With their Strafe RGB, Corsair has a first gaming keyboard ready, which is using Cherry MX Silent RGB switches. These switches feature a noise reduction system while maintaining the responsiveness of the classic Cherry MX. In addition, the keyboard offers RGB backlighting and customizable keys thanks to the Corsair software.
Today we are haveing a close look at the Strafe RGB keyboard from Corsair. This particular keyboard ships with Cherry MX Silent RGB switche. Thanks to a rubber plate these switches don't make as much noise as the other Cherry MX and apart from that there is the completely customizeable backlight.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Photo Gallery
Delivery
The exterior of the Corsair Strafe RGB features a huge picture of the keyboard itself, which makes it pretty clear that Corsair is proud to be amongst the very first manufacturers to realease a Cherry MX Silent RGB based keyboard. On the back we find additional information about the specifications of this keyboard. Inside the box you get the keyboard itself, additional keycaps, which provide better grip, the warranty statement and a small manual. In order to gain access to all the customization features you need to browse Corsair's website to download the software, since there is no disk or pen-drive included in the delivery.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Features
| Model number: | Strafe RGB |
| Keys: | Cherry MX Silent RGB |
| Keycaps: | ABS |
| Materials: | ABS |
| Backlight: | Individual, 16.8 Mio colors |
| Profiles: | Yes |
| Macros: | Yes |
| Interface: | 2x USB |
| Cable : | 1.8 m |
| Dimensions: | 448 mm x 170 mm x 40 mm |
| Weight: | 1.27 Kg |
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Closer Look
As soon as you lift the
Strafe RGB, you realize how sturdy and solid it
actually is. Corsair has created a keyboard that gives a sense of maximum quality to the user at any
given time. Unlike the Vengeance the Strafe ins't made from aluminium, but high-quality plastic. Apart from
that the palm rest features a soft-touch surface with a grippy texture. A closer look at the keycaps
reveals they have been laser printed, and therefore the keys feel very smooth and not
sticky even if you should have sweaty hands. The Strafe RGB is one of the
smaller mechanical keyboards we've had for testing so far but as we already
mentioned, it still features a comfortable, detachable palm rest. The layout of the Strafe RGB is pretty standard, this keyboard doesn't come with any macro buttons, but still the F-buttons are pre-programmed with additional functions.
The tactile feedback is very good as well as the perfomance. The new silent switches really make a difference. Typing doesn't make that much noise anymore, but at the same time you get the great responsiveness from the mechanical switches. We also like the fact, that keycaps are grippy. Last but not least this is a keyboard with RGB backlight, and thanks to Corsair's software you can individually program every single key with different colors or differnt effects.
Back
The flip side of the Strafe RGB is not really special. There is an even surface made from plastic and in each corner there is a stand-off, which in order to change the keyboard angle. Apart from that there are no rubber feet with this keyboard. We actually like it when the keyboard is not glued to the desktop, since we're the type of gamers/typists who like to move the keyboard around every now and then.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Software
After installing Corsair's software, which you'll have to download from the manufacturers website first, you can start to program macros as well as change the lighting. When it comes to macros you can assign them to any key you like, which means you're not limited to different keys on this device. Basically it's only your imagination that could set limits to what lighting effect can be programmed. Regarding the backlight, there is nothing to say since at every color there is good brightness.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Conclusion
| General | + | - | |
| With the Strafe RGB, Corsair have created a high quality gaming keyboard, which has almost no flaws at all. We like the fact, that this keyboard feels very sturdy, which is partially because of the high weight. Apart from that there is the new keyfeature, the Cherry MX RGB Silent switches, which are very comfortable for typing and allow complete customiziation of the backlight. In addition there are also two USB ports on the back of the keyboard. |
- Weight
- Design - USB - RGB |
- No audio connectors | |
| Manufacturing quality / Ergonomics | + | - | |
| The Corsair Strafe RGB gaming keyboard is comfortable to use, all the keys are well placed and easy to reach so you will not find yourself pressing a wrong key by accident. Regarding the Cherry MX Silent RGB switches we can say, they're precise and linear as usual while providing excellent tactile feedback. Comparing these switches to other models from Cherry they a lot more silent than Cherry MX Red but still quite far from rubber dome switches. |
- Build quality
- Comfort - Cherry MX RGB Silent |
||
| Software | + | - | |
| The software is essential but has everything you need, it is free and fast to get, since it's ony 40 MB you have to download from Corsair's website. We do like the fact, that macros can be programmed to each and every key on the Strafe RGB and apart from that also the backlight is highly customizable. Thanks to the display processor you can even create wave, pulse or rain effects. | - Easy to use - Customizability | ||
| Recommendation / Price | + | - | |
| A closer look at the price of the Corsair Strafe RGB reveals that you have to pay 160 Euro in order enjoy this keyboard. For this price you get a gaming Keyboard, which features mechanical switches, individual backlight and a very high build quality. Despite all this good features we think that the price is a bit too high. |
- Gaming - Office |
- Price | |
| Rating | |||
| The Strafe RGB from Corsair receives very good 4 out of 5 stars. | |||
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |