Royal Kludge RK84 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL — Which Should You Buy?
Side-by-side comparison of Royal Kludge RK84 and SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL. We compare specs, performance, and value to help you decide.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Royal Kludge RK84 | SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 75% | TKL |
| Switch Type | RK Red/Brown/Blue, hot-swappable | OmniPoint 2.0 (adjustable actuation) |
| Hot-Swappable | Yes (3-pin) | No |
| Connectivity | USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, 2.4GHz | USB-C |
| Backlight | RGB | Per-key RGB |
| Keycap Material | ABS | PBT |
| Build Material | Plastic | Aluminum |
| Polling Rate | 1000Hz wired | 10000Hz |
| N-Key Rollover | Yes | Yes |
| Weight | 0.6 kg | 0.9 kg |
Royal Kludge RK84
Pros
- ✓Triple connectivity at a budget price
- ✓Hot-swappable 3-pin sockets
- ✓Compact 75% layout with arrow keys
- ✓Detachable USB-C cable
- ✓RGB backlighting
- ✓Mac/Windows switch
- ✓Excellent value
Cons
- ✗ABS keycaps show shine over time
- ✗Stock RK switches are mediocre
- ✗Plastic build, some flex
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
Pros
- ✓Adjustable actuation 0.1–4.0mm per key
- ✓TKL layout, compact
- ✓OLED display for profiles and media
- ✓Aluminum frame
- ✓Magnetic wrist rest
- ✓Rapid Trigger support
- ✓10,000Hz polling (Apex Pro 2024)
Cons
- ✗Premium price
- ✗Not hot-swappable
- ✗SteelSeries GG software required
Our Verdict
Royal Kludge RK84
The RK84 is the best budget mechanical keyboard for anyone who wants wireless, hot-swap, and a compact layout without spending much.
Price Drop Alert — View Deal NowSteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
The Apex Pro TKL is the best choice for competitive gamers who want adjustable actuation and rapid trigger in a compact TKL form factor.
Sale Price Live — Don't Miss OutOur Methodology
We type-test each keyboard for at least 2 weeks in real work and gaming scenarios. We measure actuation force with a force gauge, test latency with specialized tools, and evaluate build quality, keycap material, and sound profile. No manufacturer has editorial influence over our rankings.
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