Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Aluminum Base, 104 Standard Keys

https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K552-Mechanical-Keyboard-Equivalent/dp/B016MAK38U

Friend has this

Heres a full size

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01NAI2TXC/ref=sspa_mw_detail_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Mechanical keyboards last a long time and feel nicer to use (I've used mine heavily for 12 years). They're $50-150

Rubber dome keyboards are $20-60. They don't last very long. This is your average keyboard.

If you plan on using a computer for the foreseeable future, it's usually worth it to get a mechanical.

https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=mechanical+keyboard&qid=1588291429&sr=8-3

This one is $65.

If you don't mind slightly less clicky but better tactility than Razer Green switches, I would consider this keyboard or an MX Blue version: https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC/

Razer does make better keyboards now than they have in the past because they use better optical switches and improved their boards overall, but most (mechanical keyboard) enthusiasts don't like Razer's older switches, nor the membrane keyboards they've made. I don't think they are worth the premium, regardless, and if you are trying to save money I think not going Razer would save some bucks.

Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Aluminum Base, 104 Standard Keys https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_EjoCEbENR5PHK

Ctrl + W for the Win! Although, I have a clicky mechanical keyboard, so I have to listen for my mom when she's walking. Luckily, she's a heavy walker.

Redragon K556

I'm new to mechanical keyboards, and the other night I got drunk and ordered one on Amazon. But it's time I got one anyway, so I'm keeping it! But I would like to go all in and get some cool custom keys for it. I like the switches I have. Just want new caps. I tried reading the wiki to find ones that would fit. But im kinda lost. This is the board. Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Aluminum Base, 104 Standard Keys https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_P80iEb8P83B8J

Any advice on were to look for new caps would be appreciated. Thanks.

100% I'd recommend trying them. The downside is that they tend to either 1) be more pricey or 2) be completely sold out 90% of the time on models that give a Brown option for a good price. The Redragon K556 is super solid for the price though and will give you Brown switches. I don't think they're Cherrys, but damn they feel nice. I think most of the market is catching up to Cherry in terms of quality at this point

https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC if this is the same kb u have im not sure any other switch would fit they look really short like they r outmeu low pro switches ( which means u can only use outmeu low pro switches in it ) one of the questions on amazon states other switches didnt look like they fit due to the pins being different

Razer and Corsair are better in name recognition only...

full size red dragon

https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=Redragon&qid=1592557511&s=electronics&sr=1-5

I dunno this got good reviews on Amazon and is on sale for $55.

Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Aluminum Base, 104 Standard Keys https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_LypxFb1DQA8PE

I got this for Christmas and love it! Price is good too.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_oVopEbVQ512B5

Edit: there is also like a billion color patterns.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_-.8pFb6JSRDH8

I've been using this from Redragon for a couple months, it's definitely good enough and within your price range, RGB is controlled in an app and can be set to anything you like

Hello, and welcome to the community!

I don't think you'd be able to get anything custom in that price range. You could try lurking on eBay to see if any older models of a Corsair show up with brown switches that are cheap enough.

There are also a bunch of lower-end mechanical keyboards listed on Amazon that fit your requirements, like this. If you just search 'rgb mechanical keyboard' and sort by price, you'd see there are a decent amount of results. You probably won't get actually Cherry MX switches, and most of the listings seem to be blue or red equivalents, but those certainly beat your membrane keyboard!

Update: found this guy with brown switches! Now hopefully that ships to Canada...

The only think I can really find is this keyboard it has rgb it has brown switches mostly outemu brown switches which are a bit stiffer louder and a little less tactile. It’s full size and has rgb and is even hotswap but it’s probably only for outemu switches.

Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Aluminum Base, 104 Standard Keys https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_-PT.Eb51YSFM5

Redragon makes good, cheap peripherals. This one would be less than $60 after coupon.

Hi, pretty much all modern mechs have 6kro or nkro, so if you find one you like better then go for it, but this Redragon board should fit the bill.

Sooooo..... my mechanical keyboard appears to be completely dead, and I can't find a similar replacement, especially since I am now on a budget.

It was a CM Storm Trigger Z, the older model that had a mini-USB plug instead of s full size USB-B.

I had some coffee splash (not outright spill) on it so I decided instead of just wipe it to take off all the keys and just completely clean it since it had been a while anyway. (No, I didn't dunk it in water or anything). Something I had done several times before over the years with no issues.

After all was said and done and I waited a few hours for the keys to dry before plugging them back into the keyboard and plugged it in....... and nothing. The status leds would turn on but no backlight, and my PC would not recognize it. Then it just completely went dead.

I would understand a key or two being unresponsive if fluid got in, but the entire keyboard appears to be completely dead now and showing no signs of getting power.

Going to see if maybe there is some fluid left in it by leaving it disconnected overnight, but I don't have much hopes for that, seems likely that it's dead, issue is I really liked it's design and when trying to find a replacement that is similar.... I can't find one. Cooler Master still lists the keyboard (at least the newer model) on their site as still being sold, but it's listed as discontinued in every retailer I can find.

Main parts that I liked was that it had Cherry MX Red switches, almost nothing seems to use Red switches anymore (even back then it was hard to get that model in Red), that the USB cable was detachable, and that it had macro keys.

Every one I see nowadays in keyboard guides and recommendations has just about every type of switch EXCEPT Red, none seem to have macro keys, and most don't have a detachable USB cable either.... and they tend to cost an arm and a leg, my old keyboard was $120, a lot of the recommended ones seem to be in the $200 range nowadays...

So.... first of all I am on a budget right now, so I can't go for those $200 top of the line models, as much as I would want one. If I can keep it under $100 that would be helpful. The most important part for me are the Cherry Red switches, second most important a detchable cable (this one seems to be the hardest to get out of all of them), and least are the dedicated macro keys.

Any suggestions on what I can try?

I had someone recommend the "G.SKILL RIPJAWS KM780R" for me, it was still a little expensive, but not too bad at $90. I also noticed that there is a non-RGB variant for $65:

https://www.amazon.com/G-SKILL-RIPJAWS-KM780R-Mechanical-Keyboard/dp/B0186W6PQ6/

Anyone have any opinions about either the RGB or non-RGB of that keyboard?

Also, I was trying to find some on my own and RTINGS of all places recommended a Red Dragon keyboard. I always assumed those were TOO cheap to not be a ripoff or scam, but they appear to be decent. Issue is, the one they recommended (which they didn't give great reviews for) has no numberpad:

https://www.rtings.com/keyboard/reviews/redragon/k552-rgb

However, there appears to be a variant that does:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAI2TXC/

Any advice or opinion on any of that? Rtings didn't have reviews on the numberpad model, I am not sure if it's exactly like the K552 or if it's different. There was some complaints on the K522 that the spacebar was a little "wobbly" and it doesn't have (dedicated) macro keys... but it's pretty cheap.... though almost worryingly TOO cheap...

The main difference is going to be build quality, for obvious reasons.

From personal experience, this keyboard and others from Redragon are good keyboards, they just cannot be used with switches other than their own or outemu switches. The way they allow hotswapping is by soldering a small metal cone into the contact holes for the pcb that is too small to fit most standard switches.

For hotswap, I recommend something that has the same Kailh hotswap sockets like this PCB, which allows any switch other than optical or analog, as those require special PCBs to function.

>get the i3 10100 or 9100kf instead (back and forth with the 3100, usually winning, but is significantly cheaper)

As of right now that isn't true. The CPU's are the same price. As for the Intel platform, its basically dead right now. AMD's upgradeability and that fact that you need a Z series board to run good ram speeds makes it unappealing to build intel. As for the build, wait for black friday if you can. Prior generation CPU's and GPU's are expected to be great deals with the new generation being launched around that time. I would also point you toward reddragon for your periphrials as i have a K556 Devarjas that is amazing value for money https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC/

What's your budget? Go to r/MechanicalKeyboards and check out the wiki. It's isn't crazy up to date but it's got what you're looking for on any budget. If you don't need RGB don't go after the big OEMs; Havit Mech and Redragon get middle of the road reviews for less than $60. Might start there with Brown switches. They provide way more tactility than a regular old keyboard but aren't stupid loud or different.

idk, maybe something like this?

https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC

Here’s a few

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016MAK38U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_khKwEb5D9R1X2

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_hiKwEbY78XW8F

Here's a resource, you can scroll down to the GIFs if you'd like - basically as long as they're copying the mechanics of one of these types of Cherry keys, then yes. There are some labeled "membrane keyboard", don't buy those.

I have the Redragon Brown here and love it so far, been using it for two and a half years with no problems. Great starter keyboard, feels much more substantial than the Logitech G15 I was using for a long while.

Brown switches are ideal for mixed use, so you're on the right track there.

If you'd like wireless and don't mind a smaller layout, the RK61 is a good choice, and on sale today.

If you'd prefer a full-size layout, this Redragon one is a nice option.

Hey! If you're pretty firm on your budget, I would recommend this: Redragon K556 on Amazon, it's a decent board, it isn't the greatest, but it's definitely not a garbage board either, it comes in brown or red switches so you can chose between brown: somewhat tactile, and red: linear.

If you're willing to spend a little bit more, I think this: Glorious GMMK Keyboard is a really good budget friendly option for beginners that want to learn more and figure out what they want. It has hot swappable sockets, which means if you don't like the switches that you ordered with the board (and they have tons of options to chose from), you can just unplug the switches and plug new ones in without having to desolder anything.

I'm an absolute keyboard newb, but my partner has fallen in love with custom keyboards, so I guess I'll be lurking a while. Right now though, I'm in way over my head. Couple of quick questions for starters:

1) My partner is really into the pastel aesthetic, still researching cases for a build next year but I got them the Glorious PCGR Model O- pink mouse to start with, looking to get a similarly colored keyboard project going for their birthday in April. I know they want 10-keyless, F-keys would be nice but I don't think the absence is a deal breaker. They've gravitated towards Tofu-brand boards, but I don't know much about the brand. Aren't they generally DIY kits? Also looking for a good place to find cute keycaps, though I know a lot of them are custom made.

2) Is there a YT channel or page that offers a crash course? Looking at your all time top posts, it seems like there's a lot of depth and most consumer products don't really scratch the surface. I got a cheap Red Dragon K556, I know that's baby stuff around here but it's my first mechanical, and now I'm realizing I hate the keycap shape and travel distance. Looking to learn more so I can eventually replace my own board with one better suited to my preferences.

Appreciate anyone who can ELI5, I can't even comprehend most of the questions being asked in here.

Sorry if this is a dumb question. I’m completely new to mechanical keyboards, am getting my brother’s hand-me-down gaming PC, and am looking to get myself a nice starter keeb. Would this keyboard work with/be able to be replaced using these keycaps? I don’t know if EVERY keyboard can take EVERY keycap, you know? Please don’t judge the keyboard choice too hard, it’s within my budget and it seems good enough for me for the time being. Again, sorry if this is a stupid question!

loooooooool

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heres a board tho for the most popular sizes

Redragon K552 is a popular tkl that is 40 bucks

probably heard of the GK61 it is one of the most poplular 60% but is 60 bucks

redragon K556 is a popular fullsize keyboard, also 60 buck tho

hard to find good keyboards at your $45 price point, But I hope that helps.

I've used a few of the Redragon series keyboards and they were quality until I split something on it. It still works fine it's just a few keys stopped clicking but that's my fault. I had it for more than 2 years and never had a problem. I currently am trying the AUKEY keyboard and still not a single issuse in more than 6 months. They are all high quality, strong and heavy keyboards. Not some cheap POS as you might think. All were mechanical and RGB.

This is the one I used (i've used the K552 but I needed a num pad on the side)

https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=redragon&qid=1582755596&sr=8-7

This is the new one I've been trying

https://www.amazon.com/AUKEY-Mechanical-Keyboard-Anti-ghosting-Water-Resistant/dp/B01N0XQI2A/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=aukey+mechanical&qid=1582755941&sr=8-1

all mechanical keyboards have removable keycaps so that shouldnt be a problem, just look for one with a keycap puller or buy one yourself. most keyboards come with keycap pullers though so you probably wont have to

if youre not too concerned about quality then searching on amazon is probably fine. just from doing a quick search comes up with these

https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=sxin_2_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-YnJvd24gc3dpdGNoIG1lY2hhbmljYWwga2V5Ym9hcmQ%3D-ac_d_rm&cv_ct_cx=brown%2Bswitch%2Bmechanical%2Bkeyboard&keywords=brown%2Bswitch%2Bmechanical%2Bkeyboard&pd_rd_i=B01NAI2TXC&pd_rd_r=622478f0-f3ab-4c80-abe0-cee5dcc17522&pd_rd_w=qIfv9&pd_rd_wg=p4qz9&pf_rd_p=e2f20af2-9651-42af-9a45-89425d5bae34&pf_rd_r=RDGGZBA9Q67DW6XE70MM&qid=1578334524&th=1

https://www.amazon.com/Velocifire-Mechanical-Illuminated-Anti-ghosting-Copywriter/dp/B01M0QEYR4/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=brown+switch+mechanical+keyboard&qid=1578334524&sr=8-5

youd be hardpressed to find any full size ones that dont have backlight but you should be able to turn them off if needed. i have no experience with redragon but i have the tkl version of the velocifire and its a solid keyboard; my only concern is the lack of a wrist rest but thats just because i personally get wrist pain when i dont use one and not everybody needs one. both have outemu brown switches which are pretty nice. a tiny bit louder than cherrys but IMO sound and feel better

Look for Mechanical Keyboards with "RED" switches - they dont have that annoying click sound. If you want a Middle ground between Loud/Clicky (BLUE) and Silent (RED), go with Brown switches.

I have this keyboard($109.99 USD) and coolest part, he can swap out the switches if he doesn't like the sound or feel of the Brown switches for about $30 bucks:

GMMK Full-sized Brown Mechanical Keyboard with swappable switches

Or for a more budget-friendly version of the keyboard- Redragon K556($64 USD) and also lets you swap the switches:

Redragon K556 Brown Switch

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Also for the motherboard someone posted a part list, I would recommend looking at the X570 version since its more future proof since it supports PCIE 4.0 next gen video cards potential.

X570 motherboard OR X570 motherboard (budget friendly)

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I hope that helps, Cheers!

Should I get a Tecware Phantom 104 or should I get a Redragon k556? I'm going to be getting outemu browns for both if that helps. Thank you so much if you help.

New to mechanical keyboard. I would like to buy a cheap keyboard, like under $70.

Based on my research, I am currently looking at Redragon K556 RGB. https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC?pf_rd_r=V1QSECJ0132FDQ8WTMYR&pf_rd_p=93d8703e-72bb-4708-8c70-ec36cc40744b&pd_rd_r=074477aa-d7d2-4d79-9c5d-9cf33d5454a9&pd_rd_w=ERCxu&pd_rd_wg=JD9M1&ref_=pd_gw_ci_mcx_mr_hp_d

https://www.amazon.com/HyperX-Alloy-Core-RGB-Comfortable/dp/B07HRNKTCM/ref=sr_1_4?crid=1QF4JP0HSBXN9&dchild=1&keywords=gaming+keyboard+soft+keys&qid=1597188512&s=electronics&sprefix=gaming+keyboard+soft%2Celectronics%2C219&sr=1-4

Any suggestion other than these two? I would prefer soft rather than clicky.

Thanks!

Update: I've narrowed my search down to two keyboards that seem to align with my priorities and are within my price range, would love some input/feedback!.

1. Corsair K68 RGB: https://www.amazon.com/CORSAIR-Mechanical-Keyboard-Backlit-Resistant/dp/B079H7N61M/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8
2. Redragon K556 RGB: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

Thoughts?

Getting a MK for the first time. Here are my options...

First post here, sorry if it's a long one! Looking to get a mechanical keyboard since I already have a nice mouse and but a very mushy and gross membrane keyboard. I've looked around, here's what I've found so far (more information + TLDR at the end):

1) Logitech G610 Orion Red Backlit Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

This was the first keyboard I found that I liked: it's not too bulky, has media controls, and is around my budget. I would have bought this, but it has Cherry MX red switches, which I tried and liked, yet I would much prefer brown switches. Still, a solid option, although the design isn't as sleek as some of the other keyboards out there.

2) Logitech G512 Carbon Mechanical Keyboard

Could only find a good deal for this on Walmart, but this is still my favorite. It's another Logitech, but with RGB lighting and a great design. This uses Romer G switches I believe, so they aren't brown switches which would be ideal, but I'd probably prefer these over the reds. The logo doesn't light up in the corner, which is kinda disappointing, and the cord isn't detachable (although this is also the case for the other keyboards) meaning it's a little harder to put in a bag than I originally thought. Overall, I still love the design, but it's not an immediate pick hence the Romer G switches, which I haven't tried yet.

3) Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, Aluminum Base, 104 Standard Keys

I would love this keyboard if not for the design. It has RGB lighting, brown switches, and it's cheaper than the other options. But the Redragon logo and the scratchy looking surface of the keyboard make me less quick to buy it. The main advantage is the brown switches, which was one of my ideals for a keyboard. But my setup is not a gaming setup at all, and I don't particularly love the other Redragon products, which again, makes me hesitant to buy it, although, on paper, it has all the best features.

4) GLORIOUS MODULAR MECHANICAL KEYBOARD

A bit over budget, this would still be a reasonable choice to make, considering how much I love the look of it (mostly). It has a detachable cable, which I great, although I still don't understand why they chose micro USB. In addition, all the features that the Redragon has are here, but even better. RGB, brown switches, AND it's hot-swappable? The only downside imo is that it looks quite thick to me. I know this seems like a stupid thing to be worried about but I hate the bulky aspect of a lot of mechanical keyboards, and this one is one the edge of being too big. Combined with being over budget, I'm not sure if this is the best choice.

Maybe you completely disagree with me, but I'd appreciate it if you could give me some advice. Also, if you know any other keyboards, please link them, as I have spent too much time looking at every possible keyboard out there. Some keyboards I've looked at but haven't put in my list: HyperX Alloy FPS RGB, Mechanical Gaming Keyboard which would be perfect (but I can already tell I'm gonna hate silver speeds), Logitech K845ch Mechanical Illuminated Keyboard (looks amazing but still, red switches), Logitech G613 LIGHTSPEED Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (it's wireless?). The budget is around 100$ if you haven't figured out, first-timer here so please let me know what I've got right and wrong!

TL;DR: I need a good mechanical keyboard for around 100$. Brown switches (preferably), backlighting, and sleek design. What should I get?

https://pcpartpicker.com/list/Qp6pht

Reccomendations for keyboard and mice:

Keyboard: https://www.amazon.com/Redragon-K556-Mechanical-Keyboard-Aluminum/dp/B01NAI2TXC/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=mx+cherry+keyboard&qid=1606192916&sr=8-3

Mouse: https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-G502-Performance-Gaming-Mouse/dp/B07GBZ4Q68/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=g502+hero&qid=1606192938&sr=8-1

$40, but that's out of stock, and the backlighting isn't what I wanted. I wish I had saved up for this one at $60. But, there's also this cheaper blue switch version at $50. I like the feel of my brown switches though, but that's up to user preference.

Compare that to a similar model Corsair at $200.

But, if you don't care about anything fancy, you can get a no-frills compact at $33, and a full-length at $39, or no-backlight full-length for $35.

There are many options out there, so do your research before you buy anything.

Cheers!

PCPartPicker Part List

Type|Item|Price :----|:----|:---- CPU | AMD Ryzen 3 3100 3.6 GHz Quad-Core Processor | $155.00 @ Amazon Motherboard | Gigabyte B550M AORUS ELITE Micro ATX AM4 Motherboard | $109.99 @ B&H Memory | G.Skill Ripjaws V Series 16 GB (2 x 8 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory | $65.99 @ Newegg Storage | PNY CS900 240 GB 2.5" Solid State Drive | $29.99 @ Amazon Storage | Seagate Barracuda Compute 2 TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive | $53.99 @ Amazon Video Card | MSI GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER 6 GB VENTUS XS OC Video Card | $239.99 @ Newegg Case | Fractal Design Define Mini C MicroATX Mid Tower Case | $85.99 @ Amazon Power Supply | Corsair CXM 650 W 80+ Bronze Certified Semi-modular ATX Power Supply | $94.99 @ Best Buy Wireless Network Adapter | Asus PCE-AC55BT B1 PCIe x1 802.11a/b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi Adapter | $34.99 @ Amazon Monitor | AOC C24G1 24.0" 1920x1080 144 Hz Monitor | $144.99 @ Amazon | Prices include shipping, taxes, rebates, and discounts | | Total | $1015.91 | Generated by PCPartPicker 2020-06-24 21:40 EDT-0400 |

>I've always liked the idea of VR, too.

This PC is definitely VR capable. Maybe not max settings in games like Half-life Alyx though

>I already have a wireless keyboard and mouse,

I looked at what you have, and...well I'd recommend replacing them as soon as possible. The latency on cheaper wireless peripherals isn't very good, and you'll probably want something better anyway. I'd recommend this mouse and this keyboard (those are what I have, they're both great)

>2TB SSD

Uh no, not unless you wanna max out your budget

>an 8GB video card

Why? 6GB is totally fine, unless you plan on playing at 4k or something lol

>preferably white theme, with no window

Unfortunately I couldn't find any micro ATX cases that were white, and decent quality, but this case is pretty good, and it's windowless

>Windows

https://www.howtogeek.com/244678/you-dont-need-a-product-key-to-install-and-use-windows-10/