When reviewing peripherals, I typically consider the effect they’ll have upon how I play video games. Will they make specific inputs easier, or improve my aim? Will they give me an edge in multiplayer titles? The world of gaming is vast, and there’s a lot to consider.
Based purely on that criteria, the Redragon K530 Draconic 60% Keyboard is a little underwhelming. However, taking into account the convenient BlueTooth capabilities (especially useful for writers on the go), compact frame, and excellent aesthetics of the Draconic, it’s still an impressive piece of hardware.
Ultimately, considering the Draconic for purchase must depend on usage, technical know-how, and personal taste.
Zoom In: Specs
- Keyboard Weight: 0.8 Kg
- Keyboard Dimensions: 291.7 x 101.7 x 36 mm
- Key Switches: Redragon Mechanical Brown Switches
- USB Connector: Detachable Type-C Cable
- Keyboard Connectivity: Wired & Wireless (BlueTooth 5.0)
- Matrix: 61 Keys (Full Rollover)
- Height Adjustable: Yes
Unboxing
Truthfully, there isn’t much to say about unboxing the Draconic. The packaging is solid and decently eye-catching, and all of its components can be removed without incident. However, there is a particular problem with the whole package: it is thoroughly unhelpful at guiding users through the keyboard’s array of features.
The back of the box indicates that you can download software to customize keyboard macros and lighting (both of which can also be done manually), but there are no specific directions for downloading. Instead, you have to go to the Redragon site and seek out the software yourself. And once installed, good luck using it. Unless you already know how macros work and how to program them, the software and manual are thoroughly unhelpful. You’re given almost no information, and what information is conveyed is done so poorly. That’s because the English instructions provided are awkwardly translated and barebones in terms of content.
The result? The keyboard’s major features can’t be used without researching outside of the provided instructions and software. While tech-savvy users won’t have very much reason to complain about the Draconic, newcomers may struggle to take advantage of its full functionality.
Performance
All that said, the Draconic itself is a beautiful piece of hardware. As someone who hasn’t used a 60% keyboard before, I will say that it takes some getting used to, both with typing and playing video games. However, once I committed motions like pairing the Fn key with WASD to use the directional inputs, using the keyboard was a breeze. Even as I type now, the Draconic is straightforward and comfortable to use. And its compact frame certainly saves on desk space, a considerable boon for messy slobs such as myself.
Furthermore, the BlueTooth functionality of the Draconic is certainly a convenient feature. For those without laptops, connecting to a phone or tablet and getting work done away from home can be a lifesaver. There are also three different BlueTooth settings on the keyboard, which can be assigned to separate devices for easy swapping. As a little bonus, the Draconic’s RGB lighting might provoke some compliments from friends (hey, it did for me).
Flowers Blooming
Speaking of RGB lighting, the aesthetics of the Redragon K530 Draconic 60% Keyboard are on-point. The keyboard itself is elegantly simple in design. Meanwhile, the backlighting on the keys can be as subtle, insane, dim, or bright as you please. When I’m feeling saucy, I like to throw on the “Flowers Blooming” setting, in which all the keys light up in different colors, each one slowly shifting to another color repeatedly. And while the macro settings are challenging to interact with, customizing the color pattern for the backlighting is refreshingly straightforward.
For those who like to keep their desks looking tidy and visually pleasing, the Draconic is an excellent choice. As mentioned above, it takes up minimal real estate, and its RGB backlighting can be customized to your taste. Compared to other hardware of its type, the Draconic is also an affordable way to upgrade your hardware aesthetics. If you want to get some impressive lighting options for your desktop (or for more mobile setups) without breaking the bank, you could do worse.
Verdict
Overall, the Redragon K530 Draconic 60% Keyboard is reliable in terms of its quality. It is both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing. Awkward, vague instruction manuals and potential difficulties for newcomers limit its broader appeal, admittedly. However, with a reasonable price point and a compact frame that’s great for travel, the Draconic is worth checking out for those in need of a new keyboard. And, it’s particularly useful for those of us whose desktop space is increasingly sparse and precious.
Related Reading
Zoom Out: Verdict
Overall
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Performance - 8/10
8/10
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Value - 8/10
8/10
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Features and Presentation - 6/10
6/10
Summary
If you’re looking for an affordable 60% keyboard with cutting-edge features like macro customization, backlighting, and BlueTooth connectivity, the Redragon K530 is an excellent option. Unfortunately, due to the lack of coherent instruction, it’s not the most beginner-friendly option on the market. But it’s still a sleek and functional keyboard that more experienced users are sure to treasure.
Pros
- Vibrant RGB lighting
- Great BlueTooth options
- Compact, functional design
Cons
- Frustrating instruction manual
- You’ve got to dig to find the software
- Substitutions for standard keys can be awkward to use in certain situations
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