It's a keyboard. Good for the price, but switches feel cheap.

As an avid gamer and someone who spends countless hours typing, finding the right keyboard is crucial. I recently had the opportunity to put the Redragon K671 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard through its paces, and I’m ready to share my thoughts. This full-sized wired gaming keyboard aims to deliver a competitive edge and a comfortable experience, packing in features that cater to both serious gamers and everyday users. Here’s an honest breakdown of what makes the K671 stand out, and where it might fall short for some.

Responsive and Smooth: The Mechanical Red Switches

The core of any mechanical keyboard lies in its switches, and the K671 comes equipped with linear Red Switches. For those unfamiliar, Red switches are renowned for their smooth, consistent keystroke without a tactile bump or audible click.

• Linear Feedback: Each press feels fluid, making rapid key presses incredibly easy. This is a significant advantage in fast-paced games where quick reactions are paramount.
• Faster Response: The lighter actuation force means your commands register swiftly, which is a game-changer for competitive gaming and can even improve typing speed over time.
• Hot-swappable Design: A fantastic feature for enthusiasts or those who might encounter a faulty switch. The keyboard includes 4 spare switches, allowing you to easily replace a malfunctioning switch without needing to solder, significantly extending the keyboard’s lifespan and customization potential.
• Ideal for Gaming and Typing: While often marketed towards gamers, the smooth linear travel also makes typing a less fatiguing experience, especially during long sessions.
• Full Key Anti-Ghosting: You’ll never have to worry about missed key presses. Every key press is registered simultaneously, ensuring that even the most complex key combinations execute perfectly without conflict.

Dynamic Backlighting for Every Mood

A gaming keyboard isn’t complete without impressive illumination, and the K671 doesn’t disappoint in offering a vibrant visual experience, although with one notable caveat.

• Cool Backlit Illumination: The keyboard offers a bright and clear backlight that genuinely enhances the aesthetic of your setup.
• 11 Different Backlit Modes: From static glows to dynamic wave patterns, there are plenty of options to choose from, allowing you to match your mood or game. You can cycle through these modes easily using [FN]+[Ins].
• Adjustable Speed and Brightness: Fine-tune the lighting to your preference with 5 levels of speed and brightness, ensuring optimal visibility day or night.
• Double Injection ABS Keycaps: These keycaps are designed for durability and ensure that the backlight shines through clearly, preventing legends from fading even with prolonged use.
• Gaming-Specific Modes: Three professional gaming backlight modes are included, likely pre-programmed to highlight common gaming keys for specific genres.
• Important Note: While versatile, it’s crucial to understand that the backlight color cannot be customized. You’re limited to the pre-set colors of the existing modes, which might be a drawback for users seeking full RGB control.

Built for Comfort and Durability: Design & Keycaps

Beyond performance, a good wired gaming keyboard needs to withstand the rigors of daily use and provide comfort during extended sessions. The K671 demonstrates a thoughtful approach to both.

• Spill-Resistant Protection: Accidents happen, especially during intense gaming moments. The spill-resistant design offers a layer of protection against minor liquid spills, potentially saving your keyboard from an untimely demise.
• Ergonomic Design: Engineered to make typing and gaming more comfortable, this design aims to reduce strain on your wrists and hands over long periods, promoting better posture and endurance.
• Double-shot PBT Keycaps: This is a premium feature often found on more expensive keyboards. PBT keycaps are known for their superior durability and resistance to shine compared to standard ABS keycaps. The double-shot legends mean the characters are molded into the keycap rather than printed, guaranteeing they will never fade, even with heavy use.

Unlock Advanced Control: Customization & Software Features

The K671 offers robust customization options through its dedicated software, allowing users to tailor the keyboard to their specific needs and gaming style.

• Programmable Mechanical Keyboard: The K671 is truly a programmable keyboard, enabling a high degree of personalization.
• Macro Editing Support: This feature is invaluable for gamers and power users. You can remap key functions, set shortcuts, or even combine multiple key actions into a single macro, streamlining complex commands and improving efficiency in both work and play.
• Software-Adjustable LED Effects: While the color can’t be changed, the software allows for further adjustment of the backlight effects, including speed and brightness, beyond the on-board controls.
• 12 Multimedia Key Shortcuts: Quickly access essential functions like calculator, media controls, volume adjustments, and email with dedicated shortcuts, enhancing convenience during any task.
• Driver Compatibility Note: It’s important to be aware that the driver software, which unlocks the full customization potential, only supports the Windows operating system. Mac or Linux users will miss out on these advanced programming capabilities. The setup is straightforward, though, guided by video instructions for easy download and installation.

The Redragon K671 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard presents itself as a strong contender in the wired gaming keyboard market. With its responsive Red Switches, hot-swappable design, durable PBT keycaps, and extensive software-based customization (for Windows users), it offers a compelling package for gamers and typists alike. While the lack of customizable RGB lighting might deter some, its other features, including spill resistance and ergonomic design, make it a reliable and comfortable peripheral. The included spare switches and a 24-month warranty also speak to Redragon’s commitment to user satisfaction and product longevity. If you’re looking for a performance-focused mechanical keyboard without breaking the bank, and primarily use Windows, the K671 is definitely worth considering.