Redragon K565 RGB Mechanical Keyboard: features, specs and who it suits

The Redragon K565 is a wired mechanical keyboard built for PC gaming, with linear red switches, RGB backlighting and a metal top panel. It is aimed at people who want programmable keys and a sturdy board on the desk, and it works with Windows and Mac computers, according to Redragon.

What red switches feel like

Mechanical keyboards use an individual switch under every key. Red switches are linear, which means the key travels straight down without a tactile bump or an audible click. Redragon says they need less force to press, so keys feel smooth and light. Linear switches are popular for fast, repeated key presses in games, and Redragon points to RPGs and MMOs as good fits.

The trade-off is that a light, bump-free switch can register accidental presses more easily if you rest your fingers on the keys. Typists who like feedback often prefer tactile switches instead. The K565 comes with four spare switches, which is handy if one ever needs replacing.

Lighting you can customise

The backlight offers 20 preset RGB effects and more than 16.8 million colours, which is the standard figure for 8 bits per colour channel. Beyond the looks, backlighting makes the legends easier to find in a dark room. Redragon also says each key's lighting can be personalised, so you can set colours to suit a game or your desk setup.

Programmable keys and macros

The keyboard is described as fully programmable. You can remap keys, build lighting effects and record macros, which combine several keystrokes into one press. In games, that can mean a complex sequence on a single key. In office work, it can mean a shortcut for something you type often. As with most gaming keyboards, this kind of customisation is normally done through the maker's software on the computer, so check that it supports your operating system.

Anti-ghosting and media keys

Anti-ghosting matters when you press several keys at once. On keyboards without it, some combinations simply do not register. Redragon says all keys on the K565 work at the same time, so combined movements and shortcuts should not conflict.

There are also 12 multimedia shortcuts for things like volume, media playback, the calculator and email, which saves reaching for the mouse.

Build, size and weight

The top panel is aluminium alloy, which Redragon says improves durability. The keyboard weighs up to 2.77 pounds (about 1.26 kg), and the company says that weight keeps it from sliding around during play. It measures 17.1 x 4.8 x 1.3 inches (about 43 x 12 x 3.3 cm), so it is a compact, tenkeyless-style layout, though you should confirm the exact key layout in the product details.

Who it suits

It suits PC gamers who want a wired connection, light linear switches and colourful backlighting, and anyone who likes to assign macros. A wired board has no batteries to charge and no wireless latency to think about.

What to check before you buy

• Layout: confirm whether you need a number pad, since this model is compact.
• Switch type: red switches are quiet-ish but linear; if you prefer a tactile bump or a click, look at other switch types.
• Noise: mechanical keyboards are louder than membrane boards, which matters in shared rooms.
• Software: check that the customisation software works on your operating system.
• Desk fit: allow for the 17.1-inch width and the height of the keys.
• What's in the box: Redragon lists four spare switches; check for a keycap or switch puller as well.

The short version

• Wired mechanical gaming keyboard, model K565, with red linear switches.
• 20 RGB effects and more than 16.8 million colours.
• Fully programmable, with macro support and full anti-ghosting.
• Aluminium alloy panel, about 2.77 lb, with 12 multimedia shortcuts.
• Four spare switches included.

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