The Redragon K552 Kumara: $35 Keyboard That’s Worth the Hype

In recent times, the Redragon K552 Kumara gaming keyboard has become incredibly popular, with thousands of gamers choosing it over other options. With a budget-friendly price tag of just $35, it’s no surprise that many are turning to this gaming keyboard. We decided to dive deep into this popular product and find out if it’s worth the hype.

Why the Redragon K552 Kumara Stands Out

The Redragon K552 Kumara is a tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard that offers a great bang for your buck. For $35, you get a sturdy keyboard with hot-swappable key switches, 19 different lighting modes with per-key illumination, a choice of clicky, tactile, or linear switches, and much nicer keycaps than the Redragon S101, its membrane counterpart.

The positive reviews for the K552 Kumara often focus on its value, backlight, and compatibility with Mac. While it’s nowhere near the build quality of a mid-tier mechanical keyboard, it’s a significant improvement over the S101, especially considering the low price.

The Benefits of Choosing the K552 Kumara

One of the main advantages of opting for the K552 Kumara is the number of options it provides. If you don’t like the keycaps, you can swap them out for something else. Similarly, if you’re not a fan of the switches, the keyboard’s hot-swap PCB means there’s no soldering required when replacing a broken switch or trying something new. However, it’s important to note that the Outemu switches it comes with have thinner pins than your average Cherry clone or enthusiast switch, which means you might need to file down the pins one by one if you’re using non-Outemu switches.

The keycaps are double-shot, allowing the RGB to shine through quite nicely, although the font may not be everyone’s cup of tea. The casing is made of plastic, but the keyboard has a hefty weight of almost two pounds, thanks to the higher quality switches and metal plate.

Although the K552 Kumara isn’t as easy to take apart as a DIY mechanical keyboard, it can be torn down and upgraded, mainly through lubing the switches and stabilizers. For those looking for help getting the most out of their Kumara 552, “Switch and Click” has a video guide that is worth checking out.

The Drawbacks of the K552 Kumara

While the K552 Kumara is a great budget keyboard, it’s not without its drawbacks. Some of the main issues with this keyboard include the non-detachable cable, the ineffective rubber feet, and the overall look and feel compared to a more expensive DIY tenkeyless.

However, it’s important to remember that this keyboard is only $35. Competitors in this price range on Amazon often come with quality control problems or lack the hot-swappable feature. While some low-star reviews of the Kumara mention chatter or the keyboard dying after a month or two, most users seem to have a positive experience.

Conclusion

For gamers on a tight budget, the Redragon K552 Kumara is an excellent choice. Although it has a few drawbacks, the value for money and various customization options make it a solid investment. If you’re willing to overlook some minor issues, the K552 Kumara is a fantastic entry-level mechanical gaming keyboard that can significantly enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank.

Alternatives to Consider

If you’re still exploring other options, here are some alternative picks with high ratings that might be worth considering:

Havit Mechanical Keyboard and Mouse Combo Pack: This combo pack sports 6,500 reviews with 76% of them being five-star ratings. For the same price as the K552 Kumara, the Havit combo pack offers a mechanical keyboard and a mouse with a sleeker design and less intrusive branding.

YoChic Full-Size Mechanical Keyboard: Priced at $30, this full-size board has a perfect five-star rating. However, there are only 18 reviews, so it’s essential to keep in mind that the ratings may not be as reliable.

RK61 from Royal Kludge: For those willing to stretch their budget slightly, the RK61 is priced at $53. It’s hot-swappable, uses a detachable cable, and has a solid rating with over 7,000 reviews. While it’s a higher budget option, the additional features might make it worth considering.

In conclusion, the Redragon K552 Kumara is an excellent choice for gamers on a budget who want a customizable and reliable mechanical gaming keyboard. While there are alternatives available, the Kumara’s price point and features make it stand out among competitors. Ultimately, it’s up to individual preferences and priorities, but the K552 Kumara is a worthy investment for those seeking an affordable yet effective gaming keyboard.

So, if you’re interested in purchasing the Redragon K552 Kumara or any of the other items mentioned in this article, check the links provided. Also, keep an eye out for other budget-friendly gaming gear reviews and recommendations to enhance your gaming setup without breaking the bank.

Remember, it’s not always about spending a fortune on high-end products. Sometimes, finding the right balance between quality and affordability can lead to a satisfying gaming experience. So, go ahead and give the K552 Kumara a try, and you might find yourself enjoying your games more than ever before.