Beantown Review

Boston's Digital Lifestyle & Consumer Tech Site

  • Technology
    • For the Home
    • Computing
      • Hardware
      • Software
    • Automotive Tech
  • Sight & Sound
    • HDTV, 4K & Beyond
      • For Your Eyes Only
    • Hear This
      • Headphones
      • Speakers
    • Lights, Camera
  • Mobility
    • Apps
    • Phones & Phablets
    • Case Protection
    • Laptops
    • Wearables
    • Apparel & Bags
  • Beantown Gaming
    • Consoles
    • Gaming Hardware
    • Game Reviews
  • Entertainment
    • The Interviews
    • Blu-Ray Releases
    • Film Reviews
    • Digital Hollywood
      • Cable TV
      • Network TV
      • Streaming Services
    • Kool Stuff
    • Ping Pong Time
    • Toying Around
  • Lifestyle
    • Clothing
  • Giveaways
You are here: Home / 2021 / Archives for November 2021

Archives for November 2021

Cooler Master SK653 Keyboard Review

11/22/2021 By Hakan Can

Cover photo for SK653 post

Earlier this year, Cooler Master introduced their SK652 and SK653 flagship mechanical keyboards. Available in two patterns (Gunmetal Gray and Silver White), the SK653 boasts premium features such as TTC low-profile switches and hybrid wired/wireless via Bluetooth capabilities. The keyboard also arrives in a very appealing brushed metal finish with RGB back illumination and compatibility with MasterPlus+ customization software. With these premium features comes a premium price point: the SK653 has an MSRP of $129.99, but currently we do not see it less than $149.99. How does the SK653 keyboard compare to other low-profile mechanical switch offerings such as the Logitech G915 and the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2? Is the SK653 worth purchasing over these two similar options? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Cooler Master SK653 keyboard review.Front view of SK653 keyboards

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Cooler Master SK653 Keyboard Review

Key Features

  • Slim design, brushed aluminum plate
  • Ergonomic, floating keycaps
  • TTC low profile brown/blue/red switches
  • Wired/wireless-capable via Bluetooth 4
  • MS Windows, macOS, iOS, Android support
  • RGB illumination, 16.7M colors
  • Fully customizable using MasterPlus+ software

Specifications

Switch TypeTTC Low Profile Mechanical
(Red/Blue/Brown)
MaterialsAluminum & Plastic
KeycapErgonomic Low Profile
ColorsGunmetal Gray
Silver White
LED ColorsRGB 16.7M
Polling RatesWired Mode: 1000 Hz
Wireless Bluetooth Mode: 125 Hz
Response Time1 ms
MCU32bit ARM Cortez M0 64 Pin
Onboard Memory512 KB
On-The-Fly SystemYes
Multimedia Keysvia Function (FN) Keys
Wireless ConnectivityBluetooth 4.0
Battery4000 mAh (2000 mAh x 2)
OS CompatibilityMS Windows 8-11
mac OS X 10.10+
Android & iOS
SoftwareMasterPlus+
Cable Length & Type1.8 Meter USB Type-C Detachable & Braided
Dimensions430 x 125 x 25mm
16.93 x 4.92 x 0.98 Inch
Weight (w/o cable)737 grams
1.62 lbs
Warranty2 Years
Read:   Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review
Closeup of corner key of SK653 keyboard
Closeup of right side keys of SK653 keyboard
Soft switch of the SK653 keyboard
Brushed metal finish of SK653 keyboard

Construction and Design

As you can see from the photos above and below, the Cooler Master SK653 keyboard is one attractive, modern-looking piece of hardware. It is lighter and smaller in footprint (16.93″ x 4.92″ x 0.98″) than every keyboard I’ve owned or reviewed before it. And unlike all but one of those previous keyboards, it’s portable. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come with a protective carrying case. You’ll have to purchase one of those.

Whether your illuminated keycaps are white or black, the top surface comes with a brushed aluminum finish in either Silver White or Gunmetal Gray. Both versions look fantastic and should complement your desktop arrangement well. The underbelly comes in black regardless of version.

The cable connecting the keyboard to your desktop is 1.8 meters in length and is beautifully braided with a shiny finish. The keyboard end has a USB Type-C detachable connection and the desktop end, a USB 2.0 Type-A connector.

The SK653 comes with three different TTC low-profile mechanical switches to choose from: red, blue, and brown. For the purposes of this review, we received the brown and are most pleased with this choice. By using low-profile mechanical switches, the actuation is reduced by 20% from 4mm to 3.2mm. The sound the keystrokes make with the brown switches is neither loud nor soft. Yet, the feel of the keystroke is on the softer side. If you’re in an office environment and are concerned that your colleagues around you will be bothered by the sounds, you need not be.

Corner view of SK653 keyboard
Close up of SK653 keys
Rear view of SK653 keyboard

The weight of the SK653 (minus the cable) is 1.62 lbs., and is barely noticeable.

For comparison’s sake, the Logitech G915 and the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 weigh in at 2.26 and 2.38 lbs., respectively. Each of the three keyboards uses a mechanical switch from a different manufacturer. Logitech uses Kailh GL low-profile switches in red, blue, and brown, meanwhile, the Corsair uses Cherry MX low-profile switches in red and silver only. Both competitor’s keyboards are larger by length and width than the SK653, while the G915 is 1/10″ lower in height. Furthermore, both competitor’s keyboards are more expensive than the SK653, and the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity.

The Cooler Master SK653 utilizes the 32bit ARM Cortex M0 64Pin MCU along with two 2000 mAh batteries.

Read:   Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse Review

Capabilities and Performance

According to the folks at Cooler Master, their target audience for the SK653 is creative professionals like myself, yet there’s plenty of reasons why it should also be aimed at and adopted by gamers.

There are three big features of the Cooler Master SK653 keyboard that you ought to know:

  1. Multi operating system (OS) capability.
  2. Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, and
  3. On-the-fly controls and hybrid key rollover.

The SK653 is capable of working with devices utilizing the following operating systems: Microsoft Windows (8 and above), Mac OS X, iOS, and Android. This is a huge selling feature. Switching between a PC and Mac couldn’t be simpler. Holding the Cooler Master FN button tells you what OS the keyboard is working with, and combining this with the right shift key switches the OS back and forth.

Let’s say you have both a PC and a Mac at home or the office. In theory, you would only need one keyboard between the two systems. Sadly, I cannot test this theory as I do not own an Apple computer so I’ll take Cooler Master at their word here.

Because of the hybrid design, you can operate the SK653 in one of two ways: wired or wireless, utilizing the latter with Bluetooth 4.0. According to the folks at Cooler Master, while in Bluetooth mode, “the SK653 allows users to save 3 settings with 3 individual devices and can easily switch between them.” Another great feature of this keyboard.

Finally, the SK653 has a plethora of on-the-fly controls and software: You can customize macros, profiles, and lighting schemes easily. In order to save time from discussing or listing these controls, I’ve included two diagrams that cover the on-the-fly shortcuts in detail. Visual is the better approach here.

SK653 On-the-fly shortcuts
SK653 On-the-fly shortcuts macOS

Putting aside the SK653’s internal features and capabilities for a moment, what Apple or PC user wouldn’t want this keyboard alongside their desktop?

For additional information, please refer to the quick start or Bluetooth setup guides.

Read:   Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

MasterPlus+ Software

Cooler Master uses their MasterPlus+ software to control the SK653’s wireless, lighting, keymapping, macros, and profiles as seen in the five screenshots below. For instance, LED modes and speeds are adjustable and customizable via the MasterPlus+ software. A lot of high-quality colors radiate from this keyboard.

There is one thing I don’t like about the software and that’s when there’s an update available. It appears you are unable to use the software unless you click to update.

MasterPlus+ SK653 Wireless Page
MasterPlus+ SK653 Lighting Page
MasterPlus+ SK653 Key Mapping Page
MasterPlus+ SK653 Profiles Page
MasterPlus+ SK653 Macros Page

Conclusion

Pros:

• Beautiful, minimalistic design
• Low-profile switches yield no fatigue or finger pain after many hours of daily use
• Portability and Multi-OS support
• Terrific RGB back illumination

Cons:

• Difficulty connecting to Samsung Galaxy S Android mobile device via Bluetooth

Not long ago, I wrote a review on the Cooler Master MM711 gaming mouse saying that it was “quite possibly the best mouse I’ve ever used.” Well, I’m about to top that endorsement. Whether it be a keyboard, a mouse, or some other desktop peripheral, this SK653 keyboard is my favorite desktop product of 2021. Even though I’ve got more expensive keyboards from other brands behind me to my left, I’ll be using this keyboard for years to come. I love it that much. My younger nephew, who couldn’t take his eyes off of it, will have to wait for the hand-me-down.

And I have no doubt that I’ll sort out the Bluetooth to Android connection issue shortly after this posts.

Cooler Master’s SK653 is available for purchase on Amazon for around $150, see the Affiliate link at the bottom. This well-engineered keyboard has earned a 4.75 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Cooler Master SK653 keyboard review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Read:   Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

• Follow Cooler Master on Twitter
• Follow Cooler Master on Facebook
• Follow Cooler Master on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

SK653 Packaging Front View
SK653 Packaging Rear View

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Cooler Master website to see their latest products and peripherals like their cases, keyboards, and mice. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support section at the bottom of their website. The Cooler Master SK653 keyboard comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Cooler Master provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cooler Master SK653 mechanical keyboard sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Cooler Master Technology Inc. © 2021.

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware Tagged With: Cooler Master, gaming keyboard, Keyboard, mechanical keyboard, SK653 12/06/2021

Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse Review

11/09/2021 By Hakan Can

Cooler Master MM711 Mouse small banner

One year ago this month, Cooler Master introduced the MM711 mouse. Available in numerous colors, it boasts premium features such as the 16,000 DPI PixArt PAW 3389 optical sensor and left/right OMRON switches with a 20M keypress lifespan. It also arrives in a very handsome honeycomb design with RGB illumination and compatibility with MasterPlus+ customization software. With these premium features comes a premium price point: the MM711 has an MSRP of $59.99. How does the MM711 mouse compare to other premium offerings such as the Glorious Model O and the HyperX Pulsefire Haste? Is the MM711 worth purchasing over these two similarly options? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse review.

Cooler Master MM711 Large Banner

Read:   Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse Review

Key Features

  • Ergonomic, ambidextrous shape palm, claw, and fingertip grip
  • Honeycomb shell design
  • “Pro-grade” PixArt PAW 3389 sensor
  • RGB illumination, 16.7M colors
  • Smooth and large PTFE mouse feet
  • Fully customizable using MasterPlus+ software

Specifications

Grip TypeClaw, Palm, Fingertip
MaterialABS Plastic
Mouse FeetPTFE
ColorBlack, White, Golden Red, Blue Steel
Surface TreatmentMatte & Glossy for Black, White, and Golden Red. Metallic for Blue Steel
LEDRGB on wheel and logo
CPI/DPI7 Levels: 200 to 32K with MasterPlus+
Tracking Speed400 ips
Lift Off Distance< ~2 mm
Polling Rate4 Options: 125, 250, 500, and 1000 Hz
Angle SnappingN/A
Mouse Acceleration50 g
Processor32 bit ARM Cortex M0+
On-board Memory512 KB
Lifespan or L/R SwitchesOMRON 20M
Buttons6
SoftwareMasterPlus+
Cable Length1.8 Meter
Weight< 60 grams
Dimensions (LxWxH)4.587" x 2.457" x 1.508"
Warranty2 years
Read:   Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review
Cooler Master MM711 mouse top side
Cooler Master MM711 mouse under side

Construction and Design

What happens when you combine a beehive with a pasta colander with a cheese/vegetable grater?

You get the Cooler Master MM711 gaming mouse.

As you can see from the photos, the MM711 is lightweight, right-handed, ambidextrous mouse chock-full of holes so you can see that well-lit RGB illumination. That’s it in a nutshell. Now let’s break it down.

The MM711 gaming mouse uses a right-handed ergonomic design that works for claw, palm, and fingertip grippers. The shape and feel of the mouse are extremely comfortable, in fact remarkably so, thus being one of its strongest selling points. I found it to be an excellent fit for my hands. Only my ring finger rests across the right edge, yet it causes no pain. For reference, my hand is about 4 inches wide with the thumb included and nearly 7.5″ in length from the base of the wrist.

The weight of the mouse (minus the ultraweave cable) comes in at just under 60 grams, which is very light for a mouse in 2021 and 2022. For comparison’s sake, the Glorious O and O- weigh in at 67 and 58 grams, respectively. And the HyperX Pulsefire Haste also weighs in at 59 grams. So we’re talking apples to apples.

When you factor in the shape and light weight of the MM711 mouse, you get a mouse that can let your dominant hand go all day. I’ve been using this mouse for 6 weeks straight and have not encountered any fatigue or wrist pain. And I’m on this mouse for up to 12 hours per day editing photos and videos across two stints. After all, Cooler Master’s value proposition is “quicker movements, longer gaming sessions, minimal fatigue, and less wrist pain” thus working to prevent a repetitive stress injury.

Cooler Master MM711 mouse lifestyle view two
Cooler Master MM711 mouse lifestyle view
Cooler Master MM711 mouse lifestyle view three

This mouse has the standard forward and backward buttons on its left side, left and right clickers, and DPI cycle switch on top, and a scroll mouse with wheel click. All except for the DPI cycle switch are programmable via the MasterPlus+ software. There are also three mouse button combinations to be aware of. Please refer to the quick start guide for further information.

No less than half of the sides and two-thirds of the top and bottom incorporate the honeycomb design. This design, along with the scroll wheel illuminates. Just like the buttons, the LED modes and speeds are adjustable and customizable via the MasterPlus+ software. A lot of high-quality colors radiate from this mouse.

And let’s not forget the PixArt PAW 3389 sensor with its 16K resolution, which doubles to 32K with the use of wait, wait for it…the MasterPlus+ software. You had to know I’d go there.

Since the introduction of the MM711, Cooler Master has brought forth other versions such as the MM711 Retro and MM711 Lite.

Read:   Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

Performance

According to the folks at Cooler Master, their target audience for the MM711 is FPS/MOBA gamers. While they’re correct to target such an audience, I come at this from another perspective. You see, I’m not a serious gamer. In addition to writing, which I’m doing now, I’m primarily a photo and video editor. And as I’m sure you know, we editors spend hours per day, day after day, with a computer beside us and a monitor or two in front. So we editors need a mouse that doesn’t yield hand or wrist pain too. No one wants a repetitive stress injury regardless of their profession.

The MM711 uses a very reliable and high-end PixArt PAW 3389 sensor which goes up to 32,000 DPI when adjusted with the MasterPlus+ software.

The side mouse buttons are very convenient to use, placed just above where my thumb rests. I had no problem whatsoever going back and forth between web pages. All six buttons were clicky and provided good tactile response. The attached 1.8-meter cord never did catch on my standing desk or the nearby speakers. To be blunt, it felt like there was no cord present.

The scroll wheel with its angled tread design moved nicely, and the three PTFE feet glide very well. It’s good to see a MasterPlus+ feature where one can add and tune the mouse to a new surface.

Cooler Master MM711 mouse right side
Cooler Master MM711 mouse left side

MasterPlus+ Software

Cooler Master uses their MasterPlus+ software to control the MM711’s DPI button, lighting, performance, macros, and profiles as seen in the screenshots below. There’s plenty one can do with this software.

Cooler Master MM711 Buttons Page
Cooler Master MM711 Lighting Page
Cooler Master MM711 Performance Page

Conclusion

Pros:

• Ergonomic, ambidextrous design for right-handed users
• No fatigue or wrist pain after many hours of use
• Lightweight at 60 grams
• Terrific RGB illumination

Cons:

• No grip tape

I’m going to get right to the point. The Cooler Master MM711 mouse is quite possibly the best mouse I’ve ever used, no joke. I’ve used gaming and non-gaming mice from all the big players in the computer hardware and peripheral industry for decades. For my needs, the MM711 is as good as it gets and I highly recommend it.

Cooler Master’s MM711 is available for purchase on Amazon for around $60, see the Affiliate link at the bottom. This well-engineered mouse has earned a 4.75 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Cooler Master MM711 gaming mouse review? Do you agree or disagree with our verdict? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

Read:   Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

Cooler Master MM711 Matte White Mice

• Follow Cooler Master on Twitter
• Follow Cooler Master on Facebook
• Follow Cooler Master on Instagram

• Follow Beantown on Twitter
• Follow Beantown on Facebook
• Follow Beantown on Instagram

Don’t hesitate to head over to the Cooler Master website to see their latest peripherals like the MM730 and MM731 gaming mice. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support section at the bottom of their website. The Cooler Master MM711 mouse comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Cooler Master provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cooler Master MM711 gaming mouse sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

All photographs are the copyrighted property of Cooler Master Technology Inc. © 2021.

Filed Under: Gaming Hardware Tagged With: Cooler Master, gaming mouse, MM711, wired mouse 05/15/2022

FOLLOW BEANTOWN

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Tweets by @BeantownReview

Amazon Deals and Promos


Copyright © 2023 Beantown LLC - All Rights Reserved