Mechanical keyboards are all the rage now, proving to be the favoured experience for both typing and gaming by many people.
However, the best mechanical keyboards often don’t come cheap, with most models from well-known brands usually selling for $100 or more.
But not everyone wants (or can afford) to spend hundreds on a keyboard, especially when they have other peripherals and components to buy.
Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly mechanical keyboards on the market that will give you a satisfying typing experience for less than $100.
Redragon is a company that is most known for their budget mechanical keyboards, which often offer a decent value for the price.
Although they won’t always be quite as good as more expensive products, they can offer great value for the investment.
Most other brands would offer a “mechanical-feel” or membrane style keyboard, but instead Redragon offers true mechanical switches.
If you do end up with a keyboard that doesn’t quite meet your wants or needs, these Redragon mechanical keyboard mods can help improve what you’ve got.
Picking a good Redragon keyboard can be tough with all the various switches, features, and styles to consider.
If you’re looking for the best Redragon keyboard for your personal preferences and needs, you’ve come to the right place.
To help you out, we’ve rounded up our top 10 picks for the best Redragon keyboards in 2023.
We will talk about the unique features of each model to figure out which may be the best keyboard for you, based on your budget and preferences.
About Redragon
Created in 2012 Redragon brand has already earned a great popularity among gamers all over the world.
Redragon is a computer hardware company from China that manufactures high quality computer peripherals and accessories that include gaming mouse, gaming keyboards (membrane & mechanical), headphones, soundbox and mouse pad.
All Redragon products feature excellent performance, perfect ergonomics, fantastic design and spotless convenience in use.
High customization and underlined specialization of each product in various game types (such as MMORPG, FS/TRS, RTS or Action/Adventure) provides gamers with a significant competitive advantage in each game.
It is mostly famous for its value for money (VFM) gaming mouse and mechanical keyboards. Their products are of good quality and are relatively cheaper than the bigger brands like Corsair, SteelSeries, Logitech and Razer. Overall it is a pretty good company and you can surely trust its products.
Why are Redragon Keyboards so cheap?
Keep in mind, Redragon keyboards will use cheaper parts and don’t have quite the same amount of software support, but they get you 80% of the way there for half the cost.
Redragon cuts the cost of their boards by using a cheaper clone switch.
Instead of opting for a reputable switch brand such as Cherry MX or Gateron, Redragon opts for Outemu switches.
Often marketed as “Cherry MX feel”, Outemu switches fall into the department of ok for the price, but they don’t last quite as long as Cherry MX switches.
Plus, For a cheaper keyboard, you can’t expect perfect stabilizers. Expect the larger keys to rattle and shake a bit more than an expensive board.
If your budget is stuck at around $50 and can’t be pushed higher at all, Redragon mechanical keyboards can be a really good pick. The fact that you can get all of the features of a higher-end board is awesome.
10 Best Redragon Keyboards to Buy in 2024
There are quite a few factors that we considered when selecting the various keyboards within this guide. Features like Size, build quality, switch types, RGB backlighting, Price, and overall design were key when deciding our choices.
1. Redragon K552 Kumara
Coming in at just under $40, the Redragon K552 is arguably the cheapest good mechanical Gaming keyboard that you can pick up.
The K552 Keyboard is a 87-key ten-keyless compact design that has no separate number pad on the right side. The case is entirely ABS plastic but it’s thick and rigid, the keyboard is very well constructed.
The keycaps are also ABS double shot, they’re stable and can let the RGB backlight shine through, but they will get slippery by finger oils at some point.
The switches on the K552 are Outemu – Cherry MX clones, which comes in three switch types: Blue clicky, Brown tactile, and Red linear.
Each switch will present both a different feeling and sound profile, depending on your preference of sound and feel.
Plate-mounted mechanical keys and switches are durable, even during heated gaming sessions and repeated rapid presses.
Additionally, full N-key rollover, and anti-ghosting technology on the K552 Keyboard helps provide an accurate gaming experience.
K552 Keyboard features 19 different lighting effects, as well as 2 different game modes, and 6 different individual colors.
Using the driver software, you can define your RGB customization settings easily to match your personal aesthetic needs.
A couple of things you have to deal with due to the low price; the pop-up feet do not have rubber on them and the cable is non-detachable.
2. Redragon K530 Pro Wireless
Redragon K530 Pro Draconic keyboard is very compact, has a solid build quality and offers excellent wireless connectivity options, making it a great travel companion.
The K530 Pro keyboard has three different switch options to choose from— Red Liner, Blue clicky, or Brown tactile. Furthermore, the Outemu switches are easy to swap out with the hot-swappable sockets.
The K530 has a 60% layout (total 61 keys) with a high-profile ABS plastic case. It is available in black or white color schemes with a detachable USB-C cable.
Users have the option of connecting to the keyboard in one of three ways — USB-C wired, Bluetooth 5.0, or using the 2.4 GHz wireless receiver.
The wireless connections offer upgraded, no latency connections and it’s easy to toggle between 3 wireless devices via the side switch.
With rainbow LED RGB backlighting on the Redragon K530 Keyboard, you can type or game regardless of the light in the room. You can customize the RGB backlighting and set macros to any key using the dedicated software.
The K530 comes packed with a 3000 mAh battery, allowing the keyboard to run for 10 hours straight with RGB on, longer with RGB off.
This keyboard is perfect for gamers who enjoy a compact layout that’s packed with features, but the 60% layout may be off-putting to those who enjoy typing on a larger sized keyboard.
3. Redragon K582 Surara
Redragon K582 is a comfortable, budget-friendly full size mechanical Gaming keyboard.
The K582 Keyboard is high quality with a sturdy build. The keys have also passed the “50 million times keystroke test.” The double-shot injection molded ABS keycaps are dustproof, waterproof, and do not fade even on prolonged use.
The Outemu Red switches make for a quiet and quick keyboard, which is much appreciated after long hours typing away. It’s hot-swappable, so you can replace the stock switches with any other ones you prefer.
The K582 features N-key rollover, 100% anti-ghosting and all its keys are macro-programmable, allows the user to have the most accurate and smooth experience while playing games.
It comes with 6 backlight themes and 18 backlight modes. The Per-Key RGB effects are incredible and are vastly customizable which is fantastic.
Overall, the K582 is a solid buy for the price and is great for someone looking for a budget full sized mechanical keyboard.
4. Redragon k556
The Redragon K556 is a solid mechanical gaming keyboard with all the gaming necessities at a very affordable price.
It comes in two switches types, Red Liner & brown tactile switches. Also, the board is hot-swappable, so you can always swap out the switches if you prefer a different feel.
With the 100% anti-ghosting, you will be able to push many keys without any of them conflicting with each other.
The body of this keyboard is made from a brushed aluminum and has battle-tested durability. The key caps are Doubleshot ABS.
It feature a non-removable braided USB cable with gold platting. The USB plug has a cap for protection when the keyboard is not inserted or used.
It has RBG lighting with 18 backlid modes, and you can have a different color for each key via the software.
The LED’s are bright and easy to use. The patterns are very vibrant and perfect for adding color to any desk.
The Redragon K556 full size Mechanical Keyboard is a really nice option for gamers and writers alike.
5. Redragon k630
Redragon K630 is an excellent budget compact keyboard for gaming.
It takes a little getting used to because it’s 60%, but when you do it’s practical, portable and efficient.
K630 keyboard comes with removal Otemu mechanical switches in 3 different variants: blue, red, and brown. So you can change keys any time with a key puller.
The Outemu switches are responsive without any lag and delays. Plus, they are Made to last with up to 50 million keypresses.
The K630 board comes with full N-key rollover (NKRO), which means you can register multiple key presses at the same time.
The K630 Wired keyboard come in two color variants black and white, Its plastic chassis feels sturdy and doesn’t flex at all. the ABS keys are comfortable to press.
It has no multicolored RGB but only a single LED-backlit. but it is also loaded with 19 different light patterns to make the backlighting look more lively.
The K630 looks good and feels solid, is slim enough to easily slip into a bag for travel, and the removable cable aids in its impressive portability.
6. Redragon K596 Wireless
The Redragon K596 is a fantastic value for a wireless TKL mechanical gaming keyboard, cramming in many of the features you’d expect from a much more expensive design.
You get a tenkeyless layout (87 Keys) with a few added extras. These include a trendy dedicated metal volume wheel, media keys, and 10 programmable macro keys.
The Outemu Red Liner switches feel good, responsive and are very quiet, which are a good fit for most gaming scenarios and typing.
It has 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, as well as a USB-C to USB-A cable. It’s instantly responsive in either mode, and it feels natural overall.
However, it doesn’t support bluetooth. This means that it’s not going to connect to multiple machines on its own.
In addition to the 18 RGB modes for the main keys, there are 5 modes of RGB side edge lighting. they will dazzle up your desktop!
The K596 keyboard comes with a plastic wrist rest that attaches and detaches magnetically, and it greatly improved the keyboard’s feel.
It has up to 10 hours of wireless game time. furthermore, It offers insane battery life when the backlit function is turned off.
7. Redragon K585 DITI
The Redragon K585 DITI is a tiny one-handed mechanical keyboard that was created with gamers in mind.
The K585 keyboard gets rid of those extra keys and keeps the most useful ones in a slim & portable package. It was much more convenient and ergonomic than the standard 2 handed keyboards.
The Redragon K585 has three switch options to choose from: Red Liner, Blue clicky, and Brown tactile, both from Outemu. The keys feels comfortable and responsive.
The keyboard is compatible with a few other switches, as the hot-swap socket makes swapping switches easy.
5 RGB backlit modes are selectable with 16.8 Million Colors. Pattern of light is complimentary to the gaming look.
Being a 2.4GHz Wifi wireless keypad, there is a 3000 mAh battery built-in, which supports up to 20 hours of runtime with RGB backlight on.
The macro keys are easy to use/reach, and the USB Pass-through allows you to connect your mouse, headset, or other USB device.
The wrist rest is rather comfortable. It’s detachable through the use of magnets.
8. Redragon S101
The Redragon S101 Wired Gaming Keyboard and Mouse Combo is an affordable and high-performance gaming accessory set.
Keys feel responsive and sturdy and the mouse is comfortable in your hand. However, both look very cheap and plastic-y.
It is not mechanical keyboard, this is a simple membrane keyboard. So the keys are very soft and quiet when pressed, pressing is almost not felt by the user.
The RGB lighting is fine, which features 7 different lighting modes and effects and four brightness levels. The built-in comfortable wrist rest ensures you can withstand the longest gaming sessions.
The keyboard also has 25 anti-ghosting keys, 12 multimedia keys, and a total of 114 keys. The mouse comes with 6 buttons, 5 of which are programmable.
The mouse is smooth and good for any size hand. It also has adjustable DPI levels, ranging from 800 to 2,400, which is great for gamers who need quick and precise movements.
Its design and performance make it one of the best keyboards for everyday work and the best gaming keyboards for intense gaming sessions.
7 Things to Consider When Buying a Redragon Keyboard
Redragon offers a wide range of models, but the differences are very subtle. This can be confusing, especially for beginners.
We thought it should be easier to figure out, so we’ve compiled this guide to help you navigate basic keyboard features, and help you decide which keyboard is best for you.
We’ve outlined the most important things you should consider before purchasing a keyboard.
What size of keyboard do I need?
The most common Redragon keyboard sizes are Full-Sized (104 key), TKL (87 key), and 60% (68 key). Each size is unique with different features.
If you want a gaming keyboard with many media buttons, macro keys, etc., you’ll opt for a full-size one by default.
Tenkeyless (TKL) is a keyboard that lacks the right-hand number pad. Most people don’t use the number pad heavily, so they are able to get rid of the extra baggage without it impacting their typing too much.
A 60% keyboard is a common “compact” layout. It omits the numpad, arrow keys, and function row. This makes the keyboard more compact and easier to take on the go.
Membrane or Mechanical Keyboard?
Membrane Keyboard: A keyboard on which all the keycaps are mounted on a membrane sheath; when a key is pressed, a rubber dome depresses and pushes against the sheath and PCB beneath, actuating the key.
Membrane keyboards are usually less expensive than other types due to their materials, and their construction makes them comparably quiet, too.
Mechanical Keyboard: A keyboard built around individual switches for each key rather than a membrane sheath mounted on a PCB. There are many types of switches to choose from.
Each mechanical keyboard switch gives a different level of tactile and audio feedback, and which switches are best is a purely personal preference.
Which Mechanical Switch Should You Get?
The three main types of mechanical keyboard switches are — Linear, Tactile, and Clicky.
Most companies will label these switches in terms of color, with Red being linear, Brown being tactile, and Blue being clicky.
Linear: These switches move straight up and down without any tactile feedback or clicking noise. This simplicity allows for more rapid actuation, making them the preferred switch for gamers. These switches will generally give you the fastest actuation.
Tactile: These switches give a noticeable “bump” to let you know it’s been pressed. People who type a lot with great speed will value the feedback given to let them know a key has been pressed. This does not mean they are fast switches, but they give immediate feedback.
Clicky: These switches give a loud click sound rather than a bump, to let you know it has been pressed. People should go for clicky switches if they desire or like the sound of a successful keypress. These are the loudest types of switches.
Wired or Wireless?
Whether or not your keyboard is wired or wireless is a personal preference, and each type has its pros and cons.
Wired keyboards limit your distance range, but you’ll never search for batteries or worry about input lag.
Most keyboards use either 2.4GHz Wifi or Bluetooth technology for wireless connectivity. They need battery power to operate.
Wireless keyboards let you type while lounging on the couch, and you’ll never get tangled in that pesky cord.
However, Wireless keyboards can have slight lag and latency issues resulting in slower or sometimes missed keystrokes. This making them unreliable for competitive gamers.
Macro keys and Media Keys
Most keyboards come with various macro keys and media keys except travel keyboards. Similar to keyboard shortcuts, these keys allow you to perform tasks quickly.
Media keys, which include tasks like volume and video control, are invaluable if you use your keyboard in the living room to control your media system.
Macro keys let you complete specific tasks by pressing a combination of buttons, and many keyboards replace these combinations with one-touch buttons. If you’re a gamer, these hotkeys can save you time.
N-key rollover and Anti-ghosting
When you shop for a gaming keyboard—you probably see features on the box like “N-Key Rollover” or “Anti-Ghosting”. It is common for NKRO keyboards to feature anti-ghosting.
N-key rollover refers to a keyboard with no limit at all, i.e., you could theoretically press all keys at once. And then every single key you press is registered as a separate input.
N Key rollover is actually decided by the interface on the host machine, not the keyboard. Usually, Cheaper Membrane keyboards don’t have unlimited N-key rollover.
Anti-ghosting ensures that all the keys you press are registered and executed, regardless of how many keys are pressed at the same time.
Backlit Keyboard
A backlit keyboard is a type of computer keyboard with illumination behind the keys to make them more visible in low-light conditions.
There are several types, ranging from those with single color illumination to those with RGB lighting that allows you to customize the color of each key.
The RGB keyboard refers to an advanced type of LED backlit keyboard, which produces custom colors by projecting simultaneous combinations of red, green, as well as blue.
RGB keyboard allows you to choose the specific favorite colors and program to appear on certain keys or in special sequences.
The changeable RGB backlight makes the keyboard look cool and brings you more fun in playing games.
Conclusion
So, that wraps up this guide on the best Redragon keyboard in 2024, giving you a wide range of choices that will hopefully suit you well.
Most Redragon keyboards are good enough to satisfy almost everyone, and the differences are often subtle unless you look for them.
Using a keyboard is, of course, down to subjective experience and personal preference. Before making your selection, be sure to understand your key switch preferences.
Due to their decent quality, low-prices, and high availability, Redragon has become a brand people trust.
If you’re looking for budget products or your first gaming keyboard, Redragon can be a great entryway into gaming peripheral products.
Just keep in mind, while it’s good for the price, their products won’t replace the experience of higher-end option.
