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Head-to-head · Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100

Keychron V1 vs Royal Kludge RK61

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Keychron V1 comes out ahead by a clear margin (5.0 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Enthusiasts seeking deep customization and wireless flexibility on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

Keychron V1
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
Keychron V1
1 source$74.99as of Aug 1

The Keychron V1 (and V1 Max) gets you a stellar typing experience plus hot-swap sockets and QMK/VIA software without spending much. Wireless connectivity and the gasket mount design draw praise; the plastic shell feels cheap and the RGB lighting is weak. As an entry point for enthusiasts willing to accept minor compromises in materials and stabilization, it is excellent.

Strengths
  • — Excellent typing experience with Gateron Jupiter switches
  • — Hot-swap support for 3-pin switches allows easy customization
  • — Reliable wireless connectivity via Bluetooth 5.1 and 2.4 GHz
Watch-outs
  • — RGB lighting is described as somewhat weak
  • — ABS plastic outer shell feels cheap compared to premium alternatives
  • — Spacebar stabilization requires improvement
$74.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Royal Kludge RK61
Ranked #2 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
Royal Kludge RK61
4 sources3 derived$44.99as of Aug 1

Multi-device Bluetooth and double-shot keycaps for very little money make the Royal Kludge RK61 a compelling budget 60%. What buyers accept in return is inconsistent quality control and no software for layer customization. A good entry-level choice if you are willing to gamble on getting a good unit, less so if you need reliability or advanced programmability.

Strengths
  • — Supports multi-device Bluetooth connectivity to pair with up to three devices simultaneously
  • — Includes double-shot ABS keycaps that prevent legend fading despite being lower-cost plastic
  • — Features a centered USB-C port for convenient wired connection and charging
Watch-outs
  • — Quality control is inconsistent with reports of units failing or battery issues after some time
  • — Lacks software support for customizing the secondary function layer on the 60% layout
  • — Single-color backlight versions do not support software customization or RGB effects
$44.99 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Keychron V1

The Keychron V1 stands out by offering deep QMK/VIA customization and hot-swap support, features completely absent in the Royal Kludge RK61 and Logitech G413. While it shares the aluminum build quality of the HyperX Alloy Origins Core, the V1 sacrifices structural premiumness for a gasket-mounted typing feel and wireless versatility that the HyperX lacks.

Royal Kludge RK61

Unlike the full-sized Logitech G413 or the tenkeyless HyperX Alloy Origins Core, the Royal Kludge RK61 offers a compact 60% layout with multi-device Bluetooth connectivity. However, it lacks the robust software ecosystem found in the Keychron V1 and the consistent build quality of the Logitech G413, making it a riskier choice for users prioritizing reliability.

Specs side-by-side

SpecKeychron V1Royal Kludge RK61
Form Factor75%60% Compact
Switch TypeGateron Jupiter (Banana, Brown, Red)RK Red, Blue, Brown
ConnectivityBluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, USB-CBluetooth 5.0 (3 devices) + Wired USB-C
BacklightingRGB LEDSingle Color (Blue/White) or RGB (depending on variant)
Keycap MaterialABSDouble-shot ABS Plastic
Battery LifeUp to 225 hours—
Dimensions12.93"L x 5.81"W x 1.04"H—
Keys—61
Keycaps—ABS doubleshot
Polling Rate—1000 Hz
Weight—1.24 lb
← See the full ranking of best mechanical keyboards under $100