Cooler Grasp has been manufacturing industry-leading {hardware} since 1992. In that point they’ve gone by way of a number of visible rebrands however, one factor has by no means modified – the standard of the {hardware} they produce. Once I was introduced with the chance to get my arms on one in all their RGB mechanical keyboards and a mouse mate with a patented cloth – I jumped on the likelihood.
At present, I’m going to assessment Cooler Grasp’s CK352 mechanical RGB keyboard and their MP511-XL mouse matt.
On the floor, Cooler Grasp’s CK352 appears too good to be true with a formidable record of specs. Probably the most spectacular of all of them is its worth with the CK352 at present on provide for £69.99 in the UK (Round $90USD).
The mouse matt, MP511-XL at present retails for £34.99. Completely priced for the dimensions and high quality nonetheless they’ve two different sizes obtainable, the common (£24.99) and the XXL which is even larger than the one I’m utilizing with this keyboard priced at £44.99.
Preliminary Impressions
When keyboards which can be typically on the finances finish of the dimensions I all the time reserve judgment till I see them within the flesh however, my preliminary impression of Cooler Grasp’s keyboard upon opening the field had me speechless to say the least – £70 for this?! no approach!
The smooth aluminium prime physique is an instantaneous standout characteristic. Not solely is it extremely visible on the eyes and good to the contact, however it additionally serves a sensible objective; It helps the CK352 mechanical keyboard look smooth and low profile. In opposition to the deep black of the MP511 mouse matt, it appears inspiring.
Cooler Grasp cleverly opted for two-tone keycaps serving to to outline essential areas on the keyboard and add to the general edgy, gamer design vibe that the keyboard instructions.
Aesthetics
The CK352 incorporates a minimalistic design that’s pleasing the attention and has the potential to raise your gaming desk.
Programmable RGB backlit keyboard with floating keycaps.
The keyboard options two RGB rings across the fringe of the keyboard which might be configured through shortcuts on the keyboard.
Efficiency
With how lovely the CK352 RGB keyboard is and, how a lot effort went into the visible design, I actually thought the efficiency of this keyboard could be pants (sorry, Cooler Grasp) however, they shocked me, as soon as once more they’ve pulled the cat out of the bag with this keyboard being an distinctive performer in all classes. Interval.
It must be famous that I’m testing pink switches.
Gaming
This keyboard’s main market I believe will primarily be the gaming sort. The sort trying to enhance their gaming setup and elevate their gaming prowess.
After a number of hours of intense gaming, I can actually say that this keyboard improved my gameplay. Throughout intense DOTA2 staff fights, I discovered myself being extra correct with my keystrokes and urgent my different talents much less when in comparison with my Metal Sequence TKL Professional which can I add, is at present effectively over double the value of Cooler Grasp’s providing coming in at £189.99 on the time of writing. That’s not a small chunk of change to be throwing about.
Total, gaming efficiency is on par with dearer keyboards obtainable in the marketplace.
Typing
When I’m not reviewing articles, I’m working with purchasers to assist realise cell & net functions from idea to completion. Naturally, this includes quite a lot of typing, keystrokes and keyboard shortcuts for prolonged intervals of time.
This keyboard is ideal for lengthy intervals of labor with no ache or fatigue in my arms or fingers. Keys are linear of their movement and supply no click on or clack making it excellent for quiet environments the place different individuals are additionally attempting to pay attention.
The MP511-XL provides one other layer of complexity to the expertise. I really feel that is the place their Cordura cloth actually shines. It’s snug on the wrists, gentle to the contact and doesn’t trigger extreme rubbing which, over time can grow to be fairly sore with some mouse matt however it doesn’t appear to be a difficulty right here.
Total, it’s a pleasing expertise utilizing this keyboard and mouse matt combo for lengthy intervals of keyboard typing.
Lighting Controls
To date, you is likely to be questioning how Cooler Grasp can presumably provide you with all of this {hardware} and performance in a single package deal? effectively, the reply lies within the lighting controls. All the lighting controls for the keyboard are modified through shortcuts on the keyboard utilizing the Cooler Grasp button.
The Cooler Grasp buttons lets you entry the keyboards lighting controls which let you not solely change the backlight mode or color but additionally providing you with the power to vary the RGB lighting strips they’ve positioned down the facet of the keyboard.
They’ve given you a bunch of colors presets letting you select a fast color on the fly in any other case, you can also make your personal colors utilizing the Purple, Inexperienced and Blue shortcuts positioned on the prime of the keyboard.
Conclusion
Cooler Grasp has impressed me as soon as once more with their newest budget-level mechanical keyboard providing; The CK352 RGB Gaming Keyboard with Purple Mechanical Switches is a dream to make use of and take a look at. This can be a potent gaming keyboard that’s filled with a bunch of options that enables it to compete with dearer keyboards in the marketplace coming with RGB Lighting, an aluminium physique and even a selection of pink, brown or blue switches.
My solely gripe is the dearth of software program assist. Whereas it doesn’t pose a difficulty utilizing the keyboard out of the field, for us lazy people resembling I personally, I would love the power to immediately sync the colors to the remainder of my Cooler Grasp {hardware} such because the MM730 Gaming Mouse.
Total at a worth level of simply £69.99 ($90USD) this can be a cracking keyboard for the budget-conscious gamer. Not solely does it spar with the large boys when it comes to appears, however its efficiency can also be up there too.
Should you can look previous the dearth of software program assist and see this for what it’s; a keyboard then it’s simply well worth the funding and extra.
