Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2 MX Silent Mechnical Keyboard Review

A Closer Look

The Strake Mk.2 comes hard-wired with the usual thick-style cable Corsair uses on all their high-end models. It features two USB headers, one for the keyboard, the other for a USB pass-through port. It is plug and play ready, and you can store profiles directly to the keyboard. However, to dive into the configuration of lighting and macros, the software is required.

The form factor of the original Strafe has been maintained on this new model, but there are a few noticeable changes, and they’re welcome changes too. The overall finish has a nice look to it, with a more brushed look rather than a sandblasted type finish. Of course, this is more in-line with the K-series keyboards.

Added Control

While the original has no buttons in the top left, this one features three controls here. One for profiles, one for master lighting brightness, and the Windows lock key. It’s nothing too crazy, but for tabbing between gaming profiles and lighting, it’s a welcome addition. It also means you’re spending less time in the software, more time enjoying what you want to do.

The wedge shape of the keyboard is pretty shallow, giving it a very flat feel overall. Even with the kickstands deployed on the bottom, I find it a little too low, but that’s subjective. Perhaps I’m more just used to the rather jacked up angle of my old Razer keyboard.

Give me Some Space

One thing that’s the same is the lovely stamped metal texture on the space bar. It’s a nice touch and gives it a much more refined feel. It also helps break up the otherwise uniform key design, just keeping things looking interesting. The larger font is still present though, making it easy to read the keyboard. However, the larger font is also designed to let through a larger amount of light from the LED lighting.

The biggest change to this keyboard is the top right. Before you just had a Corsair logo where there are now some lovely multimedia controls. The raised buttons make them easy to control. If anything, they remind me of those big mechanical buttons from an old cassette deck on a Hi-Fi, if you don’t know what those words meant, hello to our younger readers! The original had the lighting and windows lock button here, and that’s it. However, the keyboard now features that fantastic metal scroll wheel for the master volume, as well as a mute button. For functionality, this is a big upgrade in my opinion.

Full-Size

The keyboard features a full-size layout, making it great for left or right-handed gamers. The number pad is what it is, but I find them really handy for my more mundane macros while playing MMO games.

On the base, there are four small rubber grips. They don’t look like much, but the keyboard is nicely weighted and doesn’t slide around.

Around the back, you’ll find a USB pass-through. It’s optional, and you don’t need to use both headers on the attached cable. However, for quickly hooking up a headset, controller, or a flash drive, it’s pretty handy and saves digging around behind your PC.

Wrist Rest

The detachable wrist rest really completes the look. I think it’s a little short, but I do have long fingers and large hands, so that’s most likely just for me. Otherwise, it looks and feels great and I wouldn’t use the keyboard without it.

What really stands out about this keyboard, however, is the new switches. I tried MX Silent just the once at an even and thought they were ok. However, that’s no substitute for trying them at your own desk, with your own games, and I must admit that I’m in love with them.

I think people will be very divided between them, as is the case with all switch types. They still light to press, have a super fast return rate, and are great for competitive gaming. However, they no longer bottom out or top out hard.

Shhhh

The “CLANK” has all but gone. They still make noise, so forget the “silent” claim, as a deeper dig into their spec is that they’re about 30% quieter than most keyboards. They feel different though, like there’s a tiny foam pad in there, much like the keys on a piano. I like it though, they’re great to type on, easy on my tired hands, and a perfect compliment for those that don’t like the clanky world of mech keys.

The custom gaming caps are cool as well and there are two sets. One is best suited for WASD for FPS type gaming, while the other is better tuned to MOBA and MMO.

RGB

The real star of the show is the RGB lighting. It’s no secret that Corsair eats, sleeps and lives in an RGB world.

Their keyboards have long been a market leader in regards to quality, brightness, customisation and effects. You can tweak every key to provide a top and bottom colour.

Furthermore, the glossy white interior of the keyboard captures the light really well. At night, it’s pretty bright, but even in a well lit room it provides vivid colours. I’m not a fan of the rainbow effect. However, you can set any colour you like in any layout. The only limit here is your imagination.

One thing I do like is that even the top buttons, the Corsair logo and the multimedia controls can also be configured. No switch gets left behind here.

Overall, I can’t fault this keyboard. The new switches are an absolute blast to work and game on. However, Silent may not be the switches for everyone, and if you’re an MX Red fan, you may want to look for one of Corsair’s other models with the switches you love the most. However, if you can trial the switches, I highly recommend you give Silent a shot.