Royal Kludge R65 firmware (Wired ISO version)

Overview

The Royal Kludge R65 is a 66-key RGB backlit mechanical keyboard with hot-swappable switches, gasket mount, and knob volume control. This firmware targets the wired ISO-layout version (VID:PID 342d:e480).

I acquired this from MercadoLibre.com.ar and noticed RK's official software is no longer maintained. Based on @sdk66's initial firmware, this remaps both the ISO layout and RGB matrix against recent QMK documentation.

Special thanks to @sdk66, @NieblaDev, and @iamdanielv for the collaboration.

Important This branch is for the wired ISO version only. Do not flash on wireless models or if unsure.

---

Quick start

Setting up

qmk setup

Place the rk/r65 folder into qmk_firmware/keyboards/.

Compile

qmk compile -j 0 -kb r65 -km iso

-j 0 enables parallel compilation threads.

Flash

1. Open QMK Toolbox as Admin.
2. Load the compiled .bin file.
3. Enter bootloader mode (see below).
4. Click Flash, then Exit DFU.

Enter bootloader mode

Option	Method
Preferred	Press Fn+Shift+Esc
Reset switch	Hold the reset switch under the space bar while plugging in
Escape key	Hold Esc while plugging in (clears settings)

---

Features

• Boot animation — Rainbow sweep on startup.
• VIA support — Real-time keymapping via usevia.app.
• 43 RGB animations — All built-in QMK effects + PaletteFx suite.
• PaletteFx — 16 palettes, 6 effects (Gradient renamed to Interference).
• Mac layout — Automatic Mac/Windows layer switching with status LED.
• Knob — Volume control with factory encoder map.
• QMK bootloader — Fn+Shift+Esc to enter flash mode.

RGB matrix and keymap are adapted for QMK's 11/2024 keycode deprecation changes. Always check QMK docs for the latest.

---

Known issues

None yet. Open an issue if you find one.