I made the switch to PC gaming about 10 months ago and since then, I’ve wanted to experience various mechanical gaming keyboards as it’s something I’ve never really had the chance to do. While I’ve used mechanical keyboards in the past and have reviewed several, I’ve never really used them to play games on as I was always a console player. That changes today with this review of the Redragon Vata K580 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard.
Design And Look
When I pulled the Redragon K580 keyboard out of the box, I was instantly blown away at how beautiful looking it was, and that was before it was plugged in and lit up. The keyboard has a bit of weight to it which to me is very nice. I’m one who puts a lot of pressure on my keyboards when I’m playing, and this weight helps prevent it from sliding all around.
The Redragon Vata K580 comes with six backlight themes and 18 backlight modes that allow you to type confidently in a dark room. If you feel the backlight is too bright, you can always adjust the brightness by using the Fn(Function) and the Up/Down arrows. Even the sides of the keyboard has RGB strips to give this keyboard a lot of RGB lights to brighten things up. The RGB on the side panels can be changed just like the RGB behind the keys are changed. There’s just so much customization you can do with this keyboard and all of its RGB that makes it so much more worth it.
The mechanical switches are something to talk about as well as that’s one of the most important parts to a mechanical keyboard. The K580 comes with OUTEMU Blue Switches that respond fast and have a very nice clicky sound. Most people will prefer Cherry MX switches on their keyboards, but the OUTEMU Blue switches are very similar to the Cherry MX switches. They even have the same durability of 50 million keystrokes as the Cherry MX switches have, so you’re not losing out when it comes to that part of the design of the keyboard.
The K580 also includes multimedia keys that you can use to control your music such as Spotify. The keyboard has previous, next and a play/pause button as well as a scroll wheel that controls the actual volume of your system. This is extremely nice for those of us like myself who streams and needs a quick and easy way to skip to the next song or raise/lower the volume. You can also control the brightness of the RGB of the keyboard with this same scroll wheel.
The K580 also comes with a 10-key number pad for those that need it. For me, this is mandatory since this is also the keyboard I use all day for my job since I work from home for Nova Launcher for Android. Some people don’t need nor want a 10-key number pad, so if that’s the case, then the Vata K580 is not for you.
Performance And Features
As mentioned above the OUTEMU Blue switches are very close to the Cherry MX version, both in terms of tactile feedback and responsiveness. They have a clicky, tactile feel and can be quite loud. They are incredibly durable and most users won’t notice the difference between these and classic Cherry MX switches.
The Redragon K580 comes with five programmable macro keys(G1 – G5) to allow you to perform multiple commands at a single click of a button. These five macro keys can be easily and quickly customized via the Redragon software which you can download here: Redragon Software. It is worth noting that some people have had issues getting this software to work with their Windows 10 install and I’m not sure if there is currently a fix for those users or not. I personally didn’t run into any issues with installing the software as it simply worked for me.
There are multiple things you can do with the macro keys such as record the macro keys, save the recording, remove the default keybindings one by one or delete all of them together. These macro keys come with a maximum length of 8 total keystrokes. If you have any issues with setting up the macro keys on any Redragon keyboard that offers them, you can simply contact their customer support and they will help you as quickly as possible.
One of the most attractive things about the Redragon K580 is the option to replace switches on the keyboard. The K580 comes with eight additional switches including black, brown, blue and red. This allows you to test different switch colors for a different typing or gaming experience and to see what you enjoy the best. There is also a key switch remover tool included within the box.
Keyboard Durability
Redragon Vata K580 is a high quality and durable mechanical keyboard with a sturdy build. The keys have also passed the “50 million times keystroke test.” The double-shot injection molded keycaps are dustproof, waterproof, and do not fade even on prolonged use. So, if you like Cherry Blue switches, then this keyboard makes an excellent alternative to the more high-end options from Corsair or Logitech. The difference in quality certainly doesn’t feel as significant as the bump in price. In most ways, the K580 from Redragon feels just as qualitative as a lot of high-end options, and it really doesn’t feel like you sacrifice a lot when you opt-in for this budget-friendly option.
Discount Code
Thanks to the awesome folks over at Redragon for allowing me to review this product as well as the Draconic K530 which I’ll be doing soon. They have also provided me with a special URL that anyone can use to save a total of 10% off of your entire purchase across their site. So if you’re interested in purchasing the Redragon Vata K580, or any of their products, you can click this link: Save 10% On Your Entire Order. I believe if you don’t click the link, you can always manually input DECRYPTED as the code during check out.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Redragon Vata K580 comes with all the features you need for gaming and more. The “on the fly” macro recording can be incredibly useful for gamers. You can easily download the software from Redragon’s official website and configure the macros in no time. The RGB functionality is great for matching the color scheme with other equipment. There’s no shortage of lighting options.
For the current price of $64.99, this keyboard is hands down one I suggest to anyone looking for a great mechanical gaming keyboard. It’s got excellent weight, durability and just looks absolutely amazing, especially once it’s plugged in and lit up. The font used on the keys of the keyboard are very bold and stand-out so you don’t have squint to see the keys you are looking for.
Greetings Cliff. My name is Gerard. I realize this is an old post, I was searching for some information on the Redragon Vata K580, which I own. Specifically, I am trying to determine the Keycap profile. I believe it is “Cherry” but I have been unable to find a definitive answer and thought I would ask.
Your “User Manual” was cute. I’m glad you’re still alive after jumping off the Stratosphere Hotel. I’m assuming it was a bungee jump or the like. I get vertigo, so I cannot even imagine that. I’m also a fan of video games, I quite enjoy the MAME platform for the old coin op arcade games.
Redragon K580 Vata Pro Wireless Keyboard cost about $71 USD has Outemu Red Switches. The RGB settings are slightly different than the wired K580 Vata also the wireless K580 Pro Media keys do not light up at all. It is a very affordable and a good solid Gaming RGB Keyboard. The switches are Hot Swappable. Beware that when removing any of the Outemu switches that the legs or contact pins are very thin and may break inside the key socket. They are extremely difficult to remove broken switch without breaking a contact leg. You may need to disassemble the keyboard to get the broken contact piece out of the Key Socket.
There are 4 screws underneath and none hidden under the rubber feet. There are a few Keycaps and possible switches along the keyboard topside along the front where the Space Bar is. Also might be a hidden screw(s) on the ends where the Caps Lock and + plus sign are. including middle of the keyboard. There are no videos that I am aware of. May need a plastic prying tool or guitar pick to separate the keyboard as to gain access to the socket panel or so-called mother board. Disassemble at your own Risk.