Corsair strafe review

Corsair, a leading manufacturer of high-end peripherals, RAM, SSD and cases, has recently launched its new Corsair Strafe mechanical keyboard with Cherry MX Brown and Red switches.

This series has created great expectations worldwide and in Spain we can already enjoy these models with a layout in Spanish. Do you want to know more about him? In our analysis we will explain everything you need to know about it. Do not miss it!

We thank Corsair Spain for trusting the product for its analysis.

Technical characteristics

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CORSAIR STRAFE FEATURES
Switches	Available in different mechanical Cherry MX versions: Brown and Red.
Dimensions	448mm x 170mm x 40mm and weight of 1352 grams.
Internal memory	Yes, programmable.
Form factor	Standard size.
Sampling rate	1000 Hz, 100% anti-ghosting matrix and 104 Key Rollover.
Cable	Braided fiber with USB connection.
Additional features	Wrist Rest CUE Software WIN Lock Key Extractor, FPS and MOBO Key Sets.
Price	130 euros.
Warranty	2 years.

Corsair Strafe

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Premium packaging, full-color keyboard image as cover. Checking its certifications, it informs us that it has Cherry MX Red switches, it is backlit with red LEDs and it can be programmed. In the back we have all the most important characteristics and specifications of the keyboard. Once we open the box we find:

• Corsair Strafe Keyboard Instruction Manual Quick Guide Wrist Rest Key Extraction Kit Silver Replacement Keys

The Corsair Strafe RGB has measurements of 448mm x 170mm x 40mm and a weight of 1, 352 kilograms. normal measurements as it is a standard keyboard . Corsair has maintained the excellent design than its previous work on the K70 and K90 series. We no longer have an anodized aluminum chassis covering the entire surface, it disappears and uses a premium ABS plastic. The feel is also excellent, while maintaining the minimalist touch of the latest series.

To further highlight the LED lighting they have used a red base, with this system intensifies the intensity. The keyboard layout in Spanish with WSAD and “Ñ” is currently available in online stores.

The keyboard is distributed in 104 keys made up of the alpha-numeric zone, full numeric keyboard and function keys in the upper zone, each one with its additional emphasis as it happens with other series of the brand. While in the upper right area we find the brightness key and the lock button for the Windows key. These options can be adjusted from the Corsair CUE application itself.

The sides we can see that there is no frame that protects the switches, just as we commented in the analysis of the K70 RGB this can be beneficial in improving the cleanliness of the keyboard and offering a quite innovative design.

Going into more detail there are three versions of Cherry MX switches available: MX Red and MX Brown that meets the needs of professional users and gamers. Specifically we have the version with Cherry MX Red switches, which are the favorites for the most gamers. It is equipped with the world's leading key switch technology. Gold-Crosspoint contacts, gold-plated contact closure, and pressure-resistant metal alloy springs give players a competitive advantage. Smooth and linear responses with a wide area of ​​action. They offer the responsiveness needed to perfectly perform double and triple beats without the annoying click sound or without perceiving any "lumps" to the touch.

It also comes equipped with N-Key Rollover (NKRO) and Anti-Ghosting technologies that substantially enhance your favorite gaming and typing experience. It has an excellent sample rate and software programmable keys. In the rear area we have 4 rubber feet that offer two positions, and four other rubber bands that prevent the keyboard from slipping, together with a product identification label.

A set of WSAD touch keys is included as a set for use in MOBAs. Here you can see how each mount looks.

software

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In order to configure the entire keyboard it is necessary to install the configuration software that we can download from the Corsair official website. Specifically we will lower CUE (Corsair Motor Utility). When we install it, they will surely send us a message of a possible firmware update, we will proceed to update and restart the equipment.

The application is divided into 4 sections and is one of the most advanced and complete that we have seen first hand:

• Profiles: allows us to assign macros keys, change the keyboard lighting and activate / deactivate keys or functions in the performance section. Actions we can edit any function and create more complex macros again. For example in speed, combinations with the mouse, etc… Lighting: In this section it allows us a more complex and more advanced lighting. Create combinations with wave, curly, solid… That is, combinations that we had never thought of on a keyboard. The last option is "options" that allows us to check and update the firmware, change the language of the software, modify the multimedia keys and be able to contact Corsair European technical support.

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Final words and conclusion

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The Corsair Strafe is about a keyboard with its own identity: aggressive design, mechanical keyboard with good switches, good build components, and very powerful software. There are two variants, the first with MX Cherry Brown and Red.

The keyboard is quite ergonomic and the touch is very good when it comes to typing. I have missed in the long durations of work, a wrist rest. Except for this detail and that the LEDs were RGB, it has been an excellent way to write this analysis and play a wide variety of games.

I also really liked that it includes additional keys (FPS and MOBAs) to improve the experience and design of our keyboard.

In short, if you are looking for an ideal keyboard for gamers, with a beautiful design, good materials and very powerful software… The Corsair Strafe is one of the best alternatives that the market offers us for 130 euros.

ADVANTAGE	DISADVANTAGES
+ CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS.	- PRICE.
+ DESIGN.	- THE CUE APP MUST IMPROVE.
+ ADJUSTABLE LIGHTING.	- NOT INCLUDING WRIST REST.
+ FULL NKRO.
+ MX RED AND BROWN SWITCHES.
+ ADDITIONAL KEYS.

The Professional Review team awarded him the Gold medal:

Corsair Strafe

DESIGN

ERGONOMICS

SWITCHES

SILENT

PRICE

8.2 / 10