Redragon K556 RGB
Score: 80/100
HyperX Alloy Origins Core
Score: 83/100Rankings
The HyperX Alloy Origins Core is a tenkeyless mechanical keyboard featuring an aluminum chassis, HyperX Aqua linear switches and per-key RGB lighting, delivering solid performance in a compact form factor. Its non-hotswappable switches, lack of wireless connectivity and modest brightness levels are notable trade-offs. Best suited for competitive FPS and esports gamers who value a sturdy build and extra mouse space.
The Redragon K556 is a full-size wired keyboard with tactile brown switches, brushed aluminum chassis, and per-key RGB customization. Its heavy weight and non-standard chiclet keycaps limit portability and modding. Perfect for users wanting a durable, feature-rich mechanical keyboard with premium build.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
104 keysbest | 87 keys | |
| ↓ lower better | 1,000 g | 900 gbest |
— | 45 gbest | |
1 years | 2 yearsbest | |
4 levels | 5 levelsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(1) | ||
Warranty (years) | 1 years | 2 years |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Switch Type | Brown | HyperX Aqua |
Key Count (keys) | 104 keys | 87 keys |
Weight (g) | 1000 g | 900 g |
Dimensions (W×H×L) (mm) | 124x40x435 mm mm | 129.5 x 35.6 x 358.1 mm mm |
Lighting(1) | ||
Backlight Brightness Levels (levels) | 4 levels | 5 levels |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers consider the K556 a surprisingly solid and affordable mechanical gaming keyboard, lauding its metal construction, tactile brown switches, and robust RGB lighting while noting the limitations of its custom keycaps and lack of wireless connectivity.
Everyday users love the keyboard's tank-like aluminum build, responsive brown switches, and per-key RGB customization, but they frequently mention the restrictive chiclet keycaps, occasional "ding" noise, heavy weight, and the need for software to unlock full lighting features.
“built like a tank”
“surprisingly solid, very affordable mechanical gaming keyboard”
Professional reviewers consistently commend the Alloy Origins Core for its solid aluminum construction, balanced linear switches, and compact TKL layout that benefits competitive gamers needing extra mouse space. They also appreciate the intuitive NGENUITY software and per-key RGB customization. However, they criticize the non-hotswappable design, modest speed advantage of the 1.8 mm actuation point, and the relatively high bottoming force, as well as the absence of any wireless capability.
Everyday users echo the professional praise for durability, RGB customization and the detachable cable, while noting the lack of hot-swap and wireless as drawbacks.
