The Quick Verdict: Redragon K738 Review
This Redragon K738 keyboard delivers a strong feature set for anyone wanting a budget-friendly wireless mechanical board. It hits the mark for PC gamers, office users, and students needing a flexible, multi-device setup. Skip this board if a full metal build or premium switch refinement tops your list; better options exist in the mid-range. The main trade-off here is plastic construction in exchange for robust wireless features and a good typing feel at an aggressive price point. I rate it an 8.3 out of 10 for its segment.
Design, Build & Physical Fit
Picking up the Redragon K738, its plastic enclosure material is immediately noticeable. Despite this, the chassis rigidity feels like a tank for the money, better than many boards in the under-$50 tier. The keyboard adopts a gasket structure, which combines flexibility with stability, a nice touch at this price. This design helps dampen impacts and makes for a softer bottom-out feel.
On a crowded 48-inch desk, the 75% layout is a smart choice. Its compact 82-key setup means it takes up less space than a full-size board. At 33.5 x 14 x 4.3 cm and weighing 1.17 kg, it has enough heft to stay put during intense typing or gaming sessions. The PCB single-key slotting also optimizes rebound and stability, keeping it steady. The MDA-Profile double-shot PBT keycaps are a standout, providing a better tactile experience and a comfortable hand feeling right out of the box.
Core Performance & Feel of the Redragon K738
Under the MDA-Profile PBT keycaps sit pre-lubed linear switches. These offer a smooth, consistent keystroke, requiring 40 grams of actuation force. They have a 2.0 mm pre-travel and 3.6 mm total travel. This setup is great for quick, repeated inputs often seen in gaming or fast typing. The feel of these Outemu switches mimics Cherry MX but at a lower cost, which makes sense for the budget tier.
The acoustic noise profile is a pleasant surprise. Poron and silicone padding, along with bottom cotton, are added between the PCB and positioning board. This reduces noise and makes the sound purer. The gasket mount also contributes to this softer, less clacky sound. Running the K738 through gaming sessions, the full-key anti-ghosting kept up with rapid key presses, preventing missed inputs. The 8000 Hz polling rate is also impressive, ensuring quick response times whether wired or wireless. This makes it suited to PC gamers, including MMO and RPG players, who need fast, multi-key actions.
Power, Battery & Connectivity for the Redragon K738
Plugging the 2.4 GHz dongle into a front USB port revealed instant connection. The Redragon K738 boasts tri-mode connection options: wired Type-C, wireless 2.4G, and Bluetooth (3.0+5.0). This versatility is key for multi-device setups. You can connect up to five devices at once, switching easily between them.
Powering the K738 is a high-capacity 4000 mAh rechargeable battery. This means long use between charges. With RGB key lights on, expect around 20-25 hours of battery life. Turning the lighting off significantly extends this to about 150 hours. A Type-C cable is included for wired use or charging. The stated 10-meter wireless range held up well in testing, maintaining a stable link without drops.
Controls, Software & Daily Maintenance
The Redragon K738 includes a dedicated volume knob, a crucial feature for quick audio adjustments. This is far more convenient than fumbling with FN key combos. It also has 12 multimedia shortcuts, helping with everyday tasks and content browsing. Switching between operating systems is straightforward: long-press FN+A for Mac system, and FN+W for Windows. The keyboard defaults to Windows.
For customization, the K738 supports software configuration. You can adjust the 16.8 million color RGB backlight modes this way. While the software lets you change modes and brightness, the LED color itself cannot be individually changed via software, which is a minor limitation for some users. The board works well with Windows, Android, and Mac systems, including gaming consoles like Xbox, PS4, and PS5. Maintenance is simple; the double-shot PBT keycaps and overall build are easy to wipe down with a dry microfiber cloth.
How the Redragon K738 Compares
When stacked against other keyboards, the Redragon K738 carves out its niche. Its Outemu switches aim to mimic Cherry MX switches. While Outemu switches may not last as long or offer the same refinement, they provide solid performance for a fraction of the cost. This makes the K738 a strong value option.
- Keychron mechanical keyboards: These often focus more on a balanced typing experience with higher-end components. The K738, with its linear switches and high polling rate, has a stronger gaming tilt.
- Royal Kludge mechanical keyboards: The K738 offers similar value-focused mechanical features to Royal Kludge boards. Both brands compete in providing a feature-rich experience without breaking the bank.
- Corsair and HyperX mechanical keyboards: If you value established gaming ecosystems and mainstream gaming brand alternatives, Corsair and HyperX offer strong comparison points. However, they usually come at a significantly higher price.
What I Like & What Could Be Better
After spending time with the Redragon K738, some clear strengths stand out. The MDA-Profile PBT keycaps offer a notably good tactile feel. The gasket-mounted design, paired with sound-absorbing foam and padding, results in a softer, quieter typing experience than expected for a budget board. The tri-mode connectivity is fantastic, letting you jump between devices with ease. A 4000 mAh battery also provides great longevity, making it a reliable wireless option. Its compact 82-key layout is very portable, too.
On the flip side, there are areas for improvement. The enclosure is plastic, which might feel less premium to some. While the switches are hot-swappable, the Outemu switches, though good for the price, may offer less refinement and potentially shorter longevity than more expensive alternatives like Cherry MX. Also, the RGB LED backlight effects cannot have their colors individually changed through software. Not great, to be honest.
Who Should Skip This Product
If you demand a fully metal chassis, this Redragon K738 is not for you. Its plastic build, while rigid for its tier, won't satisfy those seeking premium materials. Shoppers prioritizing the absolute highest refinement in mechanical switches should also look elsewhere. While the Outemu linear switches are solid, they lack the subtle nuances of top-tier switches. Consider a Keychron board for a more typing-focused, potentially more refined experience.
Also, if you need granular software control over individual key RGB lighting colors, this keyboard falls short. The lighting effects can be adjusted, but specific colors cannot be set per key. For users who need comprehensive software control, a higher-end gaming keyboard from brands like Corsair or HyperX would be a better, albeit more expensive, alternative.