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Scored using Keyboards Methodology v1.0
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Redragon K742 Review | 64 Data compared

Avg. price:~£60Layout size:1800-compactConnection type:USB / 2.4GHz / BluetoothSwitch type:mechanicalPolling rate:1000 Hz

Redragon K742 Review: Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Keyboards category and whether it is worth buying.

7.7

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 85% of models
Score components

80%

7.4

Technical score

20%

8.7

User score

▲Better than 85% of keyboards
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Keyboards category across these key areas: Switches, Design, Connectivity & Power, Features, Materials.
When it matters
When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components

34%

8.0

Connectivity & Power

28%

3.9

Switches

20%

10

Materials

12%

9.0

Features

6%

8.7

Design

▲Better than 78% of keyboards
8.7

User score

User score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 456 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
▲Better than 77% of keyboards
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Best prices

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Best rankings

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.
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Technical Specifications of keyboard Redragon K742

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Keyboards category across these key areas: Switches, Design, Connectivity & Power, Features, Materials.
When it matters
When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 78% of models
Score components:

34%

8.0

Connectivity & Power

28%

3.9

Switches

20%

10

Materials

12%

9.0

Features

6%

8.7

Design

7.4
User score
User score
8.7/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters
When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 77% of models
Score components

70%

9.2

User ratings

30%

7.5

Number of reviews

Based on 456 buyer reviews from online shops.
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →
How we calculate this
User ratings – average star rating across all shop listings, weighted by how many reviews each has, on a 1–10 scale.
Number of reviews – how many buyer reviews the product has, on a logarithmic scale; the 8% most-reviewed models in the category get 10.
8.7
Popularity
Popularity
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters
When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Popularity:
Redragon K742 has a popularity score of 7.5 points, which is higher than that of 66.7% of products in this category.
7.5
Value for money
Value for money
8.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 89% of models
Score components:

60%

7.7

Overall score

40%

10

Price

8.4
Switch type
mechanical
Switch feel
linear
Switch name
?
Actuation force
40 g
Min actuation distance
2 mm
Min actuation distance
2 mm
▼ Worse than 66% of models
Market range: <0.1 mm – >2 mm
This keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 2 mm, which is longer than 66.5% of keyboards and equal to 33.2% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
mechanical
Layout size
1800-compact
Layout standard
ANSI
N. of keys
98
N. of keys
98
▲ Better than 67% of models
Market range: <64 – >108
This keyboard has 98 keys, which is more than 67.3% of keyboards and equal to 1.7% of keyboards.
Profile
standard
Show more
Connection type
USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
Connection type
USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
▲ Better than 57% of models
This keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity, which is more versatile than 57.3% of keyboards and equal to 42.7% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
yes
Multi-device pairing
yes
▲ Better than 4% of models
This keyboard supports multi-device pairing. 4.5% of keyboards support multi-device pairing.
Bluetooth version
5
Bluetooth version
5
▲ Better than 51% of models
This keyboard uses Bluetooth 5, which is newer than 51% of keyboards and equal to 15.7% of keyboards.
Mac compatibility
?
Battery life
53 h
Battery life
53 h
▼ Worse than 82% of models
Market range: <30 h – >512 h
This keyboard lasts 53 h on a charge, which is shorter than 82.4% of keyboards.
Show more
RGB lighting
yes
RGB lighting
yes
▲ Better than 12% of models
This keyboard has RGB lighting. 12.4% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
yes
Per-key RGB
yes
▲ Better than 28% of models
This keyboard has per-key RGB lighting. 27.6% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
98
RGB zones
98
▲ Better than 74% of models
Market range: <0 – >104
This keyboard has 98 RGB zones, which is more than 73.8% of keyboards and equal to 1.5% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
?
Backlight direction
south-facing
Show more
Case material
plastic
Plate material
?
Keycap material
PBT
Keycap profile
OEM
Legend method
double-shot
Legend method
double-shot
▲ Better than 25% of models
This keyboard uses double-shot legends, which are more durable than 25.1% of keyboards and equal to 74.9% of keyboards.
Show more

Redragon K742 vs the average keyboard

246810TotalDesignConnectivity & PowerSwitchesMaterialsFeatures
  • 0.4 mm shorter key travel
    Total travel distance
    3.6 mm
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <3.2 mm – >4 mm
    This keyboard has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    3.6 mm vs 4 mm
  • Built-in display
    Display
    yes
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This keyboard has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
  • Volume control wheel
    Volume wheel
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This keyboard includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.3% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    QMK support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This keyboard supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    VIA support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    This keyboard supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 26.3% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 11 more keys
    N. of keys
    98
    ▲ Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <64 – >108
    This keyboard has more keys than the average keyboard (98 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    98 vs 87
  • 28.4% lower weight
    Weight
    700 g
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <605 g – >1.6k g
    This keyboard weighs less than the average keyboard (700 g vs 978 g). The average keyboard weighs 978 g.
    700 g vs 978 g
  • 15 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    98
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <0 – >104
    This keyboard has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (98 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    98 vs 83
  • 2.17x cheaper
    Redragon K742 is cheaper than the average keyboard (£60 vs £130).
    £60 vs £130
  • 6.7% better value for money
    Redragon K742 has better value for money than the average keyboard (8.36 vs 7.8).
    8.36 vs 7.84
  • 8.8% higher user score
    User score
    8.7/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.
    When it matters
    When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.
    Score distribution
    ▼
    ▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Redragon K742
    the average keyboard
    Redragon K742 has a higher user score than the average keyboard (8.70 vs 8.000).
    8.7 vs 8
  • 11 more keys
    N. of keys
    98
    ▲ Better than 67% of models
    Market range: <64 – >108
    This keyboard has more keys than the average keyboard (98 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    98 vs 87
  • 28.4% lower weight
    Weight
    700 g
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <605 g – >1.6k g
    This keyboard weighs less than the average keyboard (700 g vs 978 g). The average keyboard weighs 978 g.
    700 g vs 978 g
  • 2 newer release date
    Release date
    2025
    ▲ Better than 79% of models
    Market range: <2k – >2k
    This keyboard is newer than the average keyboard (2025 vs 2023). The average keyboard was released in 2023.
    May 2025
    2025 vs 2023
  • 0.4 mm shorter key travel
    Total travel distance
    3.6 mm
    ▲ Better than 64% of models
    Market range: <3.2 mm – >4 mm
    This keyboard has 3.6 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    3.6 mm vs 4 mm
  • Built-in display
    Display
    yes
    ★ Better than 91% of models
    This keyboard has a built-in display, the average keyboard does not. 9.5% of keyboards have a built-in display.
  • Volume control wheel
    Volume wheel
    yes
    ▲ Better than 62% of models
    This keyboard includes a volume wheel, the average keyboard does not. 38.3% of keyboards include a volume wheel.
  • Supports QMK
    QMK support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 71% of models
    This keyboard supports QMK, the average keyboard does not. 28.8% of keyboards support QMK.
  • Supports VIA
    VIA support
    yes
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    This keyboard supports VIA, the average keyboard does not. 26.3% of keyboards support VIA.
  • 15 more RGB zones
    RGB zones
    98
    ▲ Better than 74% of models
    Market range: <0 – >104
    This keyboard has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (98 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    98 vs 83
  • 127 h shorter battery life
    Battery life
    53 h
    ▼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <30 h – >512 h
    This keyboard lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (53 h vs 180 h). The average keyboard lasts 180 h on a charge.
    53 h vs 180 h
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Min actuation distance
    2 mm
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0.1 mm – >2 mm
    This keyboard has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.0
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This keyboard uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.0 vs 5.2
  • 35.7 mm wider width
    Width
    392 mm
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <290 mm – >442 mm
    This keyboard is wider than the average keyboard (392 mm vs 356.3 mm). The average keyboard width is 356.3 mm.
    392 mm vs 356.3 mm
  • 35.7 mm wider width
    Width
    392 mm
    ▼ Worse than 73% of models
    Market range: <290 mm – >442 mm
    This keyboard is wider than the average keyboard (392 mm vs 356.3 mm). The average keyboard width is 356.3 mm.
    392 mm vs 356.3 mm
  • 127 h shorter battery life
    Battery life
    53 h
    ▼ Worse than 82% of models
    Market range: <30 h – >512 h
    This keyboard lasts less long on a charge than the average keyboard (53 h vs 180 h). The average keyboard lasts 180 h on a charge.
    53 h vs 180 h
  • Older Bluetooth version
    Bluetooth version
    5.0
    ▲ Better than 51% of models
    This keyboard uses an older Bluetooth version than the average keyboard (5 vs 5.2). The average keyboard uses Bluetooth 5.2.
    5.0 vs 5.2
  • 0.3 mm longer minimum actuation distance
    Min actuation distance
    2 mm
    ▼ Worse than 66% of models
    Market range: <0.1 mm – >2 mm
    This keyboard has a longer minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    2 mm vs 1.7 mm

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

T
thephonograph.net
04/09/2025
Summary of the review
Redragon K742 - Review - ThePhonograph.net
T
thephonograph.net
04/09/2025
Summary of the review
Redragon K742 Review - ThePhonograph.net
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

Based on 456 buyer reviews from online shops.
Reviews last updated: June 2026 · How we calculate this
Read buyer reviews on Amazon →

What we like about Redragon K742

  • Excellent value for money, offering premium features at a budget-friendly price point.
  • Support for QMK and VIA allows for extensive key remapping and macro customization without proprietary software.
  • Gasket-mounted design with five layers of sound-absorbing foam provides a 'thocky' and muted typing sound.
  • Versatile tri-mode connectivity, including 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth (up to 3 devices), and USB-C wired.
  • High-quality double-shot PBT keycaps are durable, textured, and resistant to oil shine.
  • Smooth, pre-lubed RPC linear switches provide a 'creamy' feel right out of the box.
  • Includes a dedicated, responsive volume knob for quick audio adjustments.
  • 98% layout maintains a numpad while saving desk space compared to full-size keyboards.

What we don't like about Redragon K742

  • Plastic construction can feel 'plasticky' or slightly cheap compared to premium metal boards.
  • Side-mounted USB port placement (left side) can be inconvenient for cable management for some users.
  • Low contrast on keycap sub-legends (grey print on dark keys) makes them difficult to read in some lighting.
  • Stock stabilizers can be slightly rattly and may require additional manual lubing for enthusiasts.
  • Battery life is relatively short (around 16–53 hours depending on RGB usage) compared to some competitors.
  • Hot-swappable switches can sometimes require significant force to remove from the sockets.

Verdict

The Redragon K742 Arlokks is a 98% layout wireless mechanical keyboard featuring a gasket-mounted design with five layers of sound-absorbing foam and a dedicated volume knob. It offers versatile tri-mode connectivity (2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, and USB-C) and is powered by a 4,000mAh battery providing up to 53 hours of use with backlighting off. Key specifications include pre-lubed RPC linear switches with a 40g actuation force, a hot-swappable south-facing PCB supporting 3-pin and 5-pin switches, and durable double-shot PBT keycaps in an OEM profile. Its standout features are full QMK/VIA support for deep customization, N-key rollover, and a flex-cut polycarbonate plate that delivers a soft, 'creamy' typing feel. Main pros include its exceptional value, extensive programmability without proprietary software, and high-quality internal dampening. However, potential cons include its plastic construction which may flex under heavy pressure, poorly readable grey-printed legends on secondary functions, and a USB port placement on the left side that may be inconvenient for some setups.

Compare Redragon K742 with other products in the Keyboards category

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