RK Royal Kludge RK68 (65%, hot-swap)

Our analysis

The F row is what separates this board from the HyperX Alloy Rise 75. Both have hot-swap sockets and red linear switches, but the Alloy Rise keeps a row of function keys, adds a gasket mount and lists 8000 Hz polling, at a premium price. If you rarely press F5 or F12, the RK68's 68 keys cover the rest for much less.

What stands out

• A 65% layout that keeps the arrows and Delete. Seven keys more than a 60%, and those seven are the arrows and a short navigation column.
• 3- and 5-pin hot-swap. You change switches and keycaps without soldering, per Royal Kludge.
• RGB backlight. Lighting effects set from Royal Kludge's software.
• USB-C cable. The version we link connects by cable.

Where it falls short

• No F row and no number pad; F-keys move to a function layer.
• Royal Kludge also sells the RK68 with wireless on its own site; the version we link is wired, so check the listing before you buy.

Look elsewhere if

• You want the smallest footprint for low-sensitivity aim: the Redragon K617 Fizz is a 61-key 60% with the same kind of hot-swap. If you compete seriously and want adjustable actuation, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 uses magnetic switches adjustable from 0.1 to 4.0 mm with Rapid Trigger, though it is not hot-swappable.

See where it ranks in the 5 best budget gaming keyboards, and how its size compares in our keyboard layout guide.