ROYALAXE X ProtoArc 60% Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Hot-swappable Wired/Bluetooth 5.0/2.4G Wireless Keyboard with RGB Backlit for Windows & Mac, PBT Keycaps, Gateron G Yellow Pro Switch, Lava Brown

This ROYALAXE X ProtoArc R68 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard, Hot-swappable Wired/Bluetooth 5.0 is a fantastic wireless keyboard that would make any mechanical keyboard enthusiast happy. My first impressions of this keyboard were from unboxing it and hooking it up to use for the first time, theres 3 options for connecting this keyboard, either wireless through Bluetooth, wireless with the included dongle, or wired which is self-explanatory. This keyboard has a great heft to it that allows it to sit in place as you bang out keys on the linear Gateron Yellow switches. Throughout this keyboard I kept finding things that impressed me, like how smooth the switches were, or how high of quality the keycaps were. Ive built my own mechanical keyboards before, and Ive bought premade keyboards from basically every big name or little name player on the market, and this keyboard just kept reaffirming decisions I wouldve made had I made this keyboard myself. Almost every bit of this keyboard is well thought out and remarkably high quality, from the hot swappable switches, to the silky-smooth feel of the lubed switches, all the way down to the well done lighting and other visual goodies. Ive never heard of this company before this keyboard, but Im certainly taking notice now that I have. This is one of the best prebuilt mechanical keyboards Ive tested or owned, and in fact its the keyboard Im using to write this review on. Another aspect that I havent touched on yet but is probably important to mention is the smaller footprint of this keyboard since its only got 68 keys instead of the much larger full-size keyboards that have every key and numpad. I feel like 68 keys is a great middle ground between the much larger keyboards and the very minimalist keyboards that Ive tried but just have never liked having to set up so many commonly used keys to macros or other workarounds. This keyboard has everything I tend to use frequently, and the smaller size allowed me some extra room on my desk which is quite nice. Overall, this is an exceptional keyboard that does pretty much everything right and has surprised me daily with how good it has been to use and just how fun it is to type on it, especially as someone who wasnt a fan of linear switches prior to using this keyboard. This is a top-notch keyboard that I would highly recommend to enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. 5/5 stars.

There’s a numpad, keys sound amazing, can change inputs easily, can connect 3 Bluetooth on top of wired and dongle connect and it’s really cute!! The software looks sketchy, but its legit and works. So glad I got this to go with my build

This keyboard ticks a lot of boxes in terms of marketing phrases that people look for in mechanicals. Unfortunately, some key design elements make it less desirable for keyboard enthusiasts. But for a certain subset of users, this is going to be a nice entry point into mechanical keyboards. PROS: ++ Great mix of features including triple connection modes, multiple Bluetooth profiles, and hot swappable 5-pin sockets including anti-ghosting and NKRO ++ The Gateron Pro stock switches are actually pretty good for out of the box smoothness and sound. Do not misinterpret that to mean they are the same level of quality of hand lubed switches, but the factory lube is not terrible ++ The included keycaps are super high quality for stock keycaps. They are not shine through but they are a very nice quality set of what appear to be double shot PBT keycaps with bold color profiles ++ The per-key RGB is really well done. These will work great with shine through or clear keycaps if thats what you want to use. You can easily cycle through different RGB profiles and backlight settings using built-in function hotkeys ++ The control dial in the upper right corner is super convenient - it makes it extremely easy to switch between wired, wireless or Bluetooth modes, and also to change between Windows and Mac profiles ++ The USB receiver has its own stow-away location beneath the control bar and is held in place magnetically, a nice touch. ++ The included plastic cover is a nice touch, and will help to keep your keyboard dust free. (while thin, its better than not having one) ++ The included keycaps include some side printed extras, including multimedia functions as well as the Mac functions for those who want to use it in Mac mode ++ Four additional switches were included, a nice extra for those who are unlucky enough to break switches when they remove them for lubing, etc. ++ Basic switch and keycap pullers are included, which is nice for those who dont already have them on hand ++ This could be considered a positive or a negative depending on your preferences, but this keyboard appears to be made with a muted sound profile in mind. The stock sound is very soft and muted. ++ Its rare to see a full layout with custom keycaps like this, as 1800 and smaller layouts have basically taken over. There is an audience for full traditional layouts like this ++ The included numpad is a really nice bonus; for a slightly smaller layout they make the 98 key R100 with similar features CONS: -- I hate the low profile / short throw / short stem feel to the keycaps, especially on the space bar; people used to chiclet style keyboards may love that but if this was my main board I would have to immediately compensate by switching to long pole switches and high profile keycaps, despite the attractive look of these -- I hate the fact that there are no included feet on the front or back. The back battery bar for lack of a better term is really high and kind of limits the angles that you can have the keyboard at by default. For people who prefer a flatter orientation to this extreme angle, this will make typing feel uncomfortable. -- No extra keycaps were included with the Mac functions on the top instead of the side -- The 4 rubber pads near the corners feel inadequate for such a wide board. It would have been nice to have 2 additional pads on the bottom in the middle to provide extra support -- The case is unfortunately not great quality, with several mold lines visible at random throughout, meaning it appears like this was not molded as one complete unit but was rather made by joining several molded sections of plastic -- The bottom does not show any visible screws, meaning disassembling this board will most likely require removing those rubber pads, a design choice I really hate -- People who are kind of looking for loud clacky keyboards wont like that its not super easy to get into the case and change or add different materials to change the sound profile -- its probably not surprising in this category, but the stabilizers were a little inconsistent out of the box, with the space bar especially rattily on mine and noticeable sound differences between shift keys -- While you can do some customization with the ProtoArc software, there is no full compatibility with common tools like QMK / VIA CONCLUSION If you are one of those people who thinks that the keyboard on your Macbook Pro is awesome, you are looking for a full sized mechanical board and you have no intention of lubing switches, this is going to feel like heaven to you. For my preferences I was kind of surprised by how difficult it was to adjust and customize basic things like angle of the board right out of the box. There is definitely a market for a full layout board like this with features like this keycap set. I am just afraid that once I have taken this board apart to get it to feel and sound the way that I want it to, the case may be irreparably marred from the experience. For my money, I think basically any Keychron board kind of gives you most of the benefits of this, with the added bonus of QMK / VIA compatibility. But this board does have a unique look. And if you were never planning to take it apart, the limitations of this case wont touch you. By the time you care enough about that you will be ready to buy another keyboard.

Its lux and very very sturdy

I have bought many mechanical keyboards over the years but nothing beats this one. I switch between my raspberry pi and my computer easily with the dial, the switches are satisfying, the colors are great, and its hot-swappable so I could basically build a different keyboard with the same base if I wanted to.

I was shocked by how great this keyboard is. It is sturdy and the switches and caps are great. The sound created by the combination of the base, switches and keycaps is really fantastic. Its solid and not hollow without any sharpness to the click. The backspace key positioning is taking a little getting used to but other than that, absolutely top notch keyboard.

It seems this keyboard is a collaboration between ROYALAXE & ProtoArc, I did not know this when receiving this keyboard. As it happens, I already own the ProtoArc RBG wireless trackball. The trackball is very much like the Logitech Ergo trackball which lifts to provide a more upright position. The ProtoArc trackball is fantastic and while not maybe as premium a build as the Logitech provides more functionality and if I had to choose between the 2, I would go with the ProtoArc which is also less expensive, like half the cost but is exceptional and provides more functionality. The ROYALAXE X ProtoArc R68 keyboard in terms of build quality exceeds any Logitech keyboard I have ever owned (many) as well as all of the compact 65% boards I have purchased, also many. *Anti-Ghosting: All Keys Non-Conflict NKRO (N-Key Rollover) *Triple Mode: Type-C Cable + Bluetooth + 2.4G Wireless, switching between these connections could not be easier. All work without delay or issue whatsoever. USB C is on the back right side of the keyboard and accessible enough that you can use any cable. The provided cable is a braided cable that matches the lighter cream color of the frame exactly, a nice touch. *Multi-Device Tasking: Connects 5 Devices. *3 or 5 Pin Hot-Swappable Sockets, came with yellow linear switches and though I don’t think they are lubed they are as smooth as butter. *Oil-resistant Double Shot PBT Keycaps, these feel thick and substantial, and I probably only own one keyboard that can compete with these keycaps. If texture was paint these would be semigloss. Not as textured as matte finish but not glossy like most ABS keycaps. While some ABS keycaps may start with some texture, it never lasts, happy with the texture but normally like a little more grip. These are not shine through keycaps but most of the best PBT keycaps aren’t. *RGB Color Effects: 18+4 RGB Backlight Modes, can be tricky to learn how to configure to your liking but is adjustable brightness and gets very bright. *Dual System: Compatible with Win / Mac System, very easy to switch between and you won’t need to dig up the user guide *Sound Proofing Plate and Silicone Pad, combined with the excellent keycaps make for an incredible sounding board. I have not checked but would assume the stabilizers are lubed. What I don’t like: no angle adjustment, it’s a short list. Summary observations: as mentioned above there is no angle adjustment and I suspect that is because the angle is dictated by the battery placement. Not sure what the angle is but would guess 6 or 9%, it’s not a terrible angle but I generally prefer a slightly lesser angle when used at a desk or tabletop. Won’t need a wrist wrest, and because of the way this keyboard is constructed it will be preferable than many others using on the go or in your lap because you won’t need to worry about the adjustable feet and angle will be maintained no matter how it sits in your lap. I really enjoy the typing experience and sound of this board. The color combination is not typical (lava brown) but can tell you that this makes this board easy to navigate, typeface is very legible and though I touch type at about 80 wpm the pattern out of your peripheral vision makes it very easy to keep your hands right where they need to be. You have 2 function keys which allow you to access almost if not all keyboard commands which is fantastic. The functions keys are color coded, blue and orange and are separated which works really well for me. Function key legends are also color coded and side printed which I prefer (does not cluster up the keys and never fades) but the orange can be quite difficult to see on the brown keys in dim lighting. Once you have them memorized it won’t matter but fortunately if needed just turn up the overhead light to find where these are vs finding the manual. Some may not prefer the adjustment knob used to switch between connection methods but not because of the knob itself which works perfectly but because it shortens the backspace key (I personally have gotten used to it and it does not really slow me down). Having said that this knob and the button immediately next to it give you great accessibility to switch connection type or turn the board off entirely as well as switch between Mac and Windows operating systems. You don’t find this on many compact keyboards and if they do have dial or knob it controls volume which is easily controlled through function keys. I prefer how it is used rather than to have to pick up the keyboard and turn it on from underneath (I don’t like to have to turn over the keyboard to turn it on or off and will often forget to turn it off) or side of board where it may not be obvious what you are switching to. Also, it looks kind of retro, like the knob on the end of a typewriter barrel. I called this keyboard eccentric because in general it looks nothing like most compact boards and the shorter backspace key may be a problem for some but I have to tell you the knob, incredible sound profile and typing experience make this a winner that will stand out as compared to other boards and something that I would not mind having sitting out on a coffee table or other common living space where a computer or device is used as it does not look like a standard office keyboard (blends well with home furnishings), especially in the lava brown and cream color pattern of the board I received. Because it so easy to use for various devices and operating systems this will be go to keyboard for any travel or couch use. I own about 15 or so compact keyboards and this one is by far the best typing experience and sound profile of them all. If I did not have so much productivity work, I could see this as a daily driver. Finally, the board feels very well built with no flex whatsoever and will be eye catching because you won’t find many that look quite like this one. The case itself is made of high-quality plastic, not metal but metal would interfere with Bluetooth and 2.4g. Now considering buying the ROYALAXE R100 or R108 I like this one so much.

I absolutely love this keyboard. Its got matte like finishing. The keys are soft and have a perfect sound. Low pitch key hits. The keys are customizable online with the software including lighting colors. It can be wired or wireless. I cant wait to change out the key caps down the line!

The tl;dr If you dont mind the layout, its an excellent board. A good buy for a gamer, a kid, or someone who likes to tinker. RGB: 5/5. Layout: 4/5. Build quality: 5/5. Nerd stuff: 5/5 The RGB: Any good gamer knows RGB improves your gaming performance by at least 7%. The backlight quality is high and there are a decent number of options available through the pre-programed keyboard options. The RoyaleAxe Driver is hard to find, only available to download from a website in Chinese and is actually not bad. It unlocks many more options, including adding custom function keys and custom RGB colors. It does ask for lots of network permissions, which is sus. For an RGB customization software, its fine. Nothing to write home about, but plenty to satisfy any RGB needs. The layout: Personally, Im not a fan of 68% layouts, and while this one isnt exactly a standard 68%, its close enough. Im old enough that I was being a curmudgeon trying a 68% because I want the function row, etc. However, upon using this keyboard, Im sold. Its very minimal, but I dont actually miss the function keys. I may be a 60%/68% user now. The two issues I have: the non-standard layout means keycaps are hard to find. Its sort of a 68%, but the mini backspace key is unusual, so youll have to improvise. Which leads to the mini backspace key. The keyboard controls (mac vs windows and connection type) take up a lot of the space the backspace key would normally take up, so this key is far too small. The build quality: I was extremely concerned about the build quality of this keyboard and I must say, Im impressed. It has a significantly higher build quality than keyboards twice its price (much better than the ASUS ROG Strix Flare Animate its replacing). There is no deck flex and the hot swappable switches are held in place well. The nerd stuff: The sound of the included switches and keycaps is nice. The Gateron Yellow are designed for a unique sound, and they have a good one. The included switches are 45G linear switches, so think Cherry MX Red as an equivalent. Gateron makes great switches, so no worries about longevity there. The switches are hot swappable! The included tools to remove the keycaps and switches are not great, but they get the job done. But any Cherry style switch can be swapped in to suit your personal preference. Since the included switches are really good, Im probably just going to leave them for now. Connectivity is abundant. You can use a USB-C cable, the included 2.4G adapter or Bluetooth. All your bases are covered depending on if youre going for convenience or minimum latency.

This is certainly the pinnacle of mechanical keyboards for my use. It has the layout that I prefer, which is to say, space-saving while maintaining full features. It even has excellent extras such as a rotary volume control. It looks great. It feels great. It sounds great. I have been tinkering with mechanical boards for several months and have had many that I enjoyed and many more that I didnt. This one is, for me, the best of the bunch!