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Redragon K552 Review

A simple, no-frills mechanical keyboard that is effective and affordable
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Redragon K552 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $45 List
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Manufacturer:   Redragon
By Austin Palmer and Jared Eastlick  ⋅  Aug 22, 2023
62
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#12 of 17
  • Lighting Customization - 35% 6.0
  • Performance - 25% 9.6
  • Convenience - 20% 7.6
  • Key Assignment and Macros - 15% 1.0
  • Palm Rest - 5% 1.0

Our Verdict

Making our list of best gaming keyboards, the Redragon K552 boasts solid features and performance despite its low price point. The N-Key rollover with individual key lighting gives you a combination that is a simple yet beneficial mechanical keyboard on a budget. The ergonomic design, coupled with its high-quality and durable construction, ensures a reliable gaming experience even during extended play sessions. The RK552's plate-mounted mechanical keys and switches are built to withstand rigorous gaming demands. However, it's worth noting that our testers found the lighting modes' names to be obscure, and there's no accompanying software for further customization or programming. Despite these drawbacks, the Redragon K552 remains a solid choice for gamers seeking an affordable and reliable mechanical keyboard.
REASONS TO BUY
N-Key rollover
Individual key lighting
Simple design
REASONS TO AVOID
No software or programming

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Overall Score Sort Icon
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Bottom Line An uncomplicated yet efficient mechanical keyboard suited for budget-conscious usersA budget option that is feature packed for those who still seek more from their gaming keyboardMust be unique text from the bottom line above, no duplicate contentThis is a no-fuss keyboard for those who want to keep things simpleThis keyboard is resistant to spills and works well for gaming
Rating Categories Redragon K552 Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT G.Skill KM250 RGB HyperX Alloy Core RGB Redragon S101 Gamin...
Lighting Customization (35%)
6.0
10.0
7.0
3.0
3.0
Performance (25%)
9.6
7.6
9.6
7.6
7.0
Convenience (20%)
7.6
7.2
5.6
7.2
6.1
Key Assignment and Macros (15%)
1
10.0
1
1
1
Palm Rest (5%)
1
6.0
1
1
1
Specs Redragon K552 Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT G.Skill KM250 RGB HyperX Alloy Core RGB Redragon S101 Gamin...
Measured Dimensions (L x W X H) 13-7/8" x 4-7/8" x 1-1/2" 18-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 1-5/16"
(with palm rest 9-1/16" wide)
12-3/4" x 4-3/8" x -1-1/2" 17-3/8" x 6-5/8" x 1-5/16" 17-1/2" x 7-15/16" x 1-3/16"
Measured Cable Length 72" 72-5/8" 73" 70" 73"
Size Options TKL Full-size 65% Full-size Full-size
Switch Type Brown (tested)
Blue
Red
Rubber Dome Kailh Red Membrane Membrane
Lighting Type Individual Per-Key Individual Zone Individual
Underside Cable Routing No No No No No
Cable Location Center Center Center Right Right
USB Passthrough No No No No No
Extra Keycaps Included No No No No No
Key Rollover N-key rollover
Anti-Ghosting
12-key rollover
Selective with Anti-Ghosting
N-Key rollover
100% Anti-Ghosting
Gaming Grade Anti-Ghosting Unknown; 25 non-conflict keys
Proprietary Software Available No Yes No No No
Dedicated Macro Keys No Yes No No No
Included Palm Rest? No Yes, clip-in No No No
Media Keys Through Function (Fn) Dedicated Volume only with knob Dedicated Dedicated Track; Through Function (Fn) for Volume
Number of Presets 18 10 18 6 5

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Redragon K552 offers solid features and performance at a low price. The N-Key rollover and individual key lighting make it a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard option. Ergonomic design, durable construction, and plate-mounted mechanical keys ensure a reliable gaming experience.

Performance Comparison


The latency performance of the Redragon is a standout feature.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Lighting Customization


The lighting customization options for the Redragon K552 offer a modest range of features. The ease of customization is commendable, as users can easily select their desired settings. It's worth noting that the options are limited to presets, leaving little room for extensive personalization.


The keyboard proved to be user-friendly, with straightforward preset selections that allow for quick customization. However, the absence of comprehensive software limited the extent of customization, leaving users with only onboard lighting options.

The onboard lighting customization is accessible through key combinations like Fn + Ins, Fn + Home, and Fn + PGUP. These combinations offer diverse lighting effects, such as “The Trail of Light,” "Breathing," “Normally On,” "Ripple Graff," “Pass without a Trace,” "Coastal," “Hurricane,” "Accumulate," and “Digital Times.” While there are 19 different lighting effects and game modes, only two user-defined modes are available, with six color options and adjustable brightness and breathing speed.

Although the lighting options are simple, they still offer individual key lighting that makes for a great show.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The Redragon K552 excels in individual key lighting, with each key being individually illuminated, providing vibrant lighting effects. However, it lacks the ability to select individual colors for each key, which is a limitation for users seeking precise customization.

The keyboard's 18 available presets surpass many competitors, offering a diverse range of lighting effects. However, the inability to layer multiple effects limits the keyboard's potential for more intricate visual displays.

Most of the lighting is focused on the letters on the keys, creating an appealing and visually striking display. However, the inability to select individual colors for each key restricts further personalization.

redragon k552 - outshining numerous rivals, the redragon boasts an impressive...
Outshining numerous rivals, the Redragon boasts an impressive selection of 18 presets.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Performance


In terms of performance, the Redragon K552 gaming keyboard excels in both the N-Key-rollover/anti-ghosting and latency submetrics, receiving an overall high score.


The N-Key-rollover and anti-ghosting capabilities of this keyboard are outstanding, as our testers were able to press over 30 keys simultaneously without any conflicts, proving its responsiveness and precision during intense gaming sessions. This feature ensures that every keystroke is registered accurately, providing a smooth and seamless gaming experience.

When it comes to latency, the Redragon K552 showcases its mechanical tactile design, equipped with fast and responsive mechanical switches. The linear switches offer a quiet click sound and minimal resistance without a tactile bump, resulting in rapid key actuation and reduced input lag. This advantage is especially crucial for gamers, as it allows for quick and precise command execution during gameplay.

redragon k552 - performance was remarkable for this keyboard.
Performance was remarkable for this keyboard.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

This gaming keyboard weds exceptional performance in both N-Key-rollover/anti ghosting with remarkable latency. Its reliable anti-ghosting feature ensures that no keystrokes are lost, while the low latency and quick key actuation enhance gaming responsiveness. With such impressive performance metrics, the Redragon K552 proves to be a capable and reliable gaming keyboard, catering to the needs of both casual and competitive gamers alike.

Convenience


When it comes to convenience, the Redragon K552 gaming keyboard has been thoughtfully evaluated across four key areas, each contributing to its overall user-friendliness.


The keyboard permits keycap swapping, offering users some level of customization. The Redragon K552 offers a choice of mechanical switches, including brown, blue, and red variants. With the ability to change keycaps easily, users can personalize the appearance of their keyboard to suit their taste.

redragon k552 - the level of customization is limited on the k552.
The level of customization is limited on the K552.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

While lacking dedicated media keys, the Redragon K552 has media controls integrated into the function (Fn) layer. While functional, this setup may require an adjustment period and could be less intuitive during intense gaming sessions.

Unfortunately, the keyboard does not include a USB passthrough, which means users won't have an additional USB port on the keyboard. This feature can be helpful for connecting peripherals and improving cable management.

Key Assignment and Macros


In terms of ease of programming and macros, the Redragon K552 gaming keyboard fell short in our tests. Our evaluators noted some key aspects that affected its overall performance in this area.


Unfortunately, the Redragon K552 lacks the convenience of complementary software, which hinders its overall usability and customizability. The absence of dedicated software limits the options for personalization and fine-tuning, leaving users with a more basic and rigid experience. While the keyboard itself may be budget-friendly, it comes with certain trade-offs, including the lack of advanced programming features.

Regrettably, the Redragon K552 does not offer programmable buttons, meaning users are unable to assign specific commands or functions to individual keys. It also does not support on-the-fly macro creation, requiring users to rely on preset macros without the ability to create and record their own on the spot. These limitations can be a drawback for gamers seeking a keyboard with customizable shortcuts and macros.

redragon k552 - unsurprisingly, the k552 lacks complex macro programming.
Unsurprisingly, the K552 lacks complex macro programming.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Even with this keyboard's lackluster performance in this metric, it is important to keep in mind the price point. You get what you pay for, but on the positive side, the K552 offers automatic mouse clicking and allows for individual event editing.

Palm Rest


The palm rest on the Redragon K552 gaming keyboard was noticeably absent, which is somewhat disappointing for users who value ergonomic support during long gaming sessions. Unlike some other gaming keyboards, this model does not come with a built-in palm rest, leaving users to rely on external solutions or adapt to its design without additional support.


Throughout the testing process, our team of reviewers experienced some discomfort due to the higher positioning of the keys. This design choice meant that their wrists lacked the necessary support, resulting in potential strain and fatigue after using the keyboard for even a short period. While the keyboard itself performs decently and offers responsive key presses, the absence of a dedicated palm rest might be a significant drawback for users seeking enhanced comfort during extended gaming or typing sessions.

Although the option to purchase a separate palm rest is available, it may not be an ideal solution for some users. Not only does this add to the overall cost, but it is not for this specific Redragon model. Using an external palm rest from a different model might introduce compatibility issues, impacting the seamless integration and aesthetics of the gaming setup.

redragon k552 - the redragon does not come with a palm rest.
The Redragon does not come with a palm rest.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Redragon K552?


The Redragon K552 gaming keyboard proves to be a noteworthy contender in its price range, providing a reliable and functional option for gamers seeking an affordable yet capable mechanical keyboard. While it may not boast all the bells and whistles of higher-end models, its standout feature lies in its impressive performance, offering a satisfying tactile feel and lightning-fast responsiveness that enhances the overall gaming experience.

What Other Gaming Keyboards Should You Consider?


Even those on a budget might find the K552 lacking due to its bare-bones nature. With a little more investment, a frugal gamer can get a more well-rounded keyboard in the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT. However, if penny-pinching is not your buying strategy and you want to invest in the best gaming keyboard on the market, then look no further than the Corsair K100 RGB.

Austin Palmer and Jared Eastlick
 

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