Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, 104 Keys Hot-Swap Mechanical Keyboard w/Aluminum Base, Upgraded Socket and Noise Absorbing Foams, Quiet Linear Red Switch

I am a software developer. I have spent the last 25 years using rounded dome over membrane keyboards, common as low-cost reliable keyboards from the name brand PC and keyboard manufacturers. They work reasonably well, are lower profile, quieter, and a bit mushier than the keyboards I started out with in the early 80s. Since gaming and programming have brought inexpensive mechanical switches back to popularity, and since I longed for an illuminated keyboard (I need one for my recipe PC in the kitchen, and one for my workstation in my home office), I thought I would try this product. I selected Outemu Brown switches because they have a tactile feel, medium pressure, and otherwise do not attempt to be loudly clicky (like Blue switches) or have no bumpy tactile feedback (like Red switches, best for speed in gaming). They remind me of the Tektronix 4051, DEC VT102, IBM 3270, Ann Arbor Ambassador, and TVI 925 terminal keyboards I used as a college student back in the 1980s... more precise, less mushy, and a little more predictable. Once I got used to the taller height of the keytops above the desk (forcing proper floating arm position), I think I am typing faster and more accurately. Plus, I get all these great backlight patterns and colors. They are quickly accessible by pressing Fn + <key>, and the keys are clearly marked. Speed and brightness of the many patterns can be changed at the keyboard. Since I run Linux 24x7, I havent and probably wont try out the software that the manufacturer provides, or do any single key color programming. The aluminum case of this keyboard makes it quite heavy; it is a flat rectangular box and it comes straight down to the table side with a black anodized brushed texture; its not as easy to pick up the keyboard from the sides as a lighter plastic keyboard that are designed to narrow in width toward the table surface. Although it might have been nice for there to be a slight lip on the upper edge of the sides, I think this is fine overall. The weight helps it sit securely in my lap if I so desire. I think this is going to remain my workstation keyboard. For my kitchen recipe PC, which I often want to use quickly in the dark and which started me looking at illuminated keyboards, I may choose a lighter weight keyboard (plastic case) which is easier to lift up by the edges. USB 2.0, VID:PID = 0x0c45:0x5004. Vendor = Microdia, Manufacturer = SONiX, MaxPower = 400mA, HID class, Boot Interface subclass.

I always wanted a mechanical keyboard given how much they have grown in popularity with modern gaming. I dont game on my PC but I use my PC a lot, and Im also a sucker for LED lights. I bought from this brand as recommended by a friend and they were right. Redragon is a fantastic company, their products feel like very good medium-high uality products and it works phnomenally. Many friends who have come over have enjoyed using my PC, typing on the keys, and enjoying the product the way I do every day I use it. The change in lighting features is great and I mean it was just such a good purchase. Glad I bought it, its made working quite enjoyable.

After feeling the clicking keys of a display Razer keyboard at a chain technology store, I knew that I needed a tactile keyboard with pretty lights. So began a journey of researching mechanical keyboards, filled with hours of envious browsing of reddits r/MechanicalKeyboards, salivating at every post, imagining that only rich, elite typists were able to obtain such wonderful hardware. For seven months I tirelessly searched for the right keyboard, one that wasnt built like a McDonalds chicken nugget box, one that clicked as I typed for the most soothing intonation of righteous expression. I searched for the cheapest options, quickly learning that building my own keyboard would not, in fact, be the most affordable solution. I discovered the majik of a modular keyboard-- one whose switches could be swapped for a different type of switch for endless experimentation until I found the perfect switch, tactile and satisfying enough to make the stimming effect of a fidget spinner feel like harsh radio static in comparison. I had come a long way from idolizing that cheaply made Razer keyboard-- I now knew of Cherry switches of Gaterons and Outemus and Zealios, of reds and blues and greens and so on and so forth. This knowledge, however, only served to stoke that dull flame of desire within me. I needed my keyboard, and every day typing without that tactile feedback was a constant reminder that no-- I was not one of the rich typist elite. I was a broke college student with goals reaching far beyond their cobweb-addled bank account, typing on what felt no better than poking a rotting fruit too long left in the sun. My search queries became refined and at last, in the comments section of a youtube review of the Glorious Modular Mechanical Keyboard, I saw mention of this: get the redragon k556 devarajas, its the same exact keyboard but sturdier . Nonsense, I thought, surely theres no such thing. Thus began the third and final chapter of my quest to obtain a mechanical keyboard. By this time I knew that I needed Gateron Green switches to be satisfied-- this keyboard happens to come stock with Outemu Browns, a silent switch type with a subtle tactile bump and gentle actuation. I couldnt find proof of this keyboards modular function, but it had the pretty lights Id dreamed about, those months long ago. I decided to bite the bullet and take my chances, buying Gateron switches seperate from this keyboard (I bought them from Glorious PC Gaming Race, should anyone wonder). By the way, I was astounded at the price point of this thing-- its so cheap, how do they do it? I half expected to be gypped and wasnt sure whether to trust this keyboard with its nonexistent fanbase and lack of real documentation. Well, here is my review, to all other broke tactile fanatics: This keyboard is not a gyp. It is sturdy and feels like it ought to cost quite a bit more than it does. The Gateron switches didnt fit at first-- one of the pins are just a bit too wide, but with patience and resilience, I filed down all 104 switches and changed them out for that lovely clicky feeling I had so longed for, and they worked after all. It has an aluminum case with plate-mounted switches that can, indeed, be freely interchanged-- so long as youre willing to put the time into modifying them if you need to. I cant vouch for any switches other than the Gaterons and the included Outemus, which, as other reviews have stated, can be fragile at times. The rgb is pretty extensive with all sorts of default settings and is really pretty and bright, if you are into that. The keyboard in all came with a keycap and switch puller, some Outemu blue switches for standard click factor, and a software disc (which I havent bothered to use because I run Linux and its incompatible). As my first mechanical keyboard, its extremely satisfying and I would recommend it to anyone willing to pay over $30 dollars for a keyboard.

Pros: The keyboard is proper. It has a brushed aluminum look in black and feels great. It is made from some kind of metal and my favorite part is that its very lowkey. What I mean is that a lot of keyboards have their branding on display front and center where as this one has a very nice logo with matching color inserted into a very tiny space above the up arrow key. Its hardly noticeable and I like that. Ive been playing a few games here and there and all the keys are very responsive. The colors are awesome, so many options. From the top of my head I can remember maybe 10 or so options for lighting cycles and the entire RGB spectrum available. I dont mess around with that part much but its very nice to have in case I want to change the asthetic. The keys are superb, to be fair Ive never had a mechanical keyboard but my typing for work feels much faster and I make very few mistakes when typing in one go cause I feel like I hardly ever miss the correct key. Cons: Some very light dings on the corners where it seems the black paint was slightly scratched showing the bare silver metal under. For me, not a big deal cause after inspecting it, its only the paint itself, not the metal that was damaged. The keyboard is not light. Although I like the heaviness of it, I put it in the cons section cause that might not be for everyone. I personally like it because the weight keeps it from moving around. Conclusion: 10/10 honestly. I would buy a RedDragon again. Best price I could find for the full key arrangement I wanted which includes the numlock number keys for this price. I would probably get a different key setup as these browns are slightly louder than I had anticipated. But thats not a con, I just didnt do proper research into keys when I purchased. Still VERY happy with mine and wont be returning or exchanging. The noise is growing on me and kind of ASMR if Im being honest (weird as that sounds).

It is the best keyboard Ive ever had. Love the clickiness and love the colored lights. The price was great too. I consider this a win win for me. My first mechanical keyboard, dont think Ill ever go back to the old cheap ones I used to buy.