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Introduction

The Redragon K530 Pro Draconic is a 60% wireless RGB mechanical keyboard that offers a perfect blend of functionality, aesthetics, and value. This upgraded version of the K530 Draconic retains its predecessor's compact layout and hot-swappable PCB, but introduces a new 3-mode connection and a 100% hot-swap socket. The K530 Pro Draconic is a testament to Redragon's commitment to innovation and value, offering enhanced features without an increase in price.

Key Features:

1) 60% Standard Bottom Row Layout

2) Bluetooth/2.4Ghz/Wired 3-Mode (3 switchable pairings)

3) 100% Hot-Swap Socket

4) High capacity 1600mAh Battery

5) Hot-Swappable OUTEMU Switches

6) Macro Support

7) RGB Lighting

STANDARD REDRAGON KEYBOARD FEATURES:

• The keyboard features double-shot ABS keycaps with N-Key Rollover and MX Stems for a satisfying typing experience.
• It allows MACRO recording via key combinations directly from the keyboard, making customization easy.
• User settings are remembered by the keyboard, even after being unplugged and plugged back in.
• The flip-out feet and rubber pads ensure stability and a comfortable typing angle.

STANDOUT FEATURES

• Compact 60% Layout: The K530's 60% standard bottom row layout offers a tiny desktop footprint of 4" x 11.5", making it highly portable and space-saving.
• Wireless Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz Connectivity: The K530 Pro offers versatile connectivity options with both Wireless Bluetooth and 2.4Ghz modes. Easily switch between three different devices and enjoy a seamless multi-device experience; able to pair with 3 separate devices.
• High Capacity 1600mAh Battery: Equipped with a sizable 1600mAh battery, the Redragon K530 Pro ensures up to 10 hours of continuous operation with RGB lighting turned off.
• Battery Status Indicator: The keyboard features a color-changing indicator to display the battery level, making it convenient to keep track of power levels.
• Wired Mode: The K530 comes with a flexible detachable USB-A to angled USB-C cable for easy charging and connection to your PC.
• Hot-Swappable Switches: The OUTEMU Brown Box Switches are hot-swappable, offering end-user customization and longevity, even when switches wear out.
• Tactile Brown Switches: The Brown switches provide a tactile and responsive feel on each keystroke, making them suitable for touch typists and gaming.

DESIGN CHOICES (As intended, but could be improved)

• The keyboard's FN2+'0' combo could be better utilized as a color-cycling combo for "Normally on" RGB mode rather than a redundant lighting toggle.
• The available RGB lighting options using key combos are limited compared to other Redragon RGB keyboards, requiring software and wired mode to set desired single RGB colors.
• Icons for FN2+9..FN2+'+' RGB functions should be printed on the top of the key for better visibility.

POSSIBLE FIRMWARE ISSUES

• MACRO recording replaces the numeric key function. Activating G1-G6 is not on another layer; eg, FN2+'1' does not activate G1 MACRO it does nothing under regular typing mode.
• Booklets say keys with MACRO recording should light up green to show it has an associated recording.
• The key is only green while in REC mode (FN2+7), not in standard typing mode. Very confusing to figure out.
• MACRO recording process can be tricky (FN2/MENU + ESC, see below) can result in Bluetooth disconnect that is troublesome to re-establish.

LOOK and FEEL (Nice Aesthetic Touches)

• Sleek and Refined Design: The Redragon K530 Pro boasts an elegant keycap font reminiscent of the K556 model, exuding sophistication and style. Unlike the bold and gamer-oriented fonts found in other flashy keyboards, the K530 Pro's font choice adds a touch of refinement to its overall appearance.
• Vibrant Side LEDs: The keyboard features multicolored side LEDs that enhance its visual appeal. During Bluetooth pairings, the LEDs display different colors; 'Draconic -1' blinks in striking red, 'Draconic -2' blinks in vivid green, and 'Draconic -3' blinks in mesmerizing blue. Additionally, the battery indicator exhibits a red hue when power is low, blinks green while charging, and remains steady green when fully charged. These colorful LED accents elevate the keyboard's aesthetics, making it an eye-catching addition to any setup.
• Robust Build Quality: Despite its mostly plastic construction, the K530 Pro offers a solid and durable feel, thanks to its metal base plate that effectively limits any flexing. This sturdy build ensures a reliable and long-lasting keyboard that can withstand intensive usage and gaming sessions without compromising its structural integrity.**

OVERALL

GREAT VALUE Mid-tier 60% Wireless keyboard. Classy styling and brown switches make this suitable for office use and space-saving gaming.
Hardware features are excellent. Some software/firmware implementations (MACRO FN2/menu popup, RGB) can be improved on.

Rating: 4 out of 5 (-1 star for MACROs related issues, limited RGB, picking a color requiring the use of software).

Alternatives with Similar Features:

• ROYAL KLUDGE RK71 70% (BROWN): A wireless Bluetooth 71-key layout keyboard, suitable for both Windows and Mac.
• K596 (BOX RED, Hot-Swap): A wireless ten-key-less (TKL) keyboard with left-side MACRO keys and a braided detachable cable.
• K599 (BOX RED): An impressive option at just over $50. This compact 60% (70 key) keyboard is designed to free up desk space while providing a satisfying gaming experience. 
• K631 PRO: A compact 65% wireless RGB gaming keyboard with 68 keys and hot-swappable Free-Mod PCB socket. It features dedicated arrow keys and uses quiet Red Linear switches for a smooth typing experience.

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Below is more in-depth discussion of some of features that sets this keyboard apart, generally in order of feature importance.

✩ FIRST IMPRESSIONS

This is my experience with a 60% keyboard. First thoughts, VERY Small and Compact. This keyboard will fit anywhere, given the dimensions (4" x 11.5") it's is very portable.

The angled connector on the detachable cable is a nice touch and keeps the connection out of the way. Keycap font is classy and appropriate for office settings. The brand logo is on the front of the casing and not very obtrusive. The modest heft is due to the large battery and the central metal base plate.

First, the two special features of this keyboard,

1) the 60% layout, and 2)  USB-C wired, BT 3.0/5.0 & 2.4Ghz wireless modes

✩ COMPACT 60% LAYOUT (Modifiers and Layers)

The 60% keyboard layout of the K530 eliminates the number pad, cursor control keys, and function keys to reduce its overall size. However, the keyboard still allows for cursor control functions through special keyboard combinations. Two new modifier keys, FN and MENU, enable users to remap certain keys to create a new 'layer' over the standard key functions.

In the FN1 layer, cursor manipulation is mapped to the WASD keys, and the INS/DEL/PGUP/PGDN/HOME/END keys are remapped to the symbols on the right. Navigating the cursor using FN1+WASD is straightforward, and users can simultaneously access the CTRL key to move the cursor by words rather than single characters. With some practice, users can become proficient in using the DEL/HOME/END functions through FN1 access while typing in a text editor.

Cursor manipulation is mapped on the FN1 layer to the WASD keys, the INS/DEL/PGUP/PGDN/HOME/END are mapped to the symbols on the right. Moving the cursor using FN1+WASD is not difficult to access. It is also simple to access CTRL at the same time to move the cursor by words rather than single characters. FN1 access of the DEL/HOME/END functions are also doable with a little practice.It will take a little practice to get use to the new combos to access these characters and cursor functions while typing in a text editor.

CAPSLK KEY - The CapsLk key has multiple special functions.

The CapsLk LED is SEPARATE from the RGB lighting array. So despite the software showing it in RGB colors on screen, disappointingly, its LED only lights up in RED. It does NOT light up in RGB colors.

The RED LED serves two functions. 1) CapsLk light - it will light up RED when caps lock is engaged, even when RGB brightness is set to OFF. 2) it will Blink RED to indicate the keyboard is in a special recording mode, RGB memorization mode, or when the limits of the brightness levels (high or low) has been reached. When the RGB lighting is turned off, the status light nature works well. However, when animated RGB lighting is active, the dis-congruity of the CapsLk lighting can be jarring.

MAGIC FN - The CapsLk key when held down for longer than TWO seconds, becomes a layer modifier key. By default it is FN1. So you can operate the cursor with WASD using the left hand only, or the DEL/HOME/END functions with two hands. The two-second hold down required makes this more appropriate for special cases and not as useful for touch typing.

The accompanying software allows changing the MAGIC FN to operate the FN2 layer. However, while recording CapsLk is a record-able function, and it loses this MAGIC FN binding. So binding FN2 to MAGIC FN is of limited value.

✩ WIRELESS MODE / USB-C wired, BT 3.0/5.0 & 2.4Ghz 

The Redragon K530 keyboard is equipped with innovative tri-mode connection technology, allowing users to choose between USB-C wired, BT 3.0/5.0, and 2.4Ghz wireless modes. This versatile connectivity elevates the user experience in all aspects.

Accompanying booklet claims a full charge after 10hrs of charging. This might be a typo and instead is likely up to 10hrs of continuous use. Charging from 75% (out of the box) charge to 100% took less than an hour. Redragon states that the K530 contains a 1600mAh battery. The same size as the one used in the K596. I have been using the K596 daily for over 5 weeks on a single full charge, and it has yet to show a low battery. The K596 operates on the 2.4GHz band. So the K530 should operate just as long if not longer on a single charge over the more efficient Bluetooth protocol.

Unlike the K596 wireless keyboard from Redragon, the battery status indicator is much better implemented here. It is GREEN when full charge, blinking GREEN while charging, and will change color to RED when low charge. The one minor quirk is the steady green light that stays on once the battery becomes fully charged. It doesn't go off even when WIRELESS IS OFF, and the keyboard is in wired mode.

Bluetooth 4.0 (5.0?) is supported. The product description claims Bluetooth 5.0, while the accompanying booklet states Bluetooth 4.0 'and above'. My device only supports Bluetooth 4.1 so it doesn't support the low energy extensions. If your device supports Bluetooth 4.2 or Bluetooth 5.0 the pairing could use even less power.

Pairing is simple, turn the keyboard ON. Select the desired paring BT1/BT2/BT3. For BT1, the indicator light blinks RED in the process of pairing. BT2 changes the light color to GREEN, BT3 switches to BLUE. Very nicely implemented. On the target device, the keyboard shows up as 'Draconic -1', 'Draconic -2' or 'Draconic -3'. The Battery level in percent is also displayed.

Pairing is remembered even when the keyboard is 'Factory Reset' using the FN1+ESC (hold for 5sec) combo. To re-initiate Bluetooth pairing, hold FN2+ESC for 5 secs instead.

* Note that since Bluetooth is not active during a PC's initial boot process, it can NOT be used to send F2/DEL to enter UEFI BIOS. While the K596 can do so wireless over a dedicated USB 2.4GHz connection.

Overall the wireless status and power status are much better implemented for much-improved user experience on the K530 than on the earlier K596.

Next feature of importance would be the key switches.

The K530 comes with "REDRAGON" Brown Box Switches. They appear to be rebranded OUTEMU, and otherwise appear identical to corresponding OUTEMU Brown switches used in other Redragon keyboards. The 'box' around the (+) keycap stem helps to prevent dust from entering the switch when depressed. The switches are hot-swappable, so can be replaced with OUTEMU 3-pin switches using the included switch puller.

The OUTEMU Brown switches are rated the standard 50 million key presses for mechanical switches. If one should fail, they can be easily replaced without the need for soldering. Thanks for the hot-swap sockets. Four extra switches (one each of BLUE, BROWN, RED, BLACK type) are included with the keyboard. They can be used to try out the different switch types available on the market. And used to replace a failed switch.

Briefly, there are 3 kinds of switches, TACTILE and LINEAR. TACTILE are switches that provide a bump sensation upon key press. BLUE switches are TACTILE switches that also 'CLICK' and produce audible feedback. BROWN switches are TACTILE switches, but do not 'CLICK'. RED and BLACK switches are LINEAR. These switches are 'smooth' and provide no chance in the force required to push down until stop. RED switches are lighter, while BLACK switches are heavier to push down.

A longer discussion of switches can be found here.

In general, BROWN switches are quieter than BLUE switches, while providing the tactile feedback that is lacking in red switches. As such, they are suitable for touch typists and general-purpose computing/gaming. Note that should preferences change, compatible RED/BLUE/BLACK 3-pin plate mounted switches are available online for about 1/3 cost of a new keyboard (for 60-90 switches).

✩ MACROS

Due to the absence of dedicated MACRO keys, including function keys, on the keyboard, MACRO functions are instead mapped to the existing numeric keys. Despite the limited number of keys on the compact keyboard, the concept of onboard MACRO recording remains appealing. This feature becomes particularly valuable for a smaller keyboard that lacks additional space for extra keys. With MACRO automation, users can significantly enhance their efficiency and capabilities while using the keyboard.

However, the implementation of K530 has some severe limitations. Also, the required use of FN2/MENU key in the process, and that FN2+ESC 'broadcast' function appears to reset the Bluetooth connection to the computer.

MACRO mode is entered with FN2+'7', CapsLk blinks. FN2+'1-6' picks the key you want to remap to a MACRO. It's not clear from the instructional booklet, but assigning a MACRO to 'G1' means the '1' key becomes 'G1'. pressing '1' will only activate the MACRO and there will be no way to type the number '1' until the MACRO is removed. This was tested while in MACRO recording mode, and also after exit to normal typing mode.

This renders the MACRO feature useful only when the number keys are not needed at all. For a 60% keyboard without a number pad, this is basically never. This is true for both touch typing in an office situation, or while gaming with number keys needed for function selection.

The UI for MACRO recording also needs more refinement. The booklet describes that the key with an assigned MACRO will light up in GREEN. This is true, but only while in MACRO recording mode. Once exiting MACRO recording mode to the normal typing mode, there is no indication that the '1' key does NOT type out a '1', but instead will playback a MACRO.

SUGGESTION: Because the G1-G6/REC labeling is on the TOP of the keys, they imply that the G1 is activated with FN2+'1' while in normal typing mode. This would allow the use of the number '1' while providing access to the MACRO.
Hopefully, this can be implemented in a future firmware update.

Another problem encountered multiple times while trying to figure out the MACRO recording feature is related to the FN2/MENU key. A quick tap of the FN2/MENU results in the normal function of popping up a contextual menu, the same as the RMB on a mouse. Holding it down like a modifier key activated the FN2 modification. While making MACRO recording it is best to HOLD FN2, and tap '7' then '1' to start recording on G1. If done as separate FN2 activation (FN2+'7', then separately FN2+'1' again), the MENU function can activate and a contextual menu pops up on screen, WHILE G1 recording has started. If you attempt to dismiss the pop-up menu on screen at this time, by pressing ESC - the keyboard apparently interprets this as FN2+ESC (hold 5 seconds) and activated Bluetooth 'broadcast' function, and resets Bluetooth, and disconnects the keyboard from your device.

Once disconnected, it takes repeated factory resets and turning Bluetooth ON/OFF on both the keyboard and the device to re-establish the connection. This is obviously frustrating and makes the MACRO recording process risky to perform.

Both of these issues 1) Replacement of Numbers, 2) Risky Recording Process makes MACRO a tricky feature to utilize - and not one I would count on using.

Hopefully, the user interface can be reworked and the firmware updated in the future.

✩ RGB LIGHTING EFFECTS

Although the lighting effect keys labeling is on the front of the keys 9/0/-/=, they are accessed via the FN2 modifier. (Inconsistent labeling) From the keyboard the RGB options are limited to:

1) thirteen lighting presets [FN2+'9'], 2) Brightness OFF/FULL toggle [FN2+'0'], 3) Decrease Brightness [FN2+'-'], 4) Increase Brightness [FN2+'=']. There are no onboard combos to change color or animation direction. This is much limited when compared to earlier Redragon RGB keyboards that support 18 presets with 7 color variations, with directional and speed options all from the keyboard.

* the 13 presets are mostly animated RGB lighting effects. For those looking for a solid color, there is only (violet-tinged) WHITE (#2 Unnamed lighting preset), or ORANGE (#12 'Surrmount'). The 'Normally On' Preset, for steady RGB defaults to multi-colored spectrum and not a solid color. WHITE and ORANGE are the only two solid color choices when setting RGB from the keyboard.

* The [FN2+'0'] combo would be better implemented as a color picker by cycling through available color options than as a Brightness OFF/FULL toggle. That can already be performed by the [FN2+'-'] and [FN2+'='] combos.

The K530 does offer per-key RGB optimization via the MR (maybe stands for 'Memorized RGB'?) function by pressing [FN2+Backspace]. Once in this mode, a second press of [FN2+BS] entered recording mode. In recording mode (blinking CapsLk), each key can be pressed to cycle through 7 colors or OFF. When complete, press [FN2+BS] to exit the recording. To exit out of this per-key RGB mode, pick an RGB preset with [FN2+'9'].

It reminds me of the [FN+'~'] per-key RGB on some Redragon full-sized RGB keyboards. It can be very tedious if all you want is solid BLUE lighting.

The limited RGB customization from the keyboard prompts the installation of the software package for the K530.

✩ REDRAGON KEYBOARD SOFTWARE

The keyboard software is usually an optional install for Redragon keyboards and mice, as most features were accessible by keypress combos. For the K530, the software provides customization that is otherwise not available from the device itself. On execution, the software checks for a WIRED K530, it will not launch if the keyboard not connected. So there's no way to check out the software before deciding to make a purchase. Also, note that it will NOT launch if the keyboard is connected via Bluetooth. The software only works in USB WIRED mode.

Like other Redragon keyboard software, the GUI allows setting single key settings, more complex key MACROS, or assigning a key with a standard OS media function (such as sound volume, calculator, etc). MAGIC FN can be set to FN1 or FN2. In English, the field name is cut-off so only 'FN.' and 'FN:' shows in the dialog box. Also, note that both 'Okay' and 'Cancel' confirms the chosen setting. So check your setting before exiting that dialog.

RGB Customization is activated via a checkbox. Below is a list of the available presets and associated options: 

Demo of lighting on-screen shows the caps lock with RGB lighting, but physical hardware does not light up as shown on screen.

Using the software allows customizing RGB colors via a color picker. The primary 7 rainbow colors are vibrant, but customized colors can appear washed out. The software goes a long way to correct the deficiencies of onboard RGB customization of the K530.

Given that the K530 is capable of the above RGB lighting effects, it again shows that the [FN2+'0'] would have been better used as a color picker than as a redundant lighting toggle.

Available for around $60, the K530 is less than half of the price of name brand keyboards with a similar feature set. The hardware construction is well put together. The design fits well in an office environment as well as the living room.The hot-swappable / customizable BROWN switches provide an excellent typing experience. The large 2400mAh battery allows extended operation on a single charge.

The onboard RGB functionality is limited compared to other Redragon keyboards, and require software to be installed to take better advantage of more RGB customization. The firmware and some user interface elements definitely need more work, especially the implementation of on the fly MACROS recording.

OVERALL: The K530 is a great value 60% keyboard from Redragon.
4 STARS: Minus 1 for inadequate MACROS implementation, and RGB functionality that requires software to take full advantage.

Author: Robhi