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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 11, 2026

Redragon CASTOR K631 HE vs NOVA K709 HE

Choose the NOVA K709 HE for a premium typing feel and sound, or the CASTOR K631 HE for a lighter, more budget-friendly entry to Hall Effect gaming.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Redragon CASTOR K631 HE

Build quality in the bottom 5% of 65% boards under $50.

If you want

  • Lower cost entry point for Hall Effect and rapid trigger technology.
  • Lighter weight (638g) and slightly more compact dimensions for easier portability.
  • Includes a portable strap and a nano receiver (though it's a wired keyboard) in the package.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Get the

Redragon NOVA K709 HE

Sound dampening

Build quality in the bottom 40% of 65% boards under $50.

If you want

  • Features a 5-layer noise dampening system with PO foam, IXPE foam, PET pad, and silicone.
  • Uses higher-quality PBT and POM keycap materials for better durability and feel.
  • Incorporates a gasket mount design for a potentially more flexible typing experience.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.

Bottom line

If your primary goal is accessing Hall Effect and rapid trigger features at the lowest possible cost and weight, the Redragon CASTOR K631 HE is the logical choice. For all other users, especially those who type for long hours, value a quieter workspace, or enjoy a more premium build feel, the Redragon NOVA K709 HE is worth the additional investment for its sound dampening and superior materials.

What actually differs

The differences that matter

Skip the 40-row spec sheet. These are the specs that change how each board feels, sounds, and fits your desk.

Redragon CASTOR K631 HE

Redragon NOVA K709 HE

  • Switch options

    Magnetic

    Clicky, Magnetic

  • Weight

    638 g

    820 g

    Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel

  • Sound dampening

    No

    Yes

  • Layout standard

    ANSI

    ANSI, ISO

    ISO and JIS exist so regional layouts fit

  • Released

    2026

    2025

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Redragon CASTOR K631 HE
  • Redragon NOVA K709 HE
Performance
91
91
Build quality
42
62
Productivity
48
58
Customizability
47
48
Portability
65
66

What they share

  • Layout size: 65%
  • Hall effect (magnetic)
  • Rapid trigger
  • Connection: Wired
  • Max polling rate: 8,000 Hz
  • Case material: Plastic
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The NOVA K709 HE holds a clear advantage for office use, modding, and content creation due to its superior acoustic treatment and keycap materials. For travel, the lighter and slightly more compact CASTOR K631 HE is the better pick. Gaming and programming are a tie, as both keyboards deliver identical core performance features, leaving the decision to secondary factors like sound preference and budget.

For gaming

It's a tie

  • Both feature 8000Hz hyper-polling for minimal latency.
  • Both include Hall Effect magnetic switches with software-adjustable rapid trigger.
  • Both support dual platform drivers for Windows and web-based configuration.

Full specs

Redragon CASTOR K631 HE vs NOVA K709 HE specs

Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.

6 of 18 specs differ

Redragon CASTOR K631 HE

Redragon NOVA K709 HE

Typing & switches

Switch options

Magnetic
Clicky, Magnetic

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
Yes

Rapid trigger

Yes
Yes

Mount style

—
Gasket Mount

Sound dampening

No
Yes

Layout

Layout size

65%
65%

Layout standard

ANSI
ANSI, ISO

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Display

None
None

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 Hz
8,000 Hz

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Plastic
Plastic

Keycaps

—
PBT, POM

Weight

638 g
820 g

Dimensions

33 x 323 x 107 mm
40 x 336 x 119 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Extras

Released

2026
2025

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.

Redragon CASTOR K631 HE

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Redragon NOVA K709 HE

Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO.

Where to buy

Compare prices

Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.

Prices in USD are converted to your currency and can change at any time. KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.

FAQ

Redragon CASTOR K631 HE vs NOVA K709 HE: your questions

The main difference is in build and sound. The NOVA K709 HE features a 5-layer foam dampening system, PBT/POM keycaps, and a gasket mount for a quieter, more premium typing experience. The CASTOR K631 HE is a lighter, more affordable option that shares the same core 8000Hz polling and Hall Effect gaming performance.

Yes. According to their vendor descriptions, both the Redragon CASTOR K631 HE and NOVA K709 HE feature rapid trigger technology. This allows for dynamic actuation point adjustment via software for faster key resets in games.

Both keyboards have a native 8000Hz hyper-polling rate. The manufacturer states this provides a 0.125ms lowest latency for fast response times in gaming.

Yes. Both keyboards include a keycap and switch puller in the box, confirming that the keycaps are removable. The NOVA K709 HE specifically uses PBT and POM keycaps.

The Redragon NOVA K709 HE is designed to be quieter. It is explicitly built with a 5-layer noise dampening system that includes PO foam, IXPE switch foam, a PET sound pad, bottom socket foam, and a silicone bottom pad to reduce hollow noise.

It depends on your priorities. If you value a quieter typing sound, more durable PBT/POM keycaps, and the potential feel of a gasket mount, the NOVA K709 HE justifies its price. If you only need the core Hall Effect gaming performance on a tight budget, the CASTOR K631 HE is sufficient.

Both keyboards use Hall Effect magnetic switches. The CASTOR K631 HE uses Hall Effect switches, while the NOVA K709 HE uses what Redragon calls 'UltraMag' magnetic switches, which also fall under the Hall Effect category.

Both keyboards offer dual platform driver support. According to the manufacturer, they support a standard Windows client and a new web-based driver that allows users on other operating systems to access software features via a browser.

The Redragon CASTOR K631 HE is better for travel. It is significantly lighter at 638 grams compared to the NOVA's 820 grams, has slightly smaller dimensions, and its package includes a portable strap according to the vendor listing.

The vendor listing states the CASTOR K631 HE package includes the keyboard, a keycap and switch puller, a Redragon sticker, a nano receiver, a portable strap, a USB Type-C cable, a user manual, and four spare switches.

Yes. The software for both keyboards allows you to adjust the actuation point of the Hall Effect switches. The CASTOR K631 HE adjusts between 0.1-4.0mm, while the NOVA K709 HE adjusts between 0.1-3.4mm.

Both keyboards have plastic cases. The NOVA K709 HE distinguishes itself with PBT and POM keycaps and a more complex internal construction including multiple foam layers and a gasket mount.

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