Closer Examination

As we saw before, the STRAFE RGB MK.2 comes in a plastic wrap to keep it pristine and free of dust out of the box. Removing it, we get our first good look at the keyboard, and it is on the heavier side of average as far as full-size plastic case keyboards go. For one, there are a few extra keys, as we see in the images above. Secondly, there are also a lot of RGB LEDs, including some on the side linked to the side plates, and the case itself is larger than average to accommodate everything. The extra keys include a profile switch, LED brightness toggle, and Win lock on the left, as well as a volume scroll wheel alongside a mute button and playback controls in the top-right corner. The case is also angled at a curve as we proceed from the top to the bottom, which is how CORSAIR has had their recent plastic case keyboards be.

The numpad has secondary legends below the primary ones, with the alphanumeric section doing the same. This, combined with the location of single legends being in the top-center, is indicative of where the backlighting will be more uniform, and those at the bottom may not end up as bright as those at the top. The legends have the same typeface as all recent CORSAIR keyboards—a larger font size with a font CORSAIR says is their balance between clean and aggressive while also allowing more light through. This is subjective of course, so do let me know what you think in the comments section.


Flipping the keyboard around, we see the usual certification sticker in the middle. There are four small rubber pads on the corners in the back to keep the keyboard from sliding around on the desk, and two feet at the top open up sideways to optionally elevate the keyboard, though these unfortunately do not have rubber pads, making this a cost-saving measure. Given the original STRAFE RGB did the same, this update really should have added the pads in my opinion. There are also two cutouts at the bottom to install the provided wrist rest.


Installing the wrist rest is very simple because of the plastic tabs that can be pushed into place in the aforementioned cutouts. Once they click in on one side, do the same for the other and it will remain in place during normal use. Ideally, one should not use a wrist rest at all, but I understand that this is easier said than done for most people.


The keyboard has a non-removable cable coming out the front center as seen above, and next to it is a USB pass-through port other peripherals or even USB drives can be connected to. As such, the keyboard cable is on the thicker side, comes braided in black, and terminates in two male USB Type-A connectors. Both connectors are USB 2.0 only, so be aware of this for the pass-through, lest you expect USB 3.1 Gen 1 speeds from a portable drive. Also, the casing on these connectors is thick enough to where you may have a hard time plugging both into ports next to each other.


The keycaps have an OEM profile, and the various rows are thus sculpted accordingly. They have a floating design, which allows for easier cleaning, but causes more light bleed, which may or may not be to your liking. The keycaps themselves are thin ABS plastic with an average wall thickness of 0.92 mm, so expect them to develop a shine due to finger oils with use. The legends are laser etched, which will have these wear out quicker relative to other application techniques, including dye sublimation and doubleshot injection. Adding to the complexity, the bottom row has a different spacing scheme than what a lot of aftermarket keycap sets cater to. These are not new complaints from me, but we finally have CORSAIR's own replacement keycap set out in the market as well, so you have first-party options now. As expected, backlighting will be affected depending on where the legends are located.


There are only two switch options for the STRAFE RGB MK.2—the Cherry MX Red RGB and Cherry MX Silent Red RGB. So if you are not a fan of light, linear switches, you should look elsewhere. My sample came with the MX Silent Red RGB switch, which adopts a lighter pink color for the stem and incorporates bumpers inside to reduce noise from the downstroke and upstroke when bottomed out. The switch was a launch exclusive for CORSAIR to use with the original STRAFE RGB and has not seen widespread adoption since, including by CORSAIR themselves. The larger keycaps use Cherry stabilizers, which makes those keycaps easier to remove and install as well, but at the expense of a slightly mushy and unsatisfying feeling when depressed normally.


Here is a look at the replacement keycaps in action. Note that the two sets contain some common keycaps, so if you get them mixed up, be sure to check if the profile matches up or not. In use, it is very easy to distinguish these keycaps from others by just touch typing, although the rubber finish can show signs of use quickly.