Doing a USB C mod on this case is so easy. With a little bit of drilling and sanding you can get the USB C to be in the exact same place as the old connector is. Also the AKKO Silvers sound so good. Especially with stabs being lubed as they should. This build came out really neat. I am liking it!
Man I love this dude, he's so positive and reaffirming. It's my first time trying to mod my first mechanical keyboard and this video has helped me SO MUCH, genuinely
The k552 is amazing, I personally modded mine with Akko vintage whites, foam on the bottom of the case, lubed and clipped stabs with the band aid mod and the red dragon logo removal, this thing is so good and the stock stabs are great after modding!
Perfect video for modding the K552! I just happened to have one that I bought for work and decided to go ahead and take the plunge with this being my first stab at modding a keyboard. The only differences between this video and my experience was that my cable had some hot glue overlap onto the housing so it was a real pain to take off, and a few of the switches were actually glued onto the board a bit. A flat head screw driver and some muscle took care of those. I think that it's understated just how hard it is to get the original switches off the board.... but installing the AKKO violets was a nice and easy task. Tape mod and some foam I had lying around in the case and now it feels and sounds better than any other pre-built mechanical keyboard I own. Best use of $29 dollars and 1 hour of my time.
I really appreciate the small mentions like what sandpaper numbers mean, makes it very easy to watch as there are almost no questions at the end. Keep up the good work!
Putting the medical tape under the stabs also helps with sound absorption. So that would be great to add to this. Maybe when you do the USB-C mod you come back and clean these few things up and have an awesome cheap board.
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.
I've done pretty much all the same mods, with the addition of a coiled cable I made, with aviator plugs and, added a usb c plug, using a 3d printed adapter. I'm willing to print and ship one, if you're interested.
I just upgraded my k552 with some foam, tape, modded/lubed stabs, added akko lubed jelly black linears and some YMDK pcb keycaps and now it sounds/types like a bigboy keeb now. Thanks for the helpful vid!
Here my recipe for the thockiest budget modding for the k552: 1. Foam dampening in the case 2. Three Layers of tape mod 3. pe foam mod 4. Lubed Akko Cs starfishes/Jelly blacks (basically same switch) (24 USD) 5. Any double shot pbt keycaps 6. holee plus tape plus lube the stabilizers 7. wooden table
I have had my K552 (Its actuallay the K551-R. Its just the K552 without the bulky logo, and a num pad)and I love it, wouldn't swap it for anything. Redragon is the best brand for gaming equipment if you just wanna play games, and have fun
i modded my k552 and it ended up being amazingggg, with akko yellow creme switches and some pbt keycaps that are soo good, and now I want to build another keyboard, thanks so much for helping me!
I have found quick way to get lube off of stabs is using contact break cleaner that is for electrical components. If you want to get next level spend the money on an ultrasonic cleaner and use some pro simple green. However that is only if you are doing large volume of keyboards. The contact break cleaner works just fine.
I know you're done with Keyboard videos, but as someone who a) just got their first mechanical board and b) just found your channel (thank you for doing actual budget tech/boards btw! far too many will say "budget" and then it's a $200 item), I'm finding these videos to be pretty informative and I'm starting to feel more at ease about attempting to mod my keyboard a bit. I think dampening is mainly what I'm looking for because I like the feel, even with the cheap pudding keycaps it came with, but to me, the sound is almost perfect when I have my headphones on but nothing is playing, so my goal will be to make that their usual sound without my headphones on.
You put a lot of hardwork in your videos but it's sad that you are underrated as hell I totally appreciate your efforts. Can you please review red dragon k631 65% board
@@davejaam it has more features and the k552 is a little outdated, also it has great stabs, that no rattle stalibizers is better for your mental health
Been wanting to build my wife a halfway decent keyboard for work. She needs a num pad so I'll probably go for the full size redragon with maybe some Akko blues
Let me just put it here real quick, Kailh switch is also compatible with outemu topography. I'd say, there are many switches out there that is compatible with the topography but you will have to measure it yourself and keep a record. Also, a brand will only use one topography so it makes it easier since you don't have to test/measure every single different switch, just do it by brand. Edit: Here's a bonus. If you want to peel of adhesive, heat it up first with heat gun or airdryer. one minute is enough.
@@pdj2975 It makes sense, all switches will benefit from some lubricant, some switches like most akko switches, gateron oil king, cj, ajazz peaches, and others sound good enough stock but better lubed.
I sooo want to do this for my Redragon keyboard... but, getting all the parts/kits, it comes about the same price as a brand new mechanical keyboard with this quality, if not better....
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.
Is it alright if you listed the total costs for the builds that you do? I’m interested in the pricing and it would be nice to find it at a moment’s notice
Some napkin math... switches: 2x$20 => $40 keycaps: $30 Felt: $3 (assuming you get it locally instead of online) Silicone: $5 (again was able to source it locally, online will be more expensive) Lube Kit: $15 Paint: $5 (another part which is best source locally) Mods come to arount: $100 Total damage including the keboard iteslt: **$130** TBH at this price point you are better off just getting a better keyboard (Keycrons are really good). BUT the way I see it is that you are paying the same money but the its the joy of modding itself which is the best part 😀
I hate to be that guy, but I think if you walked through the usb C mod it could really help some people who can't afford more expensive boards take this budget board to the next level! And I know focusing on budget in this ridiculously expensive hobby is a staple of this channel.
great mod. I love the choice of keycaps. How are they holding up so far. I saw a few negative comments on Amazon but just wanted hear another opinion. thanks. keep up the great work.
I wanna get the red dragon k552 in blue switches but I don’t see the option to make the switches blue. And it doesn’t mention what switches the keyboard has on Amazon
Im glad outemu hot swap dockets are known to be stiff, i damaged a few blue switches on the way out of my k582 (full size version of k552) and just thought i was shit at it, guess theyre just shitty sockets
I customized my old redragon keyboard and the housings of the switches were getting smushed because of how I tried to pull them out. lol. should've watched this video first.
Note: if you mod redragon k552 i recommend switching them out because the stabilizer that comes with the k552 after a few months or heck, even weeks of use, if you press one side of the stabilizer its gonna pop out . that's what happened to mine.
Thats been damaged in shipping or its a manufacturing fault. My stabilizers are still fine and i popped these out many many times for modding and cleaning purposes.
The amount you spent in modding and painting probably costs more than the actual keyboard lol. This mod is perfect for those who has the keyboard for a awhile and wants a new look without spending on a brand new one. A matching color USB C cable would have been nice touch but that's gonna bring the mod prices up. Great vid!
I know this video is a little old at this point, but I like it! I own one of these boards with brown switches and I have been thinking about modding it but haven't yet. I never thought about using felt for dampening and I think I am going to try it! I need to get some lube and lube the switches too, I bet it'll sound better and be a little quieter. Thanks for making a video that makes me confident enough to try a mod! I'm getting a new board for work so if I am successful in modding and dampening the sound of it a bit I'm sure that my coworkers will be a lot happier lol
Do the USB C mod! Without it is a useless custom keyboard. If you have many others that you collect then you can't easily swap them around if you have 1 odd one with its own attached cable.
If you want more help, don't ask people in comment sections, join a few different TH-camrs discord and ask there. Comment sections of big TH-camrs is practically asking to not get a reply
![[#2024MAMA] BIGBANG (빅뱅) - 뱅뱅뱅 (BANG BANG BANG) + FANTASTIC BABY | Mnet 241123 방송](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/EQsYfiPR9uM/mqdefault.jpg)
I still haven’t seen someone who can do a clean and easy USB C cable mod. Sooooooooo time for you to show us how it’s done!
Dammit, okay fine😂
There is a video regarding this but the whole thing isn't very newbie friendly
@@ConsumerTechReview can you do a review yk 600
USB C cable mod please. Thank u
@@ConsumerTechReview hahahah yesssir
Doing a USB C mod on this case is so easy. With a little bit of drilling and sanding you can get the USB C to be in the exact same place as the old connector is. Also the AKKO Silvers sound so good. Especially with stabs being lubed as they should. This build came out really neat. I am liking it!
how to do it?
Man I love this dude, he's so positive and reaffirming. It's my first time trying to mod my first mechanical keyboard and this video has helped me SO MUCH, genuinely
The k552 is amazing, I personally modded mine with Akko vintage whites, foam on the bottom of the case, lubed and clipped stabs with the band aid mod and the red dragon logo removal, this thing is so good and the stock stabs are great after modding!
is the hot swap socket work with Akko switch ? or need to mod, Thank you
@@Roman9441 Akko switches work due to their thinner pins. You're welcome.
@@rice214 damn I just order outemu Lime but yeah will go akko next tims
how did you do the logo removal?
@@Roman9441 yes it works with akko
What a dangerous video. It's filling me with too much confidence to mod mine right now.
Awesome work!
Same feeling, after watching this a few times I went ahead and ordered some new switches and key caps I took the plunge. Was completely worth it.
Perfect video for modding the K552! I just happened to have one that I bought for work and decided to go ahead and take the plunge with this being my first stab at modding a keyboard. The only differences between this video and my experience was that my cable had some hot glue overlap onto the housing so it was a real pain to take off, and a few of the switches were actually glued onto the board a bit. A flat head screw driver and some muscle took care of those. I think that it's understated just how hard it is to get the original switches off the board.... but installing the AKKO violets was a nice and easy task. Tape mod and some foam I had lying around in the case and now it feels and sounds better than any other pre-built mechanical keyboard I own. Best use of $29 dollars and 1 hour of my time.
I really appreciate the small mentions like what sandpaper numbers mean, makes it very easy to watch as there are almost no questions at the end. Keep up the good work!
Putting the medical tape under the stabs also helps with sound absorption. So that would be great to add to this. Maybe when you do the USB-C mod you come back and clean these few things up and have an awesome cheap board.
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.
I've done pretty much all the same mods, with the addition of a coiled cable I made, with aviator plugs and, added a usb c plug, using a 3d printed adapter. I'm willing to print and ship one, if you're interested.
I just upgraded my k552 with some foam, tape, modded/lubed stabs, added akko lubed jelly black linears and some YMDK pcb keycaps and now it sounds/types like a bigboy keeb now. Thanks for the helpful vid!
did you have to sand the metal pins?
Here my recipe for the thockiest budget modding for the k552:
1. Foam dampening in the case
2. Three Layers of tape mod
3. pe foam mod
4. Lubed Akko Cs starfishes/Jelly blacks (basically same switch) (24 USD)
5. Any double shot pbt keycaps
6. holee plus tape plus lube the stabilizers
7. wooden table
Bro which switch is the best for tactile spud for k552 ???
Holee + tape?
@@jwork5680 tape on plate to fit stabilizer tightly
Conversion to USB C and tape modding this would make this even better, there is a gmk apollo clone on amazon, this can make the keeb 2x better
Link?
@@JohnnySmokez Gives a little dolch vibe
@@JohnnySmokez idk why, but the comment got removed
I have had my K552 (Its actuallay the K551-R. Its just the K552 without the bulky logo, and a num pad)and I love it, wouldn't swap it for anything. Redragon is the best brand for gaming equipment if you just wanna play games, and have fun
i modded my k552 and it ended up being amazingggg, with akko yellow creme switches and some pbt keycaps that are soo good, and now I want to build another keyboard, thanks so much for helping me!
got myself some cream yellow v3 and i doesnt seem to fit without sanding the pins
13:59 You can just use some nail clippers. They work perfectly fine I used it before and nothing went wrong
This was great and I'm now committed to doing something like this with mine. I would love to see other mods with this and also a USB-C mod.
I have found quick way to get lube off of stabs is using contact break cleaner that is for electrical components. If you want to get next level spend the money on an ultrasonic cleaner and use some pro simple green. However that is only if you are doing large volume of keyboards. The contact break cleaner works just fine.
I know you're done with Keyboard videos, but as someone who a) just got their first mechanical board and b) just found your channel (thank you for doing actual budget tech/boards btw! far too many will say "budget" and then it's a $200 item), I'm finding these videos to be pretty informative and I'm starting to feel more at ease about attempting to mod my keyboard a bit. I think dampening is mainly what I'm looking for because I like the feel, even with the cheap pudding keycaps it came with, but to me, the sound is almost perfect when I have my headphones on but nothing is playing, so my goal will be to make that their usual sound without my headphones on.
10:50 that whole sequence sounded exactly like the rockstar logo sound in gta san andreas duuuude. So accurate.
Get yourself a sandpaper block it’ll make sanding the case much easier🙂
Man I love how this turned out and it sounds pretty good and looks amazing I need this now 😢
Man this is the nicest keyboard build i seen so far!
You put a lot of hardwork in your videos but it's sad that you are underrated as hell I totally appreciate your efforts. Can you please review red dragon k631 65% board
The K552 is still so amazing
Now i need to think before buying the K617
get the k617
trust me
@@papaioannou_ gotcha dude
Thanks
@@papaioannou_ why the k617 tho?
@@davejaam it has more features and the k552 is a little outdated, also it has great stabs, that no rattle stalibizers is better for your mental health
@@davejaam better stabs, prettier and easier to mod
Make sure you stab wires are straight help a ton as well.
The amount of effort you did for this video is amazing. 🔥
Been wanting to build my wife a halfway decent keyboard for work. She needs a num pad so I'll probably go for the full size redragon with maybe some Akko blues
Holy man that sound is just too good
ik to other people it might be the opposite, but this gotta be my favorite sounding keyboard ever wtfff
Ok I changed my mind. I'll buy this KB now. Thanks bro.
I really love the colour scheme there I agree the keyboard looks awesome!
really impressive my guy, love it!
Let me just put it here real quick, Kailh switch is also compatible with outemu topography. I'd say, there are many switches out there that is compatible with the topography but you will have to measure it yourself and keep a record. Also, a brand will only use one topography so it makes it easier since you don't have to test/measure every single different switch, just do it by brand.
Edit: Here's a bonus.
If you want to peel of adhesive, heat it up first with heat gun or airdryer. one minute is enough.
what a clean build!! sad this guy dosen't do more keyboard mod videos
12:19 he really whipped that toilet paper straight out of his desk lmao
holy crap that sounds so good and looks good
Love the camera work. And great kb as well. Nice vid
You don't need to lube the Akko silvers, the stock ones already sounds like heaven
I've tryed both and have silvers in my daily, lube them they sound so much more refined and they feel amazing
@@pdj2975 It makes sense, all switches will benefit from some lubricant, some switches like most akko switches, gateron oil king, cj, ajazz peaches, and others sound good enough stock but better lubed.
You could make the f-row silicone work by trimming it down some more.
the iconic k552 is back again
I sooo want to do this for my Redragon keyboard... but, getting all the parts/kits, it comes about the same price as a brand new mechanical keyboard with this quality, if not better....
Ty for showing me how to remove those switches so friggin hard
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.
Is it alright if you listed the total costs for the builds that you do? I’m interested in the pricing and it would be nice to find it at a moment’s notice
Some napkin math...
switches: 2x$20 => $40
keycaps: $30
Felt: $3 (assuming you get it locally instead of online)
Silicone: $5 (again was able to source it locally, online will be more expensive)
Lube Kit: $15
Paint: $5 (another part which is best source locally)
Mods come to arount: $100
Total damage including the keboard iteslt: **$130**
TBH at this price point you are better off just getting a better keyboard (Keycrons are really good). BUT the way I see it is that you are paying the same money but the its the joy of modding itself which is the best part 😀
@@abdullahahmed7781 thanks for the info!
I hate to be that guy, but I think if you walked through the usb C mod it could really help some people who can't afford more expensive boards take this budget board to the next level! And I know focusing on budget in this ridiculously expensive hobby is a staple of this channel.
Love the effort on the latest content keep it up🎉
At 8:12 is when the start of painting is
And then at 18:06
Sick video, will be a great idea doing this but now on the tecware phantom for a thocky sound
Very good job my man but we need the type c port mod next time good luck
idk why but you give me a cursed hipyo tech vibe 😂
great vid anyways tho
Done a good job! Sounds good!
Please do another review on the techware phantom
good video and good work the keyboard was very clean, it seems that it was a high-end or more expensive keyboard, good work I like your videos.
great mod. I love the choice of keycaps. How are they holding up so far. I saw a few negative comments on Amazon but just wanted hear another opinion. thanks. keep up the great work.
I wanna get the red dragon k552 in blue switches but I don’t see the option to make the switches blue. And it doesn’t mention what switches the keyboard has on Amazon
Im glad outemu hot swap dockets are known to be stiff, i damaged a few blue switches on the way out of my k582 (full size version of k552) and just thought i was shit at it, guess theyre just shitty sockets
Good thing you kept the gloves on because it takes a week to get spray off
This is gonna be my first modded keyboard
Omg this is so detailed
I already knew that it would be akko switches since it was an outemu hot-swap pcb.
Or because it’s outemu sockets and Akko is cheap
@@shoxerx7406 Thats what i meant :|
i really wanted to see that with the coral sea keycaps, well, too bad
It’s perfecttttt!!! I really want it.
it sounds amazing
your looks better then your keybord
🥰🥰
I customized my old redragon keyboard and the housings of the switches were getting smushed because of how I tried to pull them out. lol. should've watched this video first.
Note: if you mod redragon k552 i recommend switching them out because the stabilizer that comes with the k552 after a few months or heck, even weeks of use, if you press one side of the stabilizer its gonna pop out . that's what happened to mine.
el mio funciona perfecto durante años, el mod esta excelente
Thats been damaged in shipping or its a manufacturing fault. My stabilizers are still fine and i popped these out many many times for modding and cleaning purposes.
It looks so cool
As someone who assembles at least 1 keyboard per week, doing holee mod is really a pain 😅
I hate doing that mod as well.
why so many unecessary camera angle change?
The amount you spent in modding and painting probably costs more than the actual keyboard lol. This mod is perfect for those who has the keyboard for a awhile and wants a new look without spending on a brand new one. A matching color USB C cable would have been nice touch but that's gonna bring the mod prices up. Great vid!
I know this video is a little old at this point, but I like it! I own one of these boards with brown switches and I have been thinking about modding it but haven't yet. I never thought about using felt for dampening and I think I am going to try it! I need to get some lube and lube the switches too, I bet it'll sound better and be a little quieter. Thanks for making a video that makes me confident enough to try a mod! I'm getting a new board for work so if I am successful in modding and dampening the sound of it a bit I'm sure that my coworkers will be a lot happier lol
please review the Akko PC75B Plus next! thanks!
Great video ☝🏽
The mod so good also try to spray paint the backplate
You painted the rubber feet...
Ur gaining subs so fast man
i want this so bad, i have a redragon k552 as well
You should try out the boba u4ts.They fit in outemu hotswap sockets because they are manufactured by outemu.
Boba u4ts are 5 pin. It needs filing
Yea I just clipped the extra pins and put them in my board
Can you mod a Redragon K599? It would be really cool to see you do one!
fast and hard is what she said!
Do the USB C mod! Without it is a useless custom keyboard. If you have many others that you collect then you can't easily swap them around if you have 1 odd one with its own attached cable.
Still waiting for the CUSTOM RK87
tho!😭 Its been ages!! And still no😔
Great content.
also do the wired only to detachable mod 😈
DO THE CONVERSION OF WIRED TO USB C
Yes do it
If anyone hasn't noticed it yet, why is the monitor (On the bottom left) flipped towards the wall at 10:22?
Still havent seen clean usb mod tutorials tho its alway janky rough drilled hole hope you can make a clean looking one we can copy
Thanks for idea
DO THE USP CONVERT THINGY😈😈
What does stabilizer cutting do?
i liked the sound of it nice
The camera work makes me sea sick
can you try jelly purple and sakura switches from akko? And do a review of it
Usb c now or we have a problem
"The faster you pull up, the better." - Consumer Tech Review (this isnt about keyboards)
Really good vid! Im acttually planning to buy a new board. I was looking a the Yunzii ak84, is it good?
The yunzii kc68 is better. I think.
If you want more help, don't ask people in comment sections, join a few different TH-camrs discord and ask there. Comment sections of big TH-camrs is practically asking to not get a reply
This channel has an AK84 review video. I would consider Akko brand as well.
It’s pretty good, but I would consider the Akko 3084B over that board. Hope this helps!
@@ConsumerTechReview how do i open a kc68
The sound test is really really short, all these hard work but you didn’t show the results enough
How to turn a 40 dollar keyboard in to a 400 dollar keyboard