Cougar UIX Exclusively Designed System (including global profiles).
Additional six programmable macro keys.
Specially designed palm rest and swappable FPS rubber palm rest.
Audio / microphone jacks with powered USB pass-through.

Key Switch Type	Cherry MX Mechanical switch
Processor / Memory	32-bit ARM Cortex-MO / Yes
N-key rollover	Yes (USB mode support only)
Polling Rate	1000Hz / 1ms
Repeat Rate	1x / 2x / 4x / 8x
Full key backlight	Yes – Cougar Orange
Material	Heavy gauge aluminum and plastic
Interface / Cable length	Gold-plated USB plug / 1.8m Braided
Dimensions	230(L) x 487(W) x 40(H) mm
Weight	1.2kg

The keyboard came in a rather large box with foam surrounding everything. The back of the box does an excellent job at pointing out all the main features of the keyboard, which this review will touch on more in depth. Cougar offers this keyboard with 4 types of mechanical switches (besides the Cherry MX), including: Black, Brown, and Blue MX switches. The Cherry MX offers the least resistance and is completely linear, granting low level of keyboard noise when typing (this is the switch preferred by most gamers). Followed closely by this is the Black MX switch type, taking slightly more force to depress but still linear. The Brown and Blue MX switches posses a tactical “bump” when depressed before going all the way to the base for more feedback (preferred for mainly typing).

The Cougar has superior lighting control: even though it supports only one main color (Cougar Orange), the many modes and intensity of light can be controlled perfectly. One of the advantages of the dark amber light is that there is no glare nor does it destroy any night vision in a darkened room. A thick aluminum metal chassis is bolted down to the sides with gold plated hex bolts, adding professional looking accents as well as solid stability.

These are the highlights which make the Cougar 700K different from the rest of the mechanical keyboards out there. First up are the all important “G” or gaming macro keys: Five on the left side (scalloped ergonomically) and one on the split spacebar (the liberty was taken to switch this key back over to spacebar right away). On top the MR (or live macro-record key) along with the three memory profiles can be found. If any other Cougar peripherals such as a mouse or headphones are hooked up, the M1-M3 keys will also trigger those profiles automatically. A key repeat feature can be toggled from the FN (function key) plus F1-F4 with a visual indicator displayed right of the M3 key. On the right side is keys for all multimedia features which do not need to be setup (very refreshing) as well as light effect toggles and a windows lock-out menu key.

The palm rest is a completely optional component; however, in this case it is very well constructed and comfortable to boot. There is a small magnetized rubber mini- palm rest that may be placed on either side for additional comfort (for arrow key use or WASD keys). Other accessories included is a small instruction manual and of course the Cougar decals.

Cougar even went the extra mile with the cables: the main braided cord splits off into four braided gold-plated plugs including a powered pass-through USB, the main keyboard plug, and the head / microphone jack.
As hinted at previously, the main M1-M3 keys do not only control the recordable on-the-fly global profiles, but also can switch the profiles automatically between Cougar mice and keyboards. This frees up buttons on the mouse (usually a dedicated button controlling its own profiles independently). With this type of setup it is also possible to record on-the-fly macros directly to the mouse without even opening driver software.

All the core features listed here are also available directly from the keyboard interface. For those who prefer a graphical interface, this provides access to: polling rate, N-Key rollover, repeat delay, repeat acceleration, mode sync switch (for auto-synch between Cougar peripheral), sleep modes and lighting controls. N-key rollover is a feature that allows one to press more than six keys simultaneously and still register perfectly. Special effects lighting can also be triggered and assigned for sleep mode such as a pseudo graphic equalizer and sweeping horizontally or vertically.The key assignment panel is where one can assign the “G” keys to whatever one pleases, including separate profiles for Cougar mice.

The lighting control panel gives users even more control of the amber lights, with the ability to turn on and off individual keys for a given profile. The backlight button can also be given up to five different settings including a breathing effect. Once everything is set up to your preferences, you may opt to save your profile (if you have more then three) under the “Game Profile Management” (top left).

Upon driver installation an update for firmware will be checked. If needed, the firmware will be flashed automatically.The driver panel is completely unified for all Cougar products: just click at the bottom device to scroll to the next available cougar product setting. The 700K also enables all core functions direct access to matching peripherals via built in keyboard hotkeys.

Testing Methodology

The Cougar 700K was tested over 110+ hours over a variety of applications: approximately half the time in precision FPS games and the other half in typical typing fashion. In able to test the multi-key rollover feature the software Aqua’S Key Test was used.

Test System

Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UD5H
System Memory: CORSAIR 16GB 1866Mhz
Video: Gigabyte GTX 670 Ti
Audio: HT | Omega Claro Plus+
Monitor: LG 27″ IPS 2560×1440
Operating System: Windows 7 64 bit

Results

The Cougar 700K passed Aqua’s Key Test software with zero issues. It was tested with the six key limiter as well as the N-key feature. Normally past iterations of this type of feature could only be found on keyboards with a PS/2 connection.

At first look one can be easily be put off by the split spacebar; however, with the G6 key assigned to space this never presented to be an issue. Besides a minor issue of reversing the function and windows keys (which is turned off most of the time anyway) the core layout of the 700K is near perfect. From the ergonomically scalloped keys to the perfect light touch for gaming (thanks to the Cherry MX mechanical switches), Cougar has managed to capture a perfect feel.

Cougar 700K Conclusion

The Cougar 700K performed exemplary on every aspect exceeding expectations. Highlights include the ability to access all core features without having to go into the control panel and the ability to customize the lighting to fit exact needs over 3 profiles. Even though the keyboard is built like a tank it sure doesn’t look like one, more akin to the control cockpit of a stealth fighter (the keys appear to be slightly larger with huge futuristic letter type laser-etched on).

In all honesty the G1-G6 keys may be overkill (since any key can be set up independently), but do not interfere at all and is convenient to have options available for a quick macro (or to launch an often used program). Considering this product is aimed at gamers, the pro’s outweigh the superfluous. Bottom line is Cougar did a fantastic job with coordinating the hardware and software / driver interface.

The Cougar 700K priced at $149.99 (Amazon | Newegg) is getting up there in price for a mechanical keyboard, but this product is much more then a sum of it’s parts. It is a fusion of art, technology, and solid performance: you get what you pay for in this case.

Pro’s:

+ Full multimedia controls work out of box.
+ Excellent lighting and highly customizable.
+ Ultra comfortable palm rest with extra rubber FPS support pad.
+ Streamlined and unified driver control panel for all Cougar products.
+ All functions can be controlled directly by keyboard interface.

Con’s:

– Cherry MX switches best for gaming, not typing purists.
– No real con’s!

Ratings:

Performance: 9.00
Appearance: 9.50
Construction: 9.50
Functionality: 9.00
Value: 8.00