Redragon CENTAUR K506 vs CHIMERA K550Membrane vs Mechanical
Choose the CHIMERA K550 for mechanical switches and productivity features, or the CENTAUR K506 for a silent, budget-friendly membrane typing experience.
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Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon CENTAUR K506
Membrane
Build quality in the bottom 30% of 100% boards under $100.
- Extremely affordable price point.
- Silent membrane switches for quiet typing.
- Lightweight full-size design at 1100g.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Get the
Redragon CHIMERA K550
Mechanical
Build quality in the bottom 50% of 100% boards under $100.
- Mechanical purple tactile switches for a precise typing feel.
- Includes 12 programmable macro keys and dedicated media controls with a volume knob.
- Features a USB pass-through port for peripheral connectivity.
- Switches are soldered. Swapping them means soldering.
Your budget and need for mechanical switches are the deciding factors. If you require a basic, quiet keyboard for typing and want to spend as little as possible, the Redragon CENTAUR K506 is a functional choice. If you prefer the tactile response of mechanical switches and value productivity features like macro keys, media controls, and a USB pass-through, the Redragon CHIMERA K550 justifies its higher cost.
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 CENTAUR K506
Redragon CHIMERA K550
Case material
Plastic
Aluminum, Plastic
Knob
No
Yes
Weight
1,100 g
1,200 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
USB passthrough
No
Yes
Dimensions
35 x 440 x 135 mm
40 x 440 x 180 mm
- Redragon CENTAUR K506
- Redragon CHIMERA K550
- Performance
- 6362
- Build quality
- 4957
- Productivity
- 5151
- Customizability
- 5048
- Portability
- 4258
- Layout size: 100%
- Connection: Wired
- Mount style: Bottom Mount
- Layout standard: ISO, ISO-FR
What will you mostly use it for?
The CHIMERA K550 is the clear choice for gaming, programming, and content creation due to its mechanical switches, macro keys, and media controls. The CENTAUR K506 wins for office use primarily on the basis of its lower cost and quieter operation. For travel, neither keyboard is suitable, and for modding, the CHIMERA offers slightly more potential with included spare switches and software support.
Pick the Redragon CHIMERA K550
- The CHIMERA K550 includes 12 programmable macro keys (G1-G12) for complex commands.
- It features a dedicated volume knob and media controls for quick audio adjustments.
- Its mechanical purple tactile switches offer a more precise and responsive feel for gaming.
Redragon CENTAUR K506 vs CHIMERA K550 specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
5 of 14 specs differ
Redragon CENTAUR K506
Redragon CHIMERA K550
Mount style
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
USB passthrough
Case material
Plate material
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
Released
ISO layouts by store
Which stores sell ISO-DE, UK, and the other regional layouts.
Redragon CENTAUR K506
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO-FR.
Redragon CHIMERA K550
Listed on the product, not split by store: ISO-FR.
Compare prices
Live prices from the stores we track, cheapest in-stock offer first.
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Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
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Redragon CENTAUR K506 vs CHIMERA K550: your questions
The core difference is the switch type. The CENTAUR K506 uses silent membrane switches, while the CHIMERA K550 uses mechanical purple tactile switches. The K550 also adds features like macro keys, a volume knob, and a USB pass-through port.
The CHIMERA K550 is better suited for gaming. It features 12 programmable macro keys for complex commands and dedicated media controls including a volume knob. Its mechanical switches also provide a more responsive feel preferred by many gamers.
No, the Redragon CENTAUR K506 is not a mechanical keyboard. The manufacturer's specifications list it as a membrane keyboard, designed for silent and comfortable typing at a lower cost.
Yes, according to the packaging contents listed by Redragon, the CHIMERA K550 comes with four spare purple tactile switches in the box.
The CENTAUR K506 is the quieter option. It is specifically described as having silent membrane switches and silent reactive keys, making it more suitable for shared office environments.
Only the CHIMERA K550 has a USB pass-through port, allowing you to connect other devices directly to the keyboard. The CENTAUR K506 does not have this feature.
No, both the CENTAUR K506 and CHIMERA K550 are wired-only keyboards. They connect via a USB cable, with the K506 featuring a braided cable and the K550 including a pass-through port.
Both the CENTAUR K506 and CHIMERA K550 are only available with a French AZERTY layout, as specified in their product titles and descriptions.
Yes, the Redragon product listing for the CHIMERA K550 states it supports Redragon software. This software allows for creating custom lighting effects and configuring macros or shortcuts.
The CHIMERA K550 includes a removable wrist rest. The CENTAUR K506 does not come with a wrist rest according to its listed packaging contents.
The CHIMERA K550 is the better choice for programming due to its mechanical tactile switches, which many coders prefer for feedback. Its macro keys can also be programmed for development shortcuts. The K506's membrane switches are quieter but less tactile.
Not sold on either?
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