If you’re a gamer or casual typist on a tight budget, the Redragon Fizz K617 might just be the keyboard you've been waiting for. Compact, hot-swappable, and packed with RGB goodness, this 60% mechanical keyboard has caught the attention of the budget gaming community, and for good reason. Here's a detailed review to help you decide if it deserves a spot on your desk.
Design & Build
The Redragon Fizz K617 is a 60% layout keyboard, which means it trims off the numpad, function row, and dedicated arrow keys to save space. This makes it a perfect choice for minimal setups and on-the-go gamers. Weighing in at just 0.43 kg, it's extremely portable.
Despite its plastic chassis, the keyboard feels sturdy enough for daily use. The build may not scream "premium," but it doesn’t feel cheap either. Color options like pink & white or gray & white give it a clean, modern look, and the double-shot ABS keycaps ensure legends don’t fade easily.
Ergonomically, it includes adjustable feet, so you can find a comfortable typing angle.
Switches: Two Variants to Choose From
Redragon offers two distinct options:
- Standard Red Switches - These are linear, quiet, and smooth, making them ideal for both gaming and typing. They're responsive without being too sensitive.
- Magnetic Variant (Hall Effect) – Here’s where things get serious. With customizable actuation (as low as 0.1mm) and rapid trigger support, this model is built for competitive gamers who demand precision and speed. It even boasts an 8,000Hz polling rate.
Both versions are hot-swappable, allowing you to replace switches without soldering. It supports popular 3-pin switches like Outemu, Akko CS, Holy Panda, and Gazzew Boba U4.
RGB & Software
RGB fans will love the 20 preset lighting modes and the option to customize individual keys or groups through Redragon’s Pro Software. You can also adjust brightness and speed on the fly.
That said, software reliability can be hit or miss. Some users report detection issues, but most lighting and macro functions still work once the board is recognized.
Performance & Daily Use
Typing on the K617 is a smooth experience, especially with the linear red switches. It’s quiet enough for shared spaces, and the stability is decent thanks to its rubberized feet.
However, a few things to keep in mind:
- The arrow keys are accessible through function layers, which might take some getting used to.
- No dedicated media keys, which is expected at this form factor.
Gamers will appreciate the quick response time, and those into modding will enjoy experimenting with custom switches and keycaps.
What’s in the Box?
Redragon throws in plenty of extras:
- A 90-degree side-mounted USB-C cable
- Switch puller and keycap puller
- Four spare switches
- A user manual and a sticker
All in all, it's a generous package considering the price range.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordable and feature-rich | Plastic body lacks a premium feel |
| Hot-swappable PCB | No dedicated arrow or media keys |
| Vibrant RGB lighting | Software can be buggy |
| Lightweight and portable | Magnetic variant lacks switch variety |
| Great for modding | The arrow key layer might frustrate some |
Final Verdict
The Redragon Fizz K617 punches way above its weight in the budget category. Whether you’re a casual user, aspiring modder, or competitive gamer, there’s a lot to like here. The standard version is a solid daily driver, while the magnetic switch variant pushes performance boundaries for FPS and esports players.
Yes, you’ll miss some creature comforts like dedicated keys or a metal body, but for what you pay, the K617 delivers more than most would expect.
If you’re looking for an affordable, compact mechanical keyboard with real performance chops, the Fizz K617 is an easy recommendation.
