[Review] Corsair Strafe RGB Mk2 Gaming Keyboard – Silent Running

As you’d likely surmise from its straightforward nomenclature, the Corsair Strafe RGB Mk2 with Silent Switches is the successor to their prior first generation Corsair Strafe and has RGB backlighting and Cherry MX silent switches emplaced beneath the key caps.

In keeping with contemporary gamer sensibilities, the keyboard itself is primarily made of matte black plastic with an optional removable wrist rest inset at the base. As par for the course, it comes with gaudy RGB backlighting under every keycap in almost every colour of the rainbow that you can customise to your whims via their iCue software which proved functional if archaic with a rather unintuitive user interface that required quite a bit of fiddling to yield results.

The design itself is rather straightforward, lacking flourish or unusual design specific embellishments with hard angular edges all around. The most distinctive aspect of its design is the fact that there’s a Corsair logo at the top of the keyboard.

Corsair logo aside, it’s layout is otherwise similar to most other keyboards though it does add in a dedicated set of media playback controls, a volume scroll bar, a profile switch button that lets you swap different RGB backlighting schemes at will as well as the notable inclusion of a USB passthrough to two USB connector ports via an impressively sturdy cable.

To pander to FPS and MOBA gamers, Corsair has also tossed in an extra set of textured keycaps that you can swap out of the keyboard to pander to your specific game genre of choice. It’s fairly well built as keyboards go but it’s plain design makes it look rather unremarkable compared to the host of contenders in the market vying for your wallet.

Corsair Strafe RGB Mk.2 performance and conclusion

The Cherry MX Silent worked as advertised with a significantly quieter report with every key press though it bottoms out with a rather soft feeling sensation which may be a concern to gamers who prefer a more tactile, clackier experience.

Contrary to popular belief, the Cherry MX Silent keys aren’t whisper silent and create a more muted click rather than the usual crisp clack with other switches. If you’re working in a quiet open office or are streaming live video, you’ll appreciate the virtues that the Strafe RGB Mk.2 brings to the table as it makes less noise than many other keyboards.

When put to the test, there was no discernible delay in terms of response times while playing across several matches CS:GO as well as League of Legends with the keyboard proving to be responsive and accurate with no typos or major ghosting detected.

The other additional features available on the keyboard worked well with the scroll wheel offering precision control over audio volume while the USB pass-through frees up ports on your PC for your gaming mouse and other kit.

Bar the more muted and slightly quieter feedback of the Cherry MX Silent switches, the Corsair Strafe RGB Mk. 2 doesn’t bring much else to the party. Its well made and sturdy with quieter keys but its price tag means you ought to try it out first at a store before committing.

What we liked Excellent build quality, comfy wrist rest, accurate and precise response
What we didn’t Corsair iCUE software archaic, more USB pass-throughs would have been nice, lacks dedicated macro keys
We say A well made if plain gaming keyboard which covers the essentials with slightly quieter Cherry MX Silent mechanical switch keys and RGB lighting.

Specifications
Price RM536
Key switch type Cherry MX Silent
Connectivity Wired USB 2.0 Type-A
HID Report Rate 1000Hz
Size/Weight 448 x 170 x 40mm / 1.27kg