The Redragon K552 KUMARA is a gaming keyboard that has been around for over 5 years and counting.
This isn't the newest keyboard on the market but it still reigns at the top of most budget keyboards due to its impressive build quality, RGB lighting, and tactile feedback.
In this Redragon K552 KUMARA review, we will go through why this keyboard is still a highly sought, popular, and affordable keyboard that is active on the market to this day.
If you are interested in a cheaper keyboard with macro keys and programmable buttons, then this is worth looking into.
The Redragon K552 is perfect for those who are just starting to build their first mechanical keyboard or need a cheaper option before they can customize.
It caters to both enthusiasts and beginners alike with its low-cost, simple design that still offers features like backlighting and seven different colors of keys!
It's also great for gamers who want to have a key with multiple functions and macros, but don't want to spend too much money.
If you are coming off a cheap membrane keyboard, this will feel like a massive upgrade.
The mechanical keyboard feels in comparison to the membrane keyboard feel is second to none.
However, this keyboard is not good for people who are looking for extreme customization of every single function on their keyboard.
If you are looking for a high-end, comfortable gaming keyboard, this is not the keyboard for you.
You can check out the K552 alternatives later in this article, or you can check out our top 7 best gaming keyboards for CSGO for more higher-end keyboards.
When it comes to the Redragon K552 KUMARA, you are getting the most value out of what you pay for.
It has sturdy built quality, switches which are Cherry MX blue alternatives, and great RGB lighting to compliment your gaming setup.
Let's take a deeper dive into these features...
The first thing I like to look for in any mechanical keyboard is the switches.
Why? Because the switches affect everything about the keyboard, from the feeling of pressing down the keys to the sound it makes when the keys actuate.
If you're a fan of Cherry MX blue switches, then the Outemu blue switches that come in the Redragon K552 are a great alternative.
Outemu switches are popular amongst the mechanical keyboard world and can be matched up alongside Gateron and Kailh switches.
The Outemu Blue switches are loud, clicky, and satisfying to press. If you love tactile feedback that sounds crisp, the blue's are a great fit for you.
Just remember, these switches are quite loud, so if you share a room with someone else, or are buying this for office use...
You may end up annoying the person next to you.
Or maybe they enjoy the type-writer sound, who knows!
Regardless, Outemu Blues are alternative switches to the famous Cherry MX switches.
If you want good gaming performance, you got it.
The Redragon K552 is tailored more so for games that don't need the Numpad on the side, such as FPS or MOBA games.
If you play MMORPG, this may not be the keyboard you're looking for.
It is useful in MMORPGs to have additional buttons you can assign abilities to. So the TKL size of this keyboard lacks the additional buttons you need.
But for everything else, it's great - even if you use it for typing.
The keys have great tactile feedback including additional function keys to make up for the small, compact design.
The mechanical switches are quite loud, but if you wear headphones when you game you won't hear a thing.
For its price tag, the Redragon K552 is a great choice for gaming.
A simple, minimalistic TKL design is all the rage nowadays.
It takes up less space, is more functional, looks better on gaming setups, and you won't have to worry about your mouse hitting your keyboard since they will be spaced apart.
The Redragon KUMARA's keys are built quite high and may take some time to get used to.
I do prefer a lower-profile keyboard that has a wrist rest at the bottom, this allows for maximum ergonomics and comfort.
The keycaps also have a gamer-ish design to them, which I personally don't like.
If you swap out the keycaps for a more minimal font, these would look much better. You can find custom keycaps from these places.
The RGB lighting also gives it a nice touch, allowing you to set any color that you want to suit your gaming setup.
If minimal, compact, and aesthetic are what you're looking for, this is a very well-designed keyboard.
The Redragon KUMARA is built from sturdy aluminum for a durable base, so you won't feel any wobble or bending when using this keyboard.
It's the perfect price point for newcomers to this mechanical keyboard market, as well as enthusiasts who want their customization options taken to the next level.
The switches are installed well, and you won't have any problems with the keys getting stuck or double-clicking.
Overall, this is one of the cheapest and highest quality keyboards for its price range and is definitely recommended.
Still not sold on the Redragon K552 KUMARA? Try these budget-friendly alternatives!
You may know AKKO as a popular mechanical keyboard brand that has collaborated with Ducky One, which holds the best 60% mech keyboard on the market.
Akko has come out with its own TKL keyboard with ultra-fast and satisfying pink linear switches.
These switches are Gateron pinks which have pre-lubed caps, meaning a more satisfying and smoother press whenever you use their keys.
The keyboard itself comes with custom-colored keycaps that you would normally have to buy separately. This gives it a custom look that many of you would be going for.
The colorway is known as Matcha Red Bean, which is an aesthetic green design that's unique to your typical black and white colorways, and just looks awesome.
Side note: if you don't know what Matcha is, you can check it out here. Depending on how it's prepared, it's delicious!
If you have a slightly higher budget than the Redragon K552 KUMARA, then this keyboard is your next best bet.
You won't need to buy any additional keyboard accessories as this keyboard looks like it has been customized already.
The DIERYA mechanical keyboard has been around for a while, just like the K552.
It's a smaller keyboard, running at 60% size so you can save even more desk space with this great pick.
Although, they have made up for the lack of keys by programming certain keys to have dual capabilities.
To further add to its value, this keyboard is wireless, and lasts 2x longer than your typical 60% keyboards, should you use it wirelessly.
It comes with a few different switches, with one of the best ones being the black switches.
The black switches are linear, non-tactile switches that aren't loud, but are easier to press and actuate faster, making them perfect for gaming.
I would suggest switching out the keycaps since the stock keycaps look quite gamer-ish which isn't to my liking.
For around $50, you're getting a bargain of a deal and is a great alternative if you're not set on getting the K552.
We did a deeper dive into the DIERYA DK63 if you would like to know more about the keyboard, check it out!
The GK61 is a mechanical keyboard enthusiast's dream keyboard that comes at an affordable price of around $80.
It comes with many different Gateron switches which are switches used in many high-end gaming keyboards.
The Gateron Silver's in particular are gaming-specific linear switches that are ultra-fast, being one of the fastest actuating switches on the market.
Unlike the K552 or the DIERYA, the GK61 comes with a thin, minimal font on the keycaps that looks great.
It also features RGB backlighting that compliments the aesthetics of the keyboard.
The GK61 gaming keyboard is the perfect alternative for gamers looking to upgrade.
Sporting a sleek design, it comes with 13 different mechanical switches to choose from and RGB lighting options that are sure to impress any gamer!
And if you would like a deeper dive into the GK61, check out our full review.
Absolutely! The Redragon KUMARA K552 is a top-tier budget-friendly keyboard that you can game on or use for work.
It's compact (tenkeyless design), minimal, has great clicky switches, and aesthetic RGB backlighting.
It's built well and is a definite upgrade for gamers who want to move on from their regular membrane keyboards.
The Redragon peripherals are focused on quality and affordability. They make high-quality products that you can find for a reasonable price.
Are their keyboards bad? Definitely not.
The KUMARA K552 is a prime example of a keyboard that is affordable, yet built to last, and performs well.
Having sold the K552 keyboards for $50, you can't deny the impressive build quality that they have produced, a definite upgrade from your typical membrane keyboards.
However, in comparison to more higher-end keyboards, the Redragon K552 KUMARA can't match up.
So if you have a lot of money to splurge, then I would recommend getting a higher-end keyboard. You can find some high-end gaming keyboards here.
However, if you're looking to save money, Redragon's K552 is a great keyboard to have.
Yes, the Redragon K552 KUMARA has anti-ghosting capabilities.
Yes, the software is called Redragon Zone and you can download it on their website here.
Whilst there are many other mechanical keyboards that have their perks...
The Redragon K552 KUMARA is a top-tier contender for an affordable keyboard under $50, and its perks are shown in this review.
Would I recommend this keyboard for you to buy in 2021?
Absolutely, given that you only have the budget to get a cheap, entry-level keyboard.
However, if you can fork out a little bit more money, I would recommend looking into the more expensive alternatives listed above, since the quality will be better.
Considering the build quality of the K552, in comparison to the price, this is the perfect starter keyboard for any newbie looking to get into mechanical keyboards...
If you've been customizing keyboards for a long time, this keyboard is still a great keyboard to buy.
You can customize it and keep it as a secondary or backup keyboard, and it will perform and look great.
I would highly recommend this to anyone who currently has a membrane keyboard and is looking to go down the mechanical keyboard rabbit hole...
Trust me, you will never go back!
You can grab your keyboard by clicking here!