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

In brief: Pro -Customizable switches and key caps; field replaceable with no need to solder -Comes with several blue switches to set for special keys/try out a different switch type -Feels and looks like good overall build quality. Nice metal base with the best risers I have seen (things to raise the back of the keyboard to give an angle) Con -minor rough spot on the chamfer on front of base, dosent look pretty and I smothed it out to ensure that I would accidentally get cut (unlikely it didnt feel sharp but better safe than bloody). -Backlighting, I didnt see a way to turn it off other than to dim it but likely just overlooked where it says how to do that. -Personal preference would have been to have a removable USB cable instead of an permanent cable Overall/Review I am having to do much more typing lately to update system documentation and after using a mechanical keyboard while visiting one of my remote offices I decided if I was going to be tortured I should at least be tortured in comfort. Thus I decided that I wanted a mechanical keyboard the problem is that I havent really used any keyboard other than what is on my laptop or comes standard with a computer when you order it from a company. Thus the journey of buying a mechanical keyboard began. Not having much experience with all the different aspects of a mechanical keyboard, particularly switch types, I decided that if I wanted one I had to find one that would allow me to change switch types fairly easily so that I could try out different types as the desire overcame me. This keyboard fit the bill and even provided some extra switches to use of a different color (user experience) than was on there which I love. By doing that it let me see that I was right to go for brown over blue switches because I think that the extra clicky noise would have been distracting for me and possibly my neighbors. Secondly the fact that the switches used are modeled after the Cherry MX, it opens up a world of keycaps to chose from for further customisation down the road. The overall construction of the keyboard is solid, and as I stated the only issue I had was a rough spot along the from chamfer that was smoothed out with a few gentle strokes of 600 grit sandpaper. The only other negative I have is that the cable provided, while seeming to be of high quality, permanently attached. This would have been nice so that I could transport it easier and unless I am mistaken will likely be the part that breaks first, years down the road. The weight of the keyboard is wonderful, its rubber(?) feet are very grippy, it is easier to lift it up and move it over trying to push it around your desk. Furthermore the feet, those things near the top of the keyboard that can be flipped out to raise it up if you want, are the most solid ones I have seen and if they get broken I think it will be due to someone trying to break them. The RGB is smooth, both in movement and color transitions and are easy to switch among the various presets and to turn off just dim completely. Not an overall fan for everyday usage, but it is useful for darker environments. Reason I gave only 4 stars is that I think having a replaceable USB connector in place of the permanent connection would have been nice and I dont care much for the key caps. I feel like the key caps are slightly narrower than I like and the font on them is somwehat distracting but the quality of the caps themselves so far seems excellent. The caps have no visible manufacturing marks visible and other than feeling slightly narrower and have a sharper edge that I like/am used to, feel very nice on the finger. I really like my purchase and feels so far feels like a solid keyboard which I can modify in the future should i get the itch to try a different switch.

I am a big fan of Redragon. I have their M901-k-2 mouse, and the gaming keypad too. For a mechanical keyboard, its been rock solid. No ghosting, no random key presses, nothing like that. Unlike the many Razor mice and keyboards that Ive had in the past. Had this for I think close to a year now, and its been rock solid and not failed me once. Would definitely recommend.

Working in a dark space, this is exactly what I needed. I have two computers and this keyboard makes working with the other one seem like a let down. I really dont understand why you would have the flashing or rolling rainbow colors.All I want is one color backlight. I dont use for gaming, so I cant comment on that.

I have been using this keyboard since 2017, so I think its fitting that I leave a review for it. This review is for the original listing with standard OTEMU Brown switches. I am aware of the fact that they now come with OTEMU BOX Browns, but the experience is basically identical. Lets go over the basic parameters first: Unboxing Experience: So the box itself is alright, it serves its purpose of holding the keyboard itself. In the box, it comes with the keyboard itself, a keycap puller, a keyswitch puller, and ten extra key switches in a different variant. Since my keyboard used gateron browns, they gave me gateron blues to try out. Box itself doesn’t come with very much, other than these items. The most useful to me were the extra switches in the box. Both the keycap and key switch puller broke after a few uses. the key switch puller in particular broke the clips on some of my key switches. Serviceable, but I would rather buy my own toll in this case. Looks: This keyboard is so damn sturdy. Up until that point, I was used to cheap plastic keyboards. So the mostly metal construction is excellent! I couldn’t feel very much flexing while typing. The keycaps are okay. they are double shot, so they won’t wear out as much as ABS. The font itself is much more of the “gamer” aesthetic. I used them for about two years before replacing them for better looking keycaps. the lighting itself is good, though controls are basic. Changing color profiles without software is a nice touch, though some savvy hackers have found a way to change colors without official software. The all black design makes it fit in with most builds, though it does stand out on a lighter colored desk. the only real downside is the the secondary function keys have their labels printed on as opposed to part of the injection mold. So eventually those legends will wear away, which I have somewhat done in those two years of using the keyboard. There is a Small Red Dragon Logo above the Arrow keys and a sticker on the back detailing the keyboard information. Its very minimal, and actually decent all things considered. Feel: This keyboard won’t win any rewards for being different. The keys themselves are fine for typing, better than membrane keyboards in all regards. There is rattle and wobble on both the key switches and stabilizers, but they are not deal-breakers at this price point. The metal reinforced backplate and metal frontplate do a good job of keeping the board stable while typing, though there is no padding behind the keyboard so it does sound a bit hollow. No lube anywhere, so scratching noises will be common. Features: So this board has hotswap capabilities, but only for OTEMU Switches. Do not try to use Gateron, Cherry, Kalih, or other brands. The pins wont fit the post mounts. This is good for interoperability between different OTEMU brand switches, but you have to desolder the pins if you want anything else. This WAS a selling point back in 2017, however they recently removed it since its only really applicable to OTEMU brand switches. Again, the RGB is a nice touch, including the preset profiles. The design is held in by multiple screws, which makes dis-assembly for modding a breeze. The USB cable itself is connected to the board using a 5-pin header, so if you break the cable, you can easily replace it using a soldering iron. The keycaps are OEM profile, so you can buy an aftermarket set and put them on the keyboard no problem. the stabilizers are plate mounted, so you can replace them with cherry OEMs once they break. Honestly, if you want to use this board as a cheap base for your next keyboard, then this might be for you. Even still, this is a surprisingly reparable keyboard. Downsides: Honestly, I only have two downside for this board. That being a non-removable USB cable. If they had just added a removable port, either USB-Micro B or USB Type-C, it would make this keyboard so much better. Like, they could’ve done it so easily too. The piece that holds the wire in place is not a through hole permanently attached to the chassis, its a rubber piece that holds the cable in place. there is enough clearance to put in a female USB Type C Header in there. The other reason is the OTEMU-only hotswap sockets. I know that kalih brand switches (or similar) are more expensive to implement, but this would allow you to use ANY switch possible. Right now, you can only use OTEMU switches. Yes, they have good variants such as the reds and blacks, but it sucks that its only these brand switches and nothing else. There is also the minor downside of some of the screws losing their paint over time, though, you won’t be able to see them from the top of the keyboard. Verdict: Overall, a good keyboard for the time. Back in 2017, when there were not very many cheap mechanical keyboards on the market, this would have been the no-brainer choice. But nowadays, there is a lot of competition in this market. I would hope that Redragon would be keen to revise this board, with the possibility of a removable cable. Its still a good keyboard, but its becoming harder to stand out with so many competitors.

I bought this keyboard because the one that came with my new PC had a weird problem with the space bar. I knew I wanted a mechanical keyboard eventually anyway, so after a TON of research, (learning about the dizzying array of features that modern keyboards can come with), I settled upon this keyboard from Red Dragon. I wanted a wired, full sized keyboard with backlit keys. After about two weeks of use, Im happy to say that I made a good decision. I was also surprised with how quickly the keyboard arrived after placing the order. The keyboard feels solid and well made, but still sleek and modern looking. While its a full sized keyboard, it doesnt take up a lot of real estate on my desk at all. It feels nice to type on, I enjoy typing and Im pretty quick. I havent had any problems with hitting the wrong keys or anything like that. Its also very satisfying, I like to hear the keys being pressed, so there is definitely a satisfying clicking sound, but I wouldnt say this keyboard is too loud at all. All the keys light up, there arent any dud keys. Backlit keys were important for me, as I like to use my computer in the dark. If you like to have cool lighting effects, this keyboard has a lot of different modes, and its easy to switch through them all. I prefer to have one solid color constantly, and I found the mode for that. You can also change the static color. I saw someone write in a review that they wanted a keyboard where you couldnt see lighting coming from underneath the keys, they just wanted the characters on the keys lit up. If that is something you are looking for, this keyboard is not for you. All the keys are raised up and there isnt any housing around the keys to stop the light from spilling out. This isnt a problem for me at all. Honestly, it looks pretty cool like this and its probably a way to keep the price down. As for some reviewers mentioning a ringing sound similar to a chain link fence being hit, I can definitely hear what they are talking about, but its honestly not very noticeable at all. While youre typing, you really have to be intensely listening for it to hear it at all. I brought my wife into the room to ask if she heard anything odd, and she said no. I then told her theres a ringing sound which she still couldnt hear. Then I hit the backspace and enter key harder than I normally would, and then she heard it faintly. I would never be hitting those keys that hard during normal use. She laughed and told me that its a silly complaint and one that she would never even notice. The only drawback on this keyboard is that there are no buttons to change your computer volume, or open up a browser, etc. But for me, Ive had keyboards with buttons like that in the past, and I never used them as much as I thought I would. My audio interface is always right in front of me, and it has a volume dial for that anyway.

The build quality is nice. I accidentally spilled water on it and it still works perfectly. It seems pretty tough, could probably handle falling off the average desk height. Its really easy to clean. Some reviews criticized the font choice on the keys themselves. It is kind of weird looking but I like it, not for everyone though.

I picked this keyboard based on the reviews amazing quality for the price. Aluminum base with semi clicky mechanical keys. I got the brown keys version really good compromise for gaming and general use IMO. Going to keep an eye on this brand.

I really like this keyboard, I pressed it about 2 years ago and it’s worked fine until recently. About 6 month to a year ago the F key stopped registering all the time. It was find with me because I used that key a lot. About 2 months ago the left shift key and D key started doing the same thing. Now the D key has stopped working. I generally love this key board and thinking of buying another. It was definitely worth the price.

I am new to mechanical keyboards and wanted a cheaper one to make sure I liked this type of keyboard. This keyboard has a metallic base and is pretty hefty. It over all seems pretty sturdy and I love the sound of the brown switches. Compared to other brown switches I have heard it might be a little louder due to the key caps, but I tend to like the click they make. The lighting on the keyboard is very nice and there is a variety of color choices as well as RGB. I have had another redragon keyboard and in general I love them. They are an affordable and sturdy option for a beginner. I wish it was a little more intuitive, but I think over all it is very worth the money.

Overall a good buy for the price. Its a responsive keyboard with some fun little lighting options, though I typically just keep it on the default static rainbow setting. However, after about 2 months of heavy daily use doing messaging and gaming, I started to have a strange issue where the H key sometimes wouldnt register and I would have to press it multiple times. Im not sure exactly what the problem is, whether it is mechanical or electrical. It is slightly annoying sometimes realizing that I left an H out of a word and having to fix it. I would say if I am constantly typing, it happens maybe once every 50 words with an H in it. Personally its not enough to make me want to replace it immediately, but it is something that would really start to bother me if it got worse or extended to other keys. Something else to mention is that while gaming I had the A key pop out a couple times. The way I have my fingers set on the keys is odd as they press down on the left edge of the key instead of the center when I am set up for WASD movement in games, so maybe most people wont ever run into this. I imagine pressing on the edge somehow popped the key out, but I was able to press it back in. Again, this has only happened a couple times since I got it, but it is a bit strange that I would be able to do something like that accidentally when there is a dedicated tool for removing keys from mechanical keyboards.