CORSAIR STRAFE Mechanical Gaming Keyboard - Red LED Backlit - USB Passthrough - Tactile and Clicky - Cherry MX Blue Switch

I have used the Corsair K70 RGB, K65 RGB (both keyboards had Cherry Red switches), and the Razer Blackwidow Chroma with green (clicky) switches. The Corsair Strafe with the Cherry Blue switches is the best keyboard of the group. I use this keyboard for general typing, MOBA and FPS games. Let me get this out of the way, I like clicky keyboards because they are noisy and satisfying to type on. The people in my household do not get bothered by the loud clicking noise of the keyboard which is great, but if there is someone in your household that would be bothered by loud keyboard typing then you may want to consider getting the Corsair Strafe in Cherry Browns or the the "Silent" version of this keyboard. The "Silent" version is only available at Best Buy and uses Cherry Reds which i could not get used to. I did not like the aesthetics of the Logitech g910 nor the sculpted keycaps when I played with it at Best Buy, but another direct competitor to the Strafe would be the new Logitech g810 which I am unable to include in this review due to lack of availability.I will break down the keyboards so you can see why I like this keyboard.Corsair Strafe RGB Cherry MX BluesDimensions: 17.6in wide X 6.7in tall (about 8.5in with the wrist rest attached) X 1.6in thick/depthPros:-Most vibrant RGB colors I have seen in an RGB gaming keyboard-Original Cherry MX Blue Switches-Good Quality control (I pulled off every key on this keyboard and each key was cut to perfection)-Raised keys makes the keyboard easy to clean-Custom lighting profiles available on Corsair's website-USB pass through on the top of the keyboard-High quality plastic that will not smudge-Included key cap puller-Included MOBA and FPS grey textured key caps(QWERDF for MOBA & WASD for FPS)-Textured space bar-Included textured wrist rest-104 key rollover-Program Macros in Corsair CUE softwareCons:-Not aluminum like the K70 or K65 ( I did not mind this but many have noted this as a downside)-The USB cable is not braided-No dedicated media control keys-the keyboard software is complicated compared to keyboard form other companies-No dedicated Macro keys (did not bother me)-Keyboard software works with windows onlyK70 RGB Cherry MX RedDimensions: 17.2in wide X6.5in tall (add about 2.5in for the wrist rest)X 1.5in thick/depthPros:-Premium aluminum finish-Aluminum is easy to clean-Raised key caps makes the keyboard easy to clean-Custom lighting profiles available on Corsair's website-Dedicated media controls-Original Cherry MX Switches (I did not like the Cherry Reds but that is preference)-Braided USB cable-Wrist rest included (softer than Strafe wrist rest)-104 key rolloverCons:-Requires two USB ports but does NOT have USB pass through (note that the non-RGB version of this keyboard has USB pass through but only has red back lighting and no software to program Macros)-Horrible key cap lighting compared to the Strafe and Blackwidow chroma-Easily see smudges on aluminum finish-Cold aluminum on cold mornings does not feel very good-No dedicated Macro keys ( did not bother me)-Textured MOBA and FPS key caps not included-Key cap puller not included-Keyboard software works with windows onlyK65 RGB Cherry MX RedDimensions: 14in wide X 6.5in tall (add about 2.5in for the wrist rest) X1.5in thick/depthPros:-Perfect compact size for gaming due to lack of ten key-Premium aluminum finish-Aluminum is easy to clean-Custom lighting profiles available on Corsair's website-Raised key caps makes the keyboard easy to clean-Original Cherry MX Switches (I did not like the Cherry Reds but that is preference)-Braided USB cable-Wrist rest included (softer than Strafe wrist rest)-104 key rolloverCons:-Currently only available in Cherry MX Red switches-Requires two USB ports but does NOT have USB pass through-Horrible key cap lighting compared to the Strafe and Blackwidow chroma-Easily see smudges on aluminum finish-Cold aluminum on cold mornings does not feel very good-Textured MOBA and FPS key caps not included-No key puller included-No dedicated Macro keys (did not bother me and did not expect them in a small gaming keyboard)-Keyboard software works with windows onlyRazer Blackwidow Chroma, Razer Green (Clicky) switchesDimensions: 18.7in wide X 7.2in tall X1.5in thick/depthPros:- RGB 16.8M vibrant colors- Razer synapse (keyboard software) easiest software to use- Keyboard software works with both Windows and Mac OSX- 5 dedicated Macro keys- Braided USB cable-USB, audio-in, and audio-out passthrough- Clicky switches very similair to Cherry MX bluesCons:- The warranty replacement process is horrid in my experience- Serious quality control issues (top right part of my space bar had been melted. Additionally I pulled every key cap off this keyboard and the cut outs were inconsistent. Razer also uses a spring type mechanism for the space, enter, shift, and caps lock keys which makes it difficult to remove the key caps)- If you remove the key caps Razer can void your warranty- Not Cherry MX Switches- Key caps are sunken into a cutout in the keyboard making it difficult to properly clean- Plastic finish on the keyboard is prone to smudges- 10 key rollover- The USB, audio-in, and audio-out pass through is on the right side of the keyboard , so anything connected to the pass through gets in the way of the mouse if you are right handed- No textured MOBA or FPS key caps included- Key cap puller not included-No dedicated media controls- Not as many custom lighting profiles submitted by the Razer community as Corsair's communityThe Strafe RGB in MX Blues is the best keyboard for people looking for a satisfying clicky keyboard. Corsair listened to their customers' complaints and brought out a great alternative to the K70 RGB.

The keyboard itself is fantastic. It is hefty and tough and works everytime that it is needed. While it is designed for Windows, it does work for macOS, but not the special features like assigning macros or controlling lighting effects as the Corsair software is not compatible with Mac. However, without dedicated macro keys and only red backlighting, neither of those things are very necessary anyway. I set up special keyboard shortcuts for Launchpad and screen brightness -- two things that are native on Macbook keyboards -- and I've hardly missed the trackpad or the keys at the top. The keyboard backlight adjustment in the top, right-hand corner does work at the described 33%, 66%, and 100% lighting.The Cherry MX blues are fantastic: audible click and great, tactile feel. While a gamer might find them annoying and obnoxious, as someone who spends 80% of my work writing and another 10% doing data entry, it's wonderful having some feedback and the keyboard is far more comfortable than a membrane keyboard.The only complaint I've come across is that indicator lights for the caps lock, num lock, etc, do not work. I'd imagine this has something to do either with the firmware or the fact that I'm using it on macOS, but it doesn't really bother me personally.Overall, a great product that I'd imagine I'll be pleased with for a long time.

Want a simple, yet feature packed mechanical keyboard? Look no further. Now the first question you may ask, what is the different between this and the K70? At first glance, they look similar, however are there a few differences.The K70 resembles the Razer Blackwidow X, an "open-board" design, with no back-plate, so the LED's just glow off the back of the frame, which may reduce the brightness but may make the colors appear more vibrant.The Strafe however, resembles the Blackwidow Ultimate, with a "closed board" design, so you have the frame, a red backplate (white if you have the RGB version) and then the switch. So the Strafe has a red backplate to make the colors "pop" not as vibrant as the K70, but a whole lot brighter. If you have the RGB version you have a white backplate, so make all the colors pop.Other than that, the only other major difference is the lack of media keys and volume keys, but luckily we do have a function key we can use to access these settings, just press FN and either F5 or F7-F12. Though if you want dedicated media keys, you can get the K68, which is very similar to the Strafe but has media keys and is dust and spill resistant.Back to the review, this keyboard has a very simplistic design, which isn't bad at all. There's lots of gaming/mechanical keyboards that look like they came out of a sci-fi movie, which just goes to show companies will do anything to make a buck. This however, just looks like a premium keyboard, no weird corners or shapes, just a keyboard. Design gets an A+.The Strafe uses Cherry MX switches, and knowing Corsair we couldn't expect less from their mechanical keyboard line up. The Red Led version of the strafe offers: Blue, Brown, Red and Silent switches. Mine has Cherry MX Blues, and for the most part the switches are implemented very well. However, I really do not like the stabilizers, as they are Cherry stabilizers. While they may be easier to work with when taking off the key caps, they don't feel as good as a Costar stabilizer, they just make the larger keys not feel mechanical, its like they bottom out right away. In fact, this is one of the reason why I'm rating this 4 stars. Switches get a B.This keyboard is actually packed with quite a bit of features. You have:N-Key rollover, so if you press every single key at the same time they will all register.Full anti-ghosting, so no extra keystrokes or missed keystrokes.FPS/MOBA keycap set, so if you want to make your WASD keys or a few other keys more easy to find, you can do that.Key cap puller, seriously, why don't some of the higher end keyboards include this? *Cough* Razer *Cough*USB 2.0 pass through, plug in the second USB connector into your PC and you can then use the port on the back, very convenient.Wrist rest cutouts (Newer version of the Red Led Model)Red Led BacklightingWindows Lock keyWow that's a lot of features. But, its amazing. Has features for enthusiast users and hardcore gamer's. However, here's another reason why I'm giving this 4 stars. In 2015, the Strafe RGB was introduced, and was the first Strafe to come with an included wrist rest. And at some point after that the Red led version was updated and now includes cutouts for the wrist rest. And the wrist rest from my old Strafe RGB works beautifully with it. But Corsair, why include the cutouts but not the wrist rest? You can go on Corsair's website and buy a K66/K68 wrist rest (They use the same wrist rest from the Strafe RGB) and pay an extra $10. But why do we have to do that? Features gets a B.Build quality? What you expect from Corsair. Top notch. This keyboard isn't made of the aircraft grade aluminum like the K70. This is made of a matte-like plastic, and it feels solid. Keyboard doesn't move around when typing and its not a finger print magnet either. Key kap quality? They aren't double shot key caps, but they are decent. Build quality gets an A.How about the lighting? Being the Red led version, you can actually create your own lighting effects via the Corsair CUE software, though your still limited to 255 shades of red, aka brightness levels. Its probably best just to keep this on the static red color. Lighting gets an A.Finally, the software. This keyboard is compatible with the Corsair CUE software. With this software you can do anything from change what the Windows lock button does, to changing the lighting, to re-programming the entire keyboard. The limit is pretty much endless.So, would I recommend this? YES! Amazing features, switches and build quality. Can't go wrong with this keyboard, especially considering its only $80, and its still a great keyboard, despite those 2 small gripes I have with it.

Excellent quality, heavy weight which is nice, doesn't slide around. I got the Mx blues which are delightfully clicky with the tactile and audible feedback, but I could see how roommates etc would be annoyed by them. Usb pass through is nice for my Corsair mouse.

I haven't had this keyboard long, but it is great. I love the Cherry Blues and the USB pass-through is very handy. The build quality is very good, and only a few things feel missing, but that's to be expected in a keyboard at such a reasonable price point.

I have been using this key board for a couple months. I got cherry mix blue switches with this key board and I have not had any issues with the switches . The build duality of the keyboard seem really good. The cables are pretty thick and overall pretty heavy duty. I have had an issue where my computer wont detect the computer on start up if its plugged into a USB 3.0 plug but that can be just an issue with my computer. The software for the key board takes some time to learn to use but is pretty detailed and allows you to do a lot with the LEDs on the key board

This keyboard has been functioning for about a year now without issue. It's perfectly clacky, and provides the best feedback money can buy. I used to have a Razer Blackwidow, and that thing always had repeating key issues. I couldn't fix it no matter what. This keyboard has been perfect since I got it.

I bought the Strafe MX blue for around $115, which is a fair price. This is a replacement for my CM rapid TK compact.Pros:1. Fair price2. Full size keyboard with number pad3. High key profile, easy to clean.4. USB port for mouseCons:1. Stiff left shift key2. Cannot switch backlight color3. Replacement key caps are not comfortable to useOverall, a great product at this price.