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Redragon K565 Rudra and Ranger M910-K in hands-on: Inexpensive mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse offer a lot

High-end features, low price. The very affordable, mechanical Redragon K565 Rudra RGB keyboard convinces in our test with key-programmable RGB, its stable metal base, and hot-swappable, Cherry MX-like Red switches for fast as well as accurate typing. We also test Redragon's Ranger Basic M910-K, a lightweight and compact gaming mouse with nine programmable buttons, high-end RGB, 1,000 Hz and 8,000 DPI.

Redragon offers a mechanical gaming keyboard at a very reasonable price with the K565 Rudra, as well as the Ranger Basic M910-K RGB gaming mouse. Our test shows that features and quality do not have to be sacrificed.

For only 34 Euros (~$37, keyboard) and 22 Euros (~$24, mouse), you get hot-swappable red switches, an individually configurable RGB illumination in a quality similar to a Razer Mamba, a stable metal plate on the splash-proof full-size keyboard and 9 programmable buttons on the gaming mouse with 1000 Hz and 8000 DPI. The manufacturer also offers a 24-month warranty and free lifetime support.

Our review shows whether these features are enough to create a decent gaming experience, stand up to other low-priced manufacturers, or even compete with the Razer DeathAdder or Logitech G203.

Specifications

Redragon K565 Rudra - Keyboard Redragon Ranger Basic M910-K - Mouse
Type mechanical keyboard, 104 key full-size, USB-A wired compact gaming mouse, USB-A wired
Features Red Switches (Outemu) Hot-Swappable, Custom-RGB, Anti-Ghosting, N-Key Rollover Protection 250 - 8,000 DPI, 1,000 Hz, 9 programmable keys, Custom-RGB
OS Windows, Linux, Chrome, MacOS Windows, Linux, Chrome
Dimensions 43.5 x 12.2 x 3.6 cm (L×W×H) 17.5 x 11.8 x 5 cm (L×W×H)
Weight 745 g 96 g / 130 g with cable
Price 59 Euro 26 Euro

Design and workmanship: Surprisingly robust

The Redragon K565 Rudra gaming keyboard comes in full size with 105 keys, including NumPad and function keys. The layout includes all the important keys and the letters are printed in normal size. The keys, which are not too small but not too large, are found unerringly, while the caps are made of smooth as well as matte ABS hard plastic and can be replaced - as can the switches, for which a tool is included.

The durable double injection-molded keycaps of the K565 Rudra mechanical offer a good grip and don't rattle, even when you press the largest keys far from their center. This is something that many other keyboards in this price segment are unable to master. Keyboard flex is also completely eliminated by the textured aluminum metal plate used - while even the underside is made of metal. Overall, the mechanical keyboard leaves a very high-quality impression that even surpasses some more expensive keyboards. Four rubber feet also provide a very stable grip, while the rear two can be positioned for a more comfortable angle.

The RGB illuminated Ranger M910 gaming mouse is made entirely of matte black plastic with a good feel and quality finish. It is suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users. All nine buttons sit well in the case, including the lightly rubberized mouse wheel. Only the plastic on the sides looks a bit cheap. There are also a few edges, but they did not cause us any problems.

With 94 g (~3.3 oz), the Ranger Basic M910 is pleasantly light and also compact, which is a bit suboptimal for the tester's large hands, but didn't bother us too much. The cable (braided in the case of the mouse) is not removable on either device, though Redragon offers wireless peripherals as an alternative.

Practical test: Precise Red Switches remind of Cherry MX

The Redragon K565 Rudra mechanical keyboard features linear Red switches from Outemu, a clone of the Cherry MX Red switches that is surprisingly close to the original in terms of quality, although the differences in detail are still noticeable. The required actuation force of 50 g (~1.8 oz) is a bit more than the 45 g (~1.6 oz) of the Cherry MX Red switches, and the travel distance to key release is 0.1 mm longer at 2.1 mm (~0.08 in), while the total travel distance is 4 mm (~0.16 in).

By comparison, Cherry MX Brown switches require 55 g (~1.9 oz) of actuation force and the Blue switches require 60 g (~2.1 oz). The keys are thus very smooth, allowing for very fast typing for long periods of time and quick actuation during gaming. The stroke is also linear, which many users prefer. We prefer the slight stop of the Blue Switches after the first ~2 mm (~0.08 in) of travel, as well as its more tactile and "clicky" behavior.

If you are unsure or don't like the Red Switches, you can easily swap them, but only 3-pin switches from Redragon, Outemu and Akko are compatible, which is an advantage if you buy them cheaply. Redragon conveniently includes two brown and two blue switches for testing. Removing the switches can be a bit more difficult, which is why you should be careful not to bend the pins. The slightly better Gateron switches are unfortunately not supported.

While gamers will be happy with the solid setup, enthusiasts can make modifications (at their own risk), such as using PE foam or smearing the stabilizers with dielectric grease to make the keys yield an even more solid and deeper sound.

The Ranger Basic gaming mouse has an entry-level sensor in the form of the Pixart P3327, which does its job sufficiently well and consistently, even at the highest DPI level of 8,000. Using the front buttons on top of the mouse, you can switch between five DPI and four refresh modes. 8.000 DPI should also be sufficient for games in high resolutions, while pixel shifting is prevented by various techniques.

For shooters, there's a triple-fire button on the lower left, while the other two buttons effect forward and backward (walk), both for gaming and web browsing. However, each individual button can be configured freely.

Rapid fire button and back & forward buttons
Rapid fire button and back & forward buttons
Three buttons for DPI, sampling rate and RGB modes
Three buttons for DPI, sampling rate and RGB modes

Software: Highly customizable & high-end RGB

No drivers are required for the Redragon K565 Rudra and the Ranger Basic M910-K to get started right away. The RGB lighting can be customized key-by-key (via Fn key combinations), while macros and gaming profiles can be created via a tool you can get from the Redragon's website. There are 18 preset RGB patterns for the mechanical keyboard, as well as 4 brightness and speed levels each.

The lighting can get very bright, especially since it shines through the letters very well, but also strongly from underneath the "floating" keys. The gaming MKB offers N-Key Rollover Protection and Anti-Ghosting, and keys such as the Windows key can be reassigned or even locked, for example to prevent gaming interruptions.

The mouse software offers nine RGB effects, which can also be switched through via the rearmost button at the top of the mouse, as well as the possibility to define macros and adjust the DPI and refresh values, for example for office use and gaming. The total of five DPI modes can be partially deactivated so that you don't have to switch through all of them if you only need two modes.

The illumination is very bright and the transitions are really very smooth, comparable to high-end RGB mice like the Razer DeathAdder. We've been used to choppy or flickering RGB transitions from inexpensive gaming mice. The software for the Ranger M910-K, unlike the K565 Rudra, unfortunately does not currently support macOS. It can be downloaded here https://www.redragonzone.com/pages/download by searching for the model designations.

RGB modes
RGB modes
9 buttons individually assignable
9 buttons individually assignable
DPI & sampling rate
DPI & sampling rate
Mouse macros
Mouse macros
18 preset RGB modes of Rudra keyboard
18 preset RGB modes of Rudra keyboard
 
 
 

Pro

+ full size keyboard
+ hot-Swappable Switches
+ good Cherry MX clone
+ very cheap
+ bright & smooth custom RGB
+ solid workmanship & stand
+ Double injection molded keycaps
+ many adjustment possibilities
+ splash-proof keyboard

Con

- mouse processing not perfect
- no detachable cable
- mouse software not for MacOS
- entry-level mouse sensor

Verdict: Affordable gaming keyboard and mouse are convincing

In the test: Redragon K565 Rudra mechanical keyboard...
In the test: Redragon K565 Rudra mechanical keyboard...
... and Redragon Ranger Basic M910-K gaming mouse, provided by Redragon.
... and Redragon Ranger Basic M910-K gaming mouse, provided by Redragon.

The mechanical Redragon K565 Rudra full-size gaming keyboard and the Ranger Basic M910-K RGB mouse are especially convincing with a very good price-performance ratio. For only 34 Euro for the keyboard or 22 Euro for the mouse (~$37 and ~$24, after applying Amazon coupons), you don't have to fear any quality deficiencies or missing features. On the contrary: The devices are surprisingly well-made and offer many setting options.

Redragon puts together a rock-solid package for those looking for a solid gaming keyboard and mouse in the double-digit price range.

We especially liked the ability to switch out the solid-fitting Outemu Red switches, unless you prefer the linear progression as well as the smooth stroke. The RGB effects of both devices are simply top, very bright and can be programmed per button. Nine completely reassignable mouse buttons are also not standard in this price segment. Gaming and office performance is decent, considering the price.

Disclosure: The tested K565 Rudra keyboard and Ranger M910-K mouse were provided free of charge to the author of the review by Redragon, but there were no conditions attached to it, the results of the test were not influenced by that.

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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > Reviews > Redragon K565 Rudra and Ranger M910-K in hands-on: Inexpensive mechanical gaming keyboard and mouse offer a lot
Marvin Gollor, 2023-03-22 (Update: 2023-03-23)