Redragon EISA K686 Pro vs GAREN K656 ProGasket vs Battery Life
Choose the EISA K686 Pro for its gasket-mounted typing feel and dedicated knob, or the GAREN K656 Pro for its longer battery life and slightly more compact 100-key layout.
KeebFinder may earn a commission when you buy through these links, at no extra cost to you.
Which one should you get?
Get the
Redragon EISA K686 Pro
Gasket
- Features a gasket mount design with a 3.5mm PO sound-absorbing pad, two dampening foams, and a silicone gasket for a dampened typing feel.
- Includes a dedicated control knob for adjusting volume, media playback, and backlight brightness.
- Hot-swappable PCB supports both 3-pin and 5-pin switches.
- South-facing LEDs. Shine-through legends stay dark, and some sculpted keycaps can clip the LED.
Get the
Redragon GAREN K656 Pro
Battery Life
- Larger 4000mAh battery capacity for extended wireless use.
- Lighter weight (800g) and slimmer profile (35mm height) for better portability.
- Product listing specifies full N-key rollover for gaming.
Your primary need dictates the choice. If a softer, more customizable typing experience and immediate tactile controls via a knob are most important, the Redragon EISA K686 Pro is the clear pick. If you need a keyboard for on-the-go use with minimal charging and a focus on gaming specs, the lighter Redragon GAREN K656 Pro with its large battery is the better option. Both represent strong value with tri-mode connectivity and hot-swap sockets at a similar price point.
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 EISA K686 Pro
Redragon GAREN K656 Pro
Battery
4,000 mAh
3,000 mAh
A larger battery means fewer cables during the day
Mount style
Gasket Mount
Bottom Mount
Knob
Yes
No
Display
LED
None
A case display rather than a typing feature
Weight
1,200 g
800 g
Heavier boards stay planted and lighter ones travel
- Redragon EISA K686 Pro
- Redragon GAREN K656 Pro
- Performance
- 7876
- Build quality
- 6853
- Productivity
- 8363
- Customizability
- 7355
- Portability
- 5451
- Layout size: 90%
- Connection: Bluetooth, 2.4 GHz, Wired
- Hot-swappable
- Case material: Plastic
- Switch options: Linear
- Sound dampening
What will you mostly use it for?
The GAREN K656 Pro wins for mobile and battery-conscious users, taking Travel and Office due to its lighter weight and large battery. It also edges out Gaming with its specified N-key rollover. The EISA K686 Pro is the choice for stationary, experience-focused tasks like Programming, Modding, and Content Creation, thanks to its gasket mount and dedicated control knob. For general productivity, both are capable, but your priority on battery life versus typing feel decides the winner.
Pick the Redragon GAREN K656 Pro
- The GAREN K656 Pro's product listing explicitly mentions full N-key rollover, a feature not specified for the EISA K686 Pro.
- Its lighter weight (800g vs 1060g) may allow for easier repositioning on a desk.
- Both feature tri-mode wireless connectivity for low-latency 2.4GHz gaming.
Redragon EISA K686 Pro vs GAREN K656 Pro specs
Every tracked spec, side by side. Rows marked with a dot differ between the boards.
9 of 22 specs differ
Redragon EISA K686 Pro
Redragon GAREN K656 Pro
Switch options
Hot-swappable
Mount style
Sound dampening
Layout size
Layout standard
Ergonomics
Knob
Display
Connection
Max polling rate
Battery
USB-C
Case material
Plate material
Keycaps
Weight
Dimensions
Backlight
N-key rollover
Mac & Windows
Released
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.
Lowest price across stores, Amazon excluded.
- Check on Amazon
Amazon
Check price
Redragon EISA K686 Pro vs GAREN K656 Pro: your questions
The GAREN K656 Pro has a significantly larger 4000mAh battery, while the EISA K686 Pro's battery capacity is not specified in the product listings. For longer use between charges, the GAREN model is the definitive choice.
Yes. The Redragon EISA K686 Pro features a dedicated control knob. According to the manufacturer, this knob controls backlight brightness, volume, and media playback functions like play/pause.
Yes. Both the Redragon EISA K686 Pro and GAREN K656 Pro feature hot-swappable sockets. Their product descriptions state the sockets are compatible with nearly all 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches.
Both keyboards incorporate sound-dampening materials. The EISA K686 Pro uses a 3.5mm PO pad, two dampening foams, and a silicone gasket. The GAREN K656 Pro uses 3.5mm PO foam, IXPE switch foam, and a PET sound pad. Without direct sound tests, both are designed to reduce noise, but the GAREN's larger battery may be more practical for quiet, cordless office use.
Yes. Both the EISA K686 Pro and GAREN K656 Pro list Mac support as a feature. The EISA model specifically mentions a side button for seamless switching between Windows and Mac systems.
The EISA K686 Pro uses a gasket mount, where the plate is suspended by silicone or foam gaskets to absorb vibration and create a softer typing feel. The GAREN K656 Pro uses a bottom mount, where the plate is screwed directly into the case bottom, typically resulting in a firmer feel. The gasket mount is a highlighted feature of the EISA model.
The GAREN K656 Pro is better for travel. It is 260 grams lighter (800g vs 1060g) and has a much slimmer height profile (35mm vs 90mm), making it easier to pack and carry. Its larger battery also supports longer wireless use on the go.
Both keyboards list software support. The EISA K686 Pro's description mentions available software to design lighting modes, effects, and macros. The GAREN K656 Pro's feature list also includes "Pro Software Supported."
The Redragon EISA K686 Pro has a 98-key layout. The Redragon GAREN K656 Pro has a 100-key layout. Both are 90% size keyboards that shrink a full-size layout while retaining most keys and functionality.
Both keyboards come with linear switches. The EISA K686 Pro includes Red Linear switches. The GAREN K656 Pro includes custom Mint Mambo linear switches, which the manufacturer describes as thick-lubed.
Based on the package contents listed, the EISA K686 Pro includes a more comprehensive accessory kit. It comes with a detachable USB-C cable, a nano receiver, a combined keycap & switch puller, four spare switches, a sticker, and a manual. The GAREN K656 Pro lists a cable, separate switch and keycap pullers, spare switches, and a manual.
Not sold on either?
Still torn?
Answer a few quick questions and the keyboard finder ranks 2,000+ boards by how you will actually use yours.