I don’t get excited about a new keyboard all too often, but when I do, I want that particular model right now. Last year, I felt that way about Func’s KB-460, and thanks to Computex, I now feel that way about Corsair’s STRAFE.
Similar to the aforementioned KB-460, Corsair’s STRAFE keeps things simple on the surface. Without its cool red backlighting, this would look like a typically suitable office keyboard. But, there’s a lot more to STRAFE than first meets the eye.
Corsair touts STRAFE as being a “real mech”, though I am not sure how it differs that much from the billion other CHERRY MX-based mechs out there. It could be the fact that Corsair utilizes gold contacts on its keys that makes it more “real” than the others. Wherever that realness comes from, STRAFE can be purchased either with brown or red CHERRY MX switches.
One of the things that helps make STRAFE a little unique is seen in the shot below. Inside the box (at least, from what I can tell) will be contoured keys for both FPS and MOBA games. The image below highlights the WASD assortment, while QWERDF will be contoured for MOBA use.
It’s hard to see in the shot above, but some of the keys are angled a little bit differently to give you a bit more precision, or at least the feeling of it. It’d be great if Corsair could sell other contoured key sets on the side, such as for the arrow keys or the numpad.
Like many gaming keyboards, STRAFE offers the ability to create and use macros. According to Corsair, any key can be used for that purpose, which is a perk the aforementioned Func KB-460 also had. Other STRAFE highlights include variable backlighting (it remains red but has many modes), a USB port at the back, 104 key rollover with anti-ghosting, onboard memory, and a robust software suite to help make the most of its features.
I’m not sure when STRAFE will hit the market, but it’s set to be priced at $109.99.