Redragon K552 Kumara (TKL, red switches)

Our analysis

Its stablemate, the Redragon K617 Fizz, trims down to 61 keys and adds hot-swap sockets and RGB; the K552 Kumara keeps 87 keys in a TKL, with the F row and the arrows, red linear switches soldered in place and a single rainbow LED backlight. It is the classic budget mechanical keyboard for anyone buying a first board who wants something simple, with room left on the desk for the mouse.

What stands out

• TKL layout. Dropping the numpad keeps the F row and the arrow keys while giving your mouse more space.
• Metal top plate. The switches sit on metal rather than plastic.
• Red linear switches. Linear means no tactile bump and no click, a straight press that is easy to get used to for gaming.
• Rainbow LED backlight. Enough to find your keys in a dark room without paying for full RGB.

Where it falls short

• There is no hot-swap, so changing switches is not a plug-and-play job, and there is no software for macros or remapping.
• The lighting is a simple rainbow LED rather than the RGB found on its hot-swap siblings, and it is wired only.

Look elsewhere if

• You want to start modding: the RK Royal Kludge RK68 is a 65% with hot-swap sockets and RGB that still keeps the arrow keys. If you need a numpad and macro keys, the Redragon K580 Vata is full size with dedicated macros and a volume wheel, though its blue switches are clicky, which a mic can pick up.

We explain where TKL fits in 60%, TKL or full-size: which is right for gaming, and rank it among the 5 best budget gaming keyboards of 2026.