Setup and use with the Corsair STRAFE RGB is fairly standard and can run via plug and play drivers effectively. By default this results in a red LED backlight with white lighting highlighted around WASD and the arrow keys. Considering the STRAFE RGB has integrated memory, you can also save your profile to the keyboard so you are able to use your preferred settings to be used on the go.

The STRAFE RGB is quite weighty and has a high quality textured plastic finish and good quality feeling keycaps. The replacement tactile keycaps are also good quality and if you are a gamer, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend using these instead of the default keycaps, though some may prefer the more homogeneous appeal of the default aesthetic. In use, the STRAFE RGB is much more pleasant to use when typing due to the included wrist rest, as noted previously with the STRAFE, we found that typing without a wrist rest could lead to a little discomfort (depending on your seating position) due to the height of the keys.



Mechanical keyboards tend to become quite a predictable selection of products in regards to performance, especially when they are using renowned mechanical switches. The reliability and performance of Cherry MX has become a staple in many premium keyboards, the downside is, many products can end up feeling the same. This is where Razer once had a niche with its custom made mechanical switches. Corsair have ultimately, (for now) got one up, as it is the only keyboard on the market to feature Cherry MX Silent switches. These have a linear actuation similar to MX Red, but with active noise dampening. The touted effectiveness is 30% noise reduction and in testing, the difference is highly noticeable. The MX Silent does away with that sound you hear from the Reds, that 'ShuuuuKK' of an abrupt ending. It is more of a squishy 'phomp' as the key descends to a rubbery stop. The keys feel slightly different to the standard Red switches too as they are depressed, offering more of a curve of resistance rather than the same actuation force throughout the whole travel distance. Making the MX Silent quite pleasant and distinctive.