10 January 201928 January 2019PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Corsair K70 MK.2 Cherry MX Silver Keyboard Review

The K70 is one of Corsair’s most popular full-size mechanical gaming keyboards with a wide variety of genuine Cherry MX switches. With the K70 MK.2 Low-Profile keyboard, it includes all the essential features from the standard K70 but in a low-profile form factor. With the cooperation with Cherry, both companies developed the Cherry MX Low Profile switches exclusively for Corsair. At the time of this review, these switches come in red and silver (speed) variants. They are still linear but have a total travel distance of just 3.2 mm compared to the 4.0 mm of a standard switch. Other features include RGB illumination, a USB pass-through port, volume scroll wheel, and onboard memory for storing up to three different gaming profiles. Benchmark Reviews is excited to test out the K70 MK.2 Low-Profile with Cherry MX Low Profile Speed switches.

13 September 20186 October 2018PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Fnatic STREAK Mechanical Keyboard Review

Recently, we reviewed the Fnatic miniSTREAK tenkeyless mechanical gaming keyboard, which proved to be a great Cherry MX keyboard for the price. This time, we have the bigger brother in hand, the Fnatic STREAK. The STREAK features full RGB illumination, onboard macro recording, competition mode, a USB pass-through port, and the Fnatic OP software for further customization. Even with different options of genuine Cherry MX switches (Red, Red Silent, Blue, and Brown), this keyboard beats many of its competitors when it comes to value. In this article for Benchmark Reviews, we will be taking a look at the STREAK mechanical gaming keyboard with Cherry MX Red Silent switches.

30 July 20184 September 2018PeripheralsBy Meng Vang

Fnatic miniSTREAK RGB Keyboard Review

The eSports team company, Fnatic PTY Ltd, have released a few new mice and keyboards to their product line. One of those products is the miniSTREAK RGB Tenkeyless mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX switches. It features full RGB illumination, onboard macro recording, competition mode, and the Fnatic OP software for further customization. It is also price competitive especially with the choice of genuine Cherry MX Red, Red Silent, Blue, and Brown switches. The company has sent Benchmark Reviews the miniSTREAK with Cherry MX Brown switches for this review.

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10 July 201810 July 2018PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

Corsair K70 MK.2 RGB Mechanical Keyboard Review

What is the main reason to spend money on a â€œgamingâ€ mechanical keyboard vs a regular keyboard? With membrane based gaming keyboards, your purchase depends mainly on features that you can only utilize during gameplay. But with a gaming mechanical keyboard, your priorities in performance to value are more broad. You’re looking for a long life keyswitch that offers tactile feel and a comfortable typing experience as well. This is what we should all look for in a gaming mechanical keyboard, does the K70 MK.2 live up to these expectations? We’ll find out in this article for Benchmark Reviews.

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10 July 20187 August 2018PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

Corsair STRAFE MK.2 RGB Mechanical Keyboard Review

8 June 2018PeripheralsBy Joe Gulczinski

ASUS ROG Strix Flare Mechanical Keyboard Review

ASUS has always been a forefront in the PC industry focusing on fundamentals, innovation, and aesthetics. Their latest product featured from the special Republic of Gamers or ROG, is the Strix Flare Cherry MX mechanical keyboard. ROG is a recognized leader in gaming and overclocking performance, where the Strix term refers to advanced enhancements or features (compared to standard stock bins). In this case it is the customizing of profiles and a great plethora of RGB spectrum displays on the very keys themselves!

6 June 2018Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

ROCCAT Vulcan 120 AIMO Mechanical Keyboard Debuts

ROCCAT introduces a brand-new design story with its new Vulcan mechanical keyboard, combining striking aesthetics and powerful mechanics. Featuring the self-developed Titan Switch Tactile, the addition to ROCCAT’s portfolio not only stands out by its appearance, it also offers the most swift and responsive keyboard in ROCCAT’s line-up. Three different models are available: the Vulcan 80 at $129.99, Vulcan 100 AIMO at $149.99 and the Vulcan 120 AIMO at $159.99. The keyboard currently available for pre-order on Amazon and on ROCCAT.org and will be available in participating retail partners later this year. “The most important thing about a mechanical keyboard are its switches, ” says Andreas Jost, Head of Industrial Design at ROCCAT Studios. “We wanted to showcase them.” Design […]

11 May 2018PeripheralsBy Olin Coles

CHERRY MX BOARD 5.0 Mechanical Keyboard Review

Choosing the right peripheral components is critical to demanding PC users. The mouse and keyboard work like natural extensions of the body, and so their selection becomes a personal choice. Keyboards are used for both everyday workload as well as entertainment, so picking the right one is very important. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Cherry MX Board 5.0 corded mechanical keyboard with German-made Gold Crosspoint contact technology precision Cherry MX Red linear switches, double-shot keys, and customizable white LED backlighting.

25 August 2017Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

CHERRY MX Board 5.0 Mechanical Keyboard Debuts

CHERRY, the specialist for computer input devices, introduces the MX Board 5.0. This new, high-end mechanical keyboard distinguishes itself with excellent and customizable ergonomics. Equipped with reliable, high-precision MX switches and modern features, this product has been designed to meets the highest demands. The MX Board 5.0 also features an exclusive font which was created in cooperation with experienced specialists. Individual, powerful and comfortable One of the highlights of the MX Board 5.0 is the patented ergonomic solution in the form of its extra-large and individually adjustable palm rest. Together with the specially developed feet, the keyboard offers eight different positions to achieve the greatest possible comfort. Long, fatigue-free writing and gaming sessions are no problem with the MX Board […]

9 July 201711 July 2017PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

AZIO Retro Classic Mechanical Keyboard Preview

Here at Benchmark Reviews, we’ve tested several AZIO keyboards and been impressed with the quality of their construction and the bang for the buck they offer. So when AZIO offered us the chance to take a look at a prototype of their project “MK Retro Pro” keyboard, we jumped at the chance– even though a retail version of this product is some months in the future. An evolution of AZIO’s existing “MK Retro” typewriter-themed keyboards, later renamed Retro Classic, ups the ante with a new design and new features.

24 June 2017Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

WhiteFox Mechanical Keyboard Launched

One of the most popular open source keyboard designs, the WhiteFox is a new class of mechanical keyboard. After an extensive, two year journey, the WhiteFox Mechanical Keyboard has been finally funded on Kickstarter, less than 36 hours after launch! This version is fully assembled and working out of the box, the WhiteFox is a compact, aluminum frame mechanical keyboard with custom designed switches. The product design was developed by Matteo Spinelli and Input Club, and the product release was heavily supported by the Mech Keys community at Massdrop. The WhiteFox is making the shift to a finished, final product by getting funding from the good people on Kickstarter, a vibrant online community filled with individuals who are delighted by […]

7 March 2017PeripheralsBy Joe Gulczinski

AZIO MK Retro Mechanical Keyboard Review

AZIO has provided innovative and unique peripherals for over 17 years, focusing on three core aspects of accessibility, convenience, and entertainment. One of their latest products featured is a deviation from the average offerings commonly found in keyboards, focusing more on pure typing facets versus gaming. The MK Retro possesses a definite characterized feel and look that has not been approached (yet) by other manufactures, employing tactile Blue type switches beneath carefully crafted keys. Even the common LED indicators are tube-like white lit domes, embracing the retro feel.

1 March 2017PeripheralsBy David Ramsey

Corsair K70 LUX RGB Keyboard Review

No matter what type of keyboard you need, Corsair will have one for you. You can choose from a very broad array of products with a smorgasbord of mechanical switch types, lighting, and other features; from “fairly ordinary” to “has more computing power than your desktop rig did 10 years ago.” Benchmark Reviews has previously tested the K70 RGB Rapidfire gaming keyboard and found it to be a premium product; for this article we’re testing the Corsair K70 LUX RGB Cherry MX Red mechanical gaming keyboard.

8 November 2016Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

ROCCAT Suora FX Mechanical Keyboard Launched

Ultra-compact frameless design, Full RGB illumination with key backlighting, Maximum precision for eSports professionals, Competitive price-point ROCCAT studios proudly presents the Suora FX mechanical keyboard which is aimed at gaming purists. It boasts an ultra-compact frameless design with a highly durable yet stylish aluminum-alloy housing. The tactile mechanical switches offer maximum precision in every game and have an impressive lifespan of over 50 million keystrokes. The Suora FX offers a full-featured RGB illumination system with key backlighting in over 16.8 million colors. The RGB illumination of ROCCAT’s new mechanical gaming keyboard is totally customizable both in terms of colors and lighting effects. The powerful Swarm driver system allows the user to define a theme that’s exclusive and unique to them. […]

23 September 201622 November 2016PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

Zalman ZM-K900M Gaming Keyboard Review

The Zalman ZM-K900M is a gaming mechanical keyboard featuring Kailh blue switches with RGB illumination and a slew of lighting effects. What is the main reason to spend money on a “gaming” mechanical keyboard vs a regular keyboard? With membrane based gaming keyboards, your purchase depends mainly on features that you can only utilize during gameplay. But with a gaming mechanical keyboard, your priorities in performance to value are more broad. You’re looking for a long life keyswitch that offers tactile feel and a comfortable typing experience as well. This is what we should all look for in a gaming mechanical keyboard, does the Zalman ZM-K900M live up to their own expectations? We’ll find out in this article for Benchmark Reviews.

31 May 2016Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

ROCCAT Suora Mechanical Keyboard Announced

Ultra-compact ROCCAT Suora to hit shelves in July German peripheral manufacturer ROCCAT today announces a brand new mechanical keyboard design aimed at gaming purists. The Suora’s frameless design channels its philosophy as a pure and efficient mechanical keyboard for no-frills gamers. Its robust, compact build with aluminum alloy housing provides a consistent, distraction-free platform. It features a unique build with an entirely frameless structure. No palm rest, no thick border, no thumb keys, and no unnecessary media keys – just high-quality, mechanical keys mounted on a durable plate. The key back-lighting in exclusive ROCCAT blue comes with a breathing effect and 11 brightness levels, with top notch lighting guaranteed. The raw design lets you get closer in touch with the […]

21 April 2016Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

Tesoro GRAM Spectrum Mechanical Keyboard Launched

Tesoro Technology, a leading designer and manufacturer of high-tech gaming peripherals, today has announced the launch of the GRAM Spectrum mechanical keyboard. Engineered to equip gamers with an elite weapon in gameplay, the Gram Spectrum utilizes cutting-edge Tesoro AGILE mechanical switches. The low-profile switches offer short travel distance yet retain the tactile feel of mechanical keyboards delivering an unmatched user experience with optimized keystrokes, fast response and accurate actuation. Available in both black and white models, the GRAM Spectrum sports full RGB functionality with 16.8 million color options along with nine lighting effects including breathing, color wave, and customized lighting. With a sleek, minimalist design, double-injection keycaps, and built on sturdy metal construction the GRAM Spectrum offers fluidity in user […]

11 April 2016Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

SteelSeries Apex M500 Mechanical Keyboard Announced

Battle-ready mechanical keyboard for performance purists now armed with Cherry MX and SteelSeries Engine software SteelSeries, leader and innovator in gaming peripherals, announces the availability of the SteelSeries Apex M500, a tournament-ready mechanical keyboard outfitted with Cherry MX Red gaming switches and SteelSeries Engine customization software. Available for $99.99 / 119.99, the ultra-durable Apex M500 also features a traditional key layout for universality, Anti-Ghosting technology and blue LED backlighting. “The APEX M500 is my new keyboard of choice. It’s a tank and lives up to the quality of the 6Gv2, the mechanical keyboard that I’ve been using for a year now,” says Kurtis “Aui_2000” Ling, Carry for Evil Geniuses Dota 2. “This keyboard is everything I think a majority of […]

16 March 201622 November 2016PeripheralsBy Julian Duque

MasterKeys Pro L Mechanical Keyboard Review

Back in 2011 when Cooler Master introduced their Quick Fire line of keyboards, I was a bit skeptical about their success in the already crowded mechanical keyboard market. Four years later, it could be argued that I was proven wrong, most notably by the wide arrange of models that are available on their website that are displayed as a symbol of how successful the Cooler Master brand is within the mech market. Although the company owes much of this success to the Quick Fire line, today’s release seems to be the beginning of something new with the introduction of the MasterKeys Pro S and MasterKeys Pro L RGB mechanical keyboards.

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1 January 201622 November 2016PeripheralsBy Olin Coles

Zalman ZM-K700M Mechanical Keyboard Review

I’m picky, and have been described as a perfectionist too many times to count. So it stands to reason that the keyboard, that peripheral attachment that works like a natural extensions of the body for the eSports gamer, becomes a personal choice for many. Keyboards are used for both everyday workload as well as entertainment, so picking the right one is important. In this article, Benchmark Reviews tests the Zalman ZM-K700M Mechanical Gaming LED Keyboard, which features genuine Cherry MX Red switches with LED backlighting, and programmable macro capability.

10 December 2015Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

COUGAR Attack X3 Mechanical Keyboard Announced

COUGAR is proud to announce the arrival of COUGAR Attack X3. This new keyboard caters to those purist gamers who crave for a high quality mechanical gaming keyboard that simply provides three things: quality, useful functions and an elegant and durable design. Attack X3 fulfills these requirements with a combination of Cherry MX switches, gaming features and an impressive aluminum based design. COUGAR Attack X3 uses the original Cherry MX mechanical switches that guarantee the incredible performance people associate with a true mechanical gaming keyboard. Their unique tactile and audible feedback will provide you with an unparalleled gaming experience. COUGAR UIX System will allow gamers to get the most out of this keyboard. With UIX, the user can easily define […]

10 December 20155 May 2016PC Hardware Reviews, Peripherals, ReviewsBy David Ramsey

Corsair Strafe RGB MX Silent Gaming Keyboard Review

The glut of mechanical keyboards with per-key RGB lighting continues with the release of Corsair’s Strafe RGB Cherry MX Silent series. In addition to features such as extremely versatile programmable lighting, a pass-through USB port, optional textured key caps, and a detachable wrist rest, Corsair adds a unique to them (for now) “silent” version of the Cherry MX Red key switch.

2 November 2015PeripheralsBy Jason Vaught

RANTOPAD MT Aegis Mechanical Keyboard Review

What is the main reason to spend money on a “gaming” keyboard vs a regular keyboard? With membrane based gaming keyboards, your purchase depends mainly on features that you can only utilize during gameplay. But with a gaming mechanical keyboard, your priorities in performance to value are more broad. You’re looking for a long life keyswitch that offers tactile feel and a comfortable typing experience as well. This is what we should all look for in a gaming mechanical keyboard, does the RANTOPAD MT Aegis live up to their own expectations? Let’s find out.

8 October 20155 September 2017Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016 Mechanical Keyboard Unveiled

Razer’s updated full-size mechanical keyboard has been redesigned to bring advanced lighting controls and an extended two-year warranty, offering more value than ever before Razer™, a world leader in connected devices and software for gamers, today announced the latest product in its best-selling keyboard series, the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate 2016. The Razer BlackWidow Ultimate has been redesigned from the ground up with an all-new set of features, and is equipped with the multi-award winning Razer™ Mechanical Switches, the first and only mechanical switches designed specifically for gaming. The biggest advancement to the latest edition of the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate is the introduction of the advanced lighting technology from the Chroma line in its individually backlit green LEDs that can each […]

19 September 2015Manufacturer NewsBy News Reporter

GIGABYTE FORCE K83 Mechanical Keyboard Unveiled

Pro-grade gaming keyboard using Cherry MX switches for ultimate enjoyment GIGABYTE, the world’s leading premium hardware brand, today released the FORCE K83, a new mechanical gaming keyboard featuring Cherry MX switches designed for incredible tactile feedback and durability, combined with its classical, minimalistic profile and solid build quality to make a perfect gear used in competitive gaming. When choosing a keyboard, the accuracy and how well the fingers feel during gaming matter the most to gamers. The FORCE K83 serves exactly for those purposes by employing the premium quality Cherry MX switches, available in Red and Blue. In addition to superior mechanical accuracy, Cherry Red switches provide optimized responsiveness and low resistance for those looking for smoothness and whisper silence […]