Introduction
Let me say outright that this keyboard packs excellent value for its price. From the overall build quality, to the feel of the keyboard’s typing experience, it blows away a lot of mainstream brands and really puts Royal Kludge as one of the top value-based companies for mechanical keyboards.
So what is that makes the Royal Kludge S85 TKL Wireless MKB a great keyboard? Certainly not just one killer feature but a mix of a lot of good things done right and for a great price. And Royal Kludge has been doing a great job pleasing the entry-level mech keyboard crowd and with their new upper mid-range offering, they’re really starting to up their game in terms of value for money.
The new Royal Kludge S85 TKL is one of the brand’s latest release and offers an 85% layout keyboard but steps up their feature set to the max with full wired, 2.4ghz and BT connectivity alongside large 7200mah battery, its got a lot going on for it for its price.
Find out more about this keyboard in this review.
Features & Specification
- Gasket Mount TKL Wireless Keyboard
- South-Facing LED
- Built-In LCD Smart Display Screen
- 7200mah Built-In Battery
- Tri-Mode Connectivity
- Hot Swappable Cloud Switch
- 5-Layer Noise Dampening
- Cherry Profile PBT Keycaps
| Design | Available in Blue color theme |
|---|---|
| Dimension | 14.57 x 5.60 x 1.75 inches |
| Weight | 0.95 kg |
| Matrix | 85 Keys |
| Connectivity | 2.4Ghz/BT/Wired |
| Key Switch | Linear Cloud Switch |
| Hot-swappable | Yes |
| Lighting | RGB Backlighting |
| Onboard Storage | Yes |
| Media Keys | No |
| Layout | US QWERTY |
| Cable | 5.6 inch USB-A to USB-C cable |
| Keycap Type | Cherry Profile PBT Keycaps |
| Operating System | Windows XP/Win2000/Win7/Win8/Win10/Mac/IOS/Android |
| Package Included | 1 x S85 Mechanical Keyboard 1 x Type-C-USB Cable 1 x Keycap & Switch Puller 4 x Spare Cloud Switch 1 x User Manual |
Royal Kludge S85 TKL Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Official Product Page
Closer Look – Royal Kludge S85 TKL Mech Keyboard
The Royal Kludge S85 TKL arrives in a simple packaging with the wireframe print of the keyboard on the cover along with a small print of the model name. Inside the package we have the keyboard itself, the USB cable, a keycap/switch puller and extra switches.
As of writing, the RK S85 is only available in one variant dubbed “Blue” theme with RK linear Cloud switches.
Build Quality and Design
The Royal Kludge S85 TKL mech keyboard has an impressive solid construction and along with a clean design. Its gasket-mounted frame provides cushioned typing experience with good sound dampening and enhancing key press responsiveness. The base has an excellent feel and is really sturdy, and it’s clear that Royal Kludge is really aiming for a balance between design and durability, making this keyboard suitable for heavy use over extended periods and I’m happy to report it’s been on my desk for 2+ weeks straight now and haven’t rotated it to my other keyboards.
The color scheme and PBT keycaps add value to the keyboard’s premium vibes and feel, while the sweet, swet pre-lubed linear switches has a smooth and satisfying keypress feel and sound. This combo is easily one of the stand-out traits of this keyboard and is going to be a big leap from the first-gen Royal Kludge keyboards from a few years ago.
Connection Options
Talking about the RK S85 TKL’s connectivity, we have a highly varied triple connection mode system. Users can switch between wired Type-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth modes, making it ideal for those who require flexibility in connectivity. The dual USB-C ports are a thoughtful addition, especially the secondary USB-C passthrough, which can serve as an extra port for a USB device like a wireless mouse dongle or flash drive, but only in wired mode. Quick note: the passthrough USB-C port is disabled in wireless mode because duh.
RGB and Display
The RK S85 TKL mech keyboard has a subtle RGB skirt lighting, which is a refreshing take on RGB implementation but nothing really new. Personally, I do feel this is a very “ricer” thing to do but in this case, I set-up the keyboard so that only the underglow is running. This means less battery draw when in wireless mode and the skirt lighting itself is not overwhelming and instead adds an understated aesthetic that can enhance setups without the intense brightness some RGB keyboards bring. In a lit room, that is. When gaming mode is on, I keep the RGB on Effect 17 on the onboard control with the brightness set to 20%. So far I’ve clocked in 1 whole week of heavy use with the keyboard dropping to 3% before I charge.
The OLED display, next to the control knob, is a feature that initially seems like a decorative add-on but reveals itself as an essential part of the S85’s functionality. This screen provides key information such as battery life, connection mode, and color effects, reducing the need for additional software. For advanced customizations like adding a GIF or updating the time, software is required, but the screen covers approximately 80% of user needs.
Control Knob
The control knob is more than just a gimmick; it’s functional and, surprisingly, a tactile pleasure. It produces a satisfying click that makes adjustments, such as volume control or switching between RGB modes, a gratifying experience. This feature enhances the keyboard’s user experience by offering easy, on-the-fly control with satisfying haptic feedback.
Final Thoughts
The Royal Kludge S85 TKL is big step-up from the previous keyboards they made from a few years ago and has really set the stage for the company to really set itself apart from budget customizable mech keyboards. The company has went from bargain base spare parts build base to a pre-built premium kit ready to give even the newest users of mechanical keyboards their first taste of a well built custom keyboard.
All this for a well-rounded keyboard that delivers quality, functionality, and style at an accessible price point. With features such as triple connection modes, USB-C port passthrough, a crisp LCD display (it’s OLED but I don’t want , and a responsive control knob, the S85 provides a premium experience typically reserved for higher-priced models. Whether you’re gaming or working, this keyboard’s balance of performance, aesthetics, and practicality makes it a standout choice for users across various needs.
