September 16, 2024

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Cooler Master CK530 V2 Review: Affordable and Complete Mechanical TKL Gaming Keyboard

Cooler Master CK530 V2 Review: Affordable and Complete Mechanical TKL Gaming Keyboard

Since this is a TKL model, you will understand that the CK530 V2 is a compact keyboard. It measures only 38 x 13.5 cm on the desk and allows you to use your mouse in a less unusual way. The frame is mostly made of plastic, but it is also covered with brushed aluminum plate, which gives it a solid and more premium look.

The keyboard grows to a height of 4 cm, which is replaced by the presence of a palm rest. There is no magnet or hanging system here, it is a simple block of dense foam that is glued to the front and covered with a thin cloth. The material is probably a little too rigid and its durability can be doubted over time. For convenience, it is not really there, but it is always better than not resting in the palm of the hand; Some competitors offer nothing.

Palm rest is easy, but a little difficult.

Palm rest is easy, but a little difficult.

The 1.8m USB-A cable connects the keyboard to the computer – it detects it directly. The folding feet on the back of the keyboard come with just two non-slip pads, but the CK530 V2 does not slip on the desk. On the other hand, the height of the feet is not adjustable and needs to be satisfied with a single angle of use.

Under the keyboard.

There are a large number of symbols on the keys, which must be deciphered using the arrow keys and especially the “F”. These secondary shortcuts allow you to modify the keyboard backlighting (colors, light effects, speed of these effects) by activating the Fn key at the same time. In the same vein, the 1 to 4 keys are decorated with a 3rd function marked on the edge, which corresponds to the backlight profile we want to record. Multimedia functions are not dedicated and are integrated on the right side of the keyboard on the “Delete”, “Insert” keys, etc.

Backlighting can be configured directly on the keyboard.

Backlighting can be configured directly on the keyboard.

For details on all these shortcuts, please see the download guide provided by Cooler Master on its site, but we advise you to use the MasterPlus software directly, which provides an easy-to-use and clear interface to apply light effects. , Change key functions and assign macros.

Personalization by keys.
Personalization by Master Plus

Backlight customization is very extensive and can be adjusted key by key in a multi-million color set. Many effects are also listed for stable, moving lighting, responsiveness to key presses, and more.

Customizing the keyboard offers a lot of possibilities.

Customizing the keyboard offers a lot of possibilities.

The Cooler Master chose the TTC switches here, which are the equivalent of a cherry and guarantee 50 million clicks. The CK530 V2 is sold with a choice of Classic Red, Clicky Blue (Louder) or Brown (which provides a tactile impression) switches. Here we are testing the most popular model, decorated with red linear switches, which are not the fastest available, but fit the majority of users. Although the keys are not perfectly fixed, the typing is crisp and precise.

In use, the echo of the chassis can be heard.

In use, the echo of the chassis can be heard.

Finally, mechanical switches are usually noisy, but here we have to add a very pronounced metallic resonance, which is not very pleasant. Many mechanical keyboards have this problem, the fault of the structure is not always well thought out. Those who always play with headphones on their ears may not be bothered, but this is something to consider, especially when using the keyboard in office automation. Keep in mind that a small key extractor is included with the keyboard, which is nice, but not necessary unless you want to replace the keys with competing models for further customization.

Key extractor provided.

Key extractor provided.

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