Here you go bd.... I think I may have found a keyboard we can't beat to death. ![Laughing :-DD](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/smiley_laughing.gif.pagespeed.ce._hfWAz_QHO.gif)
This ReDragon K556 has been on my RADAR for a while; I like the compact footprint, minimalist design and and was interested in the promise of an aluminum chassis. Did they ever deliver on that! Bottom frame is aluminum extrusion; top is 1.55mm brushed-finish black anodized plate. Even the end-caps are aluminum. ![ThumbsUp :-+](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_smile_thumbsup.gif.pagespeed.ce._JElyJQqdB.gif)
I'd been thinking aboot this one or the white-backlit Durgod K310 for a while; when I got lucky and Windoze activated with the Key off the side of the boi's old PC, I decided it was okay to actually shop a new KB for me and kick my old one down to him. The clincher was yesterday morning when the K556 showed up in my Wish List with a $20 off Prime Member discount; that made it ~US$66 delivered.
According to reviews, switches are Outemu browns; they are nice & quiet with a medium detent at approx 2mm/50% deflection. The metal chassis makes the dull thunk as the keys bottom out quite satisfying to these brutish old dwagon paws. ![Evil >:D](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/xevil.gif.pagespeed.ic.tdrs7Uj5gu.png)
As you can see, they included an assortment of other keys for you to experiment with. In this application, I think I'll stick with the original switches; maybe shop a set of Romer-Gs or even genuine Cherry browns if they don't hold up.
The only thing I see that bothers me even a little is the fact they used SMD RGB LEDs on the mainboard instead of the usual 3mm LED inside the keycap; as brightness and clarity are more than adequate, I only mind this in principle, and will choose to see it as one less probable point of failure. ![Wink ;)](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/xwink.gif.pagespeed.ic.cldandycH0.png)
mnem
*clicky-clicky-clickety-clickety*
I did actually take a look at those here when I was shopping around. They’re £40 a pop which isn’t bad. The only thing that put me off is I know what cherry reds feel like and I didn’t want any variation. If I bugger this K320 I’ll head in that direction as the pricing is better ![ThumbsUp :-+](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_smile_thumbsup.gif.pagespeed.ce._JElyJQqdB.gif)
Any idea what processor it has on it. I’ve looked at the K320 and if you brick it, it’s a standard STM32 part. Assume it’s probably same or similar.
I haven't actually taken it apart past the endcap and a couple switches; it appears you have to take ALL the switches out to get the top cover off. I will admit it has a VERY satisfying clunk when you plop it on the desktop.
I haven't even looked at the software for it... this review goes over it in great detail; it offers three 103-key macro profiles and per-key lighting granularity. Also, it appears all changes are stored in NVRAM on the keyboard; reviewer states all setting are retained if plugged into another PC without the software.
![ThumbsUp :-+](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_smile_thumbsup.gif.pagespeed.ce._JElyJQqdB.gif)
Considering that, I'd guess you're absolutely right; STM32-based.
![Grin ;D](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/xgrin.gif.pagespeed.ic.QVVz6XIT20.png)
I have confirmed that my color choice setting is retained by plugging into my wife's laptop; the only thing I see different is it appears that instead of a set of blue switches to upgrade the usual FPS Gamer keys, it now ships with a "candy box" assortment for people to try which switches they like best.
If I have problems with any switches, I'll tear it down and post some pics of the guts. I can tell you that I already spend a lot less time correcting my horrible typing with this KB; especially the really annoying
' vs
; transposition issue I always seem to have with any membrane KB.
![Banging Head |O](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/bangheadonwall.gif.pagespeed.ce.8iLbFYV4Bc.gif)
Right now, the only things I wish it had is slightly more elevation at the rear flip-out feet and the good ol' L-shaped oversized carriage return.
![ThumbsUp :-+](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/icon_smile_thumbsup.gif.pagespeed.ce._JElyJQqdB.gif)
mnem
![Popcorn :popcorn:](https://www.eevblog.com/forum/Smileys/default/EatingPopcorn.jpg.pagespeed.ce.yJ6TmC5fSa.jpg)