Cooler Master launches MK850 analogue mechanical keyboard

by Mark Tyson on 1 March 2019, 10:10

Tags: Cooler Master

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Cooler Master has launched a new full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard which includes Aimpad technology. It claims this is the world's first mechanical keyboard packing Cherry MX keys that includes the analogue pressure-sensitive tech for "unparalleled control in even the most demanding PC games".

Starting with a focus on the special features here, Aimpad blends Cherry MX mechanical technology with IR sensors to a cluster of eight keys on the MK850, the QWER and ASDF keys. The IR sensors can "sense the entire 4mm range of a key press versus competitor analogue keyboards that are only capable of measuring 2mm of analogue movement and do not utilize Cherry MX switches," asserts Cooler Master.

If you aren't familiar with the purported benefits of analogue keys in gaming, this keyboard will allow you to control speed, yaw, adjust pitch, creep, and roll, for example, with smooth increments. In contrast, a traditional mechanical keyswitch sends just a simple on-state to the PC after it reaches a certain threshold - its actuation - so you get 0 or 100 per cent.

Previously we have seen Cooler Master launch a separate numpad-style peripheral offering Aimpad technology to users, via Kickstarter. HEXUS wrote about the Cooler Master ControlPad last October.

The twin knurled control wheels are another attraction where some keyboards have none or only one. They can be configured to adjust volume, dial in your DPI, change colours, and more. Accompanying the wheels are five dedicated multimedia keys.

Elsewhere in the Cooler Master MK850 design there are plenty of attractions to put it on a par with flagship gaming keyboards from other makes. For example it has per-key RGB backlighting, built-in ARM Cortex M3 controller with 512KB memory backup, a removable Type-C cable, anodized aluminium top plate, magnetic wrist rest, and fast 1ms response rate.

You can fully program the MK850 with the software suite available here. What I have liked about Cooler Master keyboards I have owned previously is that you don't usually need to run this software at startup on your PC, thanks to the persistent onboard memory.

In its email to HEXUS, Cooler Master said that the MasterKeys MK850 will be available in the UK from March priced at £209.99 inc. VAT. It is pre-orderable from Scan at this price.

Product Name

MasterKeys MK850

Model Number

MK-850-GKCR1-**

Switch Type

Cherry MX Red

Material

Plastic / Aluminum / PU Leather

Color

Gunmetal

LED Color

RGB, 16.7 million colors

Polling Rate

1000Hz

Response Rate

1ms / 1000Hz

MCU

32bit ARM Cortex M3

On board Memory

512KB

On-the-fly system

Multi-media, Macro Recording and Lighting

Multi-media Keys

Yes, 5 dedicated + 2 Wheels

Smart cable manager

Yes, 180 degree, 3 ways.

Wrist rest

Removable magnetic with soft PU Leather

Cable

Detachable braided USB Type-C

Software Support

Yes, new Cross Product Unified Software Application

Connector Cable

USB 3.0

Cable Length

1.8m

Dimensions

49.4 x 26.8 x 5.5 cm

Product Weight (without cable)

1092g (2.266lbs)

Warranty

2 years

 



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great stuff :)