The Redragon K565 Rudra is a very affordable mechanical gaming keyboard for budget-conscious users. It has RGB and different switch type options so that it will fit with most personal preferences for both aesthetics and functional feel. The Redragon K565R Rudra offers excellent value, but how does it hold up in a complex category that’s rife with premium alternatives and competitors?
Design and Features
The Redragon K565 Rudra has a simple design that makes it look like a typical office keyboard if it weren’t for its RGB lighting and bright red logo. The ABS chassis and double shot keycaps have matte black finishes, which look clean and inconspicuous. The keyboard has floating keys, so the RGB lighting shines brighter, especially at night. 
It is lightweight at around two and a half pounds so it shouldn’t be too much trouble to bring it with you if you plan to game outside of your home. It’s also not intrusively sized despite having a full layout, so it should fit nicely with your setup. It’s also worth mentioning that it is ergonomically designed so users won’t strain their wrists and fingers during extended use.
The Redragon K565 Rudra has RGB lights on each switch, so it looks quite good, especially while gaming at night. It has 18 lighting modes and 4 speed and brightness levels, allowing you to customize how it looks. You can use the old function key trick to manipulate the lighting, but the latest version also has software compatibility so that you can create macros and RGB settings with that.
Another essential feature of this model is it uses Outemu switches that are direct Cherry MX clones. They aren’t particularly bad, but we aren’t a fan of the “loosey-goosey” feel of the switch type. However, switching to more expensive Cherry switches won’t save you from that since it is an inherent characteristic of the design. 
This variant has red linear switches, which aren’t clicky and smooth, with only 50 grams of actuation force. Linear switches are less fatiguing to use for extended hours of use, although some prefer tactile or clicky keys for that feeling of control. Outemu red switches activate at 2.1mm, so it is particularly responsive even if it’s a clone.
It’s also worth noting that the latest Redragon K565 Rudra version has hot-swappable keys, so you can easily replace one if it fails. The package already comes with four extra Outemu switches, so you are good for a while. But what’s great about it is that you can upgrade to more premium switches once you feel the need to.
You also get double-shot injection molded keycaps, so they won’t fade even if you have balmy hands. The letters and symbols are clear, and they let enough light to shine through for better visibility. The package also comes with a key-cap puller, so you can quickly swap out the keys when needed.
Performance
The Redragon K565 works great for games and work thanks to its full mechanical layout and great build quality. It needs some modding, like adding foam to reduce the “clack” sound of the switch type and the floating caps, but that’s subjective. Outemus may be a clone of Cherry MX switches, but they work great and are usually durable since they are rated for 50 million clicks. 
The keyboard also has N-Key Rollover protection, so it doesn’t get confused if you press multiple keys at the same time. This is a must-have for gaming keyboards, although we haven’t encountered any modern versions that don’t have it. The keyboard also has macro profile customization support via Redragon’s app so that you can create convenient profiles for each game.
Tearing down, the Redragon K565 Rudra reveals good-quality components, starting with its PCB. It feels solid, but it has some space inside, giving the keyboard that hollow, clacky sound. The keys also have decent stabilizers, so the keycaps don’t tilt in random directions when you press them. Most gamers won’t need to upgrade this board, but enthusiasts need to look elsewhere.
We also didn’t notice any latency from the K565 Rudra since it’s a wired mechanical keyboard. The USB connector means that this will work with most devices, but USB-C-limited devices like MacBooks are out. We prefer generic type-A connectors since USB-C still isn’t as common, but it would have been better if this keyboard also had a hot-swappable cord.
And lastly, Redragon says that its budget keyboard is spill-proof even if it doesn’t come with a rating. And while we don’t have a doubt that it has a certain level of protection against drink-related accidents, we would rather not test it. Most keyboards nowadays have some resistance to this kind of issue, but you also have to be quick in drying it out, so the liquid doesn’t seep into the electronics.
Thoughts on the Redragon K565 Rudra
The Redragon K565 Rudra is an excellent budget option that will impress gamers who are looking to get into mechanical keyboards. It features responsive and durable, hot-swappable switches despite the price range, plus it packs plenty of nice improvements. We like the double-shot keycaps and the overall build quality at this price point.
However, the Redragon K565 Rudra is far from perfect since it has a few limitations. The RGB lights can be difficult to set if you don’t like rainbow color schemes, and those who are familiar with mechanical keyboards will surely prefer premium alternatives to the Outemu switches. But overall, it’s an excellent buy considering that it’s a hot-swappable MKB that sits below $50.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Hot-Swappable Switches
- Decent Build Quality
- Double-shot Keycaps
Cons:
- Loose key feel
- Limited RGB
- Needs mods
Paolo is a gaming veteran from the golden days of Doom and Warcraft. Since junior high, he has been building gaming systems for family, friends, and colleagues. High-performance monitors are one of his fixations; he believes that every citizen’s right to enjoy one. He has gone through several pieces of hardware in pursuit of every bit of performance gain, much to the dismay of his wallet. He has also spent half a decade researching, reviewing, and writing about these products and now has over 1400 articles about the best gaming tech under his belt.
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