I have reviewed gaming keyboards of all price-points and when it comes to budget gaming keyboards, RedThunder emerged in 2021 as a company to keep your eyes on.
So far, they have released very solid keyboards for a low price and I have been looking forward to see what they had planned for 2021.
And now I am reviewing the RedThunder K84 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (with Red Switches).
This is a keyboard with no ten key, this is a gaming keyboard that has a white frame, gray and white keys with a single red key. They do offer a cheaper K84 but instead of the gray and red keycaps, it’s all black.
And something that may make hardware keyboard modders even happier is the fact that this keyboard is hot swappable, so you can replace the switches as you see fit. But this keyboard features PBT/ABS retro keycaps.
The keyboard features 75% RGB with 18 RGB backlight modes, 8 monochrome backlight modes and 1 full color backlight.
Change the colors by clicking on FN+\| to cycle through the 8 backlight running modes, backlight colors via FN+Enter, FN+[{]} to adjust brightness.
More function keys:
Fn + ESC = Reset the Keyboard ; Fn + F1 = Decrease Screen Brightness ; Fn +F2 = Increase Screen Brightness ; Fn +F3 / WIN + TAB = Switch Desktops ;
Fn + F4 / WIN + E = Access Task Manager ; Fn + F5 = Launches E-mail Application ; Fn +F6 = Access Home Page ; Fn +F7 = Prev Track ;
Fn + F8 = Play / Pause ; Fn + F9 = Next Track ; Fn + F10 = Mute ; Fn + F11 = Volume Down ; Fn + F12 = Volume Up ;
Fn + [{ = Decrease the Backlight of the keyboard ; Fn + ]} = Increase the Backlight of the keyboard ;
Fn + ;: = Slow down the Backlight ; Fn + ‘” = Speed up the Backlight ; Fn + \| = Switch the illuminated mode ;
Fn + Backspace = Turn On/Off the Backlight ; Fn + Enter = Switch the backlight color
All 84 keys feature anti-ghosting (this allows people to press multiple keys without fail) and it’s important to note that this is a wired keyboard connected via a detachable USB Type-C. And underneath the keyboard, there is an adjustable stand.
I am reviewing the red switch version, so it’s quieter and has a tactile touch. For those not familiar with the switch colors, typically red is more silent, brown is in the middle and blue is more clicky. It’s subjective but for those who want less loud click sounds but a little resistance when typing the buttons vs. a blue key, then this red switch keyboard is the way to go.
I actually really like using this keyboard for gaming and for under $37, it’s a good price. But for those who want it even smaller at 61 keys, RedThunder does offer a K62 wireless keyboard but uses membrane switches.
If anything, for a mechanical, gaming keyboard, this is a solid release by the company. But its important to note that they sell a white and black keys (instead of the gray and single red keycap) version for under $30. They should both be the same price but comparing the two, I did notice that RedThunder said the white/gray version, all 84 keycaps have anti-ghosting, while the white/black version has 26 keys for anti-ghosting. So, if that’s the case, then the white/gray version is the better version of the two.
But overall, RedThunder released another cool gaming mechanical keyboard for the price. And like 2021, so far, it looks like 2022 will be another solid year of releases from the company.
The RedThunder K84 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is recommended!
