Keyboards
GROUP TEST
There’s good reason for this: you get the mechanical
switches and RGB lighting, a hefty metal build and
its signature feature – a detachable numpad that
can be affixed to either side of the device.
It makes it more appealing to leftys and, for
right-handed users, it can also be used for macro
keys or simply to allow for more mouse room.
The latter is welcome as it means your arms end
up at a more natural angle when using the classic
WASD-and-mouse gaming combo. You can also just
buy the keyboard without the numpad for £150.
This is also a great-looking piece of kit. The
‘Mayan’ pattern on the top plate and the backlit
ROG logo add just the right amount of flair.
Performance is also excellent. It’s available with
a range of Cherry MX switches, with us testing the
Cherry MX Red version, and they’re as good as ever.
We also like that you can remove the Micro USB
cable, though we’re less keen on there
being no USB hub and no extra gaming
keys. All told, though, this is fantastic.12
ASUS ROG CLAYMORE
http://www.asus.com £200
What Cooler Master has got so right here is the
simple design. The base and keys are unadorned
with logos, light-up sections or anything extraneous.
What’s more, there are some nice practical
touches here, too. The base rises slightly above the
sides of the keys, providing them with some
protection from getting snagged and broken – a
common problem with open designs.
The Micro USB cable for this keyboard is also
removable, making it easy to replace if it gets
damaged. All this and you get proper Cherry MX
keyswitches, with all three types available.
The lighting is fully programmable via Cooler
Master’s software, with downloadable layouts also
available, and there are four extra profile-switching
buttons above the numpad. On-the-fly macro
recording is also offered, however the software has
no macro editing function. It’s on-the-fly or nothing.
Nonetheless, the price, great design
and combination of features make this
keyboard a real winner.COOLER MASTER MASTERKEYS
PRO L RGB http://www.coolermaster.com £90
85 % 90 %
132The ROG Claymore from Asus is the most expensive
keyboard that’s featured in this group test, and just
about the most expensive keyboard you can actually go
out and buy, full stop.Cooler Master describes the MasterKeys Pro L as “no
gimmicks, just quality”, and despite it being the second
cheapest keyboard on our test, this is a tagline it well and
truly lives up to.