CORSAIR announced the original STRAFE keyboard around three years ago, and a lot has changed since then. For example, it was reviewed here on TechPowerUp by not just my predecessor, but his predecessor to boot. CORSAIR used to be referred to as Corsair then (marketing had not caught on to the impact of all caps at the time presumably), and then there was the Corsair Gaming logo that was.. divisive at best.
RGB mechanical keyboards have become the norm for the higher-end market today, and there are significantly more switch options to choose from as well. Is there enough room to bring forth an update in 2018? CORSAIR certainly thinks so, as we see with the announcement of the new STRAFE RGB MK.2 keyboard.
I have had a look at the STRAFE RGB in person before, and even in multiple switch options to get used to the then exclusive Cherry MX Silent Red switch. CORSAIR is still only referring to the switch as the Cherry MX Silent, which is potentially misleading since Cherry has two MX silent switches-the other being the MX Silent Black-with each coming in RGB and non-RGB options.
That aside, there is no mistaking this is an updated STRAFE or even K68, which we saw before, given the very similar aesthetics. At the same time, I can already spot several subtle changes that appear positive upon first glance. Thanks to CORSAIR for providing a review sample thus, as we get to a more detailed examination beginning with the specifications below.
Specifications
| CORSAIR STRAFE RGB MK.2 Keyboard | |
|---|---|
| Layout: | >104-key modified US ANSI layout, language support depending on your region |
| Material: | ABS plastic case and keycaps, steel plate |
| Macro Support: | Yes |
| Weight: | 1.46 kg / 3.22 lbs. |
| Wrist Rest: | Yes |
| Anti-ghosting: | Full N-Key rollover |
| Media Keys: | Dedicated |
| Dimensions: | 168 (L) x 447 (W) x 40 (H) mm (without wrist rest) |
| Cable Length: | 6.0 ft / 1.8 m |
| Software: | Yes |
| Switch Type: | Choice of genuine Cherry MX Red, or Silent Red RGB switch |
| Backlighting: | Yes, 16.8 M per-key RGB backlighting |
| Interface: | USB |
| Warranty: | Two years |
