Redragon K552 Mechanical Keyboard, LED Gaming Keyboard with Red Switches

Why it's worth it

The Redragon K552 is a wired tenkeyless board with linear red switches, a metal top plate and rainbow backlighting. It's the least expensive way to find out whether you actually like mechanical keyboards, and it's heavy enough that it doesn't slide around.

This is the board to buy when you're not sure you want a mechanical keyboard. It costs a fraction of everything else here, and it still gives you real switches, a steel top plate and full N-key rollover. Owners upgrading from membrane keyboards describe the jump as immediate and obvious. If you hate it, you're out very little. If you love it, you've learned what to look for next.

The linear reds are smooth and take a light, consistent press with no bump — good for gaming and fine for typing once your fingers learn not to bottom out. A software driver handles key remapping and macros, though it's Windows-oriented and clunky. Plug-and-play works everywhere without it.

From our review of 8 budget mechanical keyboards, by Ben Carter, Tech Editor

What we like

• +This is the board to buy when you're not sure you want a mechanical keyboard
• +The linear reds are smooth and take a light, consistent press with no bump — good for gaming and fine for typing once your…
• +Set your expectations correctly and you'll be happy
• +The keycaps will shine

What to know

• –It's loud, and the hollowness makes it sound cheaper than it feels
• –The switches are soldered, not hot-swap
• –ABS keycaps and stock stabilizers mean rattly space bars and shine within months