Redragon K617 Fizz – A Full Review
Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard: Full Review
The Redragon K617 Fizz is a compact mechanical keyboard designed for gamers looking for high performance at a budget-friendly price. Its 60% layout means fewer keys, making it perfect for those who need extra desk space for mouse movement. However, it still packs a punch with customizable RGB lighting and hot-swappable switches, allowing users to personalize their typing experience.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Layout | 60% (Compact, 61 Keys) |
| Switch Type | Redragon Red Linear (Hot-swappable) |
| RGB Lighting | 20 customizable RGB modes |
| Connectivity | Wired (USB Type-C, detachable) |
| Key Rollover | Full N-Key Rollover |
| Weight | 590g |
| Price | ₹2,590 (Approx) |
Design and Build Quality
The K617 Fizz comes in a compact 60% layout with only 61 keys, making it great for gamers who prefer minimalistic setups. This design cuts down on unnecessary keys like the number pad and function keys, offering a clean, portable keyboard that still performs well. Despite its plastic construction, the Fizz is quite durable for the price, and its compact design makes it easy to carry around. The detachable USB Type-C cable adds a layer of convenience, particularly for those who move their setup frequently.
However, the plastic frame introduces a bit of flex when applying pressure, though this is not a significant issue. The keyboard lacks Bluetooth connectivity, which some users might miss, but for a wired setup, this keeps latency low and performance steady
Performance: Switches and Typing Experience
The Redragon Red Linear switches are quiet and provide a smooth typing experience, perfect for fast-paced gaming, particularly in FPS games. The actuation force of 40g makes the keys very responsive, and the switches are rated for 50 million keystrokes, ensuring durability over time. While the keys have a soft feel, they may seem a bit “mushy” for users accustomed to more tactile or clicky switches.
One of the key selling points is its hot-swappable functionality, meaning you can replace the switches with others of your choice. However, the Fizz is limited to Redragon or Outemu-style switches, so if you prefer using Cherry MX or other popular switches, some modifications may be required
RGB Lighting and Customization
For a keyboard at this price point, the RGB lighting is impressive. It comes with 20 preset lighting modes that you can customize directly on the keyboard or via Redragon’s software. The lighting modes range from static colors to dynamic patterns, and brightness, speed, and color can be adjusted to suit your preferences.
The double-shot keycaps also enhance the RGB effect, ensuring the lighting stays vibrant even after extended use. The keycaps are durable, and the legends won’t fade easily.
User Experience and Layout Considerations
One of the challenges of the 60% layout is that it lacks dedicated keys for things like the arrow keys, function row, and number pad. These are instead accessed through a secondary Fn layer, which can take some time to get used to. While this is fine for most users, it may be a limitation for those who work with numerical data or need quick access to function keys.
However, the compact layout is excellent for gaming, especially if you need more room for wide mouse movements. This makes the Fizz an ideal choice for FPS gamers or anyone looking for a streamlined keyboard.
Comparing to Other Keyboards in the Same Price Range
| Keyboard | Price | Switch Type | RGB Lighting | Layout | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Redragon K617 Fizz | ₹2,590 | Red Linear (Hot-swappable) | 20 Modes | 60% Compact | Detachable Type-C, Pro Software Support |
| Cosmic Byte CB-GK-19 | ₹2,499 | Outemu Blue | 7 Modes | Tenkeyless (87 Keys) | Anti-ghosting, Water-resistant |
| Ant Esports MK3400 | ₹2,199 | Outemu Blue | Single Color | Full-size | Durable Metal Frame, Multimedia Keys |
| Zebronics Max Pro | ₹2,599 | Blue Switch | RGB Modes | Full-size | Aluminum top panel, 104 keys |
In this price range, the Redragon K617 Fizz excels in terms of portability and RGB lighting options. For users who prioritize full-sized keyboards or require a tenkeyless design, other options like the Cosmic Byte CB-GK-19 or Ant Esports MK3400 might be more suitable.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable, packed with features | No Bluetooth connectivity |
| Hot-swappable switches for customization | Lacks dedicated arrow keys and function row |
| Customizable RGB lighting | Limited to Redragon/Outemu switches for hot-swap |
| Detachable USB Type-C cable | Compact layout may take time to adjust to |
| Great value for budget-conscious gamers | Plastic body introduces slight flex |
Who Should Buy the Redragon K617 Fizz?
The Redragon K617 Fizz is ideal for gamers or users who:
- Need a compact, portable keyboard that saves desk space.
- Want a budget-friendly mechanical keyboard with RGB lighting.
- Prefer silent and fast switches for gaming and general typing.
- Enjoy customizing their setups with hot-swappable switches.
It’s not the best option for users who frequently rely on the function row, number pad, or dedicated arrow keys, but for FPS gamers and those looking for a minimalist desk setup, it’s a great choice.
Where to Buy
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Redragon K617 Fizz 60% Wired RGB Gaming Keyboard is an excellent entry-level mechanical keyboard for gamers and typists looking for a customizable, compact solution. Its RGB lighting, hot-swappable switches, and compact design make it a standout option in its price range. While it has a few limitations, such as the absence of Bluetooth and limited switch compatibility, its affordable price and robust features make it a compelling option for anyone on a budget.
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