Closer Examination

The COUGAR ATTACK X3 looks very clean and simplistic; I like it when companies stick to keeping keyboards looking like keyboards rather than giving them a "gamer" look by including aggressive edges or other such gimmicks.


The font on the COUGAR ATTACK X3's keycaps is large, clear, and easy to read.


The 1.8m cable uses a soft braiding. Quite slippery, it shouldn't snag too much on any items around it. The rubber cover for the USB connector is quite stiff to make sure it doesn't bend.


Flipping the keyboard over, we can see the two rubber-coated feet that keep the COUGAR ATTACK X3 from slipping. There are also spots for a wrist rest to be attached, but no wrist rest was included with our sample.


The F keys all have secondary options when used with the FN key. F1, F2, and F3 will activate different profiles for your macro keys you can set in the downloadable software. F4 is the backlight option, F5, F6, F7, and F8 are all for polling rates, and F9 to F12 are your media controls.


Next to the F keys are the print screen, scroll lock, and pause break keys. Use FN with these keys and you change the rollover options from 6-key to N-key. Next to these are the dedicated volume-control keys.


COUGAR gave us a choice between four different Cherry switches, which is nice to see because some manufacturers have been cutting down on switch types to reduce cost even though a big attraction of a mechanical keyboard is having the option to choose a switch that suits one's needs. With the options of Blues, Blacks, Reds, and Browns, there really is a switch type for everyone.


One thing to note with the COUGAR ATTACK X3 is that there are numerous keys that are not of the normal size or layout. The spacebar is smaller, for instance, to fit an additional key into the bottom row. This doesn't alter the way you use the keyboard, but do bear it in mind if you want to swap keycaps out.


Another feature that is always nice to see is the Windows lock option you would enable by using the FN + Windows key. Again, something to consider is that this is the only Windows key, and it is on the keyboard's right-handed side. I tried hitting the Windows key several times while writing this review, expecting it to be on the left and it wasn't. Something you will get used to over time and this not being the only keyboard to put that key elsewhere, it isn't a huge deal.


A look at the side shows a pretty normal profile with nothing out of the ordinary. You can see how the keys almost look as though they are floating due to the lack of a surround, which is a concept a lot of manufacturers are using and one I do like because any spillage of your favorite beverage can be cleaned off quickly.


The COUGAR ATTACK X3 has a red LED backlight with three levels of brightness; you can also disable it completely, and there is a "breathing" mode. The LEDs are certainly very bright and are, as such, easy to make out in even a well-lit area.


Breathing mode is very simple and in all honesty doesn't add anything to the board other than a demo-type feature. I can't imagine anyone using it whilst gaming or typing since it is very distracting, particularly in the dark.