Here you go bd.... I think I may have found a keyboard we can't beat to death.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Considering that, I'd guess you're absolutely right; STM32-based.
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.
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.
mnem