REVIEW – My obsession with mechanical keyboards has not ended yet and the latest one to land on my desk is the Redragon AZURE K652 wireless mechanical keyboard for Mac. I’m a MacBook user and I also like cool-looking mechanical keyboards, so it appears that this one should be perfect for me. But does it type as well as it looks? It’s time to find out!
What is it?
The Redragon AZURE K652 is a low-profile wireless mechanical keyboard that has been designed for the Mac, but it works with Windows computers too.
What’s in the box?
- Redragon AZURE K652 wireless mechanical keyboard for Mac
- USB charging cable
- Keycap and switch removal tool
- Extra set of full keycaps and extra orange keycaps
- 4 extra switches
Design and features
The Redragon AZURE K652 is a 75% sized low-profile mechanical keyboard with 84 keys. I’m a fan of this size of keyboard because it’s roomy enough to have a dedicated row of function keys while still retaining a small-ish form factor. I never use a number pad, so this size keyboard is perfect for me and doesn’t take up that much room on my desk.
The AZURE has a streamlined design and the aluminum frame’s space grey color looks great on my custom butcher block desk. You can check out my videos where I talk about the drama around my recent office update and desk (Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3).
The Redragon AZURE K652 has 3 status LEDs on the left side of the keyboard that let you see the battery charging status and connection mode.
On the bottom of the Redragon AZURE K652 you’ll find two flip-out feet that raise the back of the keyboard for better ergonomics. You’ll also find a holder for the included 2.4Ghz USB dongle. This keyboard can be connected to your computer either by Bluetooth 3.0 or 5.0, the 2.4Ghz USB dongle, or hardwired with the included USB-C cable.
On the left edge of the keyboard, you’ll find the USB-C port that is used to charge or connect the keyboard to your computer/laptop. There’s also a Windows/Mac mode select switch and a connection mode switch.
I like the included USB cable because it has a right-angle connector that inserts into the keyboard and the other end has a USB-C or USB-A connector. That’s a nice touch!
The Redragon AZURE K652 mechanical keyboard has replaceable keycaps and switches. My review sample came with Outemu Brown switches (that’s the type I picked) and they are kind of quiet and don’t have much of a clicky feel. I understand that this is how Brown switches are designed. But now, I think I prefer a different style of switch because these switches feel slightly mushy. Not in a bad way though. It could also be that I prefer regular profile switches vs. low profile switches. I’m still learning about what I like and don’t like when it comes to mechanical keyboards.
I haven’t had any issues typing on this keyboard. As a touch typist, I feel like my speed is about the same as it’s been with other keyboards. Check out the video below to watch me type on it. You can hear the sound of the keys and check out the cool backlight effects, some of which I’ve not seen on other keyboards.
See and hear it in action
What I like
- Looks good
- Perfect size (for me)
- 3 connection options
- Comes with an extra set of keycaps
- Included convertible USB cable
What I’d change
- Low-profile Outemu Brown switches feel a little mushy to my fingers
Final thoughts
The Redragon AZURE K652 is a very nice mechanical keyboard. With good looks, an extra set of included keycaps, multiple connection methods, and hot-swappable keycaps and switches, it can easily become a favorite of most people who try it – especially because it’s very affordable! I can easily recommend it for its overall value and peformance, but I’m still on my quest for my grail keyboard.
Price: $69.99
Where to buy: Redragonzone.com and Amazon
Source: The sample for this review was provided by Redragon.
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My advice on Mechanical Keyboards is to find one that has hot swappable switches, that way if you don’t like the feel of the stock ones, you can replace them fairly easily. Great review, I hadn’t thought about a low profile keyboard for mechanical. How long does the battery last in Wireless mode, and what do you think the range is for the keyboard and the 2.4ghz, dongle.
I agree and luckily, this one can hot swap the switches.
As for battery life, I’ve actually been mainly using it hard wired because I find charging keyboards to be a pain in the…
But I realize not talking about the battery life is a fail on my part so I’ve unplugged and will update the review once I have some info for you. I’ll also update about the 2.4Ghz range.
Hi use a K3, which I really like, but leave plugged in all the time because the bluetooth timeout and reconnect… Don’t think I’ll switch but am curious about the bluetooth situation with this keyboard. I’m tempted with the low price. Right now it is $20 off.
Thanks!
I’ve been using Bluetooth for a few days and so far so good. I’m not noticing any lag or connection issues so far.
Quick update… I switched to Bluetooth on a full charge on 5/10 and as of today 6/3, the battery level is at 50% even with backlight effects turned on. That’s pretty awesome. The not so awesome update is that I do notice a lag when using this keyboard the first thing in the morning or after a period of inactivity. I have to press a key a few times to wake up the keyboard. This is pretty much the same issue I have with all Bluetooth keyboards though so I can’t say it’s a real CON with this one.
So these are replaceable keys as well?
Yes, but you’ll need low profile keys caps and low profile switches. At least I don’t think you can use fullsized keycaps and switches on a low profile keyboard…
Have you used the 2.4 dongle yet? I just tried it and seem to have crazy amounts of lag and missed keystrokes. it goes in and out constantly. I’ve been using it over Bluetooth without issues but thought 2.4 was supposed to be more stable and thought about doing 2.4 for home use and if I go mobile ever then use Bluetooth for my iPad or other devices.
I’ve mainly been using it hardwired because it’s always on my desk. I have it connected to my Dell monitor which has a built-in hub and then when I connect my MacBook using one USB-C cable, the keyboard is connected too. I always hate using Bluetooth to connect keyboards because you have to wait for them to wake up by pressing a key a couple of times.
Have you found replacement switches anywhere? Redragon shop doesn’t seem to have any.
I got one with red switches, but they are a bit mushy, was gonna try brown (or blue even).
I noticed the switch pin layout is different (one of the pins sit more centered ) than other switches I’ve used.
I haven’t looked for replacement switches but they are low profile switches so you’ll need to look for that instead of regular switches.