Features
- Dimensions: 430 x 125 x 25mm (flat)
- Keyboard Type: Full
- Weight : 737g
- Power cable : 1.82m nylon braided detachable USB-C to – C/A
- Colors: Black/Silver
- Switches: Tuners/TTC/Low Profile (Red/Blue/Brown)
- Guarantee : 2 years
- Software : Cooler Master MasterPlus+
- Connectivity: USB2.0/Bluetooth4.0
- Compatibility : Mac OS X 10.10+/iOS 5+/Android 3.2+/Windows 8 and above
Unboxing
The packaging includes:
- 1x SK653 Keypad
- 1 x Tool to unhook the switches
- 1 x USB Type-C to Type-C cable
- 1 x Warranty Booklet
- 1 x Quick Start Guide & Bluetooth
Chassis and Features
Although the attraction is currently turned towards keyboards in mini or TKL format, some users, or even professionals in our regard, continue to dream of the arrival of keyboards with a full range of keys and comfortable to use. . So the SK653offers an approach that combines comfort with practicality.
Frame
The keyboard SK653 is under 100% size. This means that it has the full range of keys available on a keyboard, reducing the number of shortcuts, but increasing the ease of use of common elements like the numeric keypad or the classic shortcuts.
Regarding the coating, the SK653 is composed of a chassis combining, with tact, plastic and brushed aluminum. The latter composes the upper part of the keyboard for a look that is as professional as it is elegant. We also notice that the edges of the chassis are chamfered (the angle is broken so that there are no sharp edges). In fact, the keyboard offers a impeccable and elegant finisheven turned off.
Under the product we find two sliders in PTFE, for support, on the lower part, while two others are available on the fold-out feet that we find on the upper part. They have two modes of use that are flat or inclined.
On the rear area of the keyboard we find a USB-C port which is used for recharging, but also for using the keyboard in wired mode. Finally, on the left side is the button to switch from Bluetooth to wired mode.
Modes of use
In addition to the comfort of use, the type of connection can play on the comfort of use. Of course, due to its format, we are less careful than for a TKL or 60% version since the keyboard is not intended to be nomadic. However, there are certain standards that we like to find when the device is categorized as wireless. As for the SK622it obviously connects wired, but also using Bluetooth access and… that’s it.
Indeed, an identical disappointment, no wireless connection with a dedicated dongle is available, especially at this price range where all competitors take advantage of it. This aspect will be all the more frustrating for PC users who do not have Bluetooth access as standard, it will be necessary to acquire an adapter to take advantage of the wireless mode of the SK653.
That being said, the Bluetooth 4.0 technology of the SK653 is very efficient for use away from the device and allows the connection of three devices at the same time. There is a shortcut key to navigate between the three registered products, but also to replace them at any time. The keyboard has an intelligent lighting system that when we use the key “Cooler Master” illuminates certain keys of the keyboard in white to know, at a glance, the state of the latter.
Switches
Although the keyboard SK653 is a device suitable for gamers, its full and low-profile format is also suitable for professionals. Here, we find mechanical switches / TTC / Low Profile (Red / Blue / Brown) which allow you to adapt the keyboard to your desires. Once taken in hand, and this, whatever the use you make of it, he is as pleasant as he is responsive. Of course, do not expect crazy speeds, since we work here on comfort.
- TTC Low-Profile Red: 45g/1.2mm/Linear. Light activation force for linear travel without snagging or clicking.
- TTC Low-Profile Blue: 45g/1.3mm/Clicky. Audio rendering with a meaningful click.
Lighting
For the SK653, the RGB aspect is an aspect that should not be overlooked. The keyboard has a classic backlight under the keys, while the manufacturer took the opportunity to add a border that goes around the device. At 100% brightness, which you will only use in wired mode, the rendering is as fluid as it is elegant, with an edging that is intended to be discreet, but effective. The dedicated software allows you to modify the colorimetry as well as the lighting modes to adapt it to your desires.
However, the negative point appears when you use the keyboard SK653 in Bluetooth mode. Indeed, in order to reduce its energy consumption, you will tend to reduce the brightness of the keyboard. If the backlighting of the keys does not seem too impacted, the border, meanwhile, loses its presence, even going so far as to make us doubt that we have lit it. Finally, the use of RGB puts a very big brake on the autonomy of the keyboard when not wired.
Shortcuts
As said above, the advantage of the keyboard 100% is that it needs very few shortcuts since most are available on the fly. However, still facing the format, it would have been interesting to see the appearance of dedicated multimedia keys.
Battery and charging
It offers high-performance, but also energy-intensive backlighting. Therefore, to take advantage of the elegance of the latter, it will be necessary to use it much more often wired than Bluetooth. However, for those who are not fans of the RGB look, the keyboard keeps pace perfectly when turned off. It remains a very good device with standard battery life and recharge time.
The MasterPlus software allows you to adjust the standby time as well as the backlight power. A small clarification to finish, when the keyboard is on standby and you want to activate it, the first keys are not counted. It will be necessary to wait a few seconds before writing, which remains a pity.
CM MasterPlus+ software
Like most current peripherals, and even if the SK653 wants to be plug and play, impossible to miss a more advanced configuration through dedicated software. If the latter allows us to go further on the personalization aspect, we are still disappointed by its simplified design. Note that many updates are required during the first connection before being able to use the software and the keyboard together.
Use
Finally, the keyboard SK653 is a high-performance, ergonomic and generally quite compact device even for a full format. The switches are reactive while we regret the lack of a wrist rest. Nevertheless, the keyboard responds with ease to all the tasks incumbent on it, whether it is to play, work or even both simultaneously.
