A Closer Look and Performance
The Streak comes hard-wired with a durable USB cable. It features two headers, one for the keyboard, and an optional second one for the USB pass-through port on the rear of the keyboard.
The devil is in the details, and these custom USB headers look fantastic. Attention to detail goes a long way in my opinion.
The Streak is obviously a full-size keyboard, with a rigid and durable feeling chassis that doesn’t flex or rattle. When you’re mashing at the keys, that rigid frame makes the keyboard feel really responsive. However, despite the durable design, it’s shocking just how light this keyboard is!
It weighs just 962 grams, which is less than many TKL mechanical keyboards. Measuring just 28mm at the thinnest point, it’s also very low profile, making it easier to store in your backpack and transport.
It’s hardly been on a feature diet to get the weight down either. The keyboard is dotted with features that are going to benefit your work, gaming, or your eSports, as it seeks to be a jack of all trades. Tucked into the top button is an FN lock, which gives you constant access to the upper functions of the F-keys. This includes profiles, macros and more, and is a nice addition to a gaming keyboard we’ve only seen once before, on another Fnatic keyboard no less.
The top row features six profile buttons, but also lighting controls, multimedia controls, and more. For skipping through tracks while gaming, that’s a big advantage, and with Fn lock negates the need for dedicated multimedia controls too.
A full-size number pad, great for work and gaming. I use TKL keyboards in my day to day work now, but for gaming, those extra keys are awesome for extra macros too; how you use it is up to you.
My favourite features are tucked up in the corner here. There’s a microphone mute button, Fnatic gaming mode, and master audio mute. The Fnatic button is great, as you can configure this “tournament” mode in the software to set a bunch of macros, lighting, and most importantly, disable keys. Set the keyboard to lock all keys except WASD, Shift and Space, for example, and you’ll reduce the risk of misclicks in your next tournament game. There’s also an infinate scroll wheel which can be used for system volume, which is always welcome.
Around the back, the Streak is hiding a few more features. The first is the USB pass-through, where you can hook up your headset, mouse, or anything else for that matter. Then there’s the Fnatic logo, which isn’t permanent. You can flick off the magnetic cover and change it for a custom one or make your own. It’s RGB lit too, and could give you a great way to customise your teams gaming setup, or add some flair to your next Twitch stream.
Being such a lightweight keyboard, you would think it slides around your desk. However, there are five large soft rubber grips that do a great job of holding it firmly in place. There are two large feet too, which have their own rubber grips so not to lose traction while they’re deployed.
The wrist rest completes the look and locks firmly into place. The low profile design means you don’t really need it. However, for long-term comfort while working and gaming, it’s well worth using. Furthermore, it looks fantastic too.
With the keyboard powered up, those Cherry MX Silent switches throw out plenty of colourful light. They’re Cherry switches, so you know you’re getting premium quality here.
They’ve been well battle-tested in the wider market and if you fancy a change, you can get the keyboard with Red, Blue or Brown switches to suit your own tastes.
By default, the keyboard will rainbow cycle, as most RGB keyboards do these days. However, you can change it all on a per-key basis to anything you like. You can turn any or all of the lights off, dim them, or set solid colours. If you’re after an easier option, there are some built-in effects and presets for you to select too.
It’s pretty slick looking keyboard with the lights on or off, no doubt about that. I like the blue steel look of the backplate too, it’s refreshing in a sea of grey and black hardware at the moment.
Fast and responsive Cherry switches, great RGB lighting engine, and a powerful feature set. What’s not to love? For gaming, it’s as good as any other Cherry MX equipped keyboard, so no surprises there.
However, the per-key customisation for layout, macros, the tournament mode, the Fn shift, and easy to use multimedia controls are what give this keyboard the edge. It’ll go head to head with any of the £100+ big name keyboards on the market with no issues.
