Royal Kludge - RK61

If you want a quiet keyboard, you need to get silent switches and replace the "percussive" ones that come with it. There's a whole mythos that's grown up about the noise keyboards make. You can get a set of Outemu silent switches for about $18-$25 depending on the size of your keyboard. * https://www.amazon.com/PAKJEL-Outemu-Pre-Lubed-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0CFF76YRG * https://www.amazon.com/KPREPUBLIC-Tactile-Mechanical-Keyboard-Factory/dp/B0D773KH74 * https://www.amazon.com/KPREPUBLIC-Outemu-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tactile/dp/B0BZ48GW7K * https://www.amazon.com/Metrickeys-Pre-Lubed-Tactile-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0DQQ3T3RH Try one of these keyboards: * [Redragon K717 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K717-Programmable-Mechanical-Dampening/dp/B0DL578X3K) * ($30) * [CIDOO QK61](https://www.amazon.com/MechLands-QK61-Programmable-Swappable-Mechanical/dp/B0D8VMD3P3) * ($60) * [Skyloong GK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/MOLGRIA-Dual-Space-Swappable-Double-Shot-Mechanical/dp/B0CZ9F8P76) * ($54) * [Royal Kludge RK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-Mechanical-Ultra-Compact/dp/B089GN2KBT) * ($40) * [Womier WK61 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/COSTOM-WK61-PRO-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0F5HYHWY8) * ($31) * [Womier VK66 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Percent-Keyboard-Mechanical-Mounted-Backlit/dp/B0CDC14PL5) * ($39) * [KBDcraft Adam 60%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/adam) * ($70 lego case) * [KBDCraft Lilith 65%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/lilith) ($85 lego case) * [Akko YU01](https://www.amazon.com/Akko-Mechanical-Transparent-Swappable-Bluetooth/dp/B0DJ77MY6V) * ($129) * [XVX M67 Jadestone](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHCRJPR6) * ($47) * [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * ($85 barebones, $100 prebuilt) * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon) * [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($85 w/ coupon) * [Womier WD75](https://womierkeyboard.com/products/womier-wd75) * (wood! $86, $76 without the ugly caps) * [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon) * [Jamesdonkey J2](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DQWL5GS7) * (make sure you get the hotswap version) * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50) * [Royal Kludge RK R65 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R65-Mechanical/dp/B0CNP1BG1W) * (make sure you get the QMK/VIA version, $48 with coupon) * [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) (make sure you get the QMK/VIA version, $51 with coupon) * [Royal Kludge RK R87 Pro QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R87-Pro/dp/B0D5B2LRB5) (hotswap knob(!), $55) * [iLoveBee B87](https://www.amazon.com/iLovBee-Wireless-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Swappable/dp/B0D1XLXGBK) ($51) * [ElecFox Linky87](https://www.elecfox.co/products/linky-87-tkl-customized-mechanical-keyboard-87-keys-wired-wireless-bluetooth-led-gaming-keyboard) ($40) * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m1-v5-via-1980s-mechanical-keyboard/) ($95) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://en.akkogear.com/product/5075b-via) ($60 barebones) * YMDK [YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) ($64-$110 diy) and [YMD96](https://ymdkey.com/collections/96-diy) ($60-$142 diy) * [Monsgeek M2 v5 VIA](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m2-v5-via-mechanical-keyboard) ($120) [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)...

Cheap QMK boards, $42 and under: * [Redragon K717 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K717-Programmable-Mechanical-Dampening/dp/B0DL578X3K) * ($20) * [Royal Kludge RK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-Mechanical-Ultra-Compact/dp/B089GN2KBT) * ($40) * [Womier WK61 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/COSTOM-WK61-PRO-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0F5HYHWY8) * ($31) * [Womier VK66 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Percent-Keyboard-Mechanical-Mounted-Backlit/dp/B0CDC14PL5) * ($39) * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) ($32.50) * [ElecFox Linky87](https://www.elecfox.co/products/linky-87-tkl-customized-mechanical-keyboard-87-keys-wired-wireless-bluetooth-led-gaming-keyboard) ($40) Most of these are delivered from Amazon US within a couple of days. [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)...

The new QMK versions of the RK61, RK R65, RK R75, and RK R87 are quite nice. All their other boards are distilled ass because of their lousy restrictive software. I had one of the old R87s and gave it away because it was so awful.

60%: * [Redragon K717 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K717-Programmable-Mechanical-Dampening/dp/B0DL578X3K) * ($30) * [CIDOO QK61](https://www.amazon.com/MechLands-QK61-Programmable-Swappable-Mechanical/dp/B0D8VMD3P3) * ($60) * [Skyloong GK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/MOLGRIA-Dual-Space-Swappable-Double-Shot-Mechanical/dp/B0CZ9F8P76) * ($54) * [Royal Kludge RK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-Mechanical-Ultra-Compact/dp/B089GN2KBT) * ($40) * [Womier WK61 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/COSTOM-WK61-PRO-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0F5HYHWY8) * ($31) * [YMDK DK61](https://ymdkey.com/products/ymdk-dk61-iso-ansi-via-vial-wired-hot-swap-hot-swappable-keyboard-kit) ($88 barebones, wooden case) * [KBDcraft Adam 60%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/adam) * ($70 lego case) 65%: * [Womier VK66 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Percent-Keyboard-Mechanical-Mounted-Backlit/dp/B0CDC14PL5) * ($39) * [Royal Kludge RK R65 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R65-Mechanical/dp/B0CNP1BG1W) * ($48 with coupon) * [KBDCraft Lilith 65%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/lilith) ($85 lego case) * [Akko YU01](https://www.amazon.com/Akko-Mechanical-Transparent-Swappable-Bluetooth/dp/B0DJ77MY6V) * ($129) * [XVX M67 Jadestone](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHCRJPR6) * ($47) * [XVX MU68](https://www.xvxchannel.com/products/xvx-mu68-fuji-wave-keyboard) ($100 wood) * [Yunzii AL68](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-AL68-Mechanical-Swappable-Structure/dp/B0DG1QZR7N) ($75) 75%: * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m1-v5-via-1980s-mechanical-keyboard/) ($95) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://en.akkogear.com/product/5075b-via) ($60 barebones) * [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) * ($64-$110 diy) * [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (~~$85~~ $50 barebones, ~~$100~~ $70 prebuilt, in-store only) * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon) * [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($85 w/ coupon) * [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $96) * [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon) * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50) * [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) ($51 with coupon) 80%: * [Royal Kludge RK R87 Pro QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R87-Pro/dp/B0D5B2LRB5) (hotswap knob(!), $55) * [iLoveBee B87](https://www.amazon.com/iLovBee-B87-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DFG91F96) (hotswap knob, $40) * [ElecFox Linky87](https://www.elecfox.co/products/linky-87-tkl-customized-mechanical-keyboard-87-keys-wired-wireless-bluetooth-led-gaming-keyboard) ($40) * [Jamesdonkey J4](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Hot-swappable-Compatible/dp/B0F62ML1BT) ($53) * [Weikav Stars80 v2](https://www.amazon.com/BOYI-Aluminum-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0F6VQ7J94) ($99) * [Womier SK87](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ6ZTBGH) ($49 with coupon, seems identical to Stars80 v1) * [Yunzii B87](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0DLKZ4HBW) ($70) * [Zouya GMK87](https://www.amazon.com/Cmokifuly-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tri-Mode-Programmable/dp/B0D9WLRRG5) * ($76 NOT QMK) 96%: * [YMDK YMD96](https://ymdkey.com/collections/96-diy) ($60-$142 diy) * [Monsgeek M2 v5 VIA](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m2-v5-via-mechanical-keyboard) ($120) * [Redragon K742](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K742-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Swappable/dp/B0F93FMYD5) * ($56 with coupon) [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)... Disclaimers: Avoid Epomaker or Keychron unless you enjoy abusive customer support experiences. The Keychron website is a good place to browse layouts so long as you're just windowshopping. My mention of specific boards is not a general endorsement of Royal Kludge and Redragon. Most of their boards are completely ass, they just have a few recent boards with QMK firmware that are decent. If you go with Royal Kludge or Skyloong only buy those specific boards linked because they have older proprietary boards with the same model name.

Yuck. Just no. Here's what I would recommend: 60%: * [Redragon K717 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K717-Programmable-Mechanical-Dampening/dp/B0DL578X3K) * ($18) * [CIDOO QK61](https://www.amazon.com/MechLands-QK61-Programmable-Swappable-Mechanical/dp/B0D8VMD3P3) * ($60) * [Skyloong GK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/MOLGRIA-Dual-Space-Swappable-Double-Shot-Mechanical/dp/B0CZ9F8P76) * ($54) * [Royal Kludge RK61 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-Mechanical-Ultra-Compact/dp/B089GN2KBT) * ($40) * [Womier WK61 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/COSTOM-WK61-PRO-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0F5HYHWY8) * ($29) * [YMDK DK61](https://ymdkey.com/products/ymdk-dk61-iso-ansi-via-vial-wired-hot-swap-hot-swappable-keyboard-kit) * ($88 barebones, wooden case) * [KBDcraft Adam 60%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/adam) * ($70 lego case) 65%: * [Womier VK66 Pro](https://www.amazon.com/Percent-Keyboard-Mechanical-Mounted-Backlit/dp/B0CDC14PL5) * ($39) * [Royal Kludge RK R65 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R65-Mechanical/dp/B0CNP1BG1W) * ($48 with coupon) * [KBDCraft Lilith 65%](https://kbdcraft.store/products/lilith) ($85 lego case) * [Akko YU01](https://www.amazon.com/Akko-Mechanical-Transparent-Swappable-Bluetooth/dp/B0DJ77MY6V) * ($129) * [XVX M67 Jadestone](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHCRJPR6) * ($47) * [XVX MU68](https://www.xvxchannel.com/products/xvx-mu68-fuji-wave-keyboard) * ($100 wood) * [Yunzii AL68](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-AL68-Mechanical-Swappable-Structure/dp/B0DG1QZR7N) * ($75) * [Weikav Nut65](https://www.amazon.com/Glacier-Wireless-Detachable-Swappable-Anodizing/dp/B0D5CBPPGJ) ($86) 75%: * [Monsgeek M1 v5](https://www.amazon.com/MONSGEEK-M1-Topographic-Hot-swappable-Side-Printed/dp/B0FH6LKTST) ($105) * [Akko 5075B VIA](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0FLDJZPH9) ($60 barebones) * [YMDK YMD75](https://ymdkey.com/collections/75-diy) * ($64-$110 diy) * [Inland Gaming MK Pro 75](https://www.microcenter.com/product/664376/inland-gaming-mk-pro-75-barebones-keyboard) * (~~$85~~ $40 barebones, in-store only) * [Womier RD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-RD75-Pro-Mechanical-Swappable/dp/B0DG82QD1X) ($95 w/ coupon) * [Kiiboom Loop75](https://www.amazon.com/KiiBoom-Loop-75-Structure-Mechanical/dp/B0D62RNXXM) * ($170) * [Womier WD75](https://www.amazon.com/Womier-Mechanical-Swappable-Translucent-Keycaps-POM/dp/B0DT8SP79R) * (wood! $96) * [Glencreag WK84](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DYDM9N49) * (wood! $95 w/ coupon) * [Redragon K715](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K715-Programmable-Mechanical-Dedicated/dp/B0DKXLDJ24) * ($32.50) * [Royal Kludge RK R75 QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R75-Mechanical/dp/B0CWGR5KM9) * ($51 with coupon) 80%: * [Royal Kludge RK R87 Pro QMK/VIA](https://www.amazon.com/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-R87-Pro/dp/B0D5B2LRB5) (hotswap knob(!), $55) * [iLoveBee B87](https://www.amazon.com/iLovBee-B87-Mechanical-Keyboard-Swappable/dp/B0DFG91F96) (hotswap knob, $40) * [ElecFox Linky87](https://www.elecfox.co/products/linky-87-tkl-customized-mechanical-keyboard-87-keys-wired-wireless-bluetooth-led-gaming-keyboard) ($40) * [Jamesdonkey J4](https://www.amazon.com/JamesDonkey-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Hot-swappable-Compatible/dp/B0F62ML1BT) ($53) * [Weikav Stars80 v2](https://www.amazon.com/BOYI-Aluminum-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0F6VQ7J94) ($99) * [Womier SK87](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJ6ZTBGH) * ($69, seems identical to Stars80 v1) * [Yunzii B87](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-Wireless-Mechanical-Keyboard-Programmable/dp/B0DLKZ4HBW) ($70) * [Zouya GMK87](https://www.amazon.com/Cmokifuly-Mechanical-Keyboard-Tri-Mode-Programmable/dp/B0D9WLRRG5) * ($76 NOT QMK) 96%: * [YMDK YMD96](https://ymdkey.com/collections/96-diy) ($60-$142 diy) * [Monsgeek M2 v5 VIA](https://www.monsgeek.com/product/monsgeek-m2-v5-via-mechanical-keyboard) ($120) * [Redragon K742](https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K742-Mechanical-Bluetooth-Swappable/dp/B0F93FMYD5) * ($56 with coupon) * [Nuphy Halo96](https://www.amazon.com/nuphy-Halo96-V2-Mechanical-2-4GHz-White/dp/B0D8634FK6) ($140) * [Yunzii IF99](https://www.amazon.com/YUNZII-IF99-Wireless-Mechanical-Programmable/dp/B0DT6MWNHP) ($100, not tested) [More](https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/blob/main/via-boards.md)... Disclaimers: Avoid Epomaker or Keychron unless you enjoy abusive customer support experiences. The Keychron website is a good place to browse layouts so long as you're just windowshopping. My mention of specific boards is not a general endorsement of Royal Kludge and Redragon. Most of their boards are completely ass, they just have a few recent boards with QMK firmware that are decent. If you go with Royal Kludge or Skyloong only buy those specific boards linked because they have older proprietary boards with the same model name. PS: If you're in Europe these are kind of amazing: * [Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S3](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Sharkoon-Skiller-Barebone-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0F8HQFGVL) (€130) * [Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S2](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Sharkoon-Skiller-Barebone-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0F8HXJJG6) (€140) * [Sharkoon Skiller SGK50 S4](https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Sharkoon-Skiller-Barebone-Gaming-Keyboard/dp/B0F8HVQCQM) (€120) They also have plastic boards that are like half the price, but damn those wooden cases are sweet.

A regular electromechanical keyboard is just fine for gaming. Get one with QMK firmware and VIA or VIAL support so you don't need a proprietary "driver" or web app. Soldered PCBs that aren't shipped already populated are mostly going to be expensive boutique boards. I think the main hobby-priced options there would be YMDK and KPRepublic which are kind of the Heathkit of the keyboard world. 1upkeyboards has some inexpensive soldered 60% boards too. * https://ymdkey.com/ * https://kprepublic.com/ * https://1upkeyboards.com/ These are all GH60/Pok3r mount, so there are zillions of cases that are compatible with these PCBs. If you just want a 60% keyboard with QMK firmware, about the only option I'm finding on Amazon CA is the Royal Kludge RK61. The default layout is kind of crazy weird 15-layer emulation of their terrible legacy firmware, though, so you'll want to change that. You can tweak it using VIA, or the firmware source was recently accepted into the QMK repo and I've built firmware for mine with a better layout and VIAL support so you can use combos and tap-dance. * https://www.amazon.ca/RK-ROYAL-KLUDGE-Mechanical-Ultra-Compact/dp/B0832LSV8N My firmware: * https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/keyboards/tree/main/royalkludge/rk61/vialx * https://github.com/ArgentStonecutter/vial-qmk/tree/royal_kludge_sandbox/keyboards/royal_kludge/rk61/keymaps/vialx Pics: * [1upkeyboards Pi60 HSE](https://i.imgur.com/MmSzbAN.png) * [YMDK DK61](https://i.imgur.com/XySycLu.jpeg)

Polling rate isn't everything, in fact the RK61 you're linking has been measured by rtings: [https://www.rtings.com/keyboard/reviews/royal-kludge/rk61](https://www.rtings.com/keyboard/reviews/royal-kludge/rk61) And the latency was quite bad by modern standards (17ms+-6ms). Note: the rtings probably did the test on a non-QMK version, so these numbers could in theory be different with the QMK one, though I have no idea how much it can be improved (and I would be interested to know about it)

Rk61 probably, always buy used, there's an aula win60/68 and that's pretty cheap for me here, but I don't think that magnetic boards are worth the price, there are a ton more budget mechanical

I have a Royal Kludge RK61 just because it was cheap and i wanted a mechanical keyboard. Now i realise i cannot use it for a long period of time at work because it is to high. I know it is hot swappeble, but can i low profile switches on this keyboard. it wil be the right height then and i dont wanna buy another keyboard because it will be more expensive.

Tried RK61, real flimsy. Slight modification makes it great

Get rk61. Been using it for years now. If a switch stops working then you can swap it.

Act fast, these are almost always $50... [PCPartPicker Part List](https://pcpartpicker.com/list/mG8T9c) |Type|Item|Price| |:-|:-|:-| |**Keyboard**|[RK Royal Kludge RK61 Bluetooth/Wireless/Wired Mini Keyboard](https://pcpartpicker.com/product/khNYcf/rk-royal-kludge-rk61-bluetoothwirelesswired-mini-keyboard-338395023)|$39.99 @ Amazon| |*Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts*||| |**Total**|**$39.99**|| |Generated by [PCPartPicker](https://pcpartpicker.com) 2025-03-26 00:52 EDT-0400||| Buy [these](https://www.amazon.com/Akko-Keyboard-Dustproof-Mechanical-Switches/dp/B0C3H8NVJV?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1) to go with it, also act FAST, they're usually $15 to $18. You can find keycaps [like these](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B4JVVCTK/ref=sspa_dk_detail_3?pf_rd_p=7804c0a5-3e3d-4d4d-a2b2-cb8458cc8b1f&pf_rd_r=EDWRPHE8R8YJXDHGX9AK&pd_rd_wg=JysOL&pd_rd_w=j8xPv&content-id=amzn1.sym.7804c0a5-3e3d-4d4d-a2b2-cb8458cc8b1f&pd_rd_r=761964b9-efef-4260-be61-e92d946d7d22&s=pc&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWM&th=1) for cheap, just dig around amazon. I got mine for like $10 or so.

Same issue here, now using the RK60 keyboard with some cheap silent switches from amazon. Works very well, though if you're literally in the same room I don't think anything will help enough lol.

Check out the Keychron K6. It’s a good choice in the 75% size. It’s wireless, has hot-swappable switches, and you might find it cheap if you look around. Another one to check out is the Royal kludge RK61; it’s pretty good for the price and has similar stuff... People here usually mention keyboardyeti for comparing specs, so that’s worth a look too.

If you’re looking for 60%, I recommend the RK61 and red dragon k617 fizz. For TKL options there’s the k552 and the Womier SK80 which is only around $10 above your budget.