Royal Kludge RK61

The Royal Kludge RK61 is a mechanical keyboard that’s been catching some buzz, mostly because it's compact and doesn't cost an arm and a leg. First off, it's got that 60% layout, which means it's missing the function row, arrow keys, and the number pad. This might sound like a bad thing, but if you’re low on desk space or just like a clean look, it’s actually a huge plus. Just be ready for a bit of a learning curve if you’re used to a full-sized keyboard. It’s all about those key combinations for missing keys, which can be a bit awkward at first.

Now, let's talk about typing feel. The RK61 comes with different switch options, so you can pick your poison — whether you like it clicky, tactile, or linear. The keys are pretty satisfying to press, especially for the price. But, don’t expect it to feel like a top-tier mechanical keyboard. It gets the job done for typing and gaming, but you might notice some wobble in the keys, which could bug you if you're picky like me.

One of the neat things is that the RK61 can connect via Bluetooth or with a USB-C cable. This flexibility is awesome if you want to switch between devices or just hate cables. But, fair warning, the Bluetooth connection can sometimes be a little finicky. If you’re in the middle of something important, you might want to stick to the wired connection to avoid any hiccups. It’s great when it works, though — just feels a bit hit or miss.

The RGB lighting is another feature that’s worth mentioning. It’s fun and customizable, if you’re into that sort of thing. However, the lighting isn’t the brightest, and the colors can look a bit washed out. It’s not a dealbreaker by any means, but if you’re expecting something that’s going to light up your room, this might not be it. Still, it adds a bit of flair, and you can tweak it to match your vibe.

Overall, the RK61 is a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable, compact mechanical keyboard. It’s not perfect — there are tradeoffs like the key wobble and occasional Bluetooth quirks — but for the price, it’s hard to complain too much. If you’re cool with its quirks and want something that doesn’t hog all your desk space, it’s definitely worth considering. Just know what you’re getting into, and you’ll probably be pretty happy with it.