Introduction
If you are looking for a compact, wireless, and hot-swappable mechanical keyboard, you might want to check out the Redragon Draconic K530. This keyboard is a 60% layout that offers a lot of features for a reasonable price. In this review, In this review we’ll talk about the usage experience with using the K530 for both work and gaming. Read on!
Features & Specifications
- Bluetooth/2.4Ghz/Wired 3-Mode 61 Keys Compact Gaming Keyboard
- 100% Hot-Swap Socket
- 1600mAh Battery
- No drivers required for RGB lighting control
- Hot-Swappable OUTEMU Box Brown Switches
- Free-Mod Plate Mounted PCB
- Dedicated for FPS Gamer
Closer Look
The K530 comes in a sturdy black box with a red dragon logo on the front. Inside, you will find the keyboard itself, a USB-C cable, a switch puller, a keycap puller, four extra switches, and a sticker.
The keyboard has a sleek white case with black PBT keycaps and RGB backlighting. The case is slightly angled for better typing comfort and has rubber feet to prevent slipping. The keycaps have a nice texture and are double-shot for durability. The font is clear and legible, but some symbols are not aligned properly.
The K530 uses Redragon-branded Outemu switches that are easy to swap out with the included switch puller. You can choose from four different switch types: brown (tactile), red (linear), black (linear heavy), and blue (clicky). The switches are compatible with Cherry MX keycaps and stabilizers, but not with other brands of switches. The switches have a decent feel and sound, but they are not very smooth or consistent. Some switches may feel scratchy or wobbly, and some may have different actuation points or force requirements.
The K530 supports both wired and wireless modes via Bluetooth. You can connect up to three devices and switch between them with a combination of Fn and Q/W/E keys. The wireless connection is stable and responsive, but it may have some latency or interference depending on your environment. The battery life is about 10 hours with full brightness and 20 hours with half brightness. You can also turn off the backlighting to save power. The USB-C cable can be used for charging or for wired mode. However, the cable is short and plugs into the side of the keyboard, which may look awkward or interfere with your mouse.
The K530 has a software that allows you to customize the lighting effects, macros, and key functions. The software is easy to use and has a lot of options to choose from. You can also save up to three profiles on the keyboard’s onboard memory. The software is not required for basic functions, but it is recommended for advanced users who want to tweak their settings.
User Experience & Conclusion
The K530 is a versatile keyboard that can be used for both work and gaming. The 60% layout saves space and allows for more mouse movement, but it also sacrifices some keys that may be useful for some tasks. For example, there are no arrow keys, function keys, or dedicated media keys on the keyboard. You can access these keys via layers by holding down the Fn key, but it may take some time to get used to it. The keyboard also has full N-key rollover and anti-ghosting features for accurate input.
Overall, the Redragon Draconic K530 is a solid choice for anyone who wants a compact, wireless, and hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. It has a good build quality, attractive design, and decent performance. It also has some drawbacks, such as inconsistent switches, short cable, and missing keys. However, for its price range, it offers a lot of value and functionality that are hard to find elsewhere.
