Redragon has been killing the game with its affordable yet feature-packed mechanical keyboards, especially their 60% models. These compact little beasts are perfect for anyone looking to save space without sacrificing performance. Plus, they come loaded with features like RGB lighting, hot-swappable switches, and even some premium touches like aluminum frames in higher-end models. Oh, and did I mention? All the keyboards we’re diving into today are under $60 USD! Yep, you heard that right.
In this article, we’re going to break down four standout 60% Redragon keyboards that won’t break the bank. From the ultra-budget-friendly K617 RGB to the feature-loaded K635 MAGIC WAND Mini PRO, there’s something here for every type of user. We’ll talk about what makes each model unique, the pros and cons, and which one might be the best fit for you.
Redragon K617 RGB
Features:
- Price Point: Approximately $35.
- Grey and white color scheme.
- ABS plastic keycaps with double-shot molding.
- Thai and English fonts with RGB backlighting.
- 61 keys, wired connection only.
- Custom Redragon switches (Red and Blue variants available).
- Hot-swappable switches (3-pin support).
The Redragon K617 RGB is the kind of keyboard that makes you think, “Wow, this is actually a thing I can afford!” Priced at just $35 USD, it’s one of those budget-friendly gems that doesn’t skimp on features. If you’ve been eyeing mechanical keyboards but didn’t want to drop a ton of cash, this might just be your golden ticket.
First off, let’s talk about how it looks because, honestly, aesthetics matter. The K617 comes in a sleek gray and white color scheme. It’s not flashy or over-the-top, but it has that clean, minimalist vibe that works well with almost any desk setup. The keycaps are made from ABS plastic, which is pretty standard for keyboards in this price range, but what sets them apart is the double-shot molding. This basically means the letters on the keys won’t wear off anytime soon, even if you’re hammering away at them all day, every day.
Now, let’s dive into the layout. As a 60% keyboard, it’s super compact, with only 61 keys. That means no number pad, no function row, and no arrow cluster. But don’t let that scare you off! The smaller size is perfect if you’re tight on desk space or if you’re looking for something portable. Plus, it forces you to get comfortable with layer switching, which is a small learning curve but totally worth it once you get the hang of it. The connection port is on the left side of the keyboard, which is a signature Redragon design choice. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re particular about cable management.
Speaking of switches, the K617 comes with Redragon’s custom switches. You’ve got two options here: Red switches or Blue switches. In this case, we’re talking about the Blue switches, which are clicky and tactile. If you’ve never used a mechanical keyboard before, these switches will feel like a revelation. Every keystroke gives you that satisfying “click” sound, which is great for typing but might drive your roommates or coworkers a little nuts. Still, if you’re into that old-school typewriter feel, you’ll love it. And here’s the best part: the K617 is hot-swappable, meaning you can swap out the switches later if you want to try something different. Just note that it only officially supports 3-pin switches, so if you buy 5-pin ones, you’ll need to trim the extra plastic legs. A small hassle, but nothing major.
One thing to keep in mind is that the K617 is wired-only. There’s no wireless or Bluetooth option here, which might be a bummer for some folks. But hey, at this price, you can’t expect everything. The upside is that being wired ensures a stable connection with no input lag, which is crucial if you’re using it for gaming or fast-paced work.
So, who is the Redragon K617 RGB for? Honestly, it’s a solid pick for anyone dipping their toes into the world of mechanical keyboards. Gamers on a budget will appreciate the responsive switches and customizable RGB lighting. Writers and programmers will love the tactile feedback and compact design. Even casual users who just want something better than their stock membrane keyboard will find a lot to like here. Sure, it’s not the most premium keyboard out there, but for less than $30, it punches way above its weight class.
If you’re still on the fence, I’d say give it a shot. It’s hard to go wrong with a keyboard that offers this much value for such a low price. Just don’t expect miracles—it’s not going to feel as premium as a $100+ keyboard, but it’s more than enough to get the job done while looking good doing it.
Redragon K617 CT RGB
Features:
- Price Point: Approximately $35 USD.
- Transparent design with full RGB lighting.
- Crystal Switches for a unique typing experience.
- Wired connection only.
- Hot-swappable switches (supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches).
- Extensive RGB customization via software.
The Redragon K617 CT RGB is one of those keyboards that just screams “RGB enthusiast” while still keeping things budget-friendly. Priced at around $35 USD, it’s a step up from the K617 RGB but still doesn’t break the bank. If you love flashy lights and want a keyboard that looks like it belongs in a high-tech gaming setup, this might be the one for you.
Let’s start with the design because, honestly, that’s where this keyboard really shines. The K617 CT RGB takes the whole “transparent” trend and runs with it. The case is fully see-through, and even the keycaps are designed to let the RGB lighting shine through as much as possible. It’s not just the keys either—Redragon went all out here. The switches themselves have transparent housings, and the PCB underneath is designed to maximize the glow. So when you turn on the RGB, it’s like your desk suddenly transforms into a mini light show. If you’re into that kind of thing, this keyboard is going to make you feel like a kid in a candy store. Even if you don’t turn on the RGB, the clear design gives it a sleek, modern look that still feels premium.
Now, let’s talk about the layout. Like its sibling, the K617 RGB, this is a 60% keyboard with only 61 keys. That means no number pad, no function row, and no arrow cluster. But again, the compact size is part of the appeal. It’s perfect for saving space or anyone wanting a minimalist setup. One thing worth noting is that the USB-C port for the wired connection has been moved to the top edge of the keyboard instead of the side. This is a small but nice change compared to the original K617 RGB, as it makes cable management a bit easier.
Switch-wise, the K617 CT RGB uses something called Crystal Switches. These are custom switches made by Redragon, and they’re designed to give you a tactile typing experience with a satisfying clicky sound. They’re not quite as premium as some of the big-name switches out there, but they get the job done, especially at this price point. And here’s the cool part: unlike the K617 RGB, this model supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches right out of the box. No need to trim any plastic legs if you decide to swap them out later. So whether you’re sticking with the stock switches or experimenting with something new, you’ve got flexibility.
Speaking of customization, the K617 CT RGB doesn’t skimp on RGB features. You’ve got full control over the lighting, with over 20 preset modes and the ability to create your own custom effects. Want each key to pulse in a different color? Done. Want a wave effect that flows across the keyboard? Easy. The software lets you tweak everything from brightness to speed, so you can dial in exactly the vibe you’re going for. Plus, the RGB isn’t just limited to the keys—it spills over onto the sides of the keyboard too, giving it an even more immersive look.
One downside to keep in mind is that, like the K617 RGB, this keyboard is wired-only. There’s no wireless or Bluetooth option here. For some people, that might be a dealbreaker, but honestly, being wired ensures a stable connection with zero input lag. If you’re using this for gaming or fast-paced typing, that’s a big plus.
So, who is the Redragon K617 CT RGB for? Honestly, it’s a great pick for anyone who loves RGB and wants a keyboard that looks like it came straight out of a cyberpunk movie. Gamers will appreciate the responsive switches and customizable lighting, while typists will enjoy the tactile feedback. Even casual users who just want something that looks cool on their desk will find a lot to like here. Sure, it’s not the most feature-packed keyboard out there, but for under $40, it’s hard to complain.
Redragon K642 RGB Akali
Features:
- Price Point: Approximately $35 USD.
- Dual-sided RGB lighting.
- Brown switches
- Wired connection only.
- Hot-swappable switches (3-pin support).
- Function keys for easy RGB customization.
The Redragon K642 RGB Akali is one of those keyboards that just feels like a hidden gem in the world of budget mechanicals. Priced at $35 USD, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but it definitely brings some unique features to the table that make it stand out from the crowd. If you love a good light show or just want a keyboard that looks as cool as it performs, this might be the one for you.
Let’s start with the design because, honestly, this keyboard is all about the visuals. The standout feature here is the dual-sided RGB lighting. Most keyboards only light up the keys, but the K642 takes it a step further by adding RGB strips along both sides of the keyboard. This creates a glowing effect that spills onto your desk, making your entire setup look like it belongs in a high-tech gaming room. It’s not just for show either—you can fully customize the side lighting through function keys. You can adjust the brightness, speed, and even pick specific colors or effects. It’s like having a mini light bar built right into your keyboard, and it’s honestly one of the coolest things about this model.
Now, let’s talk about the layout. Like the other models we’ve covered, the K642 is a 60% keyboard, meaning it has just 61 keys. No number pad, no function row, and no arrow cluster. But again, the compact size is part of its charm. It’s perfect if you’re tight on desk space or just want something minimalistic. One small but nice improvement over some of the earlier models is that the USB-C port has been moved to the top edge of the keyboard instead of the side. This makes cable management a bit easier, especially if you’re particular about how your desk looks.
Switch-wise, the K642 comes with Brown switches, which are tactile but not clicky. These are a great middle ground for people who want something comfortable for typing but don’t want to annoy everyone around them with loud clicks. They’re not the smoothest or most premium switches out there, but they get the job done, especially at this price point. And like the other Redragon models we’ve talked about, this one is also hot-swappable. However, it only officially supports 3-pin switches, so if you buy 5-pin ones, you’ll need to trim the extra plastic legs. It’s a minor hassle, but nothing too complicated.
One thing to note is that the K642 is wired-only. There’s no wireless or Bluetooth option here, which might disappoint some users. But honestly, being wired ensures a stable connection with no input lag, which is crucial if you’re using it for gaming or fast-paced work. Plus, at this price, you can’t expect everything, and the trade-off is worth it for the features you’re getting.
So, who is the Redragon K642 RGB Akali for? Honestly, it’s a great pick for anyone who loves RGB and wants a keyboard that doubles as a desk light. Gamers will appreciate the responsive switches and customizable lighting, while typists will enjoy the tactile feedback from the Brown switches. Even casual users who just want something that looks cool on their desk will find a lot to like here. Sure, it’s not the most feature-packed keyboard out there, but for under $40, it’s hard to complain.
Redragon K635 MAGIC WAND Mini PRO
Features:
- Price Point: Approximately $55 USD.
- 65% layout with 68 keys.
- Floating keycap design for enhanced RGB lighting.
- Aluminum top plate for premium feel.
- Macro keys (4 profiles, 16 values).
- Multi-mode connectivity (wired, wireless 2.4 GHz, Bluetooth).
- Hot-swappable switches (supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches).
- Dedicated volume and backlight control knobs.
The Redragon K635 MAGIC WAND Mini PRO is the kind of keyboard that makes you sit up and take notice. Priced at $55 USD, it’s the most premium option in Redragon’s lineup of 60% keyboards under $60. But don’t let the “budget” label fool you—this keyboard packs a punch with features that rival much more expensive models. If you want a compact keyboard but don’t want to compromise on functionality or style, this one might just be your perfect match.
Let’s kick things off with the design because, honestly, this keyboard looks like it belongs in a high-end setup. It’s not just another 60% keyboard—it’s a 65% layout, which means it has 68 keys instead of the usual 61. That extra space gives you access to arrow keys and a few other handy buttons, making it a bit more versatile than its smaller siblings. The keycaps have a floating design, meaning they sit slightly above the frame, which looks sleek and helps the RGB lighting shine brighter. And speaking of RGB, this thing is a light show waiting to happen. The full RGB backlighting is vibrant and customizable, and the aluminum top plate adds a touch of premium feel that’s rare in this price range. It’s sturdy, stylish, and screams “I know what I’m doing” without saying a word.
Now, let’s talk about switches. The K635 comes with Brown switches, which are tactile but not clicky. These are great for typing because they give you that little bump of feedback without being too loud. If you spend hours writing or coding, these switches will feel like a dream. And here’s the kicker: this keyboard is fully hot-swappable, meaning you can swap out the switches whenever you want. Whether you prefer 3-pin or 5-pin switches, this keyboard supports both right out of the box. No trimming plastic legs or fiddling around—just pop them in and go.
One of the standout features of the K635 is its macro keys. Yes, you heard that right—macro keys on a compact keyboard. There are four dedicated macro keys on the left side, and you can assign up to 16 different commands across four profiles. This is huge for gamers, programmers, or anyone who needs quick access to specific functions. You don’t even need software to set them up; everything can be done directly on the keyboard through an onboard interface. It’s a feature that’s hard to find on keyboards this size, and it’s one of the reasons why the K635 stands out from the crowd.
But wait, there’s more! The K635 isn’t just wired—it’s multi-mode. You can connect it via USB-C for gaming, use the 2.4 GHz wireless dongle for low-latency performance, or pair it via Bluetooth with up to three devices. This versatility makes it perfect for people who switch between their desktop, laptop, and tablet throughout the day. The battery life is decent, though not groundbreaking—you’ll get about 30 hours of use on a full charge, which translates to roughly a week of moderate use before needing to recharge. It’s not the longest battery life out there, but it’s manageable, especially since the keyboard charges pretty quickly.
Another cool feature is the inclusion of dedicated knobs for volume and backlight control. These are located on the top edge of the keyboard, and they’re super convenient if you hate fumbling through software or function keys to adjust settings. Just twist the knob, and you’re good to go. It’s a small touch, but it adds a lot of convenience to your workflow.
So, who is the Redragon K635 MAGIC WAND Mini PRO for? Honestly, it’s a great pick for just about anyone. Gamers will love the responsive switches and macro keys, while typists and programmers will appreciate the tactile feedback and customization options. Even casual users who just want a keyboard that looks cool and works well will find a lot to like here. Sure, it’s the priciest option in this lineup, but when you consider all the features you’re getting, it’s still a steal.
Conclusion
Alright, we’ve covered a lot of ground here, and if you’re still with me, congrats—you’re officially ready to pick the perfect 60% mechanical keyboard from Redragon without breaking the bank. Let’s do a quick recap of what we’ve talked about because, honestly, each of these keyboards has its own vibe and strengths that might appeal to different types of users.
So, which one should you pick? Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re on a tight budget and just want something basic, the K617 RGB is a great entry-level option. If you’re all about RGB and want a keyboard that looks like it belongs in a high-tech gaming room, the K617 CT RGB or K642 RGB Akali will be right up your alley. And if you need something more advanced with features like macro keys and wireless connectivity, the K635 Magic Wand Mini PRO is worth every penny.
At the end of the day, Redragon has done an amazing job of packing a ton of features into these compact, budget-friendly keyboards. So, take your time, think about what features matter most to you, and make your pick. Trust me, once you start using a mechanical keyboard, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without one.
And hey, if you found this breakdown helpful, don’t forget to drop a comment below and let me know which keyboard you’re leaning toward. Or, if you’ve already got one of these, share your thoughts—I’d love to hear how it’s working out for you. Until next time, happy typing (and gaming)!
