Redragon K552 Modding Guide (Beginner Friendly)

[@ConsumerTechReview]

Check out the Intermediate Level modding version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pZfXo4Z4qs1jq9E

[@Cherry0204]

will this mod work with the k630?

[@Blue-kj1ir]

can you test out the akko cs jelly blacks on this board?

[@whyno1likepuns146]

I was checking out the akko cs switches, and some of them looked a little different from each other. Does it make any difference?

[@N1lav]

Note to future K552 Modders, any material you cut to fill up the interior has to be cut to make room for the kick stands resting area. The PCB rest right on top the protrusion.

[@mxneymarxo8074]

As a beginner, I have no idea what this means lol

[@mdshakhawathossain900]

@@mxneymarxo8074 me too

[@chrisvanderschans6922]

@@mdshakhawathossain900 it means that you have to cut holes in the rubber or foam ur using to make room for those pins you can see in the keyboard, because the plate on which the switches are located (the PCB) aka the plate u type on rests on those plastics pins. If you do not do this you might bend your pcb whwen screwing it back in or damage it in any other way

[@Tetoala2]

@@chrisvanderschans6922 BRO im so confused which pins? the screw ones?

[@swetsu]

@@Tetoala2 yes

[@SR-lx5if]

Great vid but want to make sure others know this before they mod their k552. For anyone that bought a k552 a while back please make sure to check that the switches on your keyboard are actually hot-swappable. I bought my k552 a while back and my switches were hot-swappable but were extremly hard. So for any older k552 models switching the keys are really hard because they were not advertised as hotswapables, I was able to finish the mod but I had to break every switch to remove them. One of my friends who had a extremely older version of the k552 had switches which were not hotswapable at all. So for anyone with older k552, make sure to check if the keys are hot swapable. It would be nice if this comment is pinned so that others are aware of this before they spend money on modding.

[@kamrankambang7953]

Yep my k552 is soldered. Not swappable wo soldering.

[@john.a2647]

i have my k552 just the red color lighting (old)and yes i break almost every switches when i take them out.

[@BoredBash]

You can also remove the redragon logo with an eraser

[@Sh1ro0142]

Ñ

[@LLMaki.]

@@Sh1ro0142 JAJAJJAJA PUSO Ñ JAJAJAJAJJAJAJAJAJAJA

[@RicochetAQW]

What kind of eraser? Just a normal one?

[@BoredBash]

@@RicochetAQW thats right!

[@Silver-FoxYT]

It comes off that easily?

[@J7T800]

This is perfect for any beginner wanting to do a custom job on their keyboard. The tools are almost always available at home.

[@RitzerMoon]

i just saw your comments on 2 videos in a row is this a coincidence ? I Think not!

[@d4c_L0ve_tr4in22]

Man, i live in brazil, this prices are very expensive in my country, lol

[@twyce4238]

pls help how do u know if keycaps fit on the redragon k552

[@J7T800]

@@twyce4238 If the bottom of the keycap has a cross on it, it should fit.

[@twyce4238]

@@J7T800 thx appreciate the help

[@PallyGames97]

I’ve had this keyboard collecting dust for a year or two now! Had no idea it was hot swappable this blew me away! Gonna run out get some switches and I can’t wait to show my brother who hated this thing as he could hear it across the hallway!

[@yssuhh]

Fair warning tho, only a limited number if switches fit the k552 (only outemu-socket switches fit)

[@moriarty2296]

SAME NO IDEA IT WAS HOT SWAPPABLE

[@Morganite149]

Lucky! My K552 is not hot-swap.

[@NicoMontoya]

A few months ago I upgraded my K552 with Akko Radiant Red Switches and Tecware white and black keycaps. It completely transforms the keyboard from budget “trash” to actually sounding & looking really good! Another thing can do is use an to erase the Redragon logo which makes it look better too.

[@at0mik770]

Does the K552 come with a switch puller??

[@NicoMontoya]

@@at0mik770 Mine only came with a cheap key cap puller. So no, unfortunately it does not. I had to buy one on Amazon

[@a_mEmE]

@@at0mik770 There are K552 models that do come with one (mine did, which has RGB and red switches), but it's kinda bad, so depending on you, it'd be better to buy one

[@Wedmenyui]

ah yes, eraser to erase

[@babaharamdev]

Hey Man! I have the Redragon Surara K582, which comes with a hot swappable board. Just wanted to know if Gateron Red Switches would be compatible with them? An idea? People are saying that Redragon keyboard can only be swapped with Outemu Switches

[@cloudleong7209]

I got this keyboard from watching your video, didn’t know I could mod it like this. Gonna mod the hell out of it now ❤️

[@yern3wstepdad]

I have never been happier getting into a new hobby. Had one of these laying around and now(modded with Akko Lavenders) I use it more than any keyboard I have.

[@kidokaito8380]

I haven't seen many KZbinrs do modding for the K552, thanks for your video!

[@account8494]

Finally a tutorial that doesn’t involve the use of factory machines.

[@Xooou_]

that after modding sound was so freaking amazing bro

[@Lapimzu]

Congrats on 100k subs. hope for the best

[@proclub77]

so Rad, thank you so much man. cant wait to start doing things like this once i get an actual computer. im stoked about this little series that youre going to start doing with modding keyboards!

[@akulsmohan]

I feel ur pain bro....

[@BlueOriginal]

if you cant get a hold of a gpu, use intergrated graphics for time being, 3400g is pretty alright at running f2p games.

[@BlueOriginal]

@@di_aqua i wanted to experience building a pc for mysel. tbh intergrated graphics can run lowspec games. i got a gpu now so im good.

[@jherbp]

i think hes most favorite keyboard of all time is redragon k552, because i've seen all his videos and it always features redragon k552. i have also the same keyboard as of today and i loving it.

[@Solcres_Joa]

Cool vid with simple mods! Can't wait for the more intermediate guide! Keep it up!

[@J.N.C.]

I modded mine recently and I didn't know akko switches would fit! Thanks for the info! It is a great starter keyboard for the price!

[@Aquaplayer-yb1sz]

hey umm does doing this void my warranty?

[@toad7395]

@@Aquaplayer-yb1sz yes of course it does, but unless you cut a wire its unlikely you would damage your keyboard

[@boxhead505]

I cannot believe the quality of your content, you manage a perfect combination of quality and quantity, I love your videos, you're one of the best youtubers for peripherals.

[@giselyyyy_]

for anyone looking to get rid of the reddragon logo: You can use nail polish remover or a plain rubber eraser. I recommend using nail polish remover for the eraser can get messy (Trust me cleaning the eraser bits off the keyboard was a hassle). The nail polish is way cleaner and effective. It might take some time but the end result is totally worth it.

[@wxnderlmao]

Yeah I agree. The eraser method was, as stated, very messy to clean up. But I noticed that the plastic that had the kbd brand logo was smoother and shinier than the surrounding plastic, basically like if sandpaper was used. It's not really an issue for me, but for others it might annoy/irritate them.

[@Member_zero]

Can you remove the whole plate with the logo, not just the redragon letters themselves? Because even if I remove the logo, the whole empty plate will be still sticking out and I find blank plate even more anoying than the logo almost ...

[@wxnderlmao]

@@Member_zero Might have to find some way to customize it, bcuz idk if you can remove the plastic piece. Looking at a cleaner screenshot, it looks like it's bonded to the plate itself, and it appears to have two spots for led lights so I doubt you can. I guess you can put a sticker on that spot just to cover up the brand, but if you want that piece of plastic removed, you'll have to do some modifying

[@lazyinsight5614]

I feel like this is a start to a very expensive hobby

[@lowbeam5005]

Great build overall, this would be so sick with tape mod + PE foam, that combination really takes any keyboard to another level

[@brunopires3446]

Hi, I'm new in this stuff. Can you tell me what does this tape mod do? I saw it once but I don't get the purpose

[@lowbeam5005]

@@brunopires3446 It affects the acoustics on your keyboard, the acoustics are what "shape" the sound, I don't remember exactly what it does to the acoustics, but the result (from my own experience) is a slightly higher pitch, a more defined sound, each keystroke stands out more, less reverberation, and a few other details. In fewer words I'd say it simply "removes imperfections", giving a more premium, polished sound. I hope this helps a bit, I definitely recommend checking some sound tests, there are a few comparing sound with and without the mod.

[@brunopires3446]

@@lowbeam5005 wowww, that helped a lot. Thank you vm bro. Now I get it

[@clockw1se226]

Do you know if buying keycaps necessary? can I still use the keycaps that came with the k552 keyboard? I just want to change the blue switches to Gazzew U4 Boba Silent Tactile Switches

[@lowbeam5005]

@@clockw1se226 you can definitely use any keycaps you already have, as for the switches I’m not sure if boba u4ts fit outemu sockets, you should ask on reddit or make a bit of research before buying any switches, but I think the best option would be any akko cs switches (they have tactile switches as well) as they are compatible with outemu sockets and offer great quality

[@MineAnimators]

My redragon k552 just arrived today. Basically it's hotswappable but Outemu and AKKO switches is the best replacements. My pre installed switches are outemu blue dustproof. They included a keycap remover and switch puller with Extra 4 switches.

[@babaharamdev]

Hey Man! I have the Redragon Surara K582, which comes with a hot swappable board. Just wanted to know if Gateron Red Switches would be compatible with them? An idea? People are saying that Redragon keyboard can only be swapped with Outemu Switches

[@MineAnimators]

@@babaharamdev gateron is also compatible, but for the best experience go for akko switches. Which will give you more switch options than gateron and also they are quite durable than gaterons. You can also buy redragon switches if they are available in your country.

[@blazetecson715]

Amazing upgrade man, keep up the good work 👍

[@NovaSenko]

In reference to the comment at 2:32 I got my k552 with red switches. They also offered blues and browns. So there are some options.

[@beardedtechie2478]

I got akko ocean blues my wife got me for Christmas, I'm waiting for my lube station and lube to come in to mod my k556 which I use for work. I'm excited af!!!!

[@BigEightiesNewWave]

My K582 is already weapon-grade-heavy , solid. I have rage-smashed it many times with zero failures.

[@mushybmb]

Honestly, akko switches are just one of the best budget switch, I can get a 45 pack for just $12, maybe some $13.5 and honestly that's great prices

[@aar0123]

Really like the build it came out very poppy and clacky, didn't know a red dragon keyboard could sound that good

[@C2daF]

Thanks for this man! As always super thorough content. Using this for my first mod keyboard. I like the Redragon K628 since it has the keypad too but is only about 75% in size with hotswappable switches. All the reviews on it said it was hollow sounding so it seems like it be fun to mod out.

[@viveks680]

I finished modding my K552!~ Used akko ocean blues and some gundam keycaps from aliexpress. Goddamn thock thock babyyyyyyyyyyyy

[@Crypto4u-x2w]

I saw this thumbnail and i was in love

[@ferba8849]

i never knew my keyboard sas hotswappable before this

[@tsl_finesse_6025]

The cheat is that the stabilizers are amazing with the smoothest switches 😎

[@4cid950]

Ah i see that you have started modding keyboards. Your next step to greatness would be a CUSTOM keyboard , then you have successfully entered the rabbit hole of mechanical keyboards. Pro tip : once you get in , theres no getting out of it :)

[@4cid950]

@@tanakah8953 indeed

[@ivanta6283]

This is probably the best channel with the best vids. Keep it up man. :)

[@waywaywaywaywazaaaaaa]

You should use pre lubed jelly black Akko switches. They really make the keyboard sound very poppy/creamy.

[@ewakode]

Don't forget to modify the K552 to be detachable type C. i have done it and the result is very good because i can use custom coiled type C cable. To fill up the interior I use an old mousepad and the result is not bad

[@varthc]

How? :o

[@Bane_Amesta]

I'm curious now, please tell us how

[@Bhrazz]

I don't mind the simplicity of this build but this is awsome for people who can't afford a 500$ keyboard. You're making me regret my bella kbd

[@eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee895]

have a k552 myself this video really gave me some ideas

[@gilixpa6040]

Dude I just did this mod and OMG THIS IS INSANE 🔥

[@joseurena7116]

Amazing video, I was about to gift my k552 because I wanted a better keyboard but this modding changed my mind !!

[@grayesan9106]

You can get a leather hole puncher, one that uses a hammer to drive the hole, not a handheld one, and I bet that would punch clean holes every single time. They're about 6 bucks. Just be careful and use it on a few layers of cardboard.

[@FortLahns]

A simple tape mod would do wonders on a keyboard, and it's probably the easiest and cheapest mod for any keyboard.

[@ciaojay7025]

2-3 layers of tape is the sweet spot

[@harshalvaidya3941]

I just got into the world of keyboards and i Have been itching to make my own custom keyboard. This video felt really beginner friendly definitely would be trying out. 😁

[@azixf]

The akko switches sound good without even lubing it. Damn I'm excited to receive my akko's

[@haaych7378]

you present exactly like randomfrankp

[@syedarman4720]

Awesome.Did not even know you can switch switches on this keyboard

[@umpus]

I got 4mm rubber and it was a really tight fit and 4 screws wouldn't go back in so I'd stick to 3mm like this dude.

[@shawnnn682]

i bought a tecware phantom 87 keyboard cuz i watched the budget keyboard video thanks a lot man i really love it

[@UnatMar]

Note you can techniclly use any switch, any switch without a outemu bottom housing will not fit in easily

[@meherali2942]

As amazing as Always dude!

[@haneefmuhammad3079]

What about tape modding?

[@petru_idk6245]

as someone that has built a custom board from a k552 rgb i can confirm it is this good. I have a k552 rgb with akko cs rose reds and ymdk pbt dolch keycaps.

[@umpus]

I like how it sounded before, it was louder.

[@Riles32123]

I did everything you did in this video. Guys, lube your stabilizers. makes everything sound really good. and don't tell me you can't I'm only 14 and I did it. Hey, Consumer Tech Review, thank you so much it sounds soooo good!

[@CYMotorsport]

2:00 it doesn't work with those other switches. you have to desolder one by one the extra bit of housing they added which is under the faceplate. there are little tiny screws by the escape button for instance - 5 in total. unscrew them and you can access the bit you need to punch out. at 3:49 you can see the little metal rings where the legs go. that makes it far too tight for any major switch you named. but once removed, you can input anything. that's why this board is thought to be unhotswappable. it's FAR too much work for any person who doesn't love keebs haha but this is one of my favorite bodies. I've actually got some tealio V2 in there now which is major overkill. but your foam mod is a good call and with that and a USB-C breakout, it's one of my favorite boards! you can paint the body too which most paint goes on super smooth.

[@jarmaineaxeldizon6435]

so is it ok for akko switches or no?

[@_ExTitus]

@Jermaine Axel Dizon This commenter misunderstood the context. The video wasn't saying the board is compatible with all those switches. The vid was saying that akko cs has options that are competitive with other brands. Akko cs switches are compatible with outemu sized hotswaps like in the redragon keyboards.

[@Kalyptic]

Does the Tecware PBT Keycaps fit on the stock 552 switches?🤔

[@itrash3459]

I think this is the first rage proof keyboard. Well done 👍

[@_ExTitus]

I've poured silicone into the bottom of the redragon surara. It's cheaper than butyl rubber and performs in a similar way. At the very least it's even easier to work with and probably faster if you disregard the cure time. You can buy 7oz worth of silicone molding for around $13 and it should be enough for two tkl sized keyboards.

[@babaharamdev]

Hey Man! I have the Redragon Surara K582, which comes with a hot swappable board. Just wanted to know if Gateron Red Switches would be compatible with them? An idea? People are saying that Redragon keyboard can only be swapped with Outemu Switches

[@harsh.visuals1067]

Thanks! I finally modded mine today and it sounds damn nice

[@bidomo]

That's a newer version of the Kumara, mine comes soldered (bought it back in 2017)... I always wanted to do some mods, but I might end up moving to a G915 tkl or a gamesir gk300

[@braydenhardman3112]

a keychron would be good

[@ok-zl6sx]

this video is making me do my first mechanical keyboard

[@ZanoobyMaster]

Thank you for this tutorial I used the rubber because my redragon was pingy and I heard that it would make is less pingy. And now my keyboard sound so much better. And no ping anymore. It took some time since it was my first time modding a keyboard. So thank you for this video

[@petermikus2363]

I am really happy that i found this video i have been searching for a cheap keybox or keyboard that i could put akko switches into qnd make it to my own personal liking

[@sjuv1392]

I’ve tried this mod and it was amazing!!

[@Mad5cout]

You need to list the overall cost of the keyboard and mods. By my count, you are at anywhere from $90 to $120 depending on sales and which rubber/foam you go with. At that point, you could get a HyperX Core TKL with an aluminum frame. for $15-20 less.

[@Member_zero]

That's true. Anything custom will cost you a lot more than stock tho - so it is expected.

[@Mad5cout]

@@Member_zero I get that but if your mods only bring you up to the quality and functionality of an existing product that costs less, it hardly seems worth it. I guess if you are only in it for the hobby or want to try your hand at mods for the first time it might make sense.

[@Member_zero]

@@Mad5cout Well that depends. While you could get a keyboard from higher price range to begin with, and not bother with moding it yourself, you also do not get the custom product that is exactly fitted to your taste. You might want a different color, different switches (which are up to personal preference), keycaps etc. And maybe a keyboard has all that, but it does not come in the right size ... But there's also people who do not buy this for modding to begin with - but to use as is. It's a decent keyboard on it's own. But... after few months or a year, they see new keycaps, or want to try new switches - to change how keyboard feels and looks without buying a whole new one. I think the price does not feel that high in this case.

[@Mad5cout]

@@Member_zero Good points. I haven't gone this route yet but may in the future. I bought my first mechanical a couple of years ago and bought one that was perfect for me out of the box at the time, but I get that this may not be possible for everyone.

[@penguin_flips6014]

Any people thinking of modding their Reddragon k552 keyboard just note that not all switches work on this pcb. Most Cherry and mainstream switches will have pins that are to big to fit the hotswap holes. so if you were to use mainstream switches which I used ink blacks you would have to sand down each pin so that they fit into the pcb.

[@bobkevin2636]

Love the new haircut

[@cmeron9039]

I love these types of videos! Keep it up!

[@goramiir]

A leather punch would work way better than the hole puncher, and you get to use a hammer! :) Great video thanks for sharing!

[@NickG_0]

Wow very cool. I wonder which do you prefer:Rose Red, TTC Gold Pink or Gateron Yellow pro (Milky)?

[@gianlukgrisalesvera936]

Where the heck do i found those keycaps, the link doesnt have the ones shown in the video

[@im_99OVR]

Thanks for the tips it relly help with switching my keyboard

[@jacobbuhia4455]

can akko jelly black switches fit in the k552?

[@noahbianchi5811]

on my redragon k552 i cant take the switches out

[@TechSnazzy]

This video is great. Is there a way to replace the usb cable with something else like a braided usb cable?

[@electricboltz9028]

Big head's up if anyone is considering modding/cleaning one of these!!!!! I just finished trying to clean and disassemble my Redragon K552..... However I followed this guide and turns out there's like multiple different versions of both the RGB, full RGB, and non RGB K552's the older ones being non hot-swappable and the newer ones are. So after I got all my key caps off mine I tried to remove the switches thinking it was a hot-swap board and well...... I cracked one trying to pull it out (the switch works still) so I stopped and moved on too try and remove all the screws, turns out not only was my board really dirty, the screw layout was also different from the one in this video. So I fumbled around (broke my nice utility knife blade in half trying to pry the PCB/top case apart) only to discover I had missed 5 other screws hidden along the board between switches. After I realized that and got them removed I was finally able to remove the keyboard from the case, and sadly on mine I was not able to remove the metal plate or switches to clean it better because they are soldered on. So I rinsed out the case and wiped down the top case with a Lysol wipe to clean it as best I could. Then dried the bottom case and reassembled the 2 and then filled a container with warm water and dish soap and put all the key caps in it to sit and clean them off. And that's all just be aware that not all K552's will be the same unless you buy one from Amazon that's current if not and you get a used one make sure it's hot-swappable before buying it it'll make life way easier.

[@MrLeonardowolf]

Thank u bro, i got a K568 on Black Friday, i think it's not hot swappable but the rubber part i will definitely be using,

[@sahilrawat5621]

Absolutely usefull video, Thank You Man 😇

[@EdSaenzDrums]

I modded 2 of these keyboards. One with rose reds and the other one with ocean blues.

[@jaysinner]

Are u gonna giveaway that board 🤔

[@bobkevin2636]

Please I need a keyboard

[@RenZgaming07]

Good question

[@walkinburro]

No

[@emmerson9158]

@@bobkevin2636 same

[@complexti6491]

mfs always asking for a handout

[@Doitall1983]

i have the same keyboard fully modded and it hurt my heart and soul to watch you do the sound dampening in the shittiest way possible. love from italy

[@gjsaints2929]

I would really love to see the K552 with the Crystal Crown keycaps.

[@jasonjjj27]

Thank you for the video, I use this exact model, I'm going to try this out. I'm going to also research a way to remove the middle plug and put in a usbc detachable plug. I hope it can be done.

[@rokeyakadir5625]

Do Akko pro switches work for the k552 kumara?

[@gianlukgrisalesvera936]

Do the 60% handrest work for 65% keyboards?

[@elii5096]

it is definitely an upgrade but you should make sure to hand lube the stabs and switches it makes it SOO much better

[@mexichicana]

PLEASEEE do more with the K552 like the UCB C mod pls ur videos are the best 🥺

[@snifeurdezeub]

You got me wanting to buy this keyboard just to mod it

[@qtmxlly3702]

did u know u can use a school erasure to get rid of the redragon logo

[@patrickphippspa584]

Super nice. Thanks for your time!

[@youtubetv4904]

nice video! might get this keyboard and upgrade it just like you did

[@N1lav]

Redragon K552, basically all Redragon hot-swappable keyboards will fit Akko, Holy Panda, and Gazzew switches as well. I swapped all of my switches with Boba U4Ts. Waiting for the linears to come out to try them as well. Switches were more expensive than the board LOL. I also swapped the keycaps for HyperX Pudding White PBT Keycaps. I also Holee modded the stabs and added foam as well as tape to the bottom. Basically, I did all the mods that there are. The keyboard sounds sinful now.

[@joshki1962]

yea, for the switches its gonna be tight so RIP ur fingers :P

[@b34felteachawngthu14]

can it fit gaterons? just asking

[@N1lav]

@@b34felteachawngthu14 not without grinding the pins to make them thinner.

[@N1lav]

@@joshki1962 nope. Akko and Gazzew switches fit perfectly. No extra force needed. Don't have Holy Pandas so I can't say about them.

[@chernoxeneize12]

If fit Holy panda... will fit my Glorious Panda?

[@evanjoseph2739]

Dude u are soooooo underated

[@honknytes2581]

Bro was gonna diss the ceycaps but his inner Billy Bob Bingleton stopped him

[@basilhsgamer3106]

very useful and enjoyable to watch well done

[@Speedoutrc]

Thanks I put matcha greens now I’m waiting on stabs

[@iDeker]

Are they not selling thoes key caps in that colour way anymore? I love the grey and black but can’t find it anywhere

[@bigkaris912]

HELP: Do I need to replace the key caps if Im going to change the switches to Akko cs lavender purples?

[@stickman9726]

There are no Akko CS switches in my country.. :(

[@nilsayarray403]

same man and i dont wanna risk paying customs so i will go for gateron milky yellows and lube them when i make mine

[@joshki1962]

@@nilsayarray403 make sure to clip the legs, they’re 5 pin

[@nilsayarray403]

@@joshki1962 yessir! lubing them will be a nightmare tho :"( time to drag my friend in to do some free labour XD

[@stickman9726]

@@nilsayarray403 LOL, friend abuse

[@nilsayarray403]

@@stickman9726 its fine :D friends are for abusing anyways right? right? wait why is the fbi knocking on my-