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.

The short answer

Keychron V1 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.2). The gap is mostly about Enthusiasts seeking deep customization and wireless flexibility on a budget — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100

Keychron V1

★★★★★4.3

$94as of Apr 21

The Keychron V1 (and V1 Max) offers a stellar typing experience and robust customization features like hot-swap support and QMK/VIA software at a budget-friendly price. While the wireless connectivity and gasket mount design are praised, the build quality suffers from a cheap-feeling plastic shell and weak RGB lighting. It serves as an excellent entry point for enthusiasts willing to accept minor compromises in materials and stabilization.

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

$94 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #2 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100

Royal Kludge RK61

★★★★★4.2

$45as of Apr 21

The Royal Kludge RK61 is a compelling budget 60% mechanical keyboard that offers impressive features like multi-device Bluetooth and double-shot keycaps for a very low price. However, potential buyers must accept significant risks regarding quality control consistency and the lack of software for layer customization. It is an excellent entry-level choice for those willing to gamble on a good unit, but less ideal for users requiring 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

$45 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

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

Spec	Keychron V1	Royal Kludge RK61
Form Factor	75%	—
Switch Options	Gateron Jupiter (Banana, Brown, Red)	RK Red, Blue, Brown
Connectivity	Bluetooth 5.1, 2.4 GHz, USB-C	Bluetooth 5.0 (3 devices) + Wired USB-C
Battery Life	Up to 225 hours	—
Polling Rate	1,000 Hz	—
Layout	—	60% Compact
Keycaps	—	Double-shot ABS Plastic
Backlight	—	Single Color (Blue/White) or RGB (depending on variant)

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