Masterkeys Pro L compared to Strafe?

[bwilksey7]

I can't decide between these two keyboards. They a currently the same price, making the decision even harder. I like the (mostly) better build quality and standard key layout of the Pro L, but I really like the RGB customization and USB passthrough on the Strafe. Which one should I go for?

[Falkentyne]

Didn't you ask this on the mk reddit?

Strafe does not have a standard bottom row so getting customized or replacement keycaps are very hard, like those juicy doubleshot ABS or doubleshot PBT (hint: white doubleshot keycaps usually have bigger legends and let more light through than black doubleshots...most of the large black doubleshot legends are only available from china marketplaces like aliexpress).  The masterkeys has a standard bottom row so you can use any OEM anti keycap set.

 

The only advantages of the Strafe are it has brighter backlighting (30% brighter than the original corsair K70 RGB, assuming same keycaps are used), and you can program fancy effects with CUE and download others' profiles.  Some people live for this stuff, but for people who just want a MK to use without having a software toy, the CM would be better.

[Aytex]

Better modabillity and minimalist look goes to the Masterkeys

 

Gamery oriented better customizibility for RGB for the strafe

 

Get some blank PBT dbshots on the masterkeys and you got yourself a super sexy keeb

[bwilksey7]

2 hours ago, Falkentyne said:

Didn't you ask this on the mk reddit?

Strafe does not have a standard bottom row so getting customized or replacement keycaps are very hard, like those juicy doubleshot ABS or doubleshot PBT (hint: white doubleshot keycaps usually have bigger legends and let more light through than black doubleshots...most of the large black doubleshot legends are only available from china marketplaces like aliexpress).  The masterkeys has a standard bottom row so you can use any OEM anti keycap set.

 

The only advantages of the Strafe are it has brighter backlighting (30% brighter than the original corsair K70 RGB, assuming same keycaps are used), and you can program fancy effects with CUE and download others' profiles.  Some people live for this stuff, but for people who just want a MK to use without having a software toy, the CM would be better.

Thanks for the information, and yes I did also post this on reddit; just trying to get as many peoples views as I can. I really do like the CM, but the LED's are really pulling me into the Strafe. And I know that's not a very good reason to buy a keyboard, but it's very tempting to me.

[Aytex]

2 minutes ago, bwilksey7 said:

Thanks for the information, and yes I did also post this on reddit; just trying to get as many peoples views as I can. I really do like the CM, but the LED's are really pulling me into the Strafe. And I know that's not a very good reason to buy a keyboard, but it's very tempting to me.

This is mostly everyone pulled by the RGB factor

 

In a few days or months you will get tired of the RGB its honestly such a gimmick but its "cool" so yea...

I sway really  much to the Masterkeys, I would trade me k65 rgb for it anyday.

[Falkentyne]

Just something to keep in mind and I speak from first hand experience here:

 

While doubleshot ABS backlit keycaps feel good when brand new, doubleshot PBT backlit keycaps are MUCH better (Provided if you get backlit ones, you get ones with large legends; a lot of the white sets have them), using a good keycap set can drastically improve the feeling of a keyboard.  If you switch from a basic ABS Set like used stock on the CM or Strafe, to a doubleshot PBT set, you will be shocked as to the improvement.

 

BTW Coolermaster is going to make PBT versions of their keyboards soon, but they are NOT backlit:

 

https://www.computerbase.de/2017-01/cooler-master-masterkeys-s-l/

 

 

[Aytex]

@Falkentyne damn thoes pbt version with cherry green  

[bwilksey7]

2 hours ago, Falkentyne said:

Just something to keep in mind and I speak from first hand experience here:

 

While doubleshot ABS backlit keycaps feel good when brand new, doubleshot PBT backlit keycaps are MUCH better (Provided if you get backlit ones, you get ones with large legends; a lot of the white sets have them), using a good keycap set can drastically improve the feeling of a keyboard.  If you switch from a basic ABS Set like used stock on the CM or Strafe, to a doubleshot PBT set, you will be shocked as to the improvement.

 

BTW Coolermaster is going to make PBT versions of their keyboards soon, but they are NOT backlit:

 

https://www.computerbase.de/2017-01/cooler-master-masterkeys-s-l/

 

 

Wait, so other than the keycaps and no RGB there are no differences?