In the fast-evolving world of mechanical keyboards, finding the perfect blend of performance, affordability, and portability can be a daunting task. Enter the Royal Kludge RK71, a compact 70% mechanical keyboard that has steadily gained popularity among gamers, typists, and productivity enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re diving into competitive gaming, working on a novel, or managing complex spreadsheets, the RK71 promises to deliver a satisfying typing experience without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll dive deep into the design, features, performance, and versatility of the Royal Kludge RK71, helping you decide if it’s the right mechanical keyboard for your setup.
Overview of the Royal Kludge RK71
The RK71 is a 70% mechanical keyboard—which means it’s smaller than a tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard but still retains essential keys like arrows and navigation buttons. The name “RK71” comes from the total number of keys it offers: 71 keys compactly arranged to save space while maximizing utility.
Despite its compact size, the RK71 doesn’t compromise on performance. It comes equipped with Bluetooth 5.1 wireless capability, a rechargeable battery, multiple mechanical switch options, and RGB lighting, making it a strong contender in the budget mechanical keyboard market.
Design and Build Quality
The RK71’s design is clean, modern, and versatile enough to fit into almost any setup. It features:
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ABS plastic case with a matte finish, which is durable and resistant to fingerprints.
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Floating key design, which not only looks sleek but also makes cleaning easier.
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Two-color keycaps that provide contrast and readability.
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Compact layout that’s perfect for minimal desk setups or small workspaces.
One of the standout features is the dual-angle adjustable rubber feet, which allow you to change the keyboard’s typing angle. Despite being made from plastic, the keyboard feels solid and sturdy, with minimal flex or creaking.
Switch Options
The RK71 offers three primary switch types, allowing users to choose according to their typing preference:
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Red Switches – Linear and smooth, ideal for gaming due to their fast actuation and quiet sound.
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Blue Switches – Clicky and tactile, perfect for typists who enjoy audible feedback.
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Brown Switches – Tactile but quieter than blue switches, providing a middle ground between typing and gaming.
The switches are hot-swappable on some newer RK71 models, allowing users to replace or upgrade switches without soldering.
Connectivity and Battery Life
One of the major selling points of the RK71 is its dual-mode connectivity:
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Bluetooth 5.1 Wireless – You can connect up to five devices simultaneously and switch between them seamlessly using shortcut keys.
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USB-C Wired Mode – When battery is low or when minimal latency is required (e.g., during gaming), you can plug in the included USB-C cable for a stable wired connection.
The keyboard comes with a 1000mAh rechargeable battery, which offers up to 10 hours of use with backlighting or over 200 hours without it, depending on your usage patterns.
Performance and Typing Experience
Typing on the RK71 is an enjoyable experience, especially if you select the switch type that matches your needs. The keycaps have a slightly concave shape, offering better finger placement and reduced fatigue during long typing sessions.
The compact 70% layout may take some getting used to, especially for users accustomed to full-size keyboards. However, it retains the most critical keys, including:
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Arrow keys
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Delete
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Page Up / Page Down
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Home / End
This makes the RK71 more functional than 60% keyboards, which often require complicated function-layer shortcuts for basic navigation.
RGB Backlighting
Aesthetic lovers will appreciate the RGB lighting on the RK71. It includes:
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Multiple dynamic lighting effects
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Adjustable brightness and speed
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Option to turn off the lighting entirely
Although the lighting isn’t as vibrant or customizable as on premium keyboards (like those from Razer or Corsair), it’s more than adequate for the price point.
Software Support
The RK71 has basic software support that allows you to:
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Customize lighting effects
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Program macros
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Remap keys
However, the software can feel a bit outdated and clunky. Advanced users may find it limited, but for beginners or casual users, it gets the job done.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros:
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Compact and space-saving 70% layout
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Wireless and wired dual-mode connectivity
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Connects to up to 5 Bluetooth devices
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Good battery life
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Affordable price
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Hot-swappable options (on newer models)
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Decent RGB lighting
❌ Cons:
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No dedicated function row or number pad
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Software is limited and not user-friendly
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ABS keycaps may wear over time
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Slight learning curve due to compact layout
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No metal body (not as premium-feeling)
Who Should Buy the Royal Kludge RK71?
The RK71 is ideal for:
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Gamers looking for a responsive, space-efficient mechanical keyboard.
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Students and remote workers needing portability and Bluetooth connectivity.
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Writers and programmers who value mechanical switches in a smaller form factor.
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Multi-device users who switch between a laptop, tablet, and phone often.
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Budget-conscious buyers wanting great value for money.
Final Verdict
The Royal Kludge RK71 is a standout in the world of compact mechanical keyboards. It manages to pack excellent features—Bluetooth connectivity, mechanical switches, good battery life, and RGB lighting—into a compact and affordable package. While it has a few limitations (like basic software and plastic construction), its price-to-performance ratio makes it one of the best options for those seeking a versatile, budget-friendly mechanical keyboard.
Whether you’re new to mechanical keyboards or a seasoned enthusiast looking for a portable companion, the RK71 is definitely worth considering.
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