Royal Kludge M75

The Royal Kludge (RK) M75 is a compact 75% layout mechanical keyboard designed for the budget-to-midrange market. It offers a blend of modern features like tri-mode connectivity and a built-in status screen, making it a "feature-packed" contender in its price bracket.

Design and Build Quality

The keyboard features a fully plastic construction, typically found in a blue-and-white (Ocean Blue) or "Phantom" colorway. While functional and stylish, the build is described as having an "IKEA chair" feel—serviceable and well-designed but clearly distinct from premium aluminum boards.

• Connectivity Hub: Features two USB-C ports on the back (one for the main connection and one for USB passthrough) and a magnetic storage slot for the 2.4GHz wireless dongle.

• Ergonomics: Includes four rubber feet and two-level adjustable kick-up feet to customize your typing angle.

• The Control Knob: A multi-functional rotary dial that acts as the power button (hold for 3 seconds), volume controller, and menu navigator for on-screen settings.

• Integrated Screen: A small OLED display in the bottom right corner that tracks:

  • Battery life percentage
  • Active connection (2.4G, Bluetooth, or Wired)
  • OS Mode (Windows vs. Mac)

Version Comparison: Old vs. New

Royal Kludge released two iterations of the M75, with the "New" version offering significant quality-of-life upgrades:

Switch and Typing Performance

The M75 is hot-swappable with 5-pin sockets, allowing for easy customization without soldering.

• Stock Switches: Comes with RK-branded switches (Fast Silver, Viridian, or Pale Green), most of which are factory-pre-lubed for a smoother, scratch-free feel.
• Internal Construction: Utilizes a gasket mount system for flexibility. It includes multiple dampening layers: silicone between the plate and PCB, case foam, and a soft polycarbonate (PC) plate.
• Stabilizers: Plate-mounted stabilizers come pre-lubed and fit tightly, resulting in a "thocky," quiet sound right out of the box.

Connectivity and Features

The board is a "Swiss Army Knife" for connectivity, supporting:

1. Wired USB-C: For zero latency and charging.
2. Bluetooth 5.0: Supports up to 3 device profiles—ideal for tablets or laptops.
3. 2.4GHz Wireless: High-speed connection for gaming.

Note: RGB lighting can be cycled via hardware shortcuts ($Fn + \backslash$) or managed through the RK proprietary software, though the software is often cited as the board's weakest point.

Final Verdict

The RK M75 is like a Swiss Army knife for your desk: it isn't made of the most expensive materials, but it packs every tool you could possibly need into a compact, affordable package that performs reliably right out of the box.

Pros & Cons