RK Royal Kludge RK71

The RK Royal Kludge RK71 is one of those keyboards that kind of sneaks up on you. At first glance, it seems like just another compact mechanical keyboard, but there's more to it. It’s a 70% layout, which means it’s smaller than your typical full-sized keyboard but still manages to squeeze in a function row. If you’re someone who’s tight on desk space or just wants a cleaner look, this could really work for you. The build feels solid enough, though it’s definitely not the tank-like construction you’d get from a higher-end model. It does the job without making you feel like you’re missing out, which is pretty clutch for the price.

Now, let’s talk switches. The RK71 comes with a choice of red, blue, or brown switches, all of which are pretty standard. If you’ve got a preference for a particular feel or sound, you’re covered here. The blues are clicky, the reds are linear, and the browns are tactile. It’s not groundbreaking, but it’s nice to have options. The keycaps are double-shot ABS, which is alright but not amazing. They won’t wear out super fast, but they might get shiny over time. If you’re a keycap snob, you might want to swap them out eventually.

One of the sweet features of the RK71 is its dual-mode connectivity, meaning you can go wired or wireless. It uses Bluetooth for wireless, which is convenient if you’re using it with multiple devices. Pairing is pretty straightforward, and it can remember up to three devices, which is a plus if you’re switching between a laptop, desktop, and maybe a tablet. Battery life is decent — not mind-blowing but enough to keep you untethered for a while. Just keep in mind that RGB lighting will drain it faster, so if you’re a fan of all the colors, you might be plugging it in more often.

The lighting on this thing is a bit of a mixed bag. You get full RGB, which is cool, but the effects and brightness aren’t exactly top-tier. It’s more about adding a bit of flair rather than lighting up your whole room. Customizing the lighting can be a bit of a pain, too, since the software isn’t the most intuitive. It’s not a deal-breaker, but if you’re big into fancy lighting setups, you might find it a tad limiting.

Overall, the RK Royal Kludge RK71 delivers a solid experience for its price point. It’s compact, versatile, and has enough features to keep most folks happy. Sure, it’s not perfect — the software could be better, and the keycaps aren’t the best — but it’s hard to argue with the value you get. If you’re after a budget-friendly, compact keyboard that doesn’t skimp on the essentials, this one’s worth a look. Just don’t expect it to outshine the high-end models, and you’ll likely be pretty satisfied.