Redragon K556
Score: 78/100
HyperX Alloy Origins Core TKL
Score: 84/100Rankings
The Alloy Origins Core is a high-end tenkeyless keyboard with an aluminum build, vivid per-key RGB and detachable USB-C cable. It delivers solid performance with full NKRO and onboard memory, but lacks media keys and wireless connectivity.
The Redragon K556 is a full-size, metal-framed mechanical keyboard that offers hot-swap capability, tactile brown switches, and vibrant RGB lighting with onboard memory. While it delivers solid build quality and customization options, its weight, lack of per-key lighting, and non-detachable cable may deter users seeking portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
| ↓ lower better | 1,000 g | 900 gbest |
— | 60 gbest | |
104 keysbest | 87 keys | |
— | 1.8 mbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Performance(1) | ||
N-Key Rollover (keys) | NKRO keys | Full keys |
Lighting(1) | ||
Backlighting Type | RGB | Per-key |
Switches(1) | ||
Switch Type | Brown | HyperX Aqua |
Build & Design(3) | ||
Form Factor | Full-size | Tenkeyless |
Key Count (keys) | 104 keys | 87 keys |
Weight (g) | 1000 g | 900 g |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Cable Type | Braided fiber | USB-C |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers commend the K556 for its solid metal chassis, hot-swappable design, and generous spare-switch bundle, noting that the lack of per-key RGB and a fixed cable are minor trade-offs for its price.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the build quality, tactile brown switches, and vibrant lighting, though they point out imperfections in keycap finish, the heavy weight, and the non-backlit Fn legends.
“best keyboard I've ever owned”
“perfect for PC gamers”
“the best board I've ever owned”
Professional reviewers praise the premium aluminum build, vivid lighting and tactile Aqua switches, while noting the missing media keys and USB pass-through as drawbacks.
Everyday users rate it highly, calling it "perfect for PC gamers" and "the best board I've ever owned," though they miss dedicated media controls and note occasional early hardware failures.
