GAMING GEAR AWARD
CORSAIR STRAFE RGB MX-Silent
RRP : $ 149.99 | Website : www . corsair . com
If there ’ s any peripheral that CORSAIR makes well , it would have to be their keyboards . This isn ’ t to say they do not have competent mice and headsets , but were there to be a single product that I would choose to keep above others , it would be the keyboards .
I ’ ve seen the progress made from the early days of the original K90 right up to the recently release RAPID FIRE and LUX models . It ’ s been progress at a steady pace , building on what has worked and discarding what hasn ’ t .
Before I harp on about what makes this particular keyboard that attractive I must once again - as I always will where relevant - lament the absence of an additional USB port . Especially since these can be found on several premium alternatives present . Given that there are two cables in use , it only makes sense that at the very least , one be reserved for a USB 3.0 hub with two ports . That , in my opinion , would complete what is an already
48 The OverClocker Issue 38 | 2016 impressive keyboard . At $ 150 , it isn ’ t cheap occupying the upper echelon of gaming keyboards . One can only hope that this is eventually added to at least one of their keyboards in future . This isn ’ t confined to the Strafe MX-Silent exclusively though , as it applies to every single CORSAIR keyboard .
Past that gripe , here is what the keyboard does well and how it manages to be , one of the most compelling offerings around . This is especially true for individuals like me who spend plenty of time typing and gaming and need a single product that works well in both contexts . One cannot refute the superior tactile feel of mechanical keys for typing , but the noise has always been a major caveat to it all . As such , these Cherry MX-Silent switches as used on the Strafe just may be my favorite switches to date . It ’ s an absolute pleasure gaming and typing on this keyboard .
This is just as true within a gaming context as well . The actuation force required for this model tested was more than comfortable and the use of silent switches complements the entire experience .
Let it not go unsaid , but this keyboard despite its average packaging is as premium in feel as one can find from any vendor . From the palm rest , the aluminum chassis , the hefty weight and deliberate keystrokes required . This is a quality item that justifies its price with just these virtues alone . With all the competitors in this space , few if any still exude the quality and finish that the CORSAIR GAMING keyboards do .
Aesthetically , it is functional with an endearing purpose built design . It is again complemented by the visual ques of quality and of course the RGB lighting which completes the look . You ’ ll find no angular lines or gaudy “ gamer ” pandering design