Redragon K556 vs K556 SE: Tactile vs Linear Switch Choice

Compare Redragon DEVARAJAS K556 vs DEVARAJAS K556 SE Differences Side by Side

This comparison is for buyers deciding between two very similar, full-size Redragon keyboards. The choice is difficult because both share an aluminum frame, hot-swappable sockets, and RGB lighting. The decision ultimately hinges on your preference for switch type, keycap material, and whether you prioritize a quieter typing sound.

Model
Rating	0.0 stars (0 reviews)	0.0 stars (0 reviews)
Purchase Options
Main differences	Released in 2018 Has Tactile, Linear switch options Features N-key rollover Weighs about 1180 g Sized at 41 x 432 x 122 mm Features ABS keycaps	Released in 2023 Has Linear switch options Has built-in sound dampening Weighs about 1350 g Sized at 41 x 124 x 41 mm Features PBT keycaps
Score	Scores Performance: 74.6 Build Quality: 60.1 Productivity: 65.6 Customizability: 59.1 Portability: 45.1	Scores Performance: 62.2 Build Quality: 63.7 Productivity: 76.8 Customizability: 59.8 Portability: 45.2
Name	Name Redragon DEVARAJAS K556	Name Redragon DEVARAJAS K556 SE
Release year	Release year 2018	Release year 2023
Switch Options	Switch Options Tactile, Linear	Switch Options Linear
Profile	Profile Normal Profile	Profile Normal Profile
Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable	Hot Swappable
Layout Size	Layout Size 100%	Layout Size 100%
Layout Standard	Layout Standard ANSI	Layout Standard ANSI
Layout Ergonomics	Layout Ergonomics Normal	Layout Ergonomics Normal
Knob Support	Knob Support	Knob Support
Display Support	Display Support	Display Support
Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support	Mac/Win Support
Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys	Multi-Media Keys
USB-C	USB-C	USB-C
USB passthrough	USB passthrough	USB passthrough
Connection	Connection Wired, Wired only	Connection Wired, Wired only
Polling Rate	Polling Rate -	Polling Rate -
Battery capacity	Battery capacity -	Battery capacity -
Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support	Hall Effect Support
QMK Support	QMK Support	QMK Support
VIA Support	VIA Support	VIA Support
VIAL Support	VIAL Support	VIAL Support
N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover	N-Key Rollover
Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger	Rapid Trigger
Mount Style	Mount Style Bottom Mount	Mount Style Bottom Mount
Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers	Screw in Stabilizers
Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening	Sound Dampening
Backlight	Backlight Rgb	Backlight Rgb
Case Colors	Case Colors	Case Colors
Case Material	Case Material Aluminum	Case Material Aluminum
Keycaps Material	Keycaps Material ABS	Keycaps Material PBT
Dimensions	Dimensions 41 x 432 x 122 mm	Dimensions 41 x 124 x 41 mm
Weight	Weight 1180g	Weight 1350g

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0.0 stars (0 reviews)

Released in 2018
Has Tactile, Linear switch options
Features N-key rollover
Weighs about 1180 g
Sized at 41 x 432 x 122 mm
Features ABS keycaps

Released in 2023
Has Linear switch options
Has built-in sound dampening
Weighs about 1350 g
Sized at 41 x 124 x 41 mm
Features PBT keycaps

Scores

Performance: 74.6
Build Quality: 60.1
Productivity: 65.6
Customizability: 59.1
Portability: 45.1

Scores

Performance: 62.2
Build Quality: 63.7
Productivity: 76.8
Customizability: 59.8
Portability: 45.2

Name

Redragon DEVARAJAS K556

Name

Redragon DEVARAJAS K556 SE

Release year

2018

Release year

2023

Switch Options

Tactile, Linear

Switch Options

Linear

Profile

Normal Profile

Profile

Normal Profile

Hot Swappable

Layout Size

100%

Layout Size

100%

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Standard

ANSI

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Layout Ergonomics

Normal

Knob Support

Display Support

Mac/Win Support

Multi-Media Keys

USB-C

USB passthrough

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Connection

Wired, Wired only

Polling Rate

Battery capacity

Hall Effect Support

QMK Support

VIA Support

VIAL Support

N-Key Rollover

Rapid Trigger

Mount Style

Bottom Mount

Mount Style

Bottom Mount

Screw in Stabilizers

Sound Dampening

Backlight

Rgb

Backlight

Rgb

Case Colors

Case Material

Aluminum

Case Material

Aluminum

Keycaps Material

ABS

Keycaps Material

PBT

Dimensions

41 x 432 x 122 mm

Dimensions

41 x 124 x 41 mm

Weight

1180g

Weight

1350g

Pros and Trade-offs

Select the Redragon K556 if you value having a tactile switch option or want the most affordable entry point. Opt for the K556 SE if you prefer a linear switch, desire more durable PBT keycaps, and need a quieter stock typing experience with its included dampening kit. The core hot-swap feature and aluminum build are shared strengths.

Redragon DEVARAJAS K556

+Offers a choice between tactile brown and linear red switches.
+Includes eight spare switches in the package for immediate customization.
+Vendor listing specifies 12 multimedia keys for quick media control.
+Comes with interchangeable arrow and WASD keycaps.

−Uses ABS keycaps, which are more prone to developing shine over time.
−Lacks the dedicated sound dampening kit found in the SE model.
−Switch options may be subject to stock availability, as noted on the vendor page.

Redragon DEVARAJAS K556 SE

+Features PBT keycaps for better durability and resistance to shine.
+Includes a noise dampening kit for a quieter typing experience.
+Uses custom, thick-lubed linear Dragon Chant switches for a smooth feel.
+Vendor description lists 20 backlighting modes, compared to 18 on the K556.

−Only available with linear switches, offering no tactile option.
−Slightly more expensive than the base K556 model.
−Some user reviews mention difficulty removing switches from the hot-swap sockets.

Which Keyboard Is Better for Your Needs?

The K556 SE is the stronger choice for office and content creation due to its quieter, stock configuration with PBT keycaps. The standard K556 is better suited for gamers who want a choice between tactile and linear switches. For programming, modding, and travel, the keyboards are effectively tied, sharing their core hot-swap capability and identical, non-portable form factor.

GamingRedragon DEVARAJAS K556

•The K556 offers a choice of tactile brown or linear red switches, providing options for different gaming preferences.
•Its vendor description mentions 12 multimedia keys and the ability to disable the Windows key during gameplay.
•It includes eight spare switches in the box for quick replacements.

OfficeRedragon DEVARAJAS K556 SE

•The K556 SE includes a noise dampening kit, which is beneficial for shared workspaces.
•It features PBT keycaps, which are more resistant to shine and wear from frequent typing.
•The linear Dragon Chant switches are described as having a silky, creamy travel.

ProgrammingTie

•Both are full-size 104-key layouts, providing a dedicated number pad.
•Both feature hot-swappable sockets, allowing programmers to customize switch feel.
•Both include a detachable USB Type-C cable for easy transport between setups.

TravelTie

•Both keyboards are heavy, full-size models weighing over 1.3kg, making them equally cumbersome to transport.
•Both have the same large dimensions, requiring significant bag space.
•Both offer a detachable USB-C cable, which is the only portability advantage for either.

ModdingTie

•Both keyboards are listed as hot-swappable with sockets compatible with 99.8% of switches.
•Both include a keycap puller and eight spare switches in the package.
•Both share the same aluminum case and bottom mount style, offering a similar foundation for mods.

Content CreationRedragon DEVARAJAS K556 SE

•The K556 SE's PBT keycaps will maintain their texture and legends longer during intensive use.
•The included sound dampening kit can reduce distracting noise during audio recording or streaming.
•The vendor description for the SE model mentions software support for creating macros, which can streamline editing workflows.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)