Redragon K550 RGB Mechanical Keyboard: macro keys, switches and who it suits

The Redragon K550 is a wired mechanical keyboard with 104 keys plus a column of 12 programmable macro keys. It has RGB lighting, a metal top plate, its own clicky switches and a wrist rest, and it is aimed at gamers and heavy typists who want extra shortcuts within reach.

What the macro keys do

The twelve G keys (G1 to G12) sit to the left of the main block. Redragon says they can be programmed on the fly without extra software, so a sequence of keystrokes or a shortcut can be recorded and replayed with one press. In games, that suits repeated actions. At a desk, it can speed up repeated shortcuts in editing or office software.

For more elaborate setups, Redragon says its software lets you create new modes and effects, and assign macros with different key bindings. Check that the software supports your operating system.

Custom purple switches

Switches are the part that decides how a mechanical keyboard feels. Redragon says the K550 uses its own custom purple switch with a 55 g actuation force and 1.1 mm of pre-travel. The brand describes the feel as clear, strong and tactile, with a "thock" sound.

In general, a lighter actuation force and short pre-travel mean the key registers early in its press. A clicky, tactile switch also gives a bump you can feel and a sound you can hear. That is satisfying to many typists, but it is louder than a linear or silent switch, which matters in shared rooms.

Aluminium top plate and wrist rest

The top plate is brushed aluminium. A metal plate typically adds weight and rigidity, which helps keep a keyboard from shifting on the desk. The listing gives a weight of 3.3 lb (about 1.5 kg) and dimensions of about 18.1 x 9.1 x 1.2 inches (46 x 23 x 3 cm). A wrist rest is included.

Media controls and USB pass-through

Dedicated media keys let you play, pause and skip tracks without leaving a game. A scroll bar at the top right adjusts the system volume. A built-in USB pass-through port lets you plug in a mouse or a wireless receiver at the keyboard, which can shorten cable runs.

Who it suits

It suits PC players who use many abilities or shortcuts, and typists who like a firm tactile response. It is less suited to people who need a quiet keyboard or a compact, tenkeyless layout.

What to check before you buy

• Desk space: the full-size layout with macro keys and wrist rest needs a wide desk.
• Noise: clicky switches are audible; consider who shares your space.
• Software and system: confirm the configuration software works with your computer.
• Ports: the pass-through needs the keyboard's cable plugged into a USB port on your computer.
• Layout: confirm the key layout (104 keys plus 12 macro keys) matches what you are used to.

The short version

• A wired, full-size mechanical keyboard with 104 keys and 12 macro G keys.
• Custom clicky purple switches rated at 55 g actuation force and 1.1 mm pre-travel.
• Brushed aluminium top plate, RGB lighting and a wrist rest.
• Dedicated media controls, a volume scroll bar and a USB pass-through port.
• Software available for custom modes, effects and macros.

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