The Corsair STRAFE RGB isn’t just a fully programmable mechanical keyboard with dynamic LED lighting but is also exclusively available with the Cherry MX Silent switch.
Product on Review: Corsair STRAFE RGB
Manufacturer & Sponsor: Corsair
Street Price: US: $169.99/149.99, UK: £149.99/129.99
(With MX Silent/ MX Red, Brown, Blue)
A little while ago we took a look at the latest keyboard from Corsair, the STRAFE. After experiencing the ins and outs of the STRAFE we concluded that it is a great value, fantastic quality mechanical keyboard equipped with Cherry MX switches and advanced lighting effects. Though functional, the single colour backlighting doesn’t quite display the full glory of these effects.
This is where the STRAFE RGB makes its mark. Featuring vibrant 16.8m colour LEDs which fully utilise the dynamic lighting effects, the STRAFE RGB will appeal to those who desire maximum customisation. If that wasn’t enough, the STRAFE RGB is also exclusively available with Cherry MX Silent switches, Cherry’s latest linear mechanical switch that is said to be 30% quieter than other mechanical switches. This exclusivity sets is apart from other brands using Cherry MX switches and allows the STRAFE RGB to join the ‘club of mechanical keyboards with exclusive switches’ alongside the likes of Razer and their custom made kailh switches.
Overview by Corsair
The world’s first fully integrated noise reduction mechanical gaming keyboard
Strafe RGB MX Silent delivers ultra-quiet mechanical key switch performance and dynamic multicolor lighting control. It’s up to 30% quieter than other mechanical gaming keyboards without sacrificing the speed, feel and responsiveness you need to win, and with virtually unlimited backlighting customization it looks as great as it plays.
Strafe RGB MX Silent delivers ultra-quiet mechanical key switch performance and dynamic multicolor lighting control. It’s up to 30% quieter than other mechanical gaming keyboards without sacrificing the speed, feel and responsiveness you need to win, and with virtually unlimited backlighting customization it looks as great as it plays.
Technical Specifications
Dimensions: 448 x 170 x 40 mm
Weight: 1.27 kg/ 2.02 lbs
Key Switch Options
Cherry MX RGB Silent Mechanical
Cherry MX RGB Red Mechanical
Cherry MX RGB Brown Mechanical
Cherry MX RGB Blue Mechanical
Backlight
Individually lit with key-by-key programmability
LED Color
RGB
Connectivity
USB pass-through port
Memory
Onboard memory to take performance and lighting settings with you
Software
CUE software for flexible customization
Warranty
Full 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Weight: 1.27 kg/ 2.02 lbs
Key Switch Options
Cherry MX RGB Silent Mechanical
Cherry MX RGB Red Mechanical
Cherry MX RGB Brown Mechanical
Cherry MX RGB Blue Mechanical
Backlight
Individually lit with key-by-key programmability
LED Color
RGB
Connectivity
USB pass-through port
Memory
Onboard memory to take performance and lighting settings with you
Software
CUE software for flexible customization
Warranty
Full 2-year manufacturer’s warranty
Packaging & First Look
The Corsair STRAFE RGB packaging is similar to contemporary Corsair products, with a much more subtle ‘Gaming’ mention using the yellow on black colours as an identifier. There is a clear display that the STRAFE RGB features multicoloured lighting and is equipped is Cherry MX switches.
At the back there is information about the features and contents including the extra textured keycaps and a wrist rest. There is also mention of the CUE link, which syncs enabled devices colour. This includes the VOID headset and the Scimitar mouse.
Inside you will find warranty information and 2 sets of textured keycaps, one for WASD which is useful for FPS games, as well as QWERDF for MOBAs.
In the flesh there are few differences with the previous STRAFE, most notably with the RGB is the prominent white background which helps with multicoloured illumination, but also the placement of the Corsair logo, which is also backlit.
The STRAGE RGB also comes with a textured rubber coated wrist rest which is a welcome addition.
Closer Look
The STRAFE RGB has the same rubbierised cable featured on its sibling, its a shame it isn’t braided, though this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The F-Keys also function as easy to access media keys when paired with the FN button.
In the top right there is direct access to a Windows lock key and illumination brightness which offers control over the backlighting level from off, 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% brightness.
The space bar features a textured finish similar to what is seen with the included keycaps.
The STRAFE RGB we are looking at is fitted with the Cherry MX Silent switches, identified with the off red colour.
Included in the design is a single USB passthrough which many will find convenient.
The underside is kept simple with rubber non-slip pads and plastic feet for those that use them.
Removed the keycaps ready for replacements…
Installed MOBA keycaps which are ergonomically shape for tactile feedback.
Software & Lighting
The CUE software is amongst the most advanced available for gamers to use, allowing vast programmability, customisability and lighting effects. If you want an impressive lighting display you can download profiles from RGB Share, to which you can upload your own creations.
The downside to the CUE software is that it has quite a steep learning curve.
The lighting is, in one word: SPECTACULAR.
The default spiral rainbow is much more impressive than the standard ‘spectrum wave’ seen on many RGB keyboards, but that alone is not as impressive as the bright, vibrant colours displayed. The white background and clear switch casing really allows the colours to stand out and provide the best colour accuracy we have observed on a keyboard.
Performance Testing
Setup and use with the Corsair STRAFE RGB is fairly standard and can run via plug and play drivers effectively. By default this results in a red LED backlight with white lighting highlighted around WASD and the arrow keys. Considering the STRAFE RGB has integrated memory, you can also save your profile to the keyboard so you are able to use your preferred settings to be used on the go.
The STRAFE RGB is quite weighty and has a high quality textured plastic finish and good quality feeling keycaps. The replacement tactile keycaps are also good quality and if you are a gamer, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend using these instead of the default keycaps, though some may prefer the more homogeneous appeal of the default aesthetic. In use, the STRAFE RGB is much more pleasant to use when typing due to the included wrist rest, as noted previously with the STRAFE, we found that typing without a wrist rest could lead to a little discomfort (depending on your seating position) due to the height of the keys.
Mechanical keyboards tend to become quite a predictable selection of products in regards to performance, especially when they are using renowned mechanical switches. The reliability and performance of Cherry MX has become a staple in many premium keyboards, the downside is, many products can end up feeling the same. This is where Razer once had a niche with its custom made mechanical switches. Corsair have ultimately, (for now) got one up, as it is the only keyboard on the market to feature Cherry MX Silent switches. These have a linear actuation similar to MX Red, but with active noise dampening. The touted effectiveness is 30% noise reduction and in testing, the difference is highly noticeable. The MX Silent does away with that sound you hear from the Reds, that ‘ShuuuuKK’ of an abrupt ending. It is more of a squishy ‘phomp’ as the key descends to a rubbery stop. The keys feel slightly different to the standard Red switches too as they are depressed, offering more of a curve of resistance rather than the same actuation force throughout the whole travel distance. Making the MX Silent quite pleasant and distinctive.
Conclusion
After experiencing the glorious technicolour splendour of the STRAFE RGB it comes very difficult not to be able to enjoy every aspect of this mechanical keyboard. It is shipped with the same known and loved features of the STRAFE keyboard such as the solid build quality, full NKRO and the included textured keycaps and goes one further by including a wrist rest.
The exclusive Cherry MX Silent switches were an interesting experience and commands a higher price than the standard Cherry MX offerings (Red, Brown and Blue). Though considering this, it still comes in competitively when compared to something like the Blackwidow Chroma. The MX Silent is the first switch of its kind to integrate active noise dampening, though it would be good to eventually see this come in a variant which features tactile feedback like the MX Browns as a matter of preference as they were noticeably quieter than standard mechanical keys. Regardless, if you are one that does not like the noise associated with mechanical keyboards, the MX Silent switch could certainly tempt you over.
Looking at the primary reason you are likely going to buy the STRAFE RGB over the STRAFE, if not for the MX Silent switches, would be because of its lighting; something which is jaw droppingly good. The keycaps allow the light to shine through perfectly and the white background does its job helping the LEDs shine. It is clear that the quality of the LED lighting used in the Cherry MX switches is superior to that used by others and the effects literally reach a level above others we have experienced. If I was to make an advert for the Corsair STRAFE RGB it would consist of a shotgun> Skittles> and some poor souls eyes. If you love customisable RGB lighting then the STRAFE RGB should be a front runner in the pack, just be prepared to navigate the CUE software.
Fans of Corsair have come to expect top quality from their products and the STRAFE RGB is no exception. It takes the characteristics of the STRAFE keyboard and bolsters them with class leading RGB lighting. Also, it is currently the only keyboard available to feature the Cherry MX Silent switches, the quietest mechanical switches on the market.
Pros.
+ Solid construction
+ Bright, vibrant colours
+ Advanced RGB lighting effects w/ downloadable profiles
+ Highly programmable
+ Bonus tactile keycaps (WASD/MOBA)
+ Exclusive Cherry MX Silent switches, also available with MX Red, Brown and Blue
+ USB passthrough
+ Wrist rest included
+ Full NKRO
Cons.
– None
+ Solid construction
+ Bright, vibrant colours
+ Advanced RGB lighting effects w/ downloadable profiles
+ Highly programmable
+ Bonus tactile keycaps (WASD/MOBA)
+ Exclusive Cherry MX Silent switches, also available with MX Red, Brown and Blue
+ USB passthrough
+ Wrist rest included
+ Full NKRO
Cons.
– None
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net.
