Cooler Master SK653 Keyboard Review

11/22/2021 By Hakan Can

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.

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 Type	TTC Low Profile Mechanical (Red/Blue/Brown)
Materials	Aluminum & Plastic
Keycap	Ergonomic Low Profile
Colors	Gunmetal Gray Silver White
LED Colors	RGB 16.7M
Polling Rates	Wired Mode: 1000 Hz Wireless Bluetooth Mode: 125 Hz
Response Time	1 ms
MCU	32bit ARM Cortez M0 64 Pin
Onboard Memory	512 KB
On-The-Fly System	Yes
Multimedia Keys	via Function (FN) Keys
Wireless Connectivity	Bluetooth 4.0
Battery	4000 mAh (2000 mAh x 2)
OS Compatibility	MS Windows 8-11 mac OS X 10.10+ Android & iOS
Software	MasterPlus+
Cable Length & Type	1.8 Meter USB Type-C Detachable & Braided
Dimensions	430 x 125 x 25mm 16.93 x 4.92 x 0.98 Inch
Weight (w/o cable)	737 grams 1.62 lbs
Warranty	2 Years

Read: Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review

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.

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:

Multi operating system (OS) capability.
Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity, and
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.

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.

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

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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.

Cooler Master MM711 Gaming Mouse Review

11/09/2021 By Hakan Can

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.

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 Type	Claw, Palm, Fingertip
Material	ABS Plastic
Mouse Feet	PTFE
Color	Black, White, Golden Red, Blue Steel
Surface Treatment	Matte & Glossy for Black, White, and Golden Red. Metallic for Blue Steel
LED	RGB on wheel and logo
CPI/DPI	7 Levels: 200 to 32K with MasterPlus+
Tracking Speed	400 ips
Lift Off Distance	< ~2 mm
Polling Rate	4 Options: 125, 250, 500, and 1000 Hz
Angle Snapping	N/A
Mouse Acceleration	50 g
Processor	32 bit ARM Cortex M0+
On-board Memory	512 KB
Lifespan or L/R Switches	OMRON 20M
Buttons	6
Software	MasterPlus+
Cable Length	1.8 Meter
Weight	< 60 grams
Dimensions (LxWxH)	4.587" x 2.457" x 1.508"
Warranty	2 years

Read: Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review

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.

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.

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.

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

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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.

Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review

10/19/2021 By Daniel Nguyen

The MM831 is Cooler Master’s current flagship gaming mouse, boasting premium features such as 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth as well as Qi charging. The mouse also features two left-side buttons (backwards and forwards), RGB lighting, a 32,000 DPI PixArt PAW 3335 optical sensor, and compatibility with MasterPlus+ customization software. With these premium features comes a premium price point: the MM831 has an MSRP of $79.99. How does the MM831 mouse compare to other premium offerings, and is it worth purchasing over less expensive options? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse review.

Read: Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Cooler Master MM831 Gaming Mouse Review

Key Features

Hybrid wireless technology: use either 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 4.2, or a wired connection
Qi wireless charging
“Gaming-grade” sensor
Ergonomic right-handed design for palm and claw grippers
Fully customizable using MasterPlus+ software
Durable construction

Specifications

16.7 million colors, customizable 4-zone RGB
PixArt PAW 3335 sensor (1.7 mA working current), up to 32K DPI
Adjustable lift-off distance
1000 Hz polling rate (in 2.4 GHz wireless/wired mode), 125 Hz (Bluetooth)
OMRON 20M mouse button switches
800 mAh battery capacity
1.8 meter braided cable, Type-C to Type-A
123 g weight
128.1 mm L x 67.4 mm W x 43.44 H
2-year warranty

Read: Philips PH802 Hi-Res Audio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review

Construction and Design

The MM831 mouse uses a right-handed ergonomic design that works best for claw and palm grippers. The shape itself is rather comfortable, and is a strong selling point for the mouse, especially for right-handed users. I found it to be a little narrow for my hands though while using a palm grip, however, I found it perfectly fine while using a claw grip (for reference, my hand is about 6 inches/140mm wide). The weight of the mouse leaves a lot to be desired though; 123 g is very heavy for a modern mouse, with the G502 (one of the heavier popular mice on the market) weighing in at 121 g, and the Glorious Model O (a popular budget light-weight mouse) weighing in at 67 g.

The MM831 also has two convenient side buttons and a DPI switch next to the scroll wheel. The aesthetics of the mouse are very pleasing as well, with RGB around the body of the mouse, a logo underneath the palm, on the scroll wheel, and a LED DPI indicator. While the mouse is heavy, I find it very well built and designed both in durability and aesthetics. The body is made out of PBT which makes it resistant to shine caused by skin oils.

I appreciated some of the smaller details as well; the USB-A to USB-C cord for charging and a wired connection wasn’t stiff, and the small detail of a purple plastic insert (to match the Cooler Master brand) contributes to the overall premium feel of this product. The body also has a removable cover that stores the 2.4 GHz wireless dongle.

Performance

The MM831 uses a very reliable PixArt PAW 3355 sensor which goes up to 32,000 DPI when adjusted with MasterPlus+ software. I found it perfectly usable in games, with no weird errors while flicking or tracking. The side mouse buttons are also very convenient to use, but again, only for those who are right-handed. All buttons were also very clicky and provided a good tactile response. The included cord isn’t stiff and doesn’t snag when flicking, even when folded over. Scroll wheel clicks are well defined, and the included mouse feet glide nicely.

The wired connection was obviously very fast, and the 2.4 GHz connection was also very fast, with only a 5 ms difference when I tried out the reaction test on the Human Benchmark test. While not very scientific, I also didn’t notice much of a difference when connected to Bluetooth, with only a 15 ms difference. All these numbers aren’t using very scientific methods, however, so take it with a grain of salt. However, there was no noticeable difference for everyday use, and I didn’t perform worse when playing games.

Software

Cooler Master uses their MasterPlus+ software to control the MM831’s DPI settings, RGB, button assignments, macros and other items. The only drawback to this is that it only works in wired mode; I would like to see it be able to be used in at least the 2.4 GHz setting.

In wireless mode, polling rates of 125/250, 500, & 1000 Hz are available with the software.

Conclusion

Pros:

• Ergonomic design for right-handed users
• 2.4 GHz wireless is lightning fast and allows you to ditch the cable
• Mouse feet allow for smooth gliding

Cons:

• Design doesn’t work as well for left-handed users
• Heavy
• $80 MSRP

The MM831 is a great wireless gaming mouse – there’s no doubt about that. For many, the heaviness or right-handed only design may be deal breakers, however. If you don’t mind heavy mice and are right-handed, this mouse is phenomenal and the wireless features allow users to shift to a truly free experience not limited by a wire that could snag.

Cooler Master’s MM831 is available for purchase on Amazon for around $80. This well designed wireless powerhouse has earned a 4.0 out of 5 star rating for me, since as a right-handed user, its feature set is rivalled only by a few more expensive mice, and only loses a star for its weight.

What do you think of this Cooler Master MM831 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

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Don’t hesitate to head over to Cooler Master website to see their newest products. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support section at the bottom of their website. The Cooler Master MM831 mouse comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Cooler Master provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Cooler Master MM831 gaming mouse sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Thermaltake Introduces the TOUGHAIR 310 and TOUGHAIR 510 CPU Air Coolers

04/26/2021 By Hakan Can

Four months ago at the virtual CES 2021, the folks at Thermaltake announced a slew of forthcoming gaming hardware products due for release in the first half of 2021. Fast forward to today and we see the release of two new CPU air coolers, the single-fan TOUGHAIR 310 and the dual-fan TOUGHAIR 510. Priced at $39.99 and $59.99 respectively, these two CPU coolers fit well within the range of budget-conscious computer builders who are looking for excellent air-cooling performance.

Thermaltake Debuts the TOUGHAIR 310 and TOUGHAIR 510 CPU Air Coolers

Per the press release, “TOUGHAIR CPU Air Coolers utilize next-gen high static pressure fans leveraging the advanced design concept from TOUGHFAN 12 as well as providing a new level of thermal performance and reliability to the vertical heatsink tower.”

The TOUGHAIR 310 and 510 incorporate high static pressure fans that provide ~ 58 CFM at 2,000 RPM. Fan speeds are also controllable from 500 RPM up to 2,000 RPM. In order to keep the air cooler as quiet as possible, each 120 mm fan is fitted with a second generation hydraulic bearing, LCP-made fan blades, and an anti-vibration mounting system.

CPU compatibility covers a wide range of AMD and Intel sockets.

AMD: AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2 «» Intel: LGA 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150

TOUGHAIR CPU Air Cooler Specifications

Model	TOUGHAIR 310	TOUGHAIR 510
P/N	CL-P074-AL12BL-A	CL-P075-AL12BL-A
Compatibility (CPU Socket)	Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150 AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2	Intel LGA 1200/1156/1155/1151/1150 AMD AM4/FM2/FM1/AM3+/AM3/AM2+/AM2
Dimension	123.6 x 71.7 x 159.5 mm	23.6 x 98.8 x 159.5 mm
Heatsink Material	Aluminum Fins	Aluminum Fins
Heatpipe	Copper Heatpipes Φ6mm x 4 pcs	Copper Heatpipes Φ6mm x 4 pcs
Fan Dimension (L x W x H)	120 x 120 x 25 mm	120 x 120 x 25 mm
Fan Quantity	1 pc	2 pc
Fan Speed	PWM 500 ~ 2000 RPM	PWM 500 ~ 2000 RPM
Rated Voltage	12 V	12 V
Start Voltage	6 V	6 V
Rated Current	0.48 A	0.48 A
Power Input	5.76 W (one fan)	5.76 W (one fan)
Air Flow	58.35 CFM (one fan)	58.35 CFM (one fan)
Air Pressure	2.41 mm-H2O (one fan)	2.41 mm-H2O (one fan)
Acoustical Noise	23.6 dBA	23.6 dBA
Lifetime	40K Hours	40K Hours
Pin Connect	2510 - 4 Pin	2510 - 4 Pin
Cooling Power	170 W	180 W

Read: Philips PH802 Hi-Res Audio Wireless Over-Ear Headphones Review

The Thermaltake TOUGHAIR 310 and 510 CPU Air Coolers are available for purchase on Amazon for $39.99 and $59.99, respectively. (See Amazon Affiliate links below.)

What do you think of the new Thermaltake TOUGHAIR CPU Air Coolers? Do you plan on purchasing one? Let us know in the comment section below or via social media. We’re eager to hear your thoughts.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Thermaltake USA website to see their current line-up of products. To learn more about service, support, and warranties, click on their Support tab. These TOUGHAIR CPU Air Coolers come with a 2-year warranty.

Read: Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Titanium Gaming Keyboard Review

LucidSound LS1X Premium Chat Gaming Headset Review

01/14/2020 By Daniel Nguyen

The LucidSound LS1X is a budget option designed for XBOX gamers at an enticing price point of $25. It consists of a lightweight, all plastic design, with all the features necessary for chatting with your friends. However, with only a single ear cup, is it worthwhile for those on a budget or those looking towards a lightweight alternative? So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this LucidSound LS1X Premium Chat Gaming Headset Review.

LucidSound LS1X Premium Chat Gaming Headset Review

Design

The LucidSound LS1X is a single-cupped headset with a mutable microphone. It features a green and black color scheme, in line with the XBOX series (as it is officially licensed). The frame is made entirely of plastic and lacks any padding inside the ear cup though there is some padding on the actual cup and headband.

On the topic of padding and comfort, I didn’t find it to be very beneficial. Though this is a budget option, at a minimum, I would have liked to see padding on the other side of the headset. On this side, there is only a thin foam piece to provide comfort versus the plastic. The part inside the ear cup doesn’t have any padding either and is irritating when your ear rubs up against the plastic.

The 3.5mm cord is very short, so using it on PC isn’t feasible. Nonetheless, it plugs in fine to an XBOX controller.

Sound

Overall, I wouldn’t consider it horrible for a $25 headset. With voice processing in apps like Discord, I found the microphone to be somewhat useful. For competitive FPS games where sound cues are key for pinpointing an enemy, the single-cup design shows its apparent flaws. It’s impossible to determine where an enemy is, as you obviously can’t tell left from right. However, the audio quality is generally acceptable for a budget headset.

Additionally, there’s a nifty mute function by pressing on the outside of the earcup, which also turns to adjust the volume.

Read: Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless High-Fidelity Gaming Headset Review

Value

I honestly don’t see where this product fits into a budget gaming market. Inexpensive in-ear earbuds are a better alternative on a budget since their design allows them to have stereo audio. In my opinion, stereo is a must-have for any headset geared towards gaming, or else sound cues won’t work as well.

Most gamers have earbuds lying around and work fine with either your computer or XBOX. While microphone quality on earbuds is typically abysmal, I don’t think expecting everything for $25 is fair.

There are plenty of cheap ($30, which I think is a fair price to pay for a decent budget option) headsets sprinkled throughout Amazon. While they’re from no-name brands, I still find those to look more comfortable and appealing than this LucidSound LS1X.

Conclusion

I struggle to recommend the LS1X when there are plenty of better alternatives. While the microphone is admittedly better than most earbuds, I would rather have a stereo audio experience rather than a mono-directional one. The lack of a second earcup makes this a handicap in games where sound cues matter and the comfort isn’t great either.

Overall, I give the LS1X a 1.5/5 rating. There are plenty of other XBOX gaming headsets available from LucidSound. Maybe the LS25, the LS35X, or the LS50X is right for you.

What do you think of this LucidSound LS1X premium chat gaming headset 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.

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FTC Disclosure: LucidSound provided Beantown LLC with one (1) LS1X gaming headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless High-Fidelity Gaming Headset Review

10/28/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

The Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless Gaming Headset promises to deliver high-fidelity audio over either a wireless connection (via their proprietary Slipstream technology) or a wired connection (via 3.5mm/USB-C). With a focus on comfort and lightweight construction, will it tick those boxes as well as the high-grade audio quality it boasts? At an MSRP of $179.99, will it live up to its promises and deliver a premium feel that its pricetag implies? So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless Gaming Headset Review.

Read: Corsair M65 PRO RGB Mouse Review

Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless High-Fidelity Gaming Headset Review

Corsair Virtuoso Headset Specifications

Read: Gaming: Corsair K70 LUX Keyboard Review

Design and Aesthetics

The Corsair Virtuoso is definitely a gaming headphone at heart, no matter how minimalist it looks. On the outside of both earcups, there’s RGB, which is controllable via iCUE provided you’re using either the USB-C cable or the wireless function. The RGB can be turned off, which helps if you’re going for a more sleek look. There’s always a faint Corsair logo no matter what, so if you’re not looking to have people know what brand your headphones are, it might hard to do so.

The detachable microphone features a green/red LED to indicate its status. The mute button on the bottom of the microphone toggles the mute function, and it turns red whenever muted. This makes it easier to tell at a glance if your microphone is muted or not.

The metal headband doesn’t seem like it’ll ever break, contributing to its premium feel. I flexed it very far, and it didn’t show any signs of temporary or permanent damage or warping. Overall, I don’t see any issues with its build quality or aesthetics.

Fit and Comfort

Speaking of lightweight construction and comfort, I had one major nagging issue while using this headset. The left side often bumped onto my ear and made it uncomfortable despite the seemingly thick ear cup padding. It’s a somewhat inconsistent issue, as it only happens to my ears about 50% of the time. It may be something I’m doing wrong, or it could be an issue with the padding on this headset. Overall though, the headband provides an adequate but not too excessive amount of clamping pressure, leading to very good comfort besides the issue mentioned above.

While the lightweight construction is supposed to be a selling point on the Virtuoso RGB Wireless, I weighed them in at 13.6 oz without the cable. My HyperX Stinger weighs in at a mere 7.5 oz and the Cooler Master MH751 at 8.8 oz. The Corsair Virtuoso seems relatively heavy in comparison, even though those other headsets are also well built. Notwithstanding, I didn’t notice the weight too much while gaming for short sessions, though you may feel it over longer sessions.

Read: Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

Features

The most significant selling point of the Virtuoso headset is the ultra-low-latency wireless technology, which I found to be extremely pleasant. The latency was so low that I could not notice it, even during intense gameplay when the lightning-quick response to sound cues are paramount. The included USB-C cable for wired listening, as well as the 3.5mm cable, worked great. For flexibility in setups between mobile and desktop, these cables are convenient to have. I would have liked to see a USB-C to USB-C cable to be easier to listen on smartphones without a 3.5mm headphone jack (which is a lot these days). Bluetooth would have also been a welcome addition, though I understand that would add to the cost of integrating new technology.

I also enjoyed the built-in microphone monitoring feature on iCUE. It’s helpful to listen to yourself, especially when you’re streaming or recording audio. Microphone feedback helps to make sure your microphone isn’t too loud, soft, or otherwise weird.

I found the feature set on the Corsair Virtuoso to be more than adequate, and it offered enough to unmistakably be a contender in the $150-$200 range, at least on paper.

Sound Quality

This headset has decent sound quality, though I wouldn’t classify it as anything that would satisfy most audiophiles. The audio sounds rather empty and unquestionably needs some adjustment. However, in iCUE, there is an option to adjust the EQ settings so that you can adapt it to your heart’s content. The Virtuoso can be 7.1 Surround Sound enabled, though I never got the chance to play with this as I don’t have any good games with 7.1 features. I also find 7.1 SS to be lackluster in most cases, so I wouldn’t worry about it much.

In games such as Rainbow Six: Siege, I was able to discern footsteps and sound cues easily. During gaming, I don’t see any issues, and if you’re purely using these for gaming, it’s a great audio system. The emptiness of the audio helps with discerning sound cues, though this isn’t so desirable elsewhere.

While listening to music, particularly music in the background of games, the audio sounded fine; thus, I see no concerns for most gamers. As I stated before, I don’t recommend these for an actual audiophile experience. Still, it certainly is satisfactory for most users.

The microphone quality is great for communicating during games as well as VoIP services, such as Skype. It’s very clear, and communications are a breeze.

Read: Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Package Contents

• Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless gaming headset
• Warranty Card
• Detachable microphone

• USB charging cable, 1.8m
• 3.5mm stereo cable, 1.5m
• USB Wireless Transmitter

Final Thoughts

The Corsair Virtuoso offers decent audio performance during a gaming session, though for music listening or movie watching, I found that it could be improved. The soundstage didn’t feel too empty while still being wide enough to discern sound cues in-game easily. The subtle emptiness did make for a less enjoyable media consumption experience, though I found it to be still decent enough. The impressive wireless range allows me more freedom than I’ve experienced before. The excellent gaming performance and decent microphone help with the overall gaming experience.

For gamers who want that extra bling, there’s also RGB. For $179.99, it is a very steep price for those who want to get into wireless audio. If you have the money, though, it’s low latency audio with a very minimalist and comfortable design with decent audio. Overall, I’d give this a 3.5/5 just because of the price, though if it were slightly lower, I’d say it deserves a 4/5.

What do you think of this Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless gaming headset 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.

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FTC Disclosure: Corsair provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Corsair Virtuoso RGB wireless gaming headset sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

MSI GeForce RTX 2060 Ventus 6G OC Review

10/12/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

While the RTX 2060 has been out for a few months now, it’s still a strong contender in the mid-range graphics card market. The MSI Ventus RTX 2060 is a budget graphics card, currently priced at $360. Despite its relatively low price, does it have the premium feel of a flagship card? So without further delay, let’s take a closer look at this MSI GeForce RTX 2060 Ventus 6G OC review.

MSI GeForce RTX 2060 Ventus 6G OC Review

Package Contents

MSI GeForce RTX 2060 Ventus 6G OC Edition
User Manual
Thank You and Warranty Card

Thanks to Salad Technologies!

The MSI Ventus RTX 2060 in today’s review was provided by Salad Technologies. Salad helps gamers tap into a powerful (yet often idle) resource: their gaming PC. These machines are fitted with high-end hardware that can handle the latest AAA titles. Salad connects gamers and their capable hardware to industries that are starved for computing power. Salad hopes to bridge this gap and enable our users to make money and lend their GPUs to the latest research and innovations. In exchange for users’ computing power, they can earn Salad Balance, which is redeemable in-app for items like games, game codes, hardware, gift cards (Visa, etc.), and more.

Read: Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

Use code BEANTOWN for 2X the $$ when you sign up on the Salad App.

Specifications

Features

Aesthetics

While I’d argue that aesthetics isn’t too important when choosing a card, it is to some. The MSI Ventus cooler has a rather neutral silver and black color scheme. It features a metal backplate, which looks very nice on the card. One gripe I have with the Ventus series is that it has random hints of green, which can mess with color coordination. However, it generally looks solid and somewhat premium. There is no RGB, which may or may not be a factor in your mind. I don’t mind the lack of RGB so much.

Read: Cooler Master GS750 Desktop Hub Review

Build Quality

The MSI GeForce Ventus RTX 2060 has a sturdy metal backplate which claims to prevent bending. While I didn’t test how much it bends myself, it sure does feel sturdy and contributes to a premium feel. There is a plastic shroud around the fans; however, its design makes it look high quality and almost like a metal. Overall, I don’t see any concerns with the build quality.

Connectivity

The Ventus RTX 2060 has 3 DisplayPort v1.4 ports and 1 HDMI v2.0b port. Overall, I’d say it’s pretty standard though I would have liked to seen a VirtualLink USB-C Port for future VR connectivity.

Read: Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

Cooling Solution

The Ventus RTX isn’t the best cooler on the market, for sure. However, on the RTX 2060, it works perfectly fine. With my headphones on, I can barely hear the fans while I’m running the 3DMark Port Royal stress test. This test was without audio in my headphones, so it is rather quiet. Temperatures hovered in the high 70°s to low 80°s, and that’s a safe number for most graphics cards. I have no concerns, and for typical gaming, I don’t see any issues with the Ventus cooler.

Benchmarks

Okay, this is the meat of the graphics card for most people and what you most likely care about most. For 1080p gaming, this card will absolutely crush any eSports title at 144 fps and run most AAA games with at least 60 fps. In 1440p gaming, the card starts to show signs of struggling. However, it’s tolerable if you’re used to 60 Hz gaming. I wouldn’t necessarily recommend the RTX 2060 for AAA games at 1440p, but that goes for any RTX 2060, not just the Ventus. I would steer clear of 4k gaming with an RTX 2060 and go for a beefier solution, such as an RTX 2070 Super. The stock overclock of the Ventus is nice and definitely helps for those who don’t want to mess around and just get the best performance from their GPU.

Here are some graphs from benchmarked games:

Read: Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Titanium Gaming Keyboard Review

Conclusion

The MSI RTX 2060 Ventus OC edition is a great all-around card for 1080P, even performing well at 1440P with acceptable performance at 4K. Its price point of $350 is also especially attractive, and for a decent cooler that does well on the RTX 2060, I don’t see any reason to doubt the cooling capabilities of this card over the long run. If you’re in the market for a great VR experience, a 1080P or 1440P gaming card, this is definitely the card to buy for $350.

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FTC Disclosure: The writer was provided with one (1) MSI RTX 2060 Ventus 6G OC Edition as part of a giveaway by Salad Technologies. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador for MSI or Salad Technologies.

Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

07/28/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

The Patriot Viper V765 is Patriot’s intermediate level gaming keyboard, and with programmable per-key RGB lighting, it’s sure to look good on any gamer’s desk. Featuring the innovative Kailh Box White switches, the V765 is also partially water and dustproof. The Kailh Box lineup of clicky switches also features a different click mechanism, which gives it a distinctive feel that is different from a traditional Cherry MX Blue style switch. At $89.99 at the time of writing, it is one of the lesser expensive mechanical keyboards on the market and is sure to attract many budget-conscious gamers. However, is that low price-point too good to be true, or is it truly a good keyboard? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Patriot Viper V765 gaming keyboard review.

Key Features of the V765 Keyboard

Kailh mechanical box switches for superior durability and quicker response time
Water and dust resistant to IP56 rating
Full spectrum RGB, 16.8 million color backlighting
Dedicated multi-media controls
Volume wheel w/mute function
N-key rollover and anti-ghosting
Removable magnetic palm rest
Aircraft grade aluminum chassis

Patriot Viper V765 Gaming Keyboard Review

First Impressions

The packaging is well-put together and shows off the keyboard.
It’s a medium weight keyboard, and its thinner cable makes transport easier if desired.
The RGB implementation bright and will illuminate any setup nicely.
It has a very simplistic design and is sure to fit on any desk.

The Switches and Typing Experience

The Kailh Box White switch is one of my favorite switches on the market right now, behind some of Kailh’s other clicky options. The click feels very pronounced, and its design even offers some water and dust proofing for minor accidents; nevertheless, your experience may differ with spills. Though this isn’t a keyboard I recommend having if you’re super messy and spill liquids everywhere. The keycaps feel decent for a $90 keyboard and are definitely passable. The legends have that “gamer” aesthetic but are still rather neutral if you aren’t going for a gamer aesthetic. However, the wrist rest wasn’t long enough for me, and I found my hands on the table instead of on the comfortable rubber grip that the wrist rest offers.

Read: Gaming: Patriot Viper V570 Mouse Review

Aesthetic

While I appreciate the nice RGB integration, the red Viper logo in the center of the keyboard seems badly placed considering that it may clash with many setups. Overall, the keyboard has a very simple design and it will fit on most desks. The software that Viper provides also gives a lot of customization which means you can coordinate your keyboard with your setup very nicely. However, it doesn’t sync up with other Viper hardware and the fact that it uses separate software from other Patriot components is an element that can be improved.

Read: Gaming: Patriot Viper V361 & V370 Headsets Review

Build Quality

The V765’s build quality is outstanding for a keyboard under $100. The body is entirely metal and will last a long time under heavy use. Overall, I have no concerns the build quality.

Specifications

• Key Switch:
• Cable:
• Switch Lifecycle:
• Dimensions:
• Weight:
• Polling Rate:
• Profile Keys:
• Programmable Keys:
• Multimedia Keys:
• Graphical User Interface:

• Kailh Box White mechanical switches
• 1.8m, braided
• 50 Million
• 1.1 in. x 18.4 in. x 6.4 in.
• 2.5 lbs
• 1000 Hz
• Yes, 5
• Yes, 103
• Yes
• Yes, Viper Software

Conclusion

Pros:
• Kailh Box White switches feel very nice and feel high-quality
• Build quality is very sturdy and will last a long time
• Price is under $100
• Detachable wrist-rest is very comfortable
• Software is very intuitive and easy to use

Cons:
• Wrist-rest is too short and doesn’t fit my palms
• Key-caps feel meh at best
• The software isn’t well integrated with other Viper products

Patriot Viper has created a solid budget keyboard that integrates just the right amount of features that gamers desire. The on-keyboard lighting profiles, as well as the Patriot Viper keyboard software, make it easy to control your lighting profiles. If you take into account all the features of this keyboard, which include its great switches, RGB lighting, design, etc., the Viper V765 is one of the best keyboards I’ve ever tested, even competing with those above $120.

The Viper V765 RGB mechanical gaming keyboard is available for purchase on Amazon for under $100 (see link below) as well as on the Patriot Store at a list price of $99. All-in-all, this is a well-designed RGB mechanical gaming keyboard which easily earned a 4.5 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Patriot Viper V765 gaming 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.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to Patriot’s Viper Gaming page to see their newest products. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. The Viper V765 keyboard comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Patriot Memory/Viper Gaming provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Viper V765 gaming keyboard sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Viper V550 Gaming Mouse Review

07/25/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

The Patriot Viper V550 Gaming Mouse is touted in Viper’s intermediate lineup as an ambidextrous mouse. The V550 sports a Pixart 3325 optical sensor that can achieve up to 5,000 DPI. It also flashes two RGB strips at the bottom of each side, and features four programmable side buttons as well as an on-the-fly DPI wheel. For $40 on Amazon at the time of writing, it is one of the least expensive gaming mice on the market. Can it stand up to other tried-and-tested giants in the mice field? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Patriot Viper V550 gaming mouse review.

Key Features

Ergonomic, ambidextrous design
Fully customizable
Multi-zone full-spectrum RGB
Nine buttons, eight programmable

Specifications

Sensor: Pixart 3325 optical sensor
DPI: 5,000 DPI, adjustable up to 10,000 through software
RGB: Yes, multi-zone and full-spectrum
Buttons: 9 buttons, 8 programmable
Switches: Omron, 10 million clicks
Cable: Braided, 1.8m USB cable
Mouse feet: PTFE
Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Viper V550 Gaming Mouse Review

Mouse Shape and Construction

The Viper V550 is described as an ambidextrous mouse that’ll work for anyone. The mouse shape itself is rather comfortable but could use improvement. Unlike many ambidextrous mice (such as the Zowie FK-series and the Glorious Model O) that go for a less deep comfort grip for the thumb, the V550 has a deep comfort grip on both sides. As a right-handed person, this makes my pinky feel very awkward whenever I’m trying to rest my hand. I would have preferred if they had gone for a safer shape with less deep grips. The fact that that the V550 has four side buttons makes it easy to remap every key that you’ll need in an MMO to a side button. As soon as you get the mouse, I recommend you change the keybind on one side of the mouse to something else, as I often found myself accidentally pressing buttons on the other side. At a $40 price point, this was a very good attempt at an ambidextrous mouse.

The V550 isn’t a heavy mouse, which makes it easy to use over extended periods while using it for productivity, or making flick-shots in FPS games a breeze. The mouse clicks were very crisp, and I never found myself misclicking the right or left mouse buttons. The DPI switch button was somewhat weirdly placed, and its lack of firmness often made me misclick it and miss a shot due to the shift in DPI.

Aesthetically, the V550 is a good looking mouse. The RGB Viper logo, mouse wheel RGB, and side glow will be sure to accent any setup that you have.

Gaming Performance

As previously mentioned, the V550 uses the Pixart 3325 sensor which can achieve up to 5,000 DPI mechanically, and 10,000 DPI through software. The Pixart 3325 is a very good sensor, and I never found it to miss any flick shots or track unreliably. The size of the side buttons was very good as well and was easy to reach during games. As mentioned above, the fact that there are two side buttons on each side makes it easy to misclick one; however, you can either unbind this in the Viper software or map it to a different keybind. All of the buttons felt good and were never misclicked, except for one of the side buttons.

The PTFE mouse feet didn’t feel like pure PTFE for some reason, which led to less smooth gliding. I will say that these feet glide better than most mice and won’t need any aftermarket modifications.

One thing I didn’t like was the cord, as it felt stiff and often caught on objects on my desk. I would definitely recommend a mouse bungee for the V550.

Conclusion

Pros:
• Attractive price point at $40
• Ambidextrous design
• PTFE feet allow for smooth movement
• Semi-lightweight design

Cons:
• The cord is stiff and catches on desk
• Side grooves are a tad too deep
• Side buttons often misclicked

Overall, the V550 is a good attempt at an ambidextrous mouse with its 8 programmable buttons and multi-zone RGB, though it falls a bit short in terms of its design. The side grooves were just too deep for me. The mouse was also too small for me; thus, it didn’t fit well to my hands too well. Though if your hands are smaller, the V550 should work and fit just fine for you.

The Viper V550 RGB ambidextrous gaming mouse is available for purchase on Amazon for under $40 (see link below) as well as on the Patriot Store at a list price of just under $50. All-in-all, this is a decently-designed RGB gaming mouse which earned a 3.5 out of 5-star rating.

What do you think of this Patriot Viper V550 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.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to Patriot’s Viper Gaming page to see their newest products. To learn more about service and support, click here for their Support page. The Viper V550 mouse comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Patriot Memory/Viper Gaming provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Viper V550 gaming mouse sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own and not a paid product ambassador.

Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Titanium Gaming Keyboard Review

07/24/2019 By Daniel Nguyen

With the inclusion of the Level 20 RGB Titanium Gaming Keyboard in the Level 20 series, it sure seems to be promising being grouped in the Thermaltake “Premium” Series and bearing the name of its flagship case, the Level 20. With its impressive RGB side glow and numerous RGB installations on its top plate, it’s sure to turn some heads and make a statement on any PC. But for $150 (at the type of writing), is it worth that price point? Without further delay, let’s take a closer look in this Thermaltake Level 20 RGB gaming keyboard review.

First Impressions

The packaging displays most of the features of the keyboard.
Its thick braided cable will last a long time but will make the regular movement of the keyboard from place to place difficult.
Its hefty weight also forms the impression that its build quality is superior to many others on the market right now, however, makes the regular movement of the keyboard difficult.
The RGB implementation bright and will illuminate any setup nicely.
The aggressive design is too tacky for me, however, it may interest some.

Read: Patriot Viper V770 Gaming Keyboard Review

The Switches and Typing Experience

While the Cherry MX Silver isn’t my favorite switch in world, its light activation force is sure to be a favorite for light typists. Nevertheless, the decreased travel distance makes me constantly bottom out (hitting the bottom of the keystroke) instead of being able to release the key after actuation (when the keystroke registers). This bottoming out effect led to soreness after extended periods of gaming, especially in my middle finger due to it often hitting the W key too hard. I did eventually adjust to the speed switches and was able to type without too much soreness, but I’d much prefer a switch with a fuller travel distance. Luckily, the Level 20 RGB is also offered in the Cherry MX Blue, though it will be too loud for some users.

Unfortunately, the keycaps weren’t of the best quality. I would have liked to see double-shot (two separate pieces of plastic) keycaps instead of the pad printed keycaps (ink rolled on top of the plastic) as then the legends on the keycaps will never wear away. Nonetheless, the legends are beautiful and feature a seamless typeface which is very clean looking.

These keycaps don’t produce too loud of a noise. I’m not worried that this Level 20 RGB Titanium keyboard will be louder than the run-of-the-mill mechanical keyboard. If you feel the sound is an issue, you can purchase o-rings at any major online retailer to dampen the noise.

The mappable macro keys serve useful for many users. The fact that you can map a key to any combination of keystrokes is helpful to gamers and even professionals alike who have too many shortcuts.

Read: Gaming: Tt eSPORTS Cronos Riing RGB 7.1 Headphones Review

Aesthetic

While I don’t like the look of the RGB strip in the middle of the board, it is truly a statement piece and will illuminate any desk setup nicely. And while the large bezels look nice, I feel it’s more form over function. The extra desk space the bezels take up could be used for the mice, and concerning gamers, desk space is truly precious. Overall, I would say that this is an attractive aesthetic for those who like the Level 20 RGB keyboard; however, it isn’t for everyone.

Build Quality

The Thermaltake Level 20 RGB Titanium Edition sports a full-metal body, giving it unyielding weight, thus staying on one’s desk for a while. But this weight makes it less portable, which may be a downside for those LAN party players but will work well for those who keep it on their desktop setup. The flip-down feet are considerably stable and have a robust tactile response when they flip down.

Final Thoughts

While this gaming keyboard is one of the best boards you can get, for $150 I feel like you could get another of similar quality for less and have more money to put elsewhere in your setup. It does have all the bells and whistles a gamer could need though, such as macro buttons, voice control, a mic, and USB passthrough. The software is nothing spectacular, though it easily gets the job done via customization and integrating easy setup of macro keys.

There is one thing I do wish Thermaltake offered, and this would be a TKL version. For most gamers, desk space for their mouse is precious, and on a gaming-oriented keyboard, I would have liked to see a more compact version or even this same layout but without its large bezels.

While the Thermaltake Level 20 offers tons of features and a very high-tech look, I can’t recommend the Level 20 for gamers due to its humongous footprint. The Level 20 doesn’t even fare well for general productivity, as the aggressive design and RGB implementation wouldn’t look good in any professional setting. The Thermaltake Level 20 earns a modest 3 out of 5 stars.

Read: Cooler Master MH751 Gaming Headset Review

The Thermaltake Level 20 RGB gaming keyboard is available for purchase on Amazon for $149.99 (see link below.)

What do you think of this Thermaltake Level 20 RGB gaming 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.

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Don’t hesitate to head over to the Thermaltake homepage to see their current line-up of products. To learn more about service, support, and warranties, click on their Support tab. The keyboard comes with a 2-year warranty.

FTC Disclosure: Thermaltake provided Beantown LLC with one (1) Level 20 RGB Titanium gaming keyboard sample for review purposes. This writer’s opinion is 100% his own, and not a paid product ambassador.

Read: Gaming: HyperX Alloy Elite Keyboard Review