Redragon K556 RGB LED Keyboard Review
Introducing the Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard—our latest must-have gadget for gaming enthusiasts and professionals alike. Packed with mechanical brown switches, this keyboard offers a satisfying tactile typing experience while remaining quieter than traditional mechanical keys, making it suitable for office settings as well. With 18 backlit modes and 6-themed RGB lighting options, it’s designed to illuminate your gameplay with style. Constructed from durable, full-metal material with an ergonomic design and N-key rollover, our keyboard ensures rapid and error-free key presses. Plus, the custom, shorter keycaps and included keycap puller make personalization and maintenance a breeze. Whether you’re using Windows or Mac OS, the Redragon K556 promises compatibility and a superior typing experience. Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have the perfect blend of a responsive, tactile feedback mechanism and a stunning, customizable light show at your fingertips while typing or gaming? Look no further! Our comprehensive review of the “Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, 104 Keys Hot-Swap Mechanical Keyboard w/Aluminum Base, Upgraded Socket and Noise Absorbing Foams, Soft Tactile Brown Switch” is here to quench your curiosity.
Unboxing Experience
When we unboxed the Redragon K556, excitement was in the air. Nicely packaged with protective layers, everything screamed quality. Inside the box, we found the keyboard, eight spare mechanical Brown switches, a keycap puller, and a detailed user manual. This thoughtful inclusion of spare switches and a keycap puller is a nice touch, making us feel ready for anything this keyboard might throw our way.
Build Quality and Design
One of the first things we noticed about the Redragon K556 is its solid build quality. The keyboard boasts a full metal aluminum base with a matte-finish texture, giving it durability and an elegant look. This sturdiness ensures that accidental bumps or drops won’t easily damage it.
Aluminum Base and Matte-Finish Texture
The aluminum base not only adds to the keyboard’s durability but also provides a sleek and professional appearance. We found that the matte-finish texture prevented annoying fingerprints and smudges, keeping the keyboard looking pristine even after extended use.
Noise-Absorbing Foams
Another aspect that significantly contributes to our experience is the noise-absorbing foams integrated into the design. While Brown switches are quieter compared to Blue ones, the addition of noise-absorbing foams helps make the typing experience even more pleasant. This makes the Redragon K556 suitable for both gaming and office environments.
Key Features
Mechanical Brown Switches
Tactile Typing Experience
The Redragon K556 features mechanical Brown switches, perfectly balancing tactile feedback and quieter operation. Whether we’re typing long documents or engaging in an intense gaming session, the experience is both satisfying and less intrusive to those around us.
Spare Switches
Additionally, the package includes eight spare switches. This allows us to replace any faulty switches easily, extending the keyboard’s life without the need for professional help.
Customizable RGB Backlighting
18 Backlit Modes
One of the stand-out features of the Redragon K556 is its RGB LED backlighting. With 18 different backlit modes to choose from, we can switch between various lighting effects to match our mood or gaming setup.
Adjustable Brightness
Controlling the brightness is incredibly simple with FN + “↑” and “↓” keys. This feature allows us to adjust the illumination to our liking, ensuring that the keyboard is perfectly lit in any environment.
Single Backlit Mode
In addition to the dynamic backlit modes, there’s also a 9-color single backlit mode. This option provides more focused lighting, which can often be more suitable for certain tasks or when you prefer a simpler aesthetic.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | Mechanical Brown |
| Backlighting | RGB LED, 18 modes, single 9-color mode |
| Build Material | Aluminum base with matte-finish texture |
| Noise Dampening | Integrated noise-absorbing foams |
| Spare Switches | 8 included |
| Additional Tools | Keycap puller |
| Compatibility | Windows (10, 8, 7, XP, VISTA), Mac OS X |
Performance and User Experience
Ergonomic Design
Reduced Key Height
One of the most innovative features of the Redragon K556 is its self-designed, reduced-height keycaps. This feature reduces the time it takes for our key presses to register, giving us a marginal yet noticeable improvement in reaction times during gaming sessions.
N-key Rollover
N-key rollover is another standout feature. This allows for multiple keys to be pressed simultaneously without causing missed inputs. This is crucial in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts.
Customization and Compatibility
Self-Designed Keycaps and Removability
Customizing our keyboard has never been easier thanks to the self-designed keycaps, which are easily removable using the included keycap puller. This feature allows us to clean the keyboard effortlessly or replace keycaps to suit our aesthetic preferences.
Broad Compatibility
We were thrilled with the keyboard’s wide compatibility. It supports Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Mac OS X, Windows XP, and Windows VISTA. This ensures that we can use the Redragon K556 with almost any computer setup, making it an incredibly versatile choice.
Pros and Cons
What We Loved:
- Solid Build Quality: The aluminum base and matte-finish texture make it both durable and visually appealing.
- Quiet, Tactile Switches: Mechanical Brown switches offer a comfortable typing experience with reduced noise levels.
- Customizable Lighting: With 18 backlit modes and adjustable brightness, the keyboard can be personalized to match any setup.
- N-key Rollover: Allows for multiple simultaneous key presses without errors.
- Wide Compatibility: Works with various operating systems including multiple versions of Windows and Mac OS X.
Areas for Improvement:
- Fixed Cable: The keyboard features a wired connection, which may not be ideal for those who prefer wireless setups.
- Learning Curve: The various lighting modes and functions can take a bit of time to get used to.
Conclusion
The Redragon K556 RGB LED Backlit Wired Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a blend of durability, performance, and aesthetic appeal. Its solid aluminum build, tactile Brown switches, customizable RGB backlighting, and wide compatibility make it a versatile keyboard suitable for both gaming and office use.
While the fixed cable and initial learning curve might be minor drawbacks, the many benefits—such as noise-absorbing foams, included spare switches, and self-designed keycaps—more than make up for them. Whether you’re a professional typist, a hardcore gamer, or someone who wants a reliable, aesthetically pleasing keyboard, the Redragon K556 is an excellent investment that will not disappoint.
