Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. The same things we said about Cooler Master’s lighting in our review of the larger SK630 and SK650 holds true here. Build quality is awesome, switches buttersmooth and to comment also on the general feedback you guys received: As a result, the colors look deeper and more saturated than those of most gaming keyboards. In this video we are taking a look at Cooler Master's new line of low profile mechanical keyboards. The Cooler Master SK630 we looked at this month uses the Function button as well, for instance. It’s a tenkeyless version of the original, but when I saw that, one, it was only $119.99, and two, we’d never reviewed the original MK750, I knew that we had to take a look. You may have read or seen his tech and gaming coverage at IGN, Lifehacker, Gizmodo, Variety, Digital Trends, and, of course, PCMag. This lightweight keyboard feels wonderful to type on and has a look you aren't going to … Cooler Master SK630 Low Profile Mechanical Keyboard Review Dominic Moass January 29, 2019 Featured Tech Reviews, Keyboards, Peripheral, Reviews Rating: 8.5. I personally felt I had more nuanced control using Cooler Master's configuration software—for example, it's much easier to decide between shades of a single color that way—but if you aren't too picky you can get a lot done. Making the cord removable emphasizes how portable the board is. The menus are easy to navigate, though it sometimes feels as if there should be more to them. Still, Portal gets the basics right: You can quickly find the settings you'll most likely want to change, and make those changes without issue. This seems to be the direction that most case manufacturers are going as let’s be honest, disk storage on the PC has been slowly taken over by rem… I strongly advice you to take this video to heart and update your marketing and product description to avoid similar reviews or comments. Given its form factor and the fact that it weighs just 1.22 pounds, I can't think of a better option for those players. Cooler Master's light, compact SK630 gives us good reason to start thinking more about a low-profile mechanical keyboard. Taking a look at the SK630 Keyboard from Cool Master gives you that conventional appearance of a TKL keyboard; at a distance, you wouldn’t even notice that it utilizes classic full-sized switches. It is the middle entry in the series, adopting a tenkeyless (TKL) form factor with wired-only connectivity. Our review unit of the Cooler Master SK630 came in a large brown corrugated cardboard box from Cooler Master's American headquarters in Brea, California, USA. (And just to emphasise what you're currently communicating; HardwareCanucks also seems to have "misunderstood" you: "Was The Hype Worth It? Lacks extra features such as a volume roller and USB pass-through. SK630 First Impression @Cooler Master, tl;dr, the SK630 is awesome, almost a perfect keyboard, congrats. Since we don't review many of them, let's start by talking about low-profile keyboards. In general, we find that the volume aspect of the keys does not have to play a role with the SK630. Turkey Leftovers - Various Game Keys Giveaway, Lung cell images show how intense a coronavirus infection can be, is it normal to have high cpu usage from radeon software all the time? Review Sample Provided by: Cooler Master. I just got the SK630 and I am super happy. The SK600 keyboards also use flat chiclet keycaps, with only the smallest circular indentations in the center of each square key. © 1996-2020 Ziff Davis, LLC. Cooler Master has reduced the dimensions of the keyboard to the minimum possible of a full-size keyboard, which makes the keys almost flush with the edge in all directions and makes the keyboard look very compact for its size. The size is perfect for someone using a desk tray holding a keyboard and mouse. We have come to expect no less from Cooler Master; and today is no exception. Those who’ve read my keyboard reviews for a while know that I’m a sucker for a minimalist design—one you can use in the office without feeling embarrassed, really. Onboard hotkeys don't quite replace configuration software. Light shoots up through the text and around the edges of every key, reflecting off the aluminum edges of the board. Like my beloved Mionix Wei, the SK630 is a gaming keyboard that doesn’… The defining characteristic of a low-profile keyboard is that it uses a switch with a quicker actuation point and less overall travel, so your finger doesn't press as far down to actuate a key. The tenkeyless Cooler Master SK630 weighs just 1.2 pounds (552 grams) and measures only 13.9 x 4.9 x 1.2 inches (353.5 x 125.5 x 29.8 mm). It doesn't have the bells and whistles we tend to expect in a high-end peripheral, but it presents a strong argument for setting different priorities. It's just a shame because Portal feels like a flimsy support structure for what is generally a very polished piece of kit. While the SK630 is by no means a unique proposition, it's different enough from the average gaming keyboard that it's hard to judge its value relative to other devices we cover. There are plenty of reasons to want something that's high-quality, but more compact. Cooler Master's light, compact SK630 gives us good reason to start thinking more about a low-profile mechanical keyboard. With its successor, the MK850, just around the corner, they’ve released its little brother, the MK730. That feeling is not entirely unfounded—even with 6-key rollover protection, clumsy typists like myself will find themselves pressing multiple keys the first time they use the board. Can we dare to hope that Cooler Master and other vendors will continue to expand and refine the low-profile mechanical keyboard category? It measures 353.5 by 125.5 by 29.8 millimeters (13.9 by 4.9 by 1.2 inches), which is tight even for a tenkeyless board. Lastly, I think it's really useful that the SK600 keyboards, particularly the smaller SK630, have detachable USB-C cables. Though you can configure the lighting and record macros using secondary function commands, the SK600 series keyboards are compatible with a version of Portal, Cooler Master's configuration software. That said, at $139.99, Cooler Master is effectively arguing that it's worth as much as our favorite midrange to high-end keyboards. Technically the only thing you can't do without Portal is remapping keys. Still, it doesn't take long to get a feel for things and adjust to the fact that there aren't gaps between edges of the keycaps. … When making macros, you can record them, assign them, and set them to play out a single time, repeat, or play on a loop. The software looks and feels flat. How to Free Up Space on Your iPhone or iPad, How to Save Money on Your Cell Phone Bill, How to Find Free Tools to Optimize Your Small Business, How to Get Started With Project Management, Keep A Low Profile, But Make an Impression, Logitech Is Adding a Carbon Impact Rating to Its Products, Logitech Launches G915 TKL Wireless RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, How to Control Multiple Computers With One Keyboard and Mouse, Microsoft Adds Office and Emoji Keys to New Keyboards, SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gaming Mouse Review, Razer DeathAdder V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Mouse Review. PCMag Digital Group. Intel Core i7-11700K "Rocket Lake" CPU Outperforms AMD Ryzen 9 5950X in Single-Core Tests, 87-key US ANSI layout, language support depending on your region, ABS plastic case and keycaps, aluminium frame. We're keeping our fingers crossed. If you've used a laptop, then technically you've used one. Amazon Affiliate Link: SK630 and SK650 . Many of the keyboards we consider the best options for gamers are very large: They take up a ton of space on your desk and you aren't going to pack them up when you leave your setup for vacation or a work trip. There are a couple of factors that make it a great typing experience. Though, Cooler Master still included the same ABS keycaps that are found in the budget-friendly CK550. Is this the small form factor keyboard you’ve been waiting for? (I strongly recommend keeping the manual handy as it has a list of the commands.) First, the difference between the actuation of the SK600 series and standard gaming keyboards is not that great: The Cooler Masters use Cherry MX Red Low-Profile switches, which reduce the "pre-travel," or the distance needed to actuate a key, from 2mm to 1.2mm and the distance of a full press from 4mm to 3.2mm. Minimalist look. Cooler Master probably could have gotten away with using plastic all the way around, but I was pleasantly surprised to find an aluminum top plate similar to … https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/cooler-master-sk630-gaming-keyboard. Keep an eye on your inbox! The Cooler Master SK630 also comes with a convenient key pulling tool and a fully detachable USB C type power cable. That isn't a knock against the quality of the SK630. I am a huge fan of fully detachable cables making the most frequently damaged part of any mechanical keyboard fully replaceable! The distinctive shape helps make the keys feel a little taller, as if you're pushing down further. After all, speed and compactness are in focus. In November 2017, Cooler Master released their flagship keyboard, the MasterKeys MK750. The Cooler Master SK630 White Limited Edition is a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by dark colored gaming peripherals. If you agree, then Cooler Master's tenkeyless keyboard, the SK630 ($139.99), is a solid option. Cyberpunk 2077 Game and Performance Review Roundup—The Antidote to 2020? Cooler Master releases their first mechanical keyboards using the elusive Cherry MX Low Profile RGB switches. Macro and lighting editor hotkeys reduce need for configuration software. For the lighting, you have the ability to cycle through presets; adjust the color by adding more red, green, or blue; and record separate foreground and background effects. Luckily, if the lighting ever gets to be too much for you, it's incredibly easy to change it on the fly, even without launching the keyboard's configuration software. The SK630 was shown off recently at CES 2019, amid the entire SK lineup (and other upcoming Cooler Master keyboards). Let’s dig i… All of this shifting and condensing allows the SK630 keyboard to be very compact. Though Cooler Master has once again got a brilliant design to route the cables through the angled trough. This is a challenge that Cherry switches master with the left hand. RGB round off the look You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time. Similar to that of previousCooler Master MasterBox cases we’ve reviewed in the past, the MB530P’s features an open interior design with an isolated PSU and storage section. Depending on the color and/or pattern, I found the more intense palette could be either beautiful or overpowering. Not everybody wants a keyboard with every possible feature packed into it. Crucially, the Red Low-Profile switches require the same amount of force to press as the original, so if you've used a keyboard with linear switches before, you'll feel right at home. If you click an affiliate link and buy a product or service, we may be paid a fee by that merchant. Mike Epstein is a freelance technology and culture critic based in New York. Cooler Master SK650 review: the most beautiful, intensely frustrating gaming keyboard ever made. It's a pleasure to type on and deviates from what we've come to expect from gaming keyboards in a refreshing way. And while most companies have improved on that front in recent years, Cooler Master is just nailingit. The Cooler Master SK650 and SK630 aren't the cheapest low profile mechanical gaming keyboards on the market but they are supposed to be some of the best. Sign up for What's New Now to get our top stories delivered to your inbox every morning. my gpu is rx 6800 and cpu is 5600x, ASUS Crosshair Hero VIII (Wi-FI) Beta BIOS / FW 3101. The Cooler Master MK730 is also equipped with genuine Cherry MX keys – and the one we have here is the Cherry MX RGB Red key switches. (Given that, it's worth noting that at the time of publication, Amazon was selling the SK630 for $90.65, which is a more appropriate price.). The front portion of the inside of the case does not feature any storage mounting options such as 3.5″ or 5.52″ drive bays. Compact design. You have a surprising amount of control. Technically, you can export profiles you've created as .PRF files, then reinstall them, but you can't easily switch between onboard and stored profiles on the fly or reconfigure backup profiles. Furthermore, Cooler Master focuses on durability. I am still stunned at everything that is bundled in such a small keyboard. Based on the feel, you might even think the travel is longer instead of shorter than average. The SK600 series' critical feature is a secondary function key, bearing the Cooler Master logo, which gives you a range of extra options including the ability to customize your RGB lighting and create macros. The look, especially with white keys, reminds me of Apple's Magic Keyboard—just a bunch of keys floating on silver. That sounds like a big achievement until you look at Portal and realize there wasn't that much to change in the first place. White, grey, and purple are what you can expect to see from Cooler Master when it comes to their packaging. 16 Aug 2019 Not everybody wants a … Product Name: Cooler Master SK630 and SK650. It's really nice if you want a minimalist workspace (or a gaming keyboard that doesn't look like a gaming keyboard). It radiates a noble charm, so that the keyboard is a real eye-catcher in every setup despite its size. Pictures by: Wes Compton. The display of third-party trademarks and trade names on this site does not necessarily indicate any affiliation or the endorsement of PCMag. Macro and lighting editor hotkeys reduce need for configuration software. Cooler Master is well-known for bringing high-quality and award-winning products such as gaming peripherals, to the scene. Cooler Master SK650 & SK630 Low Profile Keyboards".) The SK630 is a TKL form factor keyboard built with portability in mind that retains a strong configuration over function and form alike via both software driver support and onboard controls. The function key also adds a number of other useful hotkeys by default, including media keys and the ability to swap between the keyboard's four onboard profiles. PCMag, PCMag.com and PC Magazine are among the federally registered trademarks of Ziff Davis, LLC and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from TPU! The SK630 is all about keeping a low … Creating custom lighting and hotkeys on the fly is easy if you know the hotkeys, but there are a lot of them so it can take some time. One place Portal actually falters with the SK630 is profile management. In particular, the rainbow swirling pattern that many keyboards use as a default is quite distracting because there's so much constantly changing color. The keys are packed tightly together; at first glance, I thought the board looked pretty crowded. This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Keep A Low Profile The SK630 Mechanical Keyboard is a slim keyboard with all the signature Cooler Master features like On-the-Fly Controls and RGB backlighting - but it adds Cherry MX Low Profile switches in a clutter-free tenkeyless format. Memory stick not found on Vendor's QVL, What do I do ? The latest CoolerMaster board, the CK550 follows in the fine tradition of its straightforward MasterKeys design, with a simple, robust layout, RGB lighting, and geniune mechanical key switches. A gaming keyboard with so much style and yet so little substance And while you can adjust your RGB lighting, switch profiles, and record macros without it, I still found it easier to fine-tune everything with a settings menu and a visual guide. The SK631 Wireless Keyboard comes equipped with all the signature Cooler Master features like On-the-Fly Controls and RGB backlighting - but it adds new Cherry MX Low Profile switches in a clutter-free tenkeyless format. There are a growing number of players, including esports competitors and people who bring gear to game conventions, who would benefit from having a keyboard that's easy to throw in a bag without worrying about a snagged cable. Low-profile mechanical keyboards aren't especially common, but they're becoming more popular among smaller manufacturers and users who like to customize their keyboards. Overall impressions are the keyboard looks and feels sturdy and high quality, with nice attention to detail. But the SK630 also doesn’t cost $170, and therein lies the problem. It makes using profiles for individual games, beyond a core one or two, a larger pain than it needs to be. If you agree, then Cooler Master's tenkeyless keyboard, the SK630 ($139.99), is a solid option. Generally, this is still a very compact board without any dedicated media keys and hardly has any bezels. The SK630 takes the classic slim, minimal design of the most popular chiclet keyboard and injects it with the signature Cooler Master mix of flair and functionality. Good travel despite low-profile keys. Cooler Master’s fast becoming one of my favorite companies, from an aesthetics standpoint. All in all, the SK630 (or rather the whole series) is really something. This lightweight keyboard feels wonderful to type … The Cooler Master SK630 TKL Mechanical Keyboard is the epitome of a perfect plan perfectly executed. The keyboard can store up to four onboard profiles; at this point five onboard profiles is an unofficial standard so this is a little low, but certainly in the ballpark. From our point of view, Cooler Master has already succeeded in the design and construction part very well. The SK630 TKL mechanical keyboard is a wonderful addition to an already exciting lineup of products from Cooler Master. While it gets the job done for the most part, Portal is rather barebones compared with other manufacturers' programs. Since the switches aren't covered by the keys, the board's RGB lighting can get remarkably intense. Some of the text is low-resolution, making it hard to scan. There are plenty of reasons to want something that's high-quality, but more compact. Its keys sit flat on a brushed aluminum base, with the switches exposed. Cooler Master SK630 Keyboard Review. The square keys also contribute to the SK630's dense look. While the core typing experience feels just as polished as that of a HyperX Alloy Elite or a Corsair K70 RGB MK.2, it doesn't have USB pass-through, macro keys, or any of the other features that collectively make us willing to shell out so much. Though the SK630 is a low-profile board, the keys feel comfortable to type on, with good travel. The bigger issue is that Portal can't store additional profiles on your PC. Original Review: Been looking for a high quality 60% keyboard and was excited to receive this one today. You can find him on Twitter @Bombur. New build running hot - do I need an AIO? The cables through the angled trough Master SK650 review: Been looking for a high quality, with nice to. Let 's start by talking about low-profile keyboards generally a very compact board without any dedicated media and! 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