California peripherals specialist Cooler Master just updated its popular 65%-format mechanical keyboard (CK721) to create the company’s first fully customizable board, the wired CK720. You can swap out its switches without a soldering iron to easily get the typing feel and sound you like best.
“We’re huge fans of custom-built mechanical keyboards ourselves, so we wanted to make sure the CK720 is a great steppingstone into the hobby,” said Dennis Liu, Cooler Master’s peripheral general manager, in a press release. “Whether you like smooth linear switches with maximum thock, or a sharp tactile typing feel with a marbly sound, the CK720 has the ability to achieve it.”
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Cooler Master CK270 65% Gaming Keyboard
The world of mechanical keyboards keeps moving steadily toward ultimate customizability as makers realize customers have strong preferences as to typing feel and clickety-clacking noise. Plus a lot of people like modding gear themselves.
For the CK720 65% Gaming Keyboard, Cooler Master ships keyboards with Kailh Box V2 switches (Brown, Red, White or Blue). Plus you can add a set of eight heavier Cherry MX Green switches. But if you want something else, you can easily swap in your preferred switches (say, if you want something lighter, heavier, quieter or louder).
Above the switches, Cooler Master’s keycaps are made from durable polybutylene terephthalate (PBT).
What’s new under the keycaps and switches
Underneath the keycaps, the new keyboard’s chassis now features pre-lubed Cooler Master stabilizers. That’s meant to add stability and well as smoothness in typing, the company said.
And silicone padding on the PCB and bottom plate creates “smooth feedback and minimal rattle,” the company said.
Plus this model lets you remove the aluminum top plate to make it easier to get at the switches and make other fixes or changes.
Control dial
A three-way dial sits at the top right corner of the keyboard to provide “tactile controls” that you can customize with the company’s MasterPlus+ software.
Using the app, you can play with RGB colors and lighting across the keyboard, or create and adjust macros, in addition to manipulating other settings.
The keyboard comes with a two-step kickstand to adjust the height and typing angle.
You can pick up the keyboard in silver or black colors with black or white keycaps for $99.99.
Where to buy: Amazon
