Disclaimer: This unit is provided by Coolermaster.
A quick recap…
Coolermaster has a good track record of making one of the best mechanical keyboards I’ve used. CM Storm Rapid-i mechanical keyboard is one of them. I never really understood calling peripherals as “gaming” as keyboards and mouse are essential input devices. A PC is a versatile system not limited to PC gaming if the primary purpose is gaming. Everyone would want to have a good experience for the money they are paying for. The Rapid-i did exactly that. Then there was the Novatouch TKL. A very expensive keyboard that’s difficult to justify the premium. But that was such a good keyboard.
Introduction
Coolermaster Masterkeys Pro L is a refresher as the first keyboard under its ‘Master’ philosophy. The full sized keyboard with Cherry MX switches as the choice of mechanical keys. Along with the Numpad, there are Macro buttons and other functions that should give a satisfaction as a complete keyboard for the current times. The keyboard has a white illumination for the keys, though there is an RGB variant. The naming method may have changed, but did it also change from good to better?
Packaging and Contents
The Masterkeys Pro L’s packaging is no different from its much older CM Storm mechanical keyboards. The keyboard layout with its white LED backlit is on the front while showing off its multiple layers at the back. The USB cable is removable so a braided cable is included with a keycap remover and a manual. They keyboard is inside a thin cloth-like wrapping.
You get the braided micro USB cable, a key cap puller and a reading material. This keyboard is with two-year warranty support.
CM’s Masterkeys Pro L’s key selling points are the Cherry MX and the white LED. This is a good change for those who really don’t want RGB backlit peripherals.
| Model Number | SGK-6020-KKCM1-US (Brown Switch) SGK-6020-KKCL1-US (Blue Switch) SGK-6020-KKCR1-US (Red Switch) |
| Switch Type | CHERRY MX |
| Material | Plastic / Metal |
| Color | Black |
| LED Color | RGB |
| Polling Rate | 1x / 2x / 4x / 8x |
| Response Rate | 1ms |
| MCU | 32bit ARM Cortex M3 |
| Onboard Memory | 512KB |
| On-the-fly system | Macro Record and Lighting |
| Cable manager | 3 ways, 180 degrees cable management grooves |
| Cable | Detachable with Micro-USB |
| Software AP | Yes, Supports GUI Software |
| Connector Cable | USB 2.0 |
| Cable Length | 1.5 Meters |
| Dimensions | 439.23 x 130.32 x 41.95 mm |
| Product Weight (without cable) | 1090 g |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Coolermaster has the Masterkeys L available for the brown, red and blue switches. Good god! It’s a bit over 1 kg. You should be able to use this as a self-defense weapon on your way to a LAN party! The rest of keyboard uses plastic.
The 32bit ARM Cortex M3 processor controls the LED and other functions on the keyboard, while the 512KB memory saves the inboard settings and macro instructions. The keyboard uses a detachable micro USB cable to connect to the system. Coolermaster provides 1.5-meter long sleeved cable.
As said earlier, there are two sub-variants- RGB and white-only LED backlit. Mine is the plain and simple white LED. The Pro L variant is with the Numpad, while the Pro S is tenkeyless design. With that exception in mind, there shouldn’t be any difference in end-user experience. The keyboard has a two years warranty period.
The post Coolermaster Masterkeys Pro L Mechanical Keyboard Review appeared first on Hardware BBQ.