With their Strafe, Corsair offers a new mechanical keyboard equipped with Cherry MX Red switches. Based on a standard layout and without any additional buttons, this is a high-end product suitable for anybody who likes keyboards with linear actuation force. Apart from that there is a red backlight and the F-keys come with two pre-defined functions.
Today we are haveing a close look at the Strafe keyboard from Corsair with Cherry MX Red switches. Compared to the RGB version we reviewed a few weeks ago, this model doesn't ship with silent switches.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Photo Gallery
Delivery
The exterior of the Corsair Strafe RGB features a large picture of the keyboard itself, which give you a clear image of what you're going to buy if you see this keyboard in a shelf. On the back we find additional information about the specifications of this keyboard. Inside the box there is the keyboard itself, additional keycaps, which provide better grip for gaming, the warranty statement and a small manual. In order to gain access to all the customization features you need to browse Corsair's website to download the software, since there is no disk or pen-drive included in the delivery.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Features
| Model number: | Strafe |
| Keys: | Cherry MX Red |
| Keycaps: | ABS |
| Materials: | ABS |
| Backlight: | Red |
| Profiles: | Yes |
| Macros: | Yes |
| Interface: | 2x USB |
| Cable : | 1.8 m |
| Dimensions: | 448 mm x 170 mm x 40 mm |
| Weight: | 1.27 Kg |
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Closer Look
As soon as you lift the
Strafe, you realize how sturdy and solid it
actually is. Corsair has created a keyboard that gives a sense of maximum quality to the user at any
given time. Unlike the Vengeance the Strafe ins't made from aluminium, but high-quality plastic. Apart from
that the palm rest features a soft-touch surface with a grippy texture. A closer look at the keycaps
reveals they have been laser printed, and therefore the keys feel very smooth and not
sticky even if you should have sweaty hands. The Strafe is one of the
smaller mechanical keyboards we've had for testing so far but as we already
mentioned, it still features a comfortable, especially due to the detachable palm rest. The layout of the Strafe is standard and this keyboard doesn't come with additional macro buttons, but still the F-buttons are pre-programmed with additional functions.
Corsair Gaming Strafe is a mechanical keyboard and uses Cherry MX Red mechanical switches, great for most hardcore gamers. The backlight is red with different levels of intensity which can be selected via a dedicated button located at the top right part of the keyboard. The tactile feedback is very good as well as the perfomance. We also like the fact, that keycaps are grippy.
Back
The flip side of the Strafe is not really special. There is an even surface made from plastic and in each corner there is a stand-off, which in order to change the keyboard angle. Apart from that there are no rubber feet with this keyboard. We actually like it when the keyboard is not glued to the desktop, since we're the type of gamers/typists who like to move the keyboard around every now and then.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Software
After installing Corsair's software, which you'll have to download from the manufacturers website first, you can start to program macros as well as change the lighting. When it comes to macros you can assign them to any key you like, which means you're not limited to different keys on this device. Basically it's only your imagination that could set limits to what lighting effect can be programmed. Regarding the backlight, there is nothing to say since at every color there is good brightness.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Conclusion
| General | + | - | |
| With the Strafe, Corsair have created a high quality gaming keyboard, which has almost no flaws. We like the fact, that this keyboard feels very sturdy, which is partially because of the high weight. In addition there is also one USB port on the back of the keyboard, which is always a practical addition. |
- Weight
- Design - USB |
- No audio connectors | |
| Manufacturing quality / Ergonomics | + | - | |
| The Corsair Strafe gaming keyboard is comfortable to use, all the keys are well placed and easy to reach so you will not find yourself pressing a wrong key by accident. Regarding the Cherry MX Red switches we can say, they're precise and linear as usual while providing excellent tactile feedback. |
- Build quality
- Comfort |
||
| Software | + | - | |
| The software is essential but has everything you need, it is free and fast to get, since it's ony 40 MB you have to download from Corsair's website. We do like the fact, that macros can be programmed to each and every key on the Strafe and apart from that also the backlight is highly customizable. | - Easy to use - Customizability | ||
| Recommendation / Price | + | - | |
| A closer look at the price of the Corsair Strafe reveals that you have to pay 120 Euro in order enjoy this keyboard. For this price you get a gaming Keyboard, which features mechanical switches and a very high build quality. Despite all this good features we think that the price is a bit too high. |
- Gaming - Office |
- Price | |
| Rating | |||
| The Strafe from Corsair receives very good 4 out of 5 stars. | |||
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |