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

Epomaker TH80 Pro vs RK Royal Kludge RK71

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

RK Royal Kludge RK71 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.0 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about compact keyboard users wanting navigation keys — read the strengths below before deciding.

Epomaker TH80 Pro
Ranked #3 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under 100
Epomaker TH80 Pro
9 sources$70as of Aug 23

The Epomaker TH80 Pro is a budget-friendly 75% mechanical keyboard that delivers solid build quality and unique features for its price point. Reviewers praised its compact design, double-shot PBT keycaps, and integrated 10,000 mAh battery offering up to 200 hours of wireless use. The inclusion of a color LCD screen displaying battery, time, and connection status, along with customizable RGB lighting, sets it apart from typical sub-$100 keyboards. However, some reviewers noted the orange lettering on keycaps is difficult to see in low light, and the RGB controls are limited to a Chrome-based web app. This keyboard is ideal for users seeking a portable, feature-rich mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank, though those wanting more advanced lighting control or better visibility in dim settings might look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • Compact 75% ANSI layout with no dedicated number pad and integrated arrow keys
  • Double-shot PBT keycaps with matte texture that resist fingerprints and are easy to clean
  • Incorporated 10,000 mAh battery providing up to 200 hours of wireless use with bright RGB lighting
Watch-outs
  • Orange keycap lettering is hard to see in low light conditions
  • RGB lighting control only available through Chrome browser-based Epomaker app
RK Royal Kludge RK71
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under 100
RK Royal Kludge RK71
3 sourcesall derived$49.99as of Aug 23

The Royal Kludge RK71 offers a well-thought-out compact layout with dedicated arrow keys and navigation cluster, making it suitable for both productivity and gaming. TechBroll praised its space-efficient design and solid build quality, while a YouTube reviewer highlighted its value proposition as a budget-friendly wireless mechanical keyboard with good connectivity and battery life. The keyboard supports multiple switch types including RK Blue, and comes with a magnetic stand and Bluetooth dongle slot. However, reviewers noted the keycaps feel cheap and the color options are limited. This keyboard is best for users seeking a compact mechanical keyboard with wireless capabilities at an affordable price point.

Strengths
  • Dedicated arrow keys and nav cluster in a compact 71-key layout
  • Works properly in both wired and wireless modes with multi-device Bluetooth connectivity
  • Good build quality with solid plastic construction and ergonomic design
Watch-outs
  • Cheap keycaps that may not withstand long-term use
  • Limiting color scheme with only white and black options available

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

Epomaker TH80 Pro

The Epomaker TH80 Pro's standout feature is its integrated 10,000 mAh battery and color LCD screen, which no other keyboard in this list matches. While the Ajazz AK820 offers hot-swappable switches, the TH80 Pro provides more advanced customization with its web-based RGB app and unique display capabilities, unlike the Redragon K552 Kumara's basic lighting.

RK Royal Kludge RK71

The RK71's dedicated arrow keys and nav cluster distinguish it from the compact Royal Kludge RK61, which lacks these keys. While it shares the RK61's wireless capabilities, the RK71 offers better build quality than the cheaper RK84 and more functionality than the Redragon K552 Kumara, which has no software support for customization.

Specs side-by-side

SpecEpomaker TH80 ProRK Royal Kludge RK71
Layout75% ANSI71 Keys with Dedicated Arrow Keys and Nav Cluster
ConnectivityUSB-C cable, 2.4 GHz adapter or BluetoothMulti-Device Bluetooth Connectivity and Wired Mode
KeycapsDouble-shot PBTABS Double Shot Keycaps
LightingYes, through web appICE Blue LED Backlight
Battery10,000 mAh1000mAh
Weight2 lbs0.64 kg
Hotswaphot-swappable
Dimensions12.73"L x 5.54"W x 1.74"H11.4"L x 4"W x 1.6"H
Switch TypeRK Blue /RK Brown
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