Brushed Aluminium
As mentioned previously, the keyboard backplate features a slab of brushed aluminium which streches all of the way across the keyboard. Not only does it look very attractive but it also serves to strengthen the keyboard which will certainly come in handy during those moments of frustration!
Textured keys
The replacement key set below, along with the space bar are all textured as opposed to the relatively smooth standard keys. It's little details such as this that impress on the Corsair unit.
Key removal
Removing and replacing the keys was a cinch thanks to the included key pull-ring. Each key came away from the keyboard with a slight tug and the spare keys were set in place with a firm push. Adding replacement keys is a must for a gaming keyboard because overtime, the extra, lengthy presses on your preferred control keys will wear out the font making the keyboard look rather unsightly.
Cherry Red MX Switches
Rather than opt for the more popular Cherry MX Black switches, Corsair have implemented the Cherry Red design which require less actuation force (45g) as opposed to the 60g needed for the Cherry MX Blacks. Like the blacks though, the Red switches are non-tactile and linear in operation. they are also reportedly more expensive than the Cherry black switches which may explain my findings below...
Rubber membrane
As you can see from the picture above, not all of the keys are mechanical in nature with the function keys and page controls being traditional rubber membrane. Corsair do however state and to a certain extent I agree that these keys are usually only pressed once and as such you do not want the speed of Cherry MX red mechanical switches and as such the rubber domed keys work better in this instance. These keys are tuned to the same weight as the mechanical switches but the aditional dampening effect should prevent unwanted double tapping.
Replacement Keys
While most gamers will know where WSAD are on a keyboard, the replacement keys are also highlighted by a bright red colour. The keys also have a rubberised texture to them and are individually sculpted towards a central position for comfort when gaming.
Let's move on to the performance testing of the keyboard...
