Redragon K742
| Mechanical Keyboard | 98% | QMK/VIA | Hot-Swappable | Wireless/Wired |
Redragon K742, a versatile and well-performing mechanical keyboard from Redragon.
Redragon is well-known for their PC peripherals and gaming accessories, the Redragon K742 sits among their series of larger keyboards.
The Redragon K742 is also known as Redragon ARLOKKS K742.
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Redragon K742 Review
Tests & Scores
A
ACCESSORIES & PACKAGING
4.5/5
The Redragon ARLOKKS K742 comes in a cardboard packaging with 2 protective foams.
With the keyboard you will also get:
• 4x extra switches
• USB cable
• Keycap/switch puller
D
DESIGN
4.25/5
The Redragon K742 is a 98% keyboard with an US ANSI layout, that includes 98 keys and a knob.
The 98% layout might sound similar to a 100% keyboard but that 2% makes a huge difference with the removal of the TKL block but conserving a fully function numpad, F number row and navigation keys.
Consequently, the K742 results in a way smaller footprint than a full-sized keyboard with nearly all the same functionality.
Esthetically, the keyboard has a dark overall theme with a black case and most of the keycap set using also black, yet the set also include grey and white keycaps that add a touch of design and nice embellishing details.
Sitting between the main keys and the numpad, you will find a vertical column with 4 LED light indicators dedicated to inform Caps Lock, Num Lock, Battery and the connection mode selected.
On the bottom case, you will see adjustable kickstands with a 2-position setup (both positions have their own rubberized feet)
The Redragon K742 is available in only 1 color which is the one that you see in our review.
CB
CONSTRUCTION & BUILD
4.5/5
The K742 has a plastic case, helping it reduce the overall weight and even feeling lighter than other similarly sized keyboards.
Internally, this Redragon keyboard hides high-quality components such as a south-facing, hot-swappable board (no need to solder to replace the switches), a gasket-mount design and 5 layers of specialized sound dampening and sound enhancing material (including Flex-Cut plate, EVA PORON foam, IXPE switch pad, PET insulation and a bottom sound dampening foam)
Furthermore, the keyboard is QMK/VIA compatible, so you can benefit from the web-based, software-free programmability offered by VIA.
KC
KEYCAPS
4.5/5
The keycap set of the Redragon K742 has OEM profile, which is a classic and popular form factor.
Instead of using cheap ABS, the brand opted for quality PBT for the construction of the keycaps, ensuring long-lasting, fade-free and oil-resistance build.
The keycaps have a pleasing, textured finish that gives them character and improves their anti-slippery properties.
The only issues with these keycaps is that, despite having a very handy print of the Fn pre-programmed functions, they are colored in grey which results in low contrast and a hard to see labeling of them.
The knob responds with completely silent but with tactile feedback per notch, which makes it way more precise than knobs without any notches.
SW
SWITCHES
4/5
The switches pre-assembled in the Redragon ARLOKKS are self-branded linear switches from the RPC POM linear series.
The precise actuation force, travel, bottom force, build details and model are unknown as they are not listed by Redragon.
On the other hand, these Redragon switches feel very balanced for covering any tasks and use.
By feel we can tell you that these are switches with a heavier personality than some other linears and we would estimate that their actuation force is ranging in the 40-ish gf.
CON
CONNECTIVITY
4.25/5
This Redragon mechanical keyboard can be used wired and wirelessly.
Wired, the K742 uses a detachable USB-C cable connection; while wirelessly you can opt to use either the one of the 3 Bluetooth banks or a 2.4G wireless connection with the bundled dongle – the dongle has a dedicated storage slot on the right edge of the case.
On the left edge, instead, you will find the connection switch and the USB-C port. This placement for the USB-C port might come handy to some users while others might not like the less standard placement.
Regarding polling rate and other in-depth specs, similarly as seen with the switches, the brand does not specify these technical specs – N-key rollover is supported, though.
S
SOUND
5/5
The Redragon ARLOKKS K742 exhibited a nice mix of poppy flavor with thock sound.
A profile and quality that it is usually seen on much more expensive keyboards.
On top of that, the stabilizers came pre-lubed from factory and with good precision as none of them felt mushy nor presented rattling noises or any necessity to apply some extra lube.
Pinging, echo and resonance are other qualities that the keyboard does not suffer from.
B
BATTERY
3.75/5
The keyboard holds inside a 4000mAh battery to power it in wireless modes. This battery capacity is a common standard of modern keyboards.
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Redragon K742 Technical Specifications
• Model: Redragon K742
• Total Keys: 98 keys + 1 knob
• Layout: ANSI 98%
• Keycap: OEM profile PBT keycaps
• Connection Types: Wired/2.4GHz Wireless/Bluetooth
• Switches: RPC Linear Switches
• Backlight LEDs: South-facing
• Mounting Style: Gasket
• Firmware Compatibility: QMK
• N-key Rollover: Yes
• Battery Capacity: 4000 mAh
• Interface: USB Type-C
• Operating System: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android
Keyboard Weight: 1000±20g
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