- Cherry MX (Blue type) switches designed for typing.
- Dedicated multi-media keys and windows lock key.
- Specifically backlit LED gaming keys in Cougar Orange.
- Specially designed palm rest and swappable FPS rubber palm rest.
- Completely driverless design.
- USB powered pass-through.
| Key Switch Type | Cherry MX (Blue) Mechanical |
| 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 |
| Material | Heavy gauge aluminum and plastic |
| Interface / Cable Length | Gold-plated USB plugs / 1.8m braided |
| Dimension | 230(L) x 467(W) x 40(H) mm |
| Weight | 1.1kg |
The keyboard came in a rather mammoth box with the featured highlights outlined on the back. Cougar has the 600K available in 4 models reflecting the 4 types of Cherry MX selected: Black, Red, Brown, and Blue (this model). The packaging was no-nonsense and biodegradable.
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The first panel shows how well the keyboard was encased in foam for protective transport and shipping. On the back of the 600K are small plastic feet stand-offs to provide more of an angle while typing. The main front-on picture shows the Cougar 600K powered up with all of the possible selected keys that can be back lit when activated.
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The left side of the keyboard provides repeat rate adjustment speed of repeated commands (on the very top row). Meanwhile the infamous WASD keys (used for gaming) get their own special treatment of being backlit on this keyboard. The right side of the keyboard gives the user instant access to all multimedia commands including play and volume controls. In addition visual indicators on the very top row aid in toggling the window’s-key lock-out function and lighting control in 4 stages (bright, dimmer, off, and a breathing-light mode). Note that the arrow keys have also been selected to be backlit as well. To show off the fine all aluminum structure, check out the edge profiles to view the fine craftsmanship.
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The included accessories consisted of an easy setup guide (there is actually nothing to set up, you plug it in and go) and of course the mandatory Cougar decals (very important for bragging rights). The Cougar 600K plastic palm rest clicks right into the front of the keyboard and provides more then adequate support; however, as a bonus a small rubber “FPS” rubber wrist rest is also included. This has tiny little magnets that hold it securely in place over the gold colored accent bolts and may be positioned on the left or right side of the keyboard. It is called an “FPS wrist rest” due to the fact that it is perfectly positioned either directly below the WASD or arrow keys.
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So far the Cougar 600K appears solid and looks great, but what is the big deal about these Cherry MX Blue switches that it touts so proudly? In the next section let’s take a detailed analysis of the differences in switch options to see.
One of the best things about this keyboard is that it is 100% driverless: all functions are either built right in and accessed directly, such as the multimedia keys, repeat rate adjustment, lighting, and windows lock key, or accessed from a hot key set. To toggle between 6-Key Rollover and the N-Key Rollover is windows key + scroll lock and windows key + pause / break — the only hot key set one has to worry about (and it’s usually only set once). 
Cougar offers the 600K with 4 different types of Cherry MX switches available (Black, Red, Brown, and Blue). There are of course many more Cherry MX switches then just these 4; however, Cougar was wise in choosing these in able to cover the majority of tastes and preferences. A quick delineation of the types can be found in the break-down chart below:
| Cherry MX Switch Type | Key Switch Feel | Actuation Force |
| Cherry MX Black | Linear | 60 cN |
| Cherry MX Red | Linear | 45 cN |
| Cherry MX Brown | Tactile | 45 cN |
| Cherry MX Blue | Clicky | 50 cN |
The majority of mechanical keyboards out there are using the Cherry MX Red switches, which are preferred by gamers for low actuation force and near silent audio feedback. The Cherry MX Black switches fall into the same camp with the exception of a high actuation force, promoting gamers to bottom out the keys with each key press (reducing the likelihood of accidental keystrokes). It has been criticized that although the Cherry MX Black switches may well be suited for professional gamers, the same characteristics can make them feel less responsive for prolonged standard typing.
The Cherry MX Brown switch is a nice compromise between the Red and Black possessing the light actuation force of the Red but having a slight “bump” before bottoming out. This tactile-type feel is close to silent yet provides excellent feedback for typists. Contrasted to the Cherry MX Blue (the switch under review here), full tactile and audible feedback (a subtle click sound) is felt and heard at the beginning of the keystroke (the moment you hear the click it has actuated, about 20% down from the top).
As one becomes more accustomed to this kind of Cherry MX Blue switch, efficiency is improved due to the fact that bottoming out the keys are no longer necessary and physical travel time is reduced. One thing to note is that keyboard noise, even though it is low, may be distracting to others in the room.
Testing Methodology
The Cougar 600K was tested with 60+ hours over a variety of applications: approximately 40% in games and 60% in typical typing fashion. In able to verify the multi-key rollover feature the software Aqua S Key Test was used. In all honesty the only way to truly test such a product as this is to simply use it: A subjective impression breakdown will follow the test results in the Final Thoughts section.
Test System
- Processor: Intel Core i7-4790K
- Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-Z97X-UDH5
- System Memory: CORSAIR 16GB 1866Mhz
- Video: Gigabyte GTX 970 G1
- Audio: HT | Omega Claro Plus+
- Monitor: LG 27″ IPS 2560×1440
- Operating System: Windows 7 64 bit
Results
The Cougar 600K passed Aqua Key Test’s software with no issues. The six key limiter feature as well as the touted N-key feature both being put through the paces. Past iterations of these types of features (specifically N-key rollover) could only be found on keyboards with a PS/2 connection.
Gaming Applications: The Cougar 600K is basically a stripped down version of its 700K flagship keyboard in that all superfluous features are gone. This includes hotkeys, macro support, global lighting, and even the drivers. Many purists are going to appreciate this move since it is often the case that less is more when it comes to efficiency. If one is coming from a standard Cherry MX Red keyboard to this Cherry MX Blue configuration, the clicking at first will tend to put you off; however, within a week I could appreciate the subtle feedback and quick activations of the keys with so little effort that there was no more pounding on the board during an intense match. If gaming is going to be a primary use, I would recommend at least trying out the Cherry MX Red or Black switches first though. One issue was the repeat rate adjustment keys in games did not seem to be effective, with game avatars stuttering during animations or while running. It was just best to leave this setting at the 1x rate in these situations.
Desktop Environment: As general typing is concerned, this is a perfect choice concerning the Cherry MX Blue switches. Improved speed and accuracy will be attained due to the instant activation with no need of bottoming the keys out. Due to this factor alone, the Cougar 600K is seriously recommended for all typists. One element that was well noted was that the keyboard layout did not deviate from the traditional key size or key arrangement.
The Cougar 600K exceeded performance expectations (mainly due to the feel of the Cherry MX Blue switches in this model). The only exception was the repeat rate adjustment during gaming, which worked best just at the default 1X. With the ability to access all functions directly from the keyboard was not only a solid design decision, but facilitated a more streamlined operation.
Built from the ground up with a continuous metal aluminum chassis, the added durability only enhanced the 600K’s appearance. It is also impressive how well the wrist rest functioned with the added swappable rubber pad. Further utilization was presented with not only a full soiree of multimedia controls, but a windows lock key and the customized backlit gaming keys in Cougar Orange.
At this time the Cougar 600K is priced at $131.99 from Newegg (note that only the Cherry MX Black switch version is available for now). This is an excellent price point for prime quality and is guaranteed to give many years of flawless performance.
Pro’s
+ Aimed at typing purists due to Cherry MX Blue switches.
+ Full multimedia control access.
+ Ultra comfortable palm rest with extra rubber FPS support pad.
+ A true plug and play experience meaning no drivers required.
+ Superior engineering and concept design execution.
Con’s
– Repeat rate adjustment falters if set to anything but 1X in games.
Ratings:
- Performance: 9.00
- Appearance: 9.50
- Construction: 9.50
- Functionality: 8.75
- Value: 8.75
