RK ROYAL KLUDGE 70% Mechanical Keyboard - RK71 Wireless Gaming Keyboard with Hot-Swappable Brown Switches, Double-Shot Creamy Keycaps, RGB Backlit, and Triple-Mode Connectivity

This RK71 keyboard was my first introduction to Royal Kludge. I've since purchased several other RK boards, as they offer great cost/feature value. In fact, while writing this review I just dropped an RK R65 into my shopping cart and pulled the trigger. But I digress - back to this review.The RK71 comes complete with a key cap/switch puller, some extra switches, a pair of magnetic feet, a USB dongle (which docks into the underside of the base), and a USB cable.Commenting on the visual appearance, the keycap colors are striking enough to use in the office without shouting, "This is a gaming keyboard"! You can enjoy 10 side RGB light modes and 21 key backlight modes. However, they can be all be turned off for a more subtle presentation. The LED's are north-facing; just keep that in mind if you plan to swap out keycaps.The keyboard is available with either red or brown switches, which roughly translates to a preference between gaming (red) or typing (brown) applications. This is a matter of personal preference, however, so you may want to try out a variety of switches to find what you like the most. The keyboard I evaluated had red switches; which didn't feel mushy to me when typing and I was easily able to maintain my regular typing speed when tested.The keycaps have a comfortable profile and feel like they are made of double-shot PBT. I measured the single-shot thickness at the outer edge between 1.23 - 1.34 mm. Anything over 1 mm thick is considered good and solid. The keys are not shine-through, but the markings are crisp and clean. I also like that keys with alternate functions are marked on the sides (ex. media keys). This makes it easy to recognize when I switch between alternate keyboards.The base is made entirely of plastic, but it has a solid feel to it. It's not up to par with an aluminum base, but it doesn't feel like a cheap hollow base either - it's somewhere in between. There are rubber anti-skid pads in the corners to hold the board in place, and there are a pair of magnetic height blocks that can be added to alter the keyboard angle slightly.One of the most appealing aspects of this keyboard is the 71 key layout, which provides a smaller footprint than a 104 key layout, while still accommodating some of the navigation keys on the right-most key columns. The board size is also kept to a minimum by doubling up the number and F-keys. The only thing that some might miss is a separate number pad; which again is a personal preference and will vary by use mode.I used the keyboard in both wired and 2.4 GHz wireless modes with no issues. I noted another review comment stating that it was strange that the keyboard needed to be switched to the "off" mode for wired use. This is the typical setting for wired keyboard use and refers to the onboard battery being switched off when using the cable; thus it makes perfect sense.Summing up, Royal Kludge makes quality keyboards and the RK71 is no exception to their lineup. If you're looking for a smart looking 71 key layout, I can highly recommend this keyboard.

The keyboard is great all around. However, my unit came with a manual telling me to download software that was flagged by my antivirus. I found the correct website and got the real software, which worked.

I've been now using this for 6 months. I used to type on my laptop's shallow keycaps. coming to this keyboard will take some muscle memory until your fingers are used to the new key placements.I don't face any problems with the keyboard in terms of functionality. I was it for typing a lot (I have the red switch one)It was annoyingly fast at first but you get used to not resting your fingers over the keyboard. Even now I still rest my fingers on the keyboard which causes typos at the slightest pressure, but your fingers get used to be elevated.Why not a 5?1) I used it for about 30 days playing league of legends, if you're familiar with the game, you use the space bar a lot. Unfortunately, now the space bar has this mildly annoying rattling sound. But could be due to the aggressive playstyle of the game.2) One other thing I absolutely HATE is the fact that I don't know if I'm on the numbers mode or the F# mode. And I ended up toggling full-screen mode (F11) when I intended to type (-) when coding. A light indicator like the one in the capslock would've been handy RK !3) The keys borders are a bit sharp for writing so long. Especially the control key which I use so often along with the function keys. My little finger sometimes hurts and that is my indication for taking a rest lol.But other than those minor issues, the keyboard feels amazing. Very functional and light Sometimes I don't want to stop writing even after finishing the thing I'm writing just because I enjoy writing on it so much. Haven't charged it in 3 months I think.Summary: After 6 months of using it still love it. For this price range, it doesn't get any better than this

The media could not be loaded. This is the red switch model. It is used for typing only, no gaming. I bought it to use when I in my wife’s office one day per week to avoid disconnecting her stuff. Build is sturdy. You can see the small size in comparison to my regular full size mechanical keyboard in the photo. I’m using it wirelessly via the USB dongle. No connection issues. Have not tried the Bluetooth. Lights are cool, but the keycaps are not illuminated, just the board below. There are multiple patterns to choose as well as the ability to adjust the speed, brightness and color. Lettering is nice and bright. The Fn shortcuts for Windows are not configured properly even though I have it in Windows mode. I may need to just reset it. The shortcuts on my other board work fine. Key feel is fine. My other board is brown switch. No issues with the change to the reds on here. Type about the same speed. I included a video so you can hear the key sound. It’s no lower than my other board; however, the space bar and backspace key are quite clunky. You can clearly hear the space bar in the video. I have no issue with it since this is used in a home office. I do like the clicking of the mechanical boards. No comment on battery life as I haven’t had it long. For the price, I think it’s great. Hope this helps.