In a world dominated by minimalist, flat, and frankly, uninspired keyboards, there’s a growing desire for something more. We’ve all been there: staring at a sterile slab of plastic, the mushy, unsatisfying press of membrane keys doing little to inspire creativity or enhance our gaming immersion. It’s a monotonous experience that treats the keyboard as a mere utility rather than an extension of our personality and a tool for precision. For years, I found myself cycling through generic office keyboards, each one as forgettable as the last. They lacked tactile feedback, auditory satisfaction, and any semblance of character. This isn’t just an aesthetic problem; it’s a functional one. A poor typing experience can lead to more errors, slower work, and a disconnect from the digital world we spend so much time in. The search for a keyboard that combines modern performance with a soul can feel like a fool’s errand, leaving many to believe they have to choose between flair and function.
- Retro Typewriter Style with Mechanical Keys: Mechanical blue switches offer medium resistance, audible click sound & tactile feedback, provides responsive and precise gaming environment and...
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What to Consider Before Buying a Retro-Style Mechanical Keyboard
A Gaming Keyboard, especially one with a distinct retro style, is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for transforming your entire desktop experience. It’s about reintroducing tactility, sound, and personality into your daily interaction with your computer. The primary benefit is the mechanical switch technology, which provides precise, consistent feedback that membrane keyboards simply cannot match. This leads to improved typing accuracy, faster response times in games, and a deeply satisfying physical connection to your work or play. The aesthetic component isn’t just for show; it’s about creating a workspace that reflects your style and inspires you every time you sit down. For those of us who grew up with the satisfying clatter of older machines, it’s a welcome dose of nostalgia powered by cutting-edge technology.
The ideal customer for a product like the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard RGB is someone who craves a more engaging and tactile typing experience. This includes writers, coders, dedicated typists, and gamers who appreciate the definitive feedback of clicky switches. It’s for the individual who wants their desk setup to make a statement, blending steampunk or vintage vibes with modern RGB flair. However, it might not be suitable for those who work in a shared or quiet office environment, as the audible click of Blue switches can be disruptive to others. Likewise, streamers will need a good noise gate on their microphone. Users who prioritize a minimalist, silent setup or require wireless connectivity might consider alternatives like keyboards with silent red switches or dedicated wireless models.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Switch Type & Feel: The S108 uses Blue “clicky” switches. These are known for their loud, crisp click and a noticeable tactile bump on actuation. While excellent for typists who want confirmation of every keystroke, they are not for everyone. Gamers who prefer rapid, smooth key presses might prefer linear (Red) switches, while those wanting a tactile bump without the noise might opt for Brown switches.
- Layout & Ergonomics: This is a full-size 108-key keyboard, which means it includes the number pad, function row, and navigation cluster. This is perfect for productivity and data entry but requires significant desk space. The inclusion of a detachable wrist rest is a major ergonomic plus, helping to maintain a neutral wrist position during long sessions.
- Build & Aesthetics: The S108 boasts a top-grade aluminum alloy panel, giving it a hefty, premium feel that resists flex. The main aesthetic draw is the round, typewriter-style keycaps. While visually striking, their unique shape and spacing can take a short period to get used to compared to traditional square keycaps.
- Lighting & Customization: RGB is a major feature here, with numerous modes and even a unique sidelight. A critical point to consider, however, is whether the key legends themselves are backlit (shine-through). If you frequently work in the dark and aren’t a touch typist, visibility of the characters on the keys can be a deciding factor.
Understanding these elements will ensure you choose a keyboard that not only looks great on your desk but also perfectly matches your functional needs for work and play.
While the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard RGB is an excellent choice, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition. For a broader look at all the top models, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- The compact tenkeyless design is the most popular form factor used by the pros, allowing you to position the keyboard for comfort and to maximize in-game performance.
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- Dynamic RGB Backlighting: Light up your desktop with six onboard lighting effects, assign a color to each lighting zone, or program your own vibrant lighting effects across five RGB lighting zones...
First Impressions: A Heavyweight Contender with a Vintage Soul
Unboxing the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard RGB is an experience in itself. The first thing we noticed was the sheer weight. At 1 kilogram (about 2.2 lbs), this keyboard feels incredibly substantial. There’s no cheap plastic flex here; the aluminum alloy top plate gives it a cold, metallic rigidity that screams durability. Lifting it from the box, it feels like a serious piece of hardware, not a toy. The black matte finish is sleek and resistant to fingerprints, providing a perfect, dark canvas for the vibrant RGB lighting to pop against.
Plugging it in is a simple plug-and-play affair via its corded USB connection. Immediately, the keyboard comes to life with a brilliant wave of rainbow colors flowing across the keys and out from the transparent sidelights. The round keycaps are the undeniable star of the show. They are well-spaced and have a satisfyingly smooth, slightly concave surface. Also included in the box are a keycap puller, for those who wish to customize or clean, and the detachable ABS wrist rest, which snaps on securely. The initial impression is that of a product that punches well above its price point, offering a premium feel and a unique aesthetic that immediately sets it apart from the legion of generic gaming keyboards on the market. It’s a design that feels both nostalgic and futuristic, a combination that we found incredibly compelling from the moment we plugged it in.
What We Like
- Incredibly satisfying “clicky” typing sound and tactile feedback from Blue switches.
- Robust, premium build quality with a hefty aluminum alloy top plate.
- Stunning and highly customizable RGB backlighting with unique sidelights.
- Full 108-key layout with a dedicated number pad, ideal for both gaming and productivity.
- Includes a comfortable and easily detachable wrist rest for enhanced ergonomics.
Limitations
- Keycap legends (the letters/symbols) are not backlit, making them difficult to see in the dark.
- The included instructions for customizing RGB lighting are unclear and incomplete.
- Wired only, lacking the flexibility of Bluetooth or 2.4GHz wireless options.
Performance Deep Dive: Beyond the Retro Looks
A keyboard’s true worth is measured over hours of typing and intense gaming sessions, not just in its first five minutes out of the box. We put the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard RGB through its paces, using it for everything from writing long-form articles and coding to fast-paced FPS gaming and spreadsheet management. This is where the keyboard moves beyond being a novelty and proves its mettle as a serious daily driver.
The Retro Typewriter Aesthetic & Build Quality
The defining characteristic of the S108 is its steampunk-inspired design, centered around those gorgeous round keycaps. Initially, we were skeptical. Would the unconventional shape and spacing lead to more typos? After a brief adjustment period of about an hour, our fears were completely allayed. In fact, for us, the opposite became true. The distinct separation between the keys made it easier to hit each key dead-center, which some users noted actually increased their typing speed and accuracy. One user mentioned, “It is so easy to get a good feel of the keys and this really contributes to the accuracy of my work.” We have to agree. The transition from a standard keyboard was surprisingly smooth, and the unique feel quickly became second nature.
This design is supported by a remarkably solid foundation. The aluminum alloy panel isn’t just for show; it eliminates any deck flex, providing a stable and unyielding base for every keystroke. Each press feels planted and authoritative. This heft also means the keyboard stays firmly in place on the desk, even during frantic gaming moments. The “floating key” design, where the switches are mounted directly on the top plate without a surrounding bezel, not only looks fantastic but makes cleaning a breeze. A quick blast of compressed air can dislodge any dust or crumbs that would be trapped in a traditional keyboard design. It’s a thoughtful combination of form and function that demonstrates a genuine understanding of user needs. This robust construction is a feature that really sets it apart in its price category.
The Auditory & Tactile Experience: Blue Switches in Action
The soul of any mechanical keyboard is its switches, and the Blue switches in the S108 are a pure, unapologetic celebration of the “clicky” experience. If you’re someone who loves auditory feedback, this keyboard is a dream. Each keystroke produces a sharp, high-pitched *click* precisely at the point of actuation, accompanied by a satisfying tactile bump you can feel in your fingertips. It’s a sound that’s reminiscent of old-school electric typewriters and early computer terminals, turning mundane typing into a rhythmic, almost musical activity. As one user aptly put it, it’s the “best of both worlds old school and high new technology.”
This feedback loop is fantastic for typists. You know, without a doubt, when a key has been registered, which can lead to a lighter touch and faster, more confident typing. For gaming, the experience is more subjective. The N-Key Rollover (anti-ghosting) works flawlessly, ensuring every single command is registered, no matter how many keys are pressed simultaneously. However, the distinct actuation point and reset of Blue switches can feel slightly slower for rapid double-tapping actions in some games compared to linear switches. We also tested it in intense FPS matches, and while one user felt their fingers “would occasionally slip” in high-intensity moments, we found it perfectly capable for most gaming scenarios. The definitive click can be a great confirmation for ability activations in MOBAs or strategy games. The biggest caveat remains the noise. This is not a keyboard for a library or a quiet office; it’s designed to be heard and enjoyed by the user, and anyone else in the immediate vicinity.
A Symphony of Light: Diving into the RGB
In a market saturated with RGB, the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard RGB manages to stand out. The lighting is vibrant, bright, and fluid, with a staggering 168 pre-programmed modes accessible through function key combinations. You get everything from standard rainbow waves and breathing effects to reactive modes where light ripples out from each keypress. The addition of the transparent sidelight is a brilliant touch, casting a gorgeous underglow onto your desk and creating a much more immersive atmosphere than simple key backlighting alone. You can customize the color, brightness, and speed of these effects directly from the keyboard without needing any software, which we see as a huge plus for simplicity.
However, this is also where we encountered the keyboard’s most significant flaws, which were echoed loudly in user feedback. First, the included instruction manual is woefully inadequate. It barely scratches the surface of how to control the complex lighting system. We had to turn to other user reviews to find the correct key combinations for custom per-key lighting (FN+F11 for record mode, then FN+F12 to cycle modes). This is a frustrating oversight. Second, and more critically, the legends on the keycaps are not shine-through. They are painted or printed on. This means while the space *under* the keys is brilliantly illuminated, the actual letters, numbers, and symbols remain dark. As one user stated, “The only downside is that the characters on the keys are dim and difficult to see and they don’t light up.” For touch typists, this is a non-issue. But for anyone who needs to glance at their keyboard in a dimly lit room, it’s a major design flaw that undermines one of the key purposes of backlighting. It’s an aesthetic choice that prioritizes the underglow effect over the practical visibility of the keys themselves, and it’s a compromise potential buyers must be aware of.
Ergonomics and Everyday Usability
For a daily driver keyboard, comfort is paramount, and the S108 delivers surprisingly well. The full 108-key layout is a massive benefit for anyone who works with numbers, providing a dedicated 10-key numpad that many modern tenkeyless (TKL) or 60% keyboards omit for the sake of space. It even includes handy shortcut keys, like a dedicated button to launch the calculator—a small but appreciated touch for productivity. The keyboard has two sturdy feet on the back to adjust the typing angle, allowing you to find a comfortable position.
The most significant ergonomic feature is the detachable wrist rest. It’s made of a hard, textured ABS plastic that matches the keyboard’s aesthetic. While not as plush as a gel or memory foam rest, it does an excellent job of promoting a healthier wrist posture by preventing you from bending your wrists at a harsh upward angle. We used it for multiple 8-hour workdays and found it significantly reduced strain. Its attachment mechanism is simple and secure, yet it’s easy to remove if you prefer a smaller footprint or use your own wrist rest. The combination of the full layout and the included wrist rest makes the S108 a highly versatile and comfortable option for those who plan to spend long hours typing or gaming, a fact you can confirm by checking its full specifications.
What Other Users Are Saying
After our own extensive testing, we delved into the broader community feedback to see how our experience aligned with others. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with users frequently praising the keyboard’s unique aesthetic and satisfying feel. One user captured this perfectly, saying, “I absolutely ADORE this KEYBOARD!!! …this Royal Kludge keyboard beats typing on my old kb by LIGHT years!!” Another noted that it “feels really high quality. Nice and heavy I don’t even care that it’s wired.” Many users who spend all day typing for work found it to be a significant upgrade over standard office equipment, with one reporting, “I can type really fast with these. I have no lag time and the price was great!”
However, the criticisms we identified were consistently mirrored in user reviews. The most common complaint by far is the non-backlit keycaps. A user with “old and tired eyes” lamented, “The keys are not backlit… There are lights under the keys. Still not as easy to see as I would have liked.” The poor instructions for the RGB controls were another frequent point of frustration, with several users having to share the correct key combinations with others to unlock the keyboard’s full potential. It’s clear that while the core product is beloved for its feel and build, these two design and documentation oversights are holding it back from perfection.
How Does the RK S108 Compare to the Alternatives?
The RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard RGB occupies a unique niche, but it’s not without competition. To give you a full picture, we’ve compared it against three distinct alternatives that cater to different preferences and needs.
1. Retro Pink Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse Combo
- ❤[ Retro Typewriter Style Punk Keyboard ] : These keycaps adopt two-color injection molding process, which is durable and lasting. And the unique round keycaps make this keyboard so different to...
- ❤[ Linear Red Switches ] Linear mechanical red switches are quieter than blue switches. And fast action with small resistance without a tactile bump feel. Gamers often prefer red switches because...
If the primary draw of the S108 is the retro aesthetic but you’re looking for a completely different color scheme and an all-in-one package, this combo is a compelling choice. It swaps the S108’s black, steampunk look for a vibrant, cute pink design. Crucially, it comes bundled with a matching mouse, offering a cohesive desk setup right out of the box. It uses Linear Red switches, which are smoother, quieter, and lack the tactile click of the S108’s Blues. This makes it a better option for gamers who prioritize speed and for users in shared spaces where noise is a concern. The trade-off is the loss of that satisfying auditory feedback that makes the S108 so special for typists.
2. Keychron K4 96% Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
- A 96% layout (100-key) white LED backlight wireless mechanical keyboard with a number pad in a compact design that’s built for productivity and a tactile typing experience.
- Connects with up to 3 devices via Bluetooth and switch among them easily. With high reliable and broad compatibility Broadcom Bluetooth 5.1 chipset, the K4 version 2 is best to fit home, office and...
For users who need more versatility and portability, the Keychron K4 is a formidable alternative. Its biggest advantages are wireless connectivity (Bluetooth 5.1 and wired USB-C) and a more compact 96% layout, which retains the number pad while saving significant desk space. It features Gateron Brown switches, which offer a tactile bump like the S108’s Blues but without the audible click, striking a balance between typing satisfaction and noise levels. While its backlighting is a simpler White LED, its functionality, Mac/Windows compatibility, and wireless freedom make it a superior choice for professionals, travelers, and anyone who wants a high-performance mechanical experience in a more subdued, space-saving package.
3. EPOMAKER F99 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard Gasket Mount 8000mAh
- 【96% Layout&Gasket Mounted Structure】A 96% layout keyboard with 99 keys can help you save more space on your desk, while keeping the arrow keys and number pad you need for games and work. The F99...
- 【Innovative Single-Key Slotted PCB&Five-Layer Sound-Shock Absorption】Equipped with a unique single-key slotted PCB made of high-quality FR4 material, the F99 offers smooth typing feedback. Each...
The EPOMAKER F99 represents a significant step up into the enthusiast keyboard realm. It’s built for users who demand ultimate customization and a premium typing feel. Its key features are a gasket-mounted design and five-layer padding, which create a much softer, quieter, and more cushioned typing experience than the S108’s rigid top-mount build. It also boasts hot-swappable switches, allowing you to easily change them without soldering. With tri-mode connectivity (Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, USB-C) and a massive 8000mAh battery, it’s a wireless powerhouse. The F99 is for the keyboard aficionado who wants to fine-tune every aspect of their board and is willing to invest more for a top-tier, enthusiast-grade experience.
Our Final Verdict: Is the RK S108 the Right Keyboard for You?
After extensive use, the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 Typewriter Mechanical Keyboard RGB has more than earned our recommendation, albeit with important caveats. It succeeds brilliantly in its mission to deliver a unique, satisfying, and personality-filled typing experience. The build quality is exceptional for its price, the Blue switches are a joy for anyone who loves tactile and auditory feedback, and the RGB lighting is both vibrant and visually striking. It’s a fantastic choice for writers, coders, and gamers who want to make a statement with their setup and crave a more engaging connection with their machine.
However, it is not without its flaws. The decision to not use shine-through keycaps is a significant drawback for anyone who types in low light, and the poor instructions are an unnecessary frustration. If you are a strict touch typist and don’t mind a wired connection, these issues fade into the background, leaving you with an incredible keyboard for the money. It masterfully blends retro charm with modern performance, creating a product that is as fun to use as it is to look at. If you’re ready to ditch your boring keyboard and embrace the click, we highly recommend you check out the RK ROYAL KLUDGE S108 and its latest pricing today.
Last update on 2025-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API