While it’s often been the case that mechanical keyboards have erred on the upper end of the pricing spectrum, products like the Redragon K558 ANALA RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard prove that it’s possible to provide most of the same flourishes at less than half the typical price.

In the box you get the keyboard itself, a keycap puller (although no extra or replacement keys), and a multi-language instruction sheet. Since the keyboard is plug and play, does not require drivers, and does not have configuration software, the instruction sheet is dedicated to describing all of the onboard functions that work with the FN key.

These FN key functions include modifying the function keys, number row, and arrow keys, as well as INS. The  function keys control media and other functions, like opening the calculator. The number row is for different RGB backlighting effects, like FPS mode, which only illuminates the ESC, A, S, D, W, arrow up, arrow down, arrow left, and arrow right keys. The arrow keys and INS control the RGB backlighting, including different motion patterns, brightness, and, of course, whether or not to turn the feature off entirely. While, as stated, there is no dedicated software, there is an onboard DIY Mode where you can program your own lighting setup.

Unlike many other mechanical keyboards, the ANALA has only one USB cable, which is not braided, but does have a gold-plated connector. Although this setup loses out on a USB data or power port or two mirrored on the keyboard, it does cut down on some of the typical bulk that requires, and of course  takes up only the one USB port on the device you’re connecting it to.

As for the keyboard’s performance, you can definitely tell it’s not a high-end model. The Blue Outemu switches are considered Cherry MX Blue equivalents, which are generally preferred for heavy typing, but the keyboard’s plastic shell does create a slightly hollow feeling and sound. Despite the keyboard lacking the usual heft, the styling is attractive enough, with a nice built-in wrist wrest and rubberized bottom risers. Nevertheless, despite not always feeling or quite performing like a high end keyboard, the styling, along with the RGB lighting, certainly looks the part.

 

If you’re looking for a low cost alternative to many of the premium mechanical keyboards, the ANALA is a good value. While you won’t get quite the same typing performance, you do get a lot of value-added features for the price.

Pluses:

• Great price
• Good RGB lighting and effects
• Simple setup and customization

 

Minuses:

• Build quality feels and sounds a bit cheap in places
• How do you pronounce Redragon?

 

Thanks to Redragon for the review unit.