RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK96 90% Triple Mode BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C Hot Swappable Mechanical Keyboard with Magnetic Wrist Rest, 96 Keys Wireless Gaming Keyboard with Software, Blue Backlight

I'm not a keyboard expert or snob. I grew up using 1980s mechanical keyboards and haven't had a mechanical keyboard since the PS/2 connector. I have had some $50 keyboards from major brands (Logitech, mostly). I decided it was time to splurge. I was willing to pay up to $200, if I could find a perfect keyboard. Well, this RK96 appeared to fit the bill for a lot less, so I gave it a try. I ordered the one with brown switches, all white keys and blue backlighting. I must say I'm very impressed, it is very easy to type with it. The thunk sound of the keys are pleasant and all the keys are very smooth and they have a good bottoming out when fully pressed.I have a WiFi card that also has a Bluetooth chip built in, so I connected to it quickly with no issues at all. It's very responsive with Bluetooth, so I appreciate not having to use another USB port just for a keyboard.I didn't care about a bunch of flashy backlighting, so I chose the option where it it always lit but the key you just pressed makes the backlight disappear for a brief moment (there's also the option to not disappear). Many other keyboards only have lighting that shows under the keys, this one shows through the key so you can see the letter/number/symbol in the dark as well.A feature I like a lot is the rotary volume control at the top right of the keyboard. My old keyboard had 2 buttons that I had to get my face close to the keyboard and look at the symbols to know if I were pressing the vol+ or vol- (with no backlight). I can adjust the volume with this keyboard blindfolded very easily.The only downside I have noticed so far is the larger feet were so tight the first time opening them up, I thought I was going to break them. But after opening them the first time, they were much easier afterwards. Maybe the factory could do a one time opening of them to loosen them up?This is a great keyboard for people who just want a quality device with simple options, but it does have some advanced options if you want to play around. But really, who wants lights flashing around like a nightclub on a regular basis? You may play with that for a while, but will probably choose something simple after the gimmicks wear off. Gamers might like the modes where only certain keys light up, but I'm not a gamer, so I can't comment on that.The one thing I would like to configure is having the backlighting to come on when I type and turn off after about a minute. I think it could be done with some software installed, but I don't want more stuff installed on my PC. I'm fine with FN+UP And FN+DOWN.Overall, I would recommend this keyboard. It can be as simple as you want, but also offers a lot of flexibility and advanced features you may want. To note, this entire review was typed on this keyboard. Don't blame the keyboard for my opinions or bad grammar.

The media could not be loaded. To start, the entire reason I’m writing a review at all is because the battery life is ABYSMAL for a wireless peripheral. To the point I would call it “semi-wireless”. It lasts less than a day off a full charge if I’m using it all day. Speaking literally, about 8 hours if consistent use. I haven’t really tested the battery life with minimal use in a given day yet.It apparently has software that controls lighting but I can’t figure out why anyone would install that. I didn’t, and definitely won’t unless a truly compelling function requires it. YMMV there.I got red caps, works a treat. Not the absolute best keys I’ve ever typed on but again, you’re buying a cheap keyboard. If they’re “faux mechanical” caps, I can’t tell.I have giant hands, and the layout isn’t immediately friendly to them. I bought this specifically because I wanted a full 10key with a lower profile so I adjusted, but… lets just say I’ve accidentally all chatted more than I want to admit.The stands are annoying as all hell. Finicky to pull out the shorter stepped legs, and they have zero retention. Any force on the keyboard that moves against the legs collapses them. Like the layout mentioned above, you have to learnt to type a different way. See video, the larger stands have decent tension but the smaller ones are basically cosmetic flaps. They work, but I reset them at least once a day.Despite sounding like I hate the two aforementioned points, really I was just annoyed that I had to adjust. Took less than a day to figure it out.I’d buy this as an entry to mechanical keyboards and would strongly recommend if you’re heart set in the 96% design style. The others I’ve tried were significantly worse.5 stars because I ended up with more than I expected.

The media could not be loaded. I’ve been using this keyboard for a year (bought in Jan 2024), I love it. The only thing that annoys me is the lag when using the wireless mode if the battery is low OR my computer is doing a lot of work. It will double type letters and miss some entirely. However - since using a wired connection (turning the keyboard off and plugging it into my computer with the charging cord) it is working splendidly.I love that I can change out the switches and keys. I haven’t tried that yet as I like how it came, but I will in the future.I like how heavy the keyboard is as well. Even though it is made of plastic, it doesn’t feel flimsy.The blue switches are clicky, but I wanted that. The light on the board isn’t overbearing. I like that you can change the pattern. I wish you could change the light to different colors, but I’ve grown to really like the blue.For reference, this is my first mechanical keyboard. I did a lot of research and feel this is the best option for a beginner dipping their toes into the world of mechanical keyboards.Hats off to this company! I’ve enjoyed their product so far.