CONCLUSION

   When CORSAIR released the original STRAFE RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard back in late 2015 we were unable to grab a sample so comparing it with the STRAFE RGB MK.2 is not feasible. We have seen pictures and videos so we know that the new MK.2 version looks better (thanks to higher brightness levels and the dual-zone logo) but that’s just about the extent of our comparison. With that out of the way the STRAFE RGB MK.2 may not look as impressive as the K70 RGB MK.2 (mainly because it lacks a top aluminum plate) but it’s still a high quality model with very quiet keys (among the quietest mechanical keyboards in our chart), impressive per-key RGB illumination (9 available effects with 3 brightness levels), dedicated media and volume keys and a USB 2.0 pass-through. Granted once again the textured MOBA/FPS keycaps may not be as good as they could be but I guess it’s always better to have them than not at all (and in some cases they could actually improve reaction times especially for serious gamers). As for the iCUE software it’s very easy to navigate, offers a plethora of available settings for the end consumer to play around with (although some may confuse a number of users) and ontop of that it’s a unified solution so you can use it with any CORSAIR gaming peripheral or hardware component you may have in your computer (it can also be used to sync colors between compatible RGB models).

   The STRAFE RGB MK.2 was released roughly 2 months ago with a price tag attached on it of USD124.70 inside the USA (Amazon.com) and 167Euros inside the EU (Amazon.co.uk). With that in mind although the brand new STRAFE RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard by CORSAIR is a worthy successor to the original STRAFE RGB at the end of the day it lands too close to the slightly better (in our opinion always) K70 RGB MK.2 for its own good. Overall however the STRAFE RGB MK.2 is a solid model aimed towards serious gamers, enthusiasts and professionals alike which is why it gets our Golden Award.

PROS

- Very Good Build Quality
- Cherry MX Red Silent Mechanical Switches (50 Million Actuations)
- Full RGB Key Illumination (Custom Effects/Individual Key Color)
- USB 2.0 Pass Through
- 8MB Built-In Memory
- Detachable Wrist Rest
- Braided Cable
- Up To 104 Macro Keys
- iCUE Software (Available Settings)
- Dedicated Media & Volume Controls

CONS

- No Dedicated Macro Keys
- Plastic Housing
- Price (EU)