First Impressions, Royal Kludge F68

So I was taken by the idea of a foldable mechanical keyboard, when I first learned of the Royal Kludge F86, that I could use with my iPhone as a portable writing setup. I’m not sure where I first learned of the F86, so if it happened to be anyone reading this, linking to it once upon a time, my thanks.

Photo of Royal Kludge F68 mechanical keyboard unfolded and powered on

Granted, being a mechanical keyboard, even when folded, it’s not going to be as compact as other foldable keyboards, given it only folds the one way, and using mechanical switches, is thick. So if you’re looking for ultra-portability, this likely isn’t the keyboard for you.

I bought the black version on Amazon, where it was cheaper than direct from RK thanks to a 10% off coupon. Key text is white, with Functions in gray.

There is software available for it, but looks to be Windows-only (.exe). However, for remapping keys for use between Windows or macOS/iOS, this is handled on the keyboard itself. Fn+S gets you Mac layout; Fn+A is Windows. So in Mac mode, the Alt key becomes Command, Win key becomes Option. Ctrl remains Ctrl.

It uses “Low Profile Tactile Brown Switches,” to try and minimize key height. Sound seems to be typical for Brown switches. This has been a work-from-home week, so I’ll have to see next week when we’re in office if it’s too loud for some of my coworkers.

Photo of F68 keyboard with iPhone in device arms

As for how it feels: not as good as my NuPhy Air75, but better than my older Keychron K2, which also has brown switches. I’m no mechanical keyboard aficionado, after all; this is just the fourth one I’ve ever owned. For what I want to do, it does the job with the tactile feedback.

You can connect three different devices to the keyboard. Currently I have my iPhone and my PowerBook M4 Pro (Yes, I am committed to this bit). I will likely connect my work laptop when in the office next week. Switching is pretty seamless:

  • Device 1 – Fn+Q
  • Device 2 – Fn+W
  • Device 3 – Fn+E

When it’s flat on the desk, it feels like a typical mechanical keyboard. If you pick it up, there is a little inward flex from the two halves. I haven’t tried it on my lap, but given it’s a 60% size keyboard, I probably wouldn’t ever do that anyway. But if I did, I’m sure there’s going to be both inward and outward flex from the keyboard’s halves on such an uneven surface.

Keyboard is backlit, which is nice. Using Fn+\ you can cycle through the backlight settings, of which are three: on, slow pulse, and off. Fn+up or down arrows will adjust backlight intensity. There’s only about 4-5 settings. When you hit the max on Fn+Up arrow, the backlight flashes at you, as if to say, “I can’t go any higher!” If you Fn+Down arrow enough, the backlight will turn off.

It has two arms that fold flat against the top of the case to support your smartphone. Haven’t tried it as of yet with my iPad Air. The arms each have a dimple near the end, and that slots in to a notch on the casing, so they stay in place when folded.

Photo of F68 keyboard with device arms deployed

Photo of F68 keyboard with device arms stowed

The F68 charges via USB-C. It has a physical On/Off switch, which is rather stiff.

There is no carrying case for the keyboard, just a sleeve you slide the folded F68 in to. So there is minimal protection from being scratched or scuffed while in your bag, but that’s it. It’s a snug fit, but the sleeve does close all the way.

Photo of F68 keyboard folded with its carrying sleeve

Photo of F68 keyboard in sleeve with opening cinched closed

All in all, considering I’ve only had this a few days, I’m liking it. It does what I want it to do. Took it to Kid3’s lacrosse practice this past Thursday at the indoor facility, where they have tables and chairs, and used it there, so it’s fulfilling its purpose.

Time will tell if it sticks!

I am a big fan of the original, and this looks terrific. Can’t wait for mid-August.

I’ve stood outside a church in Kigali where this happened. Where the priest(s) abandoned to the mob those seeking safety.

It was sobering to drive past it every single day we went to the orphanage to see or pick up the little boy who would become our youngest son.

“April 13, 1994: Massacres stain Kigali churches”

I’m perfectly content with it being an age thing that I totally do not get the city/team name being printed upside down on caps.

Just looks stupid.

Dallas Stars caps with upside down 'Dallas'

The balancing act of buddy-comedy/action movie they’re trying to pull off with The Accountant 2 makes me wish we’d already had the second one and were working on the third. Love the chemistry I’m seeing so far in the trailers. Can’t wait for this one.

New Mac Day, and I practice what I preach.



I wouldn’t count on it, since it’s Boston, but the #4Nations championship game crowd should totally belt out “O, Canada” and show up the snooty Montrealans.

January has been short story/novella month for me. I started on novels, first with Shibumi, then Tom Wood’s latest Victor tome, Firefight. But since then it’s been:

Eleven Numbers: A Short Story – Lee Child
“Archangel” – Frederick Gero Heimbach
New Kid in Town: A Jack Reacher Story – Andrew Child
Orders of Magnitude – Yuval Kordov

All have been very entertaining. Frederick’s and Yuval’s respective stories are spectacular.

Regularly scheduled reading will now resume as I turn back to Jack London’s White Fang.

I’ve got our youngest reading the Junior Classic edition, and I’m reading along, but with the original big-boys-and-girls edition. 📚

I failed to mention it last week when we published, but there is a new episode of The Empowered Parent Podcast out. Our good friend Will Standfest was in town, and we had a chat about mid-school year check-ins, seeing if our kids’ educational needs are being met and what recalibrations might need to be made if any.

I thought it was pretty entertaining. Took me back to the Mack Bolan novels my grandfather used to share with me. 📚

x.com/bpardoe870/status…