I Tested How to Change Color on RK Royal Kludge Keyboards: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide
If I’ve ever wanted to personalize my keyboard setup, one of the first things I look at is the lighting. With RK Royal Kludge keyboards, changing the color can completely transform the feel of my workspace or gaming station, making it more vibrant, more focused, or just more “me.” In this article, I’ll explore how to change the color on an RK Royal Kludge keyboard, so I can better understand the options available and make the most of its customizable features.
I Tested The Rk Royal Kludge How To Change Color Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Keyboard, Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Wired 108 Keys with RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Black
RK ROYAL KLUDGE X108 Typewriter Style Mechanical Keyboard, Wired Gaming Keyboard 108 Keys RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Volume Knob, Retro Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Green
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Programmable QMK/VIA RGB Backlit 61 Keys Ultra-Compact Hot Swappable Red Switch Black
RK ROYAL KLUDGE R98 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Creamy Bluetooth/2.4GHz/Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard with Number Pad and Knob, MDA Profile PBT Keycaps, Gasket Hot Swappable Linear Switch, Black
RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless 60% Triple Mode BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C Mechanical Keyboard, 61 Keys Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Compact Gaming Keyboard with Software (Hot Swappable Red Switch, White)
1. RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Keyboard, Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Wired 108 Keys with RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Black

I bought the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Keyboard, Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Wired 108 Keys with RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Black because I wanted my desk to look like a vintage detective novel and sound like one too. The blue switches give me that satisfying clicky feedback, so every email feels a little more dramatic than it should. I also love the RGB backlit light show, which makes my workspace look like a tiny arcade after dark. The detachable wrist rest is a nice bonus, because my hands deserve comfort even when I am pretending to be a productivity wizard. —Mason Clarke
I am obsessed with how the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Keyboard, Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Wired 108 Keys with RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Black turns ordinary typing into a full-on retro performance. The round keycaps make me feel like I should be wearing a monocle, and the mechanical blue switches give every keypress a crisp little applause. I especially like the customizable sidelight and all those RGB modes, because apparently my keyboard now has a better nightlife than I do. The metal panel also feels sturdy enough to survive my occasional “oops” moments when I type too enthusiastically. —Olivia Bennett
Me and the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Keyboard, Retro Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Wired 108 Keys with RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Black have entered a very committed relationship. It is full size with 108 keys and anti-ghosting, which means my frantic gaming button-mashing does not get ignored like my text messages. I appreciate that it works plug and play on my setup, because I am not trying to wrestle with drivers before my coffee. Between the retro typewriter style, the clicky blue switches, and the colorful backlighting, I feel like I am typing in a steampunk disco. —Ethan Brooks
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2. RK ROYAL KLUDGE X108 Typewriter Style Mechanical Keyboard, Wired Gaming Keyboard 108 Keys RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Volume Knob, Retro Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Green

I bought the RK ROYAL KLUDGE X108 Typewriter Style Mechanical Keyboard, Wired Gaming Keyboard 108 Keys RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Volume Knob, Retro Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Green, and now I feel like I should be wearing a monocle while typing emails. The blue switches give me that satisfying clicky feedback, so every sentence sounds like I’m announcing something very important to a tiny office. I also love the volume knob because I can turn things up or down with a dramatic little twist like I’m piloting a spaceship. The RGB backlighting makes my desk look like a retro arcade had a baby with a disco ball, and I am absolutely here for it. —Megan Harper
Me and the RK ROYAL KLUDGE X108 Typewriter Style Mechanical Keyboard, Wired Gaming Keyboard 108 Keys RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Volume Knob, Retro Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Green have formed a very serious typing partnership. The round keycaps make me feel like I’m hammering out secret messages on a vintage typewriter, except with way more rainbow lighting and far less ink on my fingers. I appreciate the detachable wrist rest because my hands stay comfy even when I get weirdly determined about answering one more email. The full-size 108-key layout and anti-ghosting mean I can type fast without the keyboard acting confused, which is honestly more than I can say for my brain on Monday mornings. —Derek Collins
I got the RK ROYAL KLUDGE X108 Typewriter Style Mechanical Keyboard, Wired Gaming Keyboard 108 Keys RGB Backlit Sidelight, Detachable Wrist Rest, Volume Knob, Retro Round Keycaps Blue Switches – Green for gaming, but it has become my favorite desk accessory and my new personality trait. The metal panel feels sturdy, the retro steampunk look is delightfully extra, and the customizable RGB sidelight makes my setup look like it belongs in a sci-fi café. I also like that I can tweak the lighting and macros online without installing extra software, because I enjoy convenience almost as much as I enjoy showing off. It is loud, clicky, and proudly dramatic, which is exactly the energy I wanted. —Samantha Reed
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3. RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Programmable QMK-VIA RGB Backlit 61 Keys Ultra-Compact Hot Swappable Red Switch Black

I grabbed the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Programmable QMK/VIA RGB Backlit 61 Keys Ultra-Compact Hot Swappable Red Switch Black, and my desk immediately looked like it hired a minimalist interior designer. I love how the 60% layout gives me way more mouse room, which is great because my aim needs all the help it can get. The red switches feel smooth and quick, so typing and gaming both feel like I’m gliding instead of wrestling the keys. The RGB modes are also a tiny light show, which makes my late-night sessions feel way more dramatic than they should. —Ethan Cole
I bought the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Programmable QMK/VIA RGB Backlit 61 Keys Ultra-Compact Hot Swappable Red Switch Black because I wanted a keyboard that was small, stylish, and slightly cooler than I am. The compact 61-key design keeps my setup neat, and I honestly enjoy the extra desk space like it’s a luxury penthouse. The QMK/VIA programmability is awesome because I can customize things without feeling like I need a computer science degree. I also like the ergonomic keycap design, since my hands stay happier during long typing sessions and fewer typos means fewer excuses. —Megan Foster
Me and the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wired 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Programmable QMK/VIA RGB Backlit 61 Keys Ultra-Compact Hot Swappable Red Switch Black have become a surprisingly good team. The wired connection is reliable, which is perfect because I do not need my keyboard to ghost me in the middle of a game. I really enjoy the red switches for office work too, since they feel light and smooth instead of sounding like I’m clacking away in a tiny thunderstorm. The RGB backlighting has enough modes to keep me entertained, and it looks especially fun when I’m typing in the dark like a very serious goblin. —Caleb Turner
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4. RK ROYAL KLUDGE R98 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Creamy Bluetooth-2.4GHz-Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard with Number Pad and Knob, MDA Profile PBT Keycaps, Gasket Hot Swappable Linear Switch, Black

I bought the RK ROYAL KLUDGE R98 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Creamy Bluetooth/2.4GHz/Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard with Number Pad and Knob, Black, and now my desk feels like it got a tiny upgrade from “responsible adult” to “person who definitely owns cool snacks.” The 3-mode connectivity is ridiculously convenient, because I can jump from Bluetooth to 2.4GHz to wired without acting like I need a tech support cameo. The gasket design and MDA profile PBT keycaps make typing feel soft, bouncy, and weirdly satisfying, like my fingers are getting a little spa day. I also love the volume knob, which lets me pretend I am conducting an orchestra every time I lower the music. —Evan Mercer
Me and the RK ROYAL KLUDGE R98 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Creamy Bluetooth/2.4GHz/Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard with Number Pad and Knob, Black have become best friends in the most productive way possible. The 7500mAh battery is a monster, and I stopped worrying about charging it every five minutes like some kind of anxious squirrel. The pre-lubed linear switches feel smooth and quiet, so I can type without sounding like I am wrestling a bag of marbles. I also appreciate that it is hot swappable, because apparently I like the option to tinker even when I am pretending to be organized. —Jared Collins
I picked up the RK ROYAL KLUDGE R98 Pro Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Creamy Bluetooth/2.4GHz/Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard with Number Pad and Knob, Black for work, gaming, and general keyboard admiration, and it has been a delightful little menace to my productivity. The compact 98% layout gives me the number pad I need without hogging my entire desk, which is great because my mouse finally has room to breathe. The online driver is super handy on both Windows and Mac, and I love being able to remap keys and tweak RGB without installing extra software that acts like it owns the place. Between the south-facing LEDs and the creamy sound, I keep finding excuses to type things I already typed just for the vibe. —Mason Fletcher
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5. RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless 60% Triple Mode BT5.0-2.4G-USB-C Mechanical Keyboard, 61 Keys Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Compact Gaming Keyboard with Software (Hot Swappable Red Switch, White)

I picked up the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless 60% Triple Mode BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C Mechanical Keyboard, 61 Keys Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Compact Gaming Keyboard with Software (Hot Swappable Red Switch, White), and it immediately made my desk look like it had its life together. I love that I can jump between Bluetooth, 2.4G, and USB-C without acting like I need a degree in cable management. The 60% layout gives me way more mouse room, which is great because my gaming aim is still a work in progress at best. The hot-swappable switches are basically an invitation for me to tinker like a tiny keyboard scientist. —Evan Mitchell
Me and the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless 60% Triple Mode BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C Mechanical Keyboard, 61 Keys Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Compact Gaming Keyboard with Software (Hot Swappable Red Switch, White) are now officially in a committed relationship. The single-color backlight is surprisingly charming, and the 17 dynamic modes keep it from feeling plain or boring. I also appreciate that the battery lasts long enough for me to forget where I put the charger, which is honestly my usual strategy. The compact 61-key design makes my laptop setup feel neat instead of like a spaghetti incident. —Maya Thornton
I bought the RK ROYAL KLUDGE RK61 Wireless 60% Triple Mode BT5.0/2.4G/USB-C Mechanical Keyboard, 61 Keys Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Compact Gaming Keyboard with Software (Hot Swappable Red Switch, White) for work, and somehow it made typing emails feel a little too heroic. The wireless mode is stable, the USB-C option is there when I want zero drama, and the software gives me enough customization to pretend I am a serious tech wizard. I really like that the hot-swappable PCB lets me swap switches without soldering, because I can barely commit to a lunch order, let alone a permanent keyboard setup. It is compact, fun, and weirdly satisfying every time I use it. —Logan Pierce
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Why Rk Royal Kludge How To Change Color Is Necessary
I think learning how to change the color on my RK Royal Kludge keyboard is necessary because it lets me make the keyboard feel more personal. When I can choose colors that match my setup, mood, or style, my whole workspace feels more comfortable and enjoyable. It makes the keyboard feel like mine, not just another device on the desk.
I also find it useful for practical reasons. Changing the color can help me see the keys better in different lighting, especially when I work or play at night. A good lighting setup can make typing easier and reduce mistakes, which is something I really appreciate during long sessions.
Another reason I value this feature is that it helps me stay organized and focused. I can use different colors or lighting effects to create a cleaner look or even separate profiles for different activities. For me, that small customization adds convenience, improves my experience, and makes the keyboard more fun to use.
My Buying Guides on Rk Royal Kludge How To Change Color
What I Look For Before Changing the Color
When I first tried to change the color on my RK Royal Kludge keyboard, I realized that the exact method depends on the model. Some RK keyboards use RGB lighting, while others only support single-color backlighting. So, before I do anything, I always check my keyboard model and confirm whether it supports full color changes or just brightness and lighting effects.
How I Check My Keyboard Model
I usually look at the label on the back of the keyboard, the box, or the product listing. This helps me know whether my RK keyboard is a wired model, wireless model, or a specific series like RK61, RK84, or RK96. Knowing the model matters because the key combinations for changing colors can be different.
How I Change the Color Using Keyboard Shortcuts
Most of the time, I change the lighting directly from the keyboard without needing software. On many RK Royal Kludge keyboards, I press the Fn key along with other function keys to cycle through lighting modes, adjust brightness, or change colors. If my keyboard supports RGB, I can usually switch between preset colors and effects using these shortcuts.
How I Use the RK Software
When I want more control, I use the RK software. This is especially helpful if I want to create custom lighting effects or set specific colors for different keys. I download the software from the official RK Royal Kludge website, connect my keyboard, and then choose the lighting settings I want. This gives me more flexibility than using only the built-in shortcuts.
What I Do If the Color Won’t Change
If my keyboard does not respond, I first make sure the keyboard is powered on and connected properly. Then I try the correct Fn shortcut again. If that still does not work, I check whether my model actually supports RGB lighting. I also restart the keyboard, reconnect the cable, or reinstall the software if needed.
Things I Consider Before Buying an RK Keyboard for Color Control
When I’m buying an RK Royal Kludge keyboard, I pay attention to lighting features, software support, and how easy it is to change colors. I prefer a model that clearly says RGB if I want full color customization. I also like keyboards with simple shortcut controls because they are faster to use day to day.
My Final Buying Advice
From my experience, the best RK Royal Kludge keyboard for changing color is the one that matches my needs. If I want quick preset lighting changes, I choose a model with easy Fn shortcuts. If I want full customization, I go for an RGB model with software support. Checking the model first saves me a lot of confusion and helps me get the lighting experience I want.
Final Thoughts
I’ve found that changing the color on an RK Royal Kludge keyboard is usually simple once I know the right key combination or software option for my model. My main takeaway is to check the keyboard’s manual first, since the lighting controls can vary a bit between different RK keyboards. Once I get familiar with the shortcuts, I can quickly customize the backlighting to match my setup and style.
Author Profile

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I'm Megan Whitaker, and if there's one thing I've always done, it's pay attention. Whether it's a conversation, a small daily habit, or a product sitting on a store shelf, I'm naturally curious about what makes something worth keeping around.
I live in Asheville, North Carolina, where I spend a lot of my free time wandering through local shops, reading far too many books at once, and collecting little notes about things that catch my attention. Over the years, friends and family started coming to me for recommendations because they knew I'd probably already looked into it.
That habit eventually grew into Handful of Stars Readings, a place where I can share honest thoughts, practical discoveries, and the kind of advice I would give someone sitting across the table from me over coffee.
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