When it comes to mechanical keyboards, a company that has been making a lot of positive noise is RK Royal Kludge.
Founded in 2015 by passionate gamers aiming to create the perfect mechanical keyboard, but one that can easily be split in half and work via bluetooth or wired via PC, Mac or Android, the RK Royal Kludge RK-S70 Mechanical Keyboard is yet another creative and unique mechanical keyboard from the company.
I’ve reviewed numerous Royal Kludge keyboards but I have to say that I am really impressed with the company’s releases within the last few two years.
With the RK Royal Kludge RK-S70 Mechanical Keyboard, what you have is a split mechanical keyboard wireless. Who needs a split?
Well, if you are a gamer and all you needed are just the left side and want to dedicate the right side for more space for mouse movement, then this mechanical provides the gamer who wants to take up less space.
The split mechanical keyboard comes with a 3150 mAh large capacity battery, for those who want to travel and need this to be recharged. But you can also operate via Bluetooth or wired.
It provides support with a 2.4 Ghz Dongle/Bluetooth 5.0 and USB wired three connection modes. Also, it has 8 adjustable keyboard feets for those who prefer to type in an angle.
Also allows for macro key via the RK software support.
And as mentioned, this keyboard works just fine with a PC, Mac and Android.
But first, let’s take a look at how things are packaged.
RK Royal Kludge does a great job of providing protection while this mechanical keyboard is in the box.
The mechanical keyboard is split while in the box and other contents include instructions, a spiral USB Type-C cable which is used to connect both left and right side together from the rear. You also get a keycap puller, extra brown switches and a USB-C adapter.
Underneath, each side comes with four feet, so you can control the angle. Also, is the USB 2.4 receiver.
First, I decided to try the wired mode by connecting the spiral connector USB-C on both ends. Make sure you push all the way in or the keyboard will not be detected when you type.
On the rear, you have a USB-C connection but on the top of the keyboard you will see OFF/ON switches and B/G. B being Bluetooth. Keep to OFF when wired but ON when using the 2.4Ghz Receiver. Switch to G if you are using the USB receiver. Otherwise, for those going wired, just switch it off and it can be on B or G. Doesn’t matter.
It’s really easy to use and once the mechanical keyboard is functioning, you will see the LED backlit colors on the keycaps.
On the other side (top right) are the LED lights to show if caps lock is on, to show the battery level,
To turn on, you can hit the Home/Screenlock button (the bracket buttons, look on bottom side of the keycap to see the labeling)
As for the LED lighting, pressing the function key (two buttons on the right of the space bar button), you can change the various color presets via FN + \| buttons. FN + up or down for brightness levels and FN + left or right arrow to decrease/increase speeds.
The LED lighting does NOT show through the keycaps.
As for the sound, with the version I am using being the tactile brown switch, I prefer something right in the middle. Not too quiet like red switches or too loud like blue switches. But brown switches are my preference and you do go get four extra brown switches.
But you can also get the mechanical keyboard with linear silver switches (linear silver switches are more sensitive than red switches) which is great for gaming and faster activation. Personally, I prefer the tactile brown switches, to game and type. For those who are strictly gaming, the linear silver switches are great for that, but for typing, it may not be the best feel.
As for the keyboard itself, you can purchase in black/orange or white/greenish taupe color.
Last but not least, I have to say that I found myself really enjoying this keyboard. At first, I was a bit hesitant because of the wrist rest (which I don’t like using, while I do at work, not at my home office). For those wanting to mod and remove them, do note that there is a battery on each wrist rest.
Do I recommend it for travel? You can if you want. But RK Royal Kludge also has the foldable F68 keyboard that I recommend for traveling and for luggage space considerations.
If anything, this is a great keyboard that can be used for travel, but for gamers who want one side, this keyboard does provide that. This is also for those who want a 74-key keyboard that doesn’t take up much space, but if you want those number keys, then this is not the keyboard for you.
But I have been using this keyboard for the past two weeks to game and type and I find it convenient and easy to use. Again, I don’t like wristrests but for this keyboard alone, it works very well. Gaming or typing! Overall, I do feel the RK Royal Kludge RK-S70 is a keeper and definitely recommended!
