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Head to head · Prices checked Nov 7, 2026

Redragon NOVA K709 HE vs YAMA K550Gaming Tech vs Full-Size Features

Choose the NOVA K709 HE for competitive gaming performance and portability, or the YAMA K550 for a full-size layout with extensive productivity features.

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Quick verdict

Which one should you get?

Get the

Redragon NOVA K709 HE

Gaming Tech

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

If you want

  • Ultra-low latency with 8000 Hz polling rate.
  • Advanced Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation point.
  • Includes rapid trigger technology for competitive gaming.

Rules this board out

  • Magnetic switches only. Standard MX switches will not fit.
  • 65% layout. No function row and no numpad.

Get the

Redragon YAMA K550

Full-Size Features

Build quality in the top 45% of 100% boards under $100.

If you want

  • Full-size 104-key layout with numpad and dedicated media keys.
  • Aluminum top plate for a premium, stable feel.
  • Hot-swappable PCB allows for easy switch changes.

Rules this board out

  • No ISO layout. ISO-DE, UK, and other ISO variants are not offered.

Bottom line

Your primary need dictates the choice. For competitive gaming where every millisecond and precise actuation matters, the Redragon NOVA K709 HE is the superior tool. If you require a full keyboard for work, value hot-swappability for customization, or need dedicated media and macro keys, the Redragon YAMA K550 is the more versatile daily driver. Consider the significant size and weight difference if desk space or portability is a concern.

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 NOVA K709 HE

Redragon YAMA K550

  • Layout size

    65%

    100%

  • Hall effect (magnetic)

    Yes

    No

    Adjustable actuation helps in games and not in normal typing

  • Rapid trigger

    Yes

    No

    Faster resets help in games and not in normal typing

  • Hot-swappable

    No

    Yes

    Switch changes without soldering

  • Case material

    Plastic

    Aluminum

KeebFinder scores

How we score
  • Redragon NOVA K709 HE
  • Redragon YAMA K550
Performance
92
78
Build quality
62
62
Productivity
58
58
Customizability
48
65
Portability
66
43

What they share

  • Connection: Wired
See every spec side by side

Best for

What will you mostly use it for?

The NOVA K709 HE is the clear choice for dedicated gaming and portability, thanks to its high-speed specs and compact form. The YAMA K550 wins for office work, programming, and content creation, where its full layout, macro keys, and media controls are major assets. For keyboard modders, the YAMA's confirmed hot-swap capability gives it the edge, while the NOVA's pre-built nature and advanced magnetic switches offer a different, more specialized experience.

For gaming

Pick the Redragon NOVA K709 HE

  • Features 8000 Hz hyper-polling for lower latency.
  • Includes Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation from 0.1-3.4mm and rapid trigger technology.
  • More compact 65% size frees up desk space for mouse movement.

Full specs

Redragon NOVA K709 HE vs YAMA K550 specs

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

15 of 23 specs differ

Redragon NOVA K709 HE

Redragon YAMA K550

Typing & switches

Switch options

Clicky, Magnetic
—

Hall effect (magnetic)

Yes
No

Rapid trigger

Yes
No

Hot-swappable

No
Yes

Mount style

Gasket Mount
Bottom Mount

Sound dampening

Yes
No

Layout

Layout size

65%
100%

Layout standard

ANSI, ISO
ANSI

Ergonomics

Standard
Standard

Knob

No
Yes

Display

None
None

Media keys

No
Yes

Connectivity & battery

Connection

Wired
Wired

Max polling rate

8,000 Hz
—

USB passthrough

No
Yes

USB-C

Yes
Yes

Build & materials

Case material

Plastic
Aluminum

Keycaps

PBT, POM
—

Weight

820 g
1,500 g

Dimensions

40 x 336 x 119 mm
32 x 456 x 225 mm

Backlight

RGB
RGB

Firmware & software

N-key rollover

No
Yes

Extras

Released

2025
2024

For EU buyers

ISO layouts by store

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

Redragon NOVA K709 HE

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

Redragon YAMA K550

No ISO layout at the stores we track.

Where to buy

Compare prices

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

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FAQ

Redragon NOVA K709 HE vs YAMA K550: your questions

The Redragon NOVA K709 HE is better for competitive FPS gaming. It is specifically marketed for these games, featuring an 8000 Hz polling rate for minimal latency, Hall effect magnetic switches with adjustable actuation, and rapid trigger technology for faster key resets.

Yes, the Redragon YAMA K550 is confirmed to have hot-swappable sockets. This allows you to change the switches without soldering. The product listing states it is hot-swappable and includes eight spare switches in the box.

No, the Redragon NOVA K709 HE is not listed as hot-swappable. It comes with pre-soldered UltraMag magnetic switches. The vendor description mentions it includes four spare switches, likely for replacement if one fails, but not for easy customization.

The NOVA K709 HE is significantly more portable. It is a 65% keyboard weighing 820g with dimensions of 336mm wide. The YAMA K550 is a full-size keyboard weighing 1500g and is 456mm wide, making it much larger and heavier to transport.

The NOVA K709 HE uses proprietary UltraMag Hall effect magnetic switches, which are clicky. The YAMA K550 uses custom Redragon Purple switches, which are also described as clicky with a tactile feel and 55g actuation force.

The YAMA K550 has dedicated media controls. Its product description highlights eight dedicated hotkeys and a volume roller for media playback and volume adjustment. The NOVA K709 HE, as a 65% board, lacks dedicated media keys, requiring function layer combinations.

Yes, the Redragon YAMA K550 includes a detachable, integrated wrist rest. This is listed as a key feature in its specifications and product description for added ergonomic comfort during long typing sessions.

The polling rate for the Redragon YAMA K550 is not specified in the provided metadata or vendor description. The NOVA K709 HE explicitly advertises an 8000 Hz polling rate, but a similar spec is not stated for the YAMA model.

The NOVA K709 HE features a more elaborate sound dampening system. According to its vendor page, it uses a five-layer system including 3.5mm PO foam, IXPE switch foam, a PET sound pad, bottom socket foam, and a silicone bottom pad. The YAMA K550's description does not detail any specific sound dampening features.

The YAMA K550's description states the USB pass-through port is for connecting devices like a mouse or wireless receivers. However, some user reviews on the vendor page mention the pass-through may only provide power and not full data connectivity, suggesting potential functionality limitations.

The NOVA K709 HE vendor description mentions dual platform driver support, including a web-based driver that allows users on other operating systems to access software features via a browser. This suggests broader compatibility beyond just Windows, though the core keyboard functionality should work on any system.

The key material difference is in the case construction. The YAMA K550 features an aluminum top plate, giving it a more premium and solid feel. The NOVA K709 HE uses a plastic case, which contributes to its lighter weight.

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