Final Thoughts
How Much Does it Cost?
This is a premium keyboard, packed to the brim with high-end features, build quality and more. With that in mind, it’s not a surprise that it’ll cost £149.99 here in the UK, and $139.99 in the US. The US certainly gets the better deal, but that’s the market for you. However, dig around for deals, as retailers love to compete for sales on popular items such as this.
Overview
Corsair has taken a classic keyboard, loved by a huge amount of gamers around the world, and made it even better. The core design of the keyboard is still very similar, so those upgrading shouldn’t feel left in the dark. However, the tweaks they have made, have completely transformed the Strafe.
MX Silent
Again, I absolutely love these switches. They’re not actually silent, but they are a heck of a lot quieter compared to their MX Red counterparts. Corsair keyboards are usually some of the loudest we test. However, these pre-dampened keys will appeal to those who want something quieter. Furthermore, it feels lighter, faster and smoother, but just as quiet, as a keyboard with O-ring mods. The most noticeable change though is the space bar, which is usually like someone banging pots and pans together on a Corsair keyboard, but not anymore.
Added Control
Before, you got a lighting button and a windows lock key, and that was it. Corsair has pushed beyond that and added controls for keyboard profiles, lighting and windows lock on the top row. However, you now also get the same volume scroll wheel and mute button you’ll find on their K-series. If that wasn’t enough, the addition of some nicely design multimedia controls puts you in command of your music while you’re gaming. Overall, minor changes, but they make the MK.2 a much nicer keyboard to live with day-to-day.
Performance
There’s no compromise here, and the keyboard is going to perform just as well at an eSports tournament as it will in the office. I’m no pro gamer, and it’ll be my daily keyboard from now on for writing my reviews and playing games on an evening. They say put your money where your mouth is, and I am going to get a Strafe MK.2 for myself, no doubt about it. The addition of stunning RGB lighting is going to appeal to many. However, even I will just set it to red all over and leave it there. Of course, it’s nice to have the option to tinker with it when it takes my fancy.
Should I Buy One?
It’s an expensive keyboard, no about that, so it’s not likely to appeal to everyone. However, if you want one of the best equipped and feature packed keyboards Corsair produce, the MK2 is it. Of course, with the new onboard controls, better lighting, and the new switches, it’s a welcome improvement over the original and feels unlike any other keyboard on the market I’ve tested to date.
