard is considered to fall under the “budget” end of mechanical keyboards for its size - this keyboard is a great value.
Hot-swappable switches, swappable keys, works both wired via USB-C, or wireless via any of its 3 different Bluetooth channels or it’s 2.4ghz USB, and even has two pass-through USB (type A) ports on the back for added convenience. It comes pre-built (although u would’ve loved to assemble it), is compatible with Windows AND Mac, and it even has software! All for under $90? That’s hard to beat.
I’ll be honest — this is my first mechanical keyboard, so take that for what you will. However, believe you me when I tell you that I did my research (and a lot of it) before purchasing this one. Seriously, it’s been months.
This Royal Kludge RK84 met all of my criteria for a starter keyboard and then some. Has all the keys I really need (including a couple for convenience), could connect to two computers (but not at the same time), has red linear switches, is hot swappable, had decent battery life, adjustable RGB backlight, USB-C, and doesn’t break the budget (around $100 since this is my first mechanical keyboard). I also wanted it to show up the next day, so keep in mind that these thoughts also include that I searched primarily on Amazon (which may or may not have limited me here, although I didn’t feel that it did based on the options I found on YouTube and other forums as well). The selection on Amazon is quite decent for boards in this price range.
I digress.
Being a budget pre-built, and despite watching video after video on this mech (let alone probably 15-20 other keyboards), I was super unsure of what to expect after opening the box. I was nervous that it would feel super chintzy. I almost expected it to. I was worried it would rattle and clunk, it would be lightweight, and that it would feel cheap. More so, I was worried that I would be disappointed. However, that was not the case at all.
I am currently blown away at the features and quality of this board (and I’m a picky guy). Considering I could’ve spent double for a keyboard with the same (or even fewer) features that this bird has, confirms to me that this is a great starter levied for me, or for just about anybody who wants to affordably ‘dip their toes’ into the mech world.
I can’t speak much for longevity, but I am confident in saying that this is an awesome option among the many in its price range (at least on Amazon). I’ll upload a video of it completely stock later, but there isn’t all that much rattle considering that things are minimally lubed from the factory - if at all.
Now, no decent review is complete without an honest list of cons. After using it for a few hours this afternoon I have come upon a few things that are less desirable - but to be expected.
- The user manual could be considered somewhat confusing at parts. Not that bad, but it’s mostly just pictures so some things are left to the imagination. For instance, the P button blinks indefinitely until you either pair it with the 2.4ghz USB dongle included, or switch the keyboard into Bluetooth mode and connect it.
- There is some rattle in the stabs — but again this is to be expected and isn’t severe enough that it can’t be fixed fairly easily.
- The case does sound a bit hollow/cheap — also an easy fix. It doesn’t feel cheap though (as a reminder).
- The brightness could be slightly more adjustable, although there is enough adjustability for me to be content.
All things considered, this is a great keyboard. I would recommend it to anybody who thinks they might be interested in the enthusiast-side of mechanical keyboards.
Easy 5 stars from me.
Reviewed in the United States on July 1, 2021
For starters - YES, this keyboard works on Mac! It even says so in the description AND user manual. It has a Mac mode and a Windows mode right on the keys! I can’t speak for the software - I imagine that may only be usable on windows - but it is swappable, and it is compatible with both! I own both and use it on both so I promise you that it is. You can even swap the windows key with the alt key to where the command key normally is on a Mac when you switch the keyboard to Mac mode if you’d like. Much more comfortable!
That said - here is my review:
While this Mechanical keyboard is considered to fall under the “budget” end of mechanical keyboards for its size - this keyboard is a great value.
Hot-swappable switches, swappable keys, works both wired via USB-C, or wireless via any of its 3 different Bluetooth channels or it’s 2.4ghz USB, and even has two pass-through USB (type A) ports on the back for added convenience. It comes pre-built (although u would’ve loved to assemble it), is compatible with Windows AND Mac, and it even has software! All for under $90? That’s hard to beat.
I’ll be honest — this is my first mechanical keyboard, so take that for what you will. However, believe you me when I tell you that I did my research (and a lot of it) before purchasing this one. Seriously, it’s been months.
This Royal Kludge RK84 met all of my criteria for a starter keyboard and then some. Has all the keys I really need (including a couple for convenience), could connect to two computers (but not at the same time), has red linear switches, is hot swappable, had decent battery life, adjustable RGB backlight, USB-C, and doesn’t break the budget (around $100 since this is my first mechanical keyboard). I also wanted it to show up the next day, so keep in mind that these thoughts also include that I searched primarily on Amazon (which may or may not have limited me here, although I didn’t feel that it did based on the options I found on YouTube and other forums as well). The selection on Amazon is quite decent for boards in this price range.
I digress.
Being a budget pre-built, and despite watching video after video on this mech (let alone probably 15-20 other keyboards), I was super unsure of what to expect after opening the box. I was nervous that it would feel super chintzy. I almost expected it to. I was worried it would rattle and clunk, it would be lightweight, and that it would feel cheap. More so, I was worried that I would be disappointed. However, that was not the case at all.
I am currently blown away at the features and quality of this board (and I’m a picky guy). Considering I could’ve spent double for a keyboard with the same (or even fewer) features that this bird has, confirms to me that this is a great starter levied for me, or for just about anybody who wants to affordably ‘dip their toes’ into the mech world.
I can’t speak much for longevity, but I am confident in saying that this is an awesome option among the many in its price range (at least on Amazon). I’ll upload a video of it completely stock later, but there isn’t all that much rattle considering that things are minimally lubed from the factory - if at all.
Now, no decent review is complete without an honest list of cons. After using it for a few hours this afternoon I have come upon a few things that are less desirable - but to be expected.
- The user manual could be considered somewhat confusing at parts. Not that bad, but it’s mostly just pictures so some things are left to the imagination. For instance, the P button blinks indefinitely until you either pair it with the 2.4ghz USB dongle included, or switch the keyboard into Bluetooth mode and connect it.
- There is some rattle in the stabs — but again this is to be expected and isn’t severe enough that it can’t be fixed fairly easily.
- The case does sound a bit hollow/cheap — also an easy fix. It doesn’t feel cheap though (as a reminder).
- The brightness could be slightly more adjustable, although there is enough adjustability for me to be content.
All things considered, this is a great keyboard. I would recommend it to anybody who thinks they might be interested in the enthusiast-side of mechanical keyboards.
Easy 5 stars from me.
As for its built quality, I would say the RK84 is decently fine. Every stock components about it (as in its plastic build, its switches, its stabilizers, and its keycaps) are roughly the same in feel and sound as any other basic mechanical keyboard out there. So the switches are relatively audible and scratchy when typing and the stabilizer in the large keys (as in the Spacebar key, Left Shift key, Back key, and Enter key) can rattle quite a bit. But for most regular consumers, that might not be too noticeable or become a problem in everyday usage. Other than that, the stock RK84 itself is great for everyday consumers and the stock keyboard is sturdy and surprisingly a bit heavy for a plastic build (which is good as the keyboard won't move around as much). Everything about the keyboard works as intended.
Now for the "fully modded" part that I mentioned at the beginning of this review. I recently started getting into the world of custom mechanical keyboards but I am by no means a pro keyboard enthusiast (yet). However, I do mod and upgrade all of my keyboards to make them feel smoother and sound better (it is not recommended to disassemble a keyboard if you don't know what you're doing without watching some videos first). I have 2 other keyboards that are also fully modded as well; my secondary budget keyboard: Redragon K530 and my daily driver high-end keyboard: Glorious GMMK Pro. I got this keyboard because of the "budget" recommendation from a few pro keyboard enthusiasts on YouTube. I say "budget" but $80 is still relatively high for a keyboard to regular consumers. I guess it is "budget" when compared to other custom mechanical keyboards that are $100+ for just being a barebone kit like my Glorious GMMK Pro. Anyway, I digress. I would highly recommend this keyboard over any other "budget" keyboard because it has the correct hot-swappable feature for anyone looking to dip their toes a bit into the world of custom mechanical keyboards and modding them in the future. I say "correct hot-swappable" because this keyboard's PCB actually can support numerous brands of switches like:
- Gateron switches
- Cherry switches
- Durock switches
- Novelkeys switches
- Kailh switches
- and etc.
Unlike other budget keyboards that only support one type of hot-swappable switches. An example would be my Redragon keyboard that is technically hot-swappable but only hot-swappable with the same brand of Outemu Switches or something similar like Akko Switches.
Some of the modifications I ended up doing to the RK84 were:
- Adding 2 layers of PE Foam (roughly 1.5-1.6 mm or 1/16 inches thick each layer) to the bottom inside of the plastic case.
- Adding 2 layers of Masking Tape to the bottom of the PCB (as shown in the picture).
- Adding a Keyboard Switch Sound Dampener Foam (84 key layouts) between the PCB and the metal plate (as shown in the picture).
- Taped down a single layer of PE Foam (roughly 1.5-1.6 mm or 1/16 inches thick) between the PCB and where the stabilizer would hit the PCB to dampen the sound of impact.
- Switched the stock stabilizers with Durock Plate Mount Stabilizers (Clipped and Lubed with Krytox 205g0).
- Hot-swapped out the stock TTC Red Switches with Gateron Ink V2 Black Switches (Lubed with Krytox 205g0 + added Deskeys Switch Film)(as shown in the picture).
- Switching out the stock keycaps with Glorious Aura V2 Keycaps.
After hours of modding the keyboard to its fullest potential, I managed to make this keyboard feel smoother and sound thockier than it ever has before (as shown in the video). The mods I made to this keyboard made it so much better that I replace my budget Redragon K530 (which is also similarly modded) with this fully modded RK84 to be my secondary keyboard.
Couple of minor things to note:
- The advertisement for the keyboard stated that it is an 80% keyboard. This is not true. Although 75% and 80% are similar, the key layout of the RK84 is that of a 75% keyboard. For a more detailed difference between what a 75% or 80% keyboard is, you can Google search that for yourself.
- While it is no major deal-breaker, I wish the keyboard has brighter RGB lighting. I have a Glorious GMMK Pro keyboard with the same switches and keycaps and it is a lot brighter than the RK84.
- The RGB LED on this keyboard is north-facing so there might be some keycap interference (depending on what kind of keycaps you're using. The Glorious Aura V2 Keycaps that I use for this build has no interference issue at all.)
- I know the RK84 Pro has it but I wish this regular RK84 comes with the aluminum frame as well. It would have made this board feel even more high quality. (I would get the RK84 Pro but I like the 2 USB pass-through ports that this regular RK84 has).
- To fully mod this board, as I did with mine, would cost you an additional $100-150.
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2021
As for its built quality, I would say the RK84 is decently fine. Every stock components about it (as in its plastic build, its switches, its stabilizers, and its keycaps) are roughly the same in feel and sound as any other basic mechanical keyboard out there. So the switches are relatively audible and scratchy when typing and the stabilizer in the large keys (as in the Spacebar key, Left Shift key, Back key, and Enter key) can rattle quite a bit. But for most regular consumers, that might not be too noticeable or become a problem in everyday usage. Other than that, the stock RK84 itself is great for everyday consumers and the stock keyboard is sturdy and surprisingly a bit heavy for a plastic build (which is good as the keyboard won't move around as much). Everything about the keyboard works as intended.
Now for the "fully modded" part that I mentioned at the beginning of this review. I recently started getting into the world of custom mechanical keyboards but I am by no means a pro keyboard enthusiast (yet). However, I do mod and upgrade all of my keyboards to make them feel smoother and sound better (it is not recommended to disassemble a keyboard if you don't know what you're doing without watching some videos first). I have 2 other keyboards that are also fully modded as well; my secondary budget keyboard: Redragon K530 and my daily driver high-end keyboard: Glorious GMMK Pro. I got this keyboard because of the "budget" recommendation from a few pro keyboard enthusiasts on YouTube. I say "budget" but $80 is still relatively high for a keyboard to regular consumers. I guess it is "budget" when compared to other custom mechanical keyboards that are $100+ for just being a barebone kit like my Glorious GMMK Pro. Anyway, I digress. I would highly recommend this keyboard over any other "budget" keyboard because it has the correct hot-swappable feature for anyone looking to dip their toes a bit into the world of custom mechanical keyboards and modding them in the future. I say "correct hot-swappable" because this keyboard's PCB actually can support numerous brands of switches like:
- Gateron switches
- Cherry switches
- Durock switches
- Novelkeys switches
- Kailh switches
- and etc.
Unlike other budget keyboards that only support one type of hot-swappable switches. An example would be my Redragon keyboard that is technically hot-swappable but only hot-swappable with the same brand of Outemu Switches or something similar like Akko Switches.
Some of the modifications I ended up doing to the RK84 were:
- Adding 2 layers of PE Foam (roughly 1.5-1.6 mm or 1/16 inches thick each layer) to the bottom inside of the plastic case.
- Adding 2 layers of Masking Tape to the bottom of the PCB (as shown in the picture).
- Adding a Keyboard Switch Sound Dampener Foam (84 key layouts) between the PCB and the metal plate (as shown in the picture).
- Taped down a single layer of PE Foam (roughly 1.5-1.6 mm or 1/16 inches thick) between the PCB and where the stabilizer would hit the PCB to dampen the sound of impact.
- Switched the stock stabilizers with Durock Plate Mount Stabilizers (Clipped and Lubed with Krytox 205g0).
- Hot-swapped out the stock TTC Red Switches with Gateron Ink V2 Black Switches (Lubed with Krytox 205g0 + added Deskeys Switch Film)(as shown in the picture).
- Switching out the stock keycaps with Glorious Aura V2 Keycaps.
After hours of modding the keyboard to its fullest potential, I managed to make this keyboard feel smoother and sound thockier than it ever has before (as shown in the video). The mods I made to this keyboard made it so much better that I replace my budget Redragon K530 (which is also similarly modded) with this fully modded RK84 to be my secondary keyboard.
Couple of minor things to note:
- The advertisement for the keyboard stated that it is an 80% keyboard. This is not true. Although 75% and 80% are similar, the key layout of the RK84 is that of a 75% keyboard. For a more detailed difference between what a 75% or 80% keyboard is, you can Google search that for yourself.
- While it is no major deal-breaker, I wish the keyboard has brighter RGB lighting. I have a Glorious GMMK Pro keyboard with the same switches and keycaps and it is a lot brighter than the RK84.
- The RGB LED on this keyboard is north-facing so there might be some keycap interference (depending on what kind of keycaps you're using. The Glorious Aura V2 Keycaps that I use for this build has no interference issue at all.)
- I know the RK84 Pro has it but I wish this regular RK84 comes with the aluminum frame as well. It would have made this board feel even more high quality. (I would get the RK84 Pro but I like the 2 USB pass-through ports that this regular RK84 has).
- To fully mod this board, as I did with mine, would cost you an additional $100-150.
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The sound of the keys isn't great out of the box (not that I ever cared before I started researching mech keyboards and peoples obsession with the "thock" polluted me) but it didn't sound terrible. I also appreciate the minamilist design.
I think they've fixed a lot of the issues in the newer iterations of this board. For instace, everyone gripes that the software is trash. If you have a board that starts with 21 in the serial number you download one version of the program, and another version for older models. I don't have a ton of experience, but the 21 software was pleasently surprising. It let me make my own rgb patterns/animations, create macros, and assign colours to keys. I don't think its as robust as other software, but I'm good with it.
I also think they started adding foam in the board in later models, to take away some of that hollow feeling. Haven't cracked mine open to see yet though.
The only thing I really regret is not trying out the brown switches first. I have a feeling I'd like them better then the reds, but thats the beauty of a hot swap keyboard.
The keys themselves are fine. The legend on them is legible, and the doubleshot abs will hold up. But they do have a cheap feel and clackity sound. I imagine they'll also get greasy eventually, like every other abs keyboard Ive had. Will pick up a nice set of pbt caps eventually.
All in all, great value wireless keyboard that allows for modifications down the line. If I had a bit more patience I'd wait for the keychron k8 pro, which comes with everything plus pbt caps and compatibility with very popular tuning software, but I'm happy with this purchase.