Redragon K673 PRO Keyboard Review: Budget-Friendly Mechanical Gaming Excellence

In the realm of mechanical keyboards, the Redragon K673 PRO emerges as a compelling choice for gamers and professionals seeking performance without breaking the bank. Priced at approximately $64, this 75% wireless mechanical keyboard offers a blend of functionality, design, and affordability that caters to a wide audience.

Design and Build Quality

The K673 PRO boasts a compact 75% layout, eliminating the numpad to save desk space while retaining essential function keys. Its ABS plastic casing houses shine-through PBT keycaps, providing durability and a premium feel uncommon at this price point. The keyboard's aesthetic is enhanced by its RGB backlighting, which offers a range of customizable effects to suit individual preferences.

A notable feature is the inclusion of a dedicated control knob, allowing users to adjust volume and backlight brightness seamlessly. This addition enhances user experience by providing quick access to essential controls without relying on complex key combinations.

Performance and Typing Experience

Equipped with Outemu Red linear switches, the K673 PRO delivers a smooth and responsive typing experience. These switches are known for their quiet operation and low actuation force, making them suitable for both gaming and extended typing sessions. The keyboard's gasket mount design, combined with dual 3.5mm sound-absorbing foams, effectively dampens keystroke noise, resulting in a quieter typing environment.

For users interested in customization, the K673 PRO supports hot-swappable switches, accommodating both 3-pin and 5-pin configurations. This feature allows for easy switch replacement without soldering, enabling users to tailor the keyboard's feel to their preferences.

Connectivity and Battery Life

The K673 PRO offers tri-mode connectivity: USB-C wired, Bluetooth 3.0/5.0, and 2.4GHz wireless. This versatility ensures compatibility across various devices and use cases. The keyboard's 3000mAh battery provides ample usage time, and the inclusion of a dongle socket ensures the 2.4GHz receiver is securely stored when not in use.

A unique feature is the battery level indicator, activated by pressing Alt + FN. This function illuminates number keys to represent remaining battery percentage, offering a quick and intuitive way to monitor power levels.

Software and Customization

Redragon's companion software enhances the K673 PRO's functionality by allowing users to customize RGB lighting effects, set macros, and reassign key functions. The software's user-friendly interface makes it accessible for both novice and experienced users seeking to personalize their keyboard experience.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Affordable price point with premium features
• Compact 75% layout with dedicated function keys
• Hot-swappable switches for customization
• Tri-mode connectivity for versatile use
• Effective noise dampening for quiet operation
• Dedicated control knob for easy adjustments

Cons:

• ABS plastic casing may feel less premium compared to metal alternatives
• Stabilizers on larger keys could be improved to reduce wobble
• 3000mAh battery may require frequent charging for heavy users

The Redragon K673 PRO stands out as a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard that doesn't compromise on essential features. Its combination of a compact design, customizable switches, versatile connectivity, and user-friendly software makes it a strong contender in its price range. While there are areas for improvement, such as stabilizer quality and battery capacity, the overall package offers excellent value for gamers and professionals alike.