{"id":4616,"date":"2017-02-15T23:28:45","date_gmt":"2017-02-16T04:28:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/armchairarcade.com\/perspectives\/?p=4616"},"modified":"2017-02-15T23:28:45","modified_gmt":"2017-02-16T04:28:45","slug":"review-redragon-k558-anala-rgb-mechanical-gaming-keyboard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/armchairarcade.com\/perspectives\/2017\/02\/15\/review-redragon-k558-anala-rgb-mechanical-gaming-keyboard\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: Redragon K558 ANALA RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard"},"content":{"rendered":"

While it’s often been the case that mechanical keyboards have erred on the upper end of the pricing spectrum, products like the\u00a0Redragon K558 ANALA RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard<\/a> prove that it’s possible to provide most of the same flourishes at less than half the typical price.<\/p>\n

\"\"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<\/strong> key.<\/p>\n

These FN<\/strong> key functions include modifying the function keys, number row, and arrow keys, as well as INS<\/strong>. The \u00a0function 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\u00a0ESC<\/strong>, A<\/strong>, S<\/strong>, D<\/strong>, W<\/strong>, arrow up<\/strong>, arrow down<\/strong>, arrow left<\/strong>, and arrow right<\/strong> keys. The arrow keys<\/strong> and INS<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n

\"What<\/a>

What you get.<\/p><\/div>\n

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 \u00a0takes up\u00a0only the one USB port on the\u00a0device you’re connecting it to.<\/p>\n

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<\/a>, but the keyboard’s plastic shell does create a slightly\u00a0hollow 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.<\/p>\n