I have said it numerous times, Redragon is a company to keep an eye out for in the mechanical keyboard space.
Not only has this company come out boldly in 2024 with an 8K keyboard, now they are unleashing Eisa, an anime-inspired mechanical keyboard aka “Redragon K686 PRO SE“. Something you just don’t see being released by company’s specializing in mechanical keyboard.
So, the fact that Redragon released this mechanical keyboard, I’m sure anime fanboys will be happy with glee.
So, what the K686 Pro SE is for the most part a 98-key mechanical keyboard with a gasket design. Redragon uses precision-locked covers with gaskets to assist with noise reduction and flexibility instead of the traditional screw method. For those not familiar with gasket mechanical keyboards, these are mechanical keyboards with various layers of soundproof foam.
In fact, this keyboard alone has 8 total layers (including the top and bottom case).
As for the anime-inspired art featuring Eisa, 5 sides of Dye-sub PBT keycaps are covered with theme patterns and I have to say that this is very ambitious and awesome to see Redragon attempt such a keyboard. Especially with its unique lettering.
Also, the color structure of having the purplish blue, the white with red keycaps and red as well. It’s a unique looking mechanical keyboard.
The K686 PRO SE is tri-mode, so if you prefer to use it with a Bluetooth connection, a wireless connection via 5.0 or 2.4 GhZ or via wired (USB-C cable included). Ports are on the left side of the keyboard, so no more worrying about your cable directly on the front of the keyboard and also you can choose your bluetooth, wireless or wired setting on the side. Along with a switch if the keyboard is Mac or Windows.
The mechanical keyboard also utilizes one-knob control on the top right to control volume but also keyboard backlight brightness and media.
As for the switches, the K686 PRO SE utilizes a thick-lubed custom Linear Switch. I liken it to the sound of a brown switch keyboard, not too loud and not too quiet. Just right in the middle (which I tend to prefer).
As for the software, this can be downloaded from the Redragon website.
The software allows one to customize their keys, but also to set light effects and more keyboard light effects. It’s important to note that the LED lighting will show under the keycaps, as the keycaps themselves are not see-through.
Overall, I do applaud Redragon for taking a bold step (which they have done for the last few years) by establishing themselves as one of the top affordable third party gaming brands. From their roots of creating budget keyboards, they are now willing to take on challengers in the under $100 mechanical keyboard industry (which is getting crowded).
So, the fact they created an Eisa keyboard, I would like to see the company expand it’s anime mechanical keyboard lineup. Would also be cool to see additional characters but also see the character of Eisa used in mixed media.
Last but not least, aside from the USB-C cable, you also get additional switches (4) and a keycap puller.
The Redragon K686 PRO SE 98 Keys Wireless Gasket Mechanical Gaming Keyboard gets 5 stars out of 5!
