- Manufacturer: Cooler Master
- Model Number: CK721
- Original Price: $119.99
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While I prefer full-sized keyboards, I’ve noticed that a lot of gamers and streamers have been moving more toward “65%” layout ones that take up less space and have all sorts of features built in that you can take advantage of through the keyboard itself as well as software designed for it. The Cooler Master CK721 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard is the latest and possibly best of these that’s perfect for gaming and casual use alike.
Much like Cooler Master’s SK622 I reviewed, the first thing you’ll notice when handling this keyboard is the sandblasted aluminum body that’s sleek and smooth to the touch, and the one I was sent is silver with white keycaps. There’s also another color you can purchase, space gray with black keycaps, and both feature an aluminum top-plate that you can remove for easy access to cleaning the device and keys, and there’s feet on the bottom that adjust to three angles for comfort.
With this being a mechanical keyboard, it also comes in all of the famed key clicks you could want, aka brown, red, and blue. I was sent one with red keys which are quiet and smooth, making for really fast typing that’s fun to use. For gamers who need/want a more tactile click, the brown and blue will be the ones for them. You’ll also like how the keys are durable, TTC switches that are rated for 50 million+ key presses to keep you typing for quite some time.
This device use a hybrid wireless connection that allows you to connect to a type-C port for wired, or choose from the powerful 2.4 GHz mode for a basically lag-free connection or Bluetooth 5.1 to connect to just about any device you can think of. Even better, when used in Bluetooth mode, you can save up to three user profiles on three devices each within the keyboard itself and switch between them for ultimate versatility.
There’s also a cool three-way dial in the upper right corner that you can customize to adjust volume, the LED lighting settings, and more that you can setup using the MasterPlus+ software from Cooler Master. There’s also the tried and true Function key that allows access to keyboard shortcuts and other functions. I also love how it comes with a detachable wrist rest made with low-friction cloth that comes in handy during long typing or gaming sessions.
Speaking of long sessions, the battery life for the wireless modes is surprisingly good, thanks to a 2000mAh battery that last 70+ hours in Bluetooth and nearly 14 hours in 2.4GHz wireless mode with the LED lighting off. Cooler Master is also set to release accessories to customize your CK721, such as colored aluminum top plates, a braided coiled cable (which they were kind enough to send me and it’s fantastic), PBT keycap sets and more.
If you’re looking for a minimal keyboard that has full-sized features and then some, you’ll want to pick up the Cooler Master CK721 Wireless Mechanical Keyboard. It’s small but tough, completely versatile and fun to use thanks to all of the many settings and choices you can choose from for $120 that’s money well spent.
