Introduce Keyboard Cooler Master CK530 V2
The Cooler Master CK530 V2 has one of the best value for money if you are looking for a TKL keyboard. Despite its affordable price, it offers a solid design, a refined design and convincing performance.
For gamers on a budget, this is an excellent candidate to equip themselves with a compact and efficient mechanical keyboard.
Cooler Master CK530 V2 review
With a price displayed below € 90 , the Cooler Master CK530 V2 has positioned itself as one of the cheapest TKL keyboards in the sector. It takes here the basics of the first generation, with however a move to TTC mechanical switches and the addition of a palm rest.
For the rest, there is always a reinforced aluminum frame, customizable RGB lighting or even “floating” design keys.
The model comes in competition with the Corsair K63 ( about 85 € ), which is satisfied with a plastic frame and a red backlight, but which takes advantage of additional buttons to manage its media.
See Also : Cooler Master Hyper 212 Black Edition Review
If we go upmarket, the CK530 V2 finds itself opposed to major competitors, like the Fnatic MiniStreak ( around € 110 ), the Logitech G Pro ( around € 130 ) or the Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro and its optical switches ( around 140 € ).
Can it join our selection of the best TKL gaming keyboards ? Answer after ten days at his side.
Design & Ergonomics
For the price displayed, the Cooler Master keyboard has a rather neat design and at first glance the whole does not necessarily have much to envy to some much more expensive models.
Without a numeric keypad, the CK530 V2 displays a relatively compact size with dimensions of 380 x 135 x 40 mm for a total weight of approximately 740 g.
Without buttons directly dedicated to media or sound volume, it is less bulky than the Corsair K70 RGB TKL that we presented to you recently and is therefore more discreet when placed on a desk.
A cheap TKL gaming keyboard
As for the finishes, the keyboard is based on a black plastic frame surmounted by a brushed aluminum plate reinforcing its structure. The set resists well under significant pressure or torsion, where other models positioned at a similar price show their limit more quickly.
The model also stands out from the competition by the format of its chassis, with flared side facades bringing a little distinctive touch to this CK530. Visually it is quite successful, although the brushed aluminum surface may not be to the liking of all players.
At the back of the keyboard, there are 4 rubber pads to provide correct stability to the whole. Two retractable legs can be unfolded to adjust its height and inclination. Only one position is available and it seems to us a bit high to be really comfortable over time.
The keyboard has two retractable feet
On the key side, the CK530 opts for a floating, borderless design. This offers an “airy” side to the keyboard, while promoting the diffusion of its backlighting.
The keycaps, here we must be satisfied with models in ABS and not in PBT as on the keyboards a little more upscale. Not necessarily ideal in the long term, but it’s up to you to replace them with better quality models. In particular, we can find doubleshot PBT kits of different colors at Corsair for around thirty euros.
See Also : Redragon K552 Best Keyboard Under $50
ABS Keycaps
Keyboard TKL requires, many keys are accompanied by secondary actions accessible in combination with the Fn key. We can in particular manage the RGB lighting effects from the F1 to F8 keys, record Macros with the F11 and F12 keys, switch from one profile to another using the 1 to 4 keys or even manage the sound volume and its media via the keys positioned above the directional arrows.
On the connection side, the CK530 V2 comes with a sheathed cable with a length of 1.8 m, unfortunately fixed on its upper edge. We would have preferred a removable USB-C cable, but once again you have to know how to accept certain sacrifices to keep a price below the € 90 mark.
Finally, last point to note concerning the design of the keyboard: the presence of a palm rest. Unlike the Fnatic MiniStreak or the Corsair K63 Wireless, it does not attach to the keyboard but only position itself in front of it. If its foam design is relatively simple, it can provide additional comfort and it is clearly a little more appreciable.
Cooler Master software
While many options can be configured directly from the keyboard shortcuts, the Cooler Master CK530 V2 remains compatible with the Cooler Master MasterPlus software. It is available for download from the manufacturer’s site .
From the first tab, you can configure the RGB lighting of the keyboard. There are many predefined effects here, most of which have the ability to manage direction and speed.
Adjustment of RGB lighting from Cooler Master software
It is also possible to customize the color of each of the keys individually, but the option seems to be prone to a few issues. Many keys can be selected in pairs and some are not selectable at all. Small bugs that should be able to be corrected via an update.
The second “Mapping” tab allows you to modify the actions of the different keys on the keyboard. The constructor offers several lists of actions but it is also possible to create more complex macros. On the other hand, it is not possible to record secondary actions in combination with the Fn key and that is a bit of a shame.
Key mapping can be configured
The third tab of the software lists the different recorded macros and allows you to edit them. Finally, the fourth and last tab allows you to manage up to 4 profiles and assign an exe in order to load them automatically according to its games or applications.
Overall, the Cooler Master software would in our opinion deserve a good facelift and some fixes.
The interface is not really intuitive and the features offered are not as complete as with some competitors, especially on the side of Razer, Corsair or Logitech.
Cooler Master Software Support > Get File Download
Performances
To accompany this V2, the CK530 abandons mechanical switches from Gateron in favor of models from TTC. The keyboard is offered with a choice of Red, Brown or Blue models, but only the first variant seems to be available in France for the moment.
As on Cherry MX Red, we are therefore here on linear switches, with a total stroke of 4 mm, activation at 2 mm and a force of 45 g. The lifespan is for its part announced at 50 million activations.
Expectasy in Use
In use and despite our doubts about switching to these TTC switches, the keyboard offers a rather convincing typing quality. Faced with the Cherry MX that we find on the Corsair K63 Wireless, the Cooler Master CK530 has frankly nothing to be ashamed of. On the contrary, we even prefer the feeling of this model, with a softer activation.
The various stabilizers are also all well lubricated and contribute to the general comfort of the strike.
Noise Level
Our only regret is in the noise level, especially on the hits a little more supported where the chassis resonates a little.
Unfortunately, this is often and the problem can be largely alleviated by sliding a foam board or even a piece of cloth under the PCB.
To get a better idea, do not hesitate to consult our video at the top of the page or via our YouTube channel.
Conclusion
If you’re in the market for a TKL keyboard and you’re on a budget, the Cooler Master CK530 V2 is clearly a great candidate.
Offered under the € 90 mark , it should be able to meet the needs of a large majority of players with a well-crafted design, a solid design and a more than correct typing quality.
Obviously at this price all is not perfect and the manufacturer makes some concessions, in particular with a fixed cable or keycaps in ABS. The software is also not very convincing, but most of the options can be configured from the keyboard.
If you can get past these small flaws, it is definitely recommended for gamers looking for a compact keyboard with unbeatable value for money.