Redragon K618 Horus Review: Value-packed, Low-profile Mechanical Keyboard
Our review takes a deep dive into the Redragon Horus K618, highlighting its stylish design, triple connectivity options, customizable RGB lighting, and more. While the keyboard packs some great features, it's not without its downsides. Find out if it's the right fit for you.
Today, I bring you an in-depth review of the Redragon K618 Horus, a full-size, low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard that has been attracting attention recently.
As an experienced tech reviewer, my mission is to deliver authentic, comprehensive, and unbiased reviews. I've rigorously tested this keyboard, assessed its every feature, and parsed user feedback from various sources. My primary aim is to help you, the reader, make an informed choice.
With an appealing blend of style, performance, and budget-friendliness, the Redragon K618 Horus makes quite an impression at first glance. But does it live up to the hype? That's what we're here to find out. Join me as we delve deeper into this intriguing piece of tech.
The Redragon Horus K618 is ideally suited for users seeking a full-sized, low-profile, wireless mechanical gaming keyboard that combines functionality with affordability. Its versatile design and features make it suitable for both gaming and office use. The keyboard is especially great for those transitioning from laptop keyboards or who prefer a more ergonomic wrist position.
- Versatile connectivity options including USB-C, Bluetooth 5.0, and 2.4Ghz wireless
- Doubleshot ABS keycaps for durability and clear, backlit legends
- Programmable macros with up to 20 sets
- Built-in multimedia and volume controls
- Low-profile switches provide a quiet typing experience
- Inconsistent brightness with the RGB backlighting
- Software compatibility is limited to Windows OS
- Potential for double character input
- Light actuation force might lead to easy typos
Given its robust set of features and competitive price point, the Redragon Horus K618 is a compelling choice for gamers and professionals alike seeking a versatile, low-profile keyboard. Its full-size layout, wireless capabilities, RGB lighting, and programmable macros make it a comprehensive package. However, users might need to overlook minor drawbacks such as the occasional lag in 2.4Ghz mode and uneven RGB brightness.
Test Results
Design
When it comes to the design of the Redragon K618 Horus, there's a lot to unpack. Let's dive into various aspects like its dimensions, build quality, ergonomics, backlighting, connectivity, and extra features to get a better understanding.
The keyboard presents itself in a compact form, with dimensions of 437 x 147 x 17mm and a weight of 725g. While it maintains a full-size form, its height is about the same as most modern membrane keyboards, giving it a relatively slim profile. It incorporates low-profile linear red switches, measuring 12mm in height, ensuring a quick response with a short actuation distance of 1.2mm. A potential drawback might be its size for users with limited desk space, despite a tenkeyless variant being available.
Constructed with a mix of plastic and thin aluminum, the keyboard feels solid despite its weight. However, some users may find the build quality a bit cheap. It uses Outemu low profile switches, which unfortunately are not compatible with third-party switches or Outemu full profile switches. The keycaps are made of ABS double shot legends which won't wear off, but the white markings are pad printed and could rub off over time.
The keyboard's low profile and full-size number pad contribute to its ergonomic design. Users transitioning from laptop keyboards or who desire a more ergonomic wrist position may appreciate this. Additionally, it offers features like feet risers for height adjustability and a sloping step. However, the keys might feel loose to some users, leading to potential typos due to the low actuation force required.
The keyboard features vibrant RGB lighting, with 20 different backlight effects and onboard presets that can be cycled through without any software. However, some users may notice an uneven brightness. The legends are doubleshot, allowing a decent amount of RGB lighting through. Customization is available via Redragon's software, which offers additional color options beyond the single solid color (white) option available directly on the keyboard.
The keyboard supports multiple connectivity options, including wired mode via USB-C, 2.4GHz USB dongle, and Bluetooth 5.0. It can also connect with up to three devices via Bluetooth. While the 2.4GHz connection offers less latency than Bluetooth, some users reported significant lag and dropped keystrokes. Users should consider their specific use case when choosing a connection mode.
The keyboard comes with a number of extra features, including a USB-C cable, switch puller, wire keycap puller, extra switches, and a sticker in the box. It has dedicated multimedia keys, a volume wheel, and five macro keys. Secondary functions on the 1–5 number keys allow for switching between the different connectivity modes. The keyboard supports macros and can be programmed using the M1-M4 keys and the G1-G5 buttons. However, these added features may increase the learning curve for some users.
Typing Experience
The typing experience is the heart of any keyboard review. In this section, we'll explore the keystrokes, typing quality, typing noise, and latency of the Redragon K618 Horus to evaluate its performance.
The Keystrokes category focuses on the feel, consistency, and overall performance of the keys. In the case of the Redragon Horus K618, the keyboard is equipped with low-profile red switches from Outemu, contributing to a comfortable typing experience. However, there have been reports of occasional double character inputs during testing and a 'mushy' resistance on the media and macro keys. This can compromise the quality of the typing experience.
Typing Quality revolves around the feel of the keys, their durability, and the overall accuracy during typing sessions. The keyboard showcases high typing accuracy. However, the pad printed white markings may rub off over time, slightly impacting the aesthetic value.
The Typing Noise category assesses the sound produced when keys are actuated. This is a crucial factor for many users, especially those working in shared spaces. The Redragon Horus K618 is noted for being relatively quiet thanks to its low-profile red switches. Even the volume wheel is silent during operation.
Latency, which refers to the delay between key actuation and the action being registered by the device, is a vital factor for gamers and fast typists. The Redragon Horus K618 exhibits no latency issues in wired mode. However, users might experience some lag in Bluetooth mode, while the 2.4G mode was reported to suffer from significant lag and dropped keystrokes. The keyboard wakes up instantly from sleep upon any keypress.
Software
The accompanying software can truly enhance or impede the user experience of a keyboard. Here, we'll discuss the programming options and compatibility of the Redragon K618 Horus, helping us assess its overall functionality.
Programming pertains to the customization and control features offered by the keyboard. Notably, Redragon K618 Horus has a set of macro keys enabling users to define their own input sequences, enhancing efficiency. Up to 20 sets of macros can be recorded and stored in 4 separate profiles. Each profile can accommodate up to 5 separate macros. However, setting these keys requires a user manual, indicating a learning curve.
Compatibility refers to the keyboard's capability to function with various operating systems, switches, and devices. It can connect with up to three devices via Bluetooth 5.0. The software only supports Windows. The keyboard uses a standard bottom row, which ensures compatibility with most aftermarket keycaps. However, finding aftermarket low-profile keycaps might be difficult. Moreover, the keyboard doesn't support third-party switches, which restricts customization options.
Customer Reviews
Customer reviews often provide the most genuine and insightful perspective on a product. In this case, we'll delve into reviews about the Redragon Keyboard. We'll explore the major benefits and complaints customers have voiced, before forming an overall conclusion.
Benefits
Firstly, a significant point of appreciation among customers is the keyboard's affordability and quality. Some were ready to spend more on a keyboard but found the Redragon Keyboard offered excellent value. Its construction is robust, with many reviewers commenting on its weight and lack of flex. The keyboard also scored high on aesthetics, with users loving its design.
Many users were happy with the device's versatility. It works seamlessly across multiple systems and offers various connection options. Wireless connectivity was particularly praised, even if it did have its caveats, which we'll cover later.
The keyboard's performance in gaming contexts was commended too, with smooth and responsive keystrokes and customizable RGB lighting. Notably, users also appreciated the sound of the mechanical switches, describing them as 'clicky' but not overly loud.
Complaints
However, no product is without its criticisms. Several users encountered issues with key features suddenly stopping, such as the WINDOWS key and WASD. In some cases, a workaround was discovered, but these incidents were perceived as unnecessary inconveniences. Furthermore, it was suggested that a lack of indication when certain features are active contributed to these problems.
Another frequently mentioned concern was the keyboard's sensitivity. For some, the keys were too responsive, resulting in accidental presses and consequent typing errors. This, combined with the sleep mode's relatively short timeout, led to a number of complaints about constant corrections and wasted time.
Lastly, customers expressed their dissatisfaction with the keyboard's wireless functionality. While some loved the freedom it offered, others experienced issues with the keyboard not registering keystrokes in wireless mode. Some users also found that the battery life wasn't up to par when using wireless mode, especially when the RGB lighting was active.
Customer Conclusion
Despite these issues, it seems the Redragon Keyboard still managed to win over most users. Many found the company's customer service impressive and responsive, particularly when resolving issues or providing refunds. The keyboard's sturdiness, responsiveness, and attractive design also came up frequently in the positives.
However, the product could certainly benefit from a few improvements. These include making it less sensitive to accidental key presses, extending the wireless mode's sleep timeout, and enhancing the battery life in wireless mode. While the Redragon Keyboard may not be perfect, its strengths seem to outweigh its flaws for the majority of users, making it a recommended choice for most.
Customer Questions/Answers
Does this keyboard have onboard memory to store color profiles?
Yes, this keyboard has onboard memory. Most RGB effects are managed onboard. Custom profiles created through the software are stored on the keyboard itself.
What's the difference between the 100% 104-keyboard and the 80% TKL keyboard?
The TKL keyboard is smaller and omits the number pad on the far right. It still includes arrow keys and keys for Print Screen, Scroll Lock, etc. The 104-keyboard includes a number pad, making it more suitable for those who frequently do calculations.
Can I make the RGB backlighting appear white?
Yes, you can. The keyboard offers full RGB with many different modes, including a white backlighting option.
Can I set the keyboard to a single static color?
Yes, you can set the keyboard to a single static color. Press FN+TAB for white and FN+INS to cycle through different colors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Redragon K618 Horus, with its attractive design and low-profile nature, offers an interesting blend of style and functionality. Its diverse connectivity options, onboard programmable macros, and RGB lighting make it a competitive contender in its price range.
However, it's not without its downsides. There are minor issues with build quality, occasional double-character input, and some limitations in software compatibility. Yet, it maintains a solid performance overall, making it a potential pick for those seeking a budget-friendly, full-size, wireless mechanical keyboard.
Ultimately, your choice hinges on your specific needs. If a low-profile, customizable keyboard that balances aesthetics and functionality is what you're after, the Redragon K618 Horus could be a fine choice. It's not a premium keyboard, but for its price, it offers decent value.
Always remember, the perfect keyboard is the one that best aligns with your typing habits, aesthetic preferences, and budget. Stay informed, make wise choices, and keep exploring the fascinating world of technology!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Redragon K618 Horus hot swappable?
Yes, the Redragon K618 Horus is hot swappable. Its keys are interchangeable, but it does not support third-party switches.
Are Redragon red switches good?
Redragon's red switches are generally seen as suitable for both gaming and typing due to their linear and quiet nature. However, some users have mentioned that the proprietary low-profile red switches on the Redragon K618 Horus feel somewhat mediocre compared to premium brands.
Is Redragon a good brand?
Redragon is often recognized for providing affordable and decent quality peripherals, including keyboards and mice. Their products, like the Redragon Horus K618, offer some solid features and good value for money. However, as with any product, the quality can vary between models and individual user experiences.
What type of lighting does the Redragon Horus K618 have?
The Redragon Horus K618 features full RGB backlighting. It offers 20 different backlight effects which can be toggled and adjusted from the keyboard itself. Further customization is available via Redragon's software.
What type of switches does the Redragon Horus K618 use?
The Redragon Horus K618 uses proprietary low-profile red switches made by Outemu. They have an actuation force of 40g.
What types of connectivity does the Redragon Horus K618 offer?
The Redragon Horus K618 offers three types of connectivity: wired via a USB-C cable, wireless via a 2.4GHz USB dongle, or Bluetooth 5.0.
Can I program macros on the Redragon Horus K618?
Yes, the Redragon Horus K618 includes programmable macro keys. You can record and store up to 20 sets of macros in 4 separate macro profiles.
What operating systems are supported by the Redragon Horus K618?
The Redragon Horus K618 supports only Windows operating systems, including Win7, Win XP, Vista, Win 8, and Win 10.