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Mad Catz Cyborg S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 Modular Gaming Keyboard with OLED E.Y.E. Display Review

Details

Written by Evan Hiner on November 14th 2012 at 7:14pm

Mad Catz pioneered the adjustable gaming mouse with the original Cyborg R.A.T. gaming mouse.  Today, they're changing the game for keyboard customization as well.  The S.T.R.I.K.E. 5, also in their Cyborg Gaming lineup, allows an unprecedented level of customization inside and out.  Physically, the keyboard's major parts are fully modular, and can be configured in a number of ways.  When fully assembled, the keyboard looks fairly typical but with a command module (which can be positioned along the primary keyboard or the num pad).  The palm rest has adjustable angles and can be moved positioned farther away from the keyboard or however you'd like.  The list goes on, and we'll dive into the details after the break.

Overview

Five Separate Hardware Modules

• 1. Control Module with E.Y.E. OLED Display
  Easily navigate the keyboard's many functions with the Control Module's intuitive E.Y.E. panel. Program advanced macros, adjust backlighting, monitor respawn timers, control your media, and even take in-game control of external functions - - balance game and microphone volumes, launch apps and websites - - all with a few simple finger taps.

• 2. Keyboard Optimized for Responsiveness
  When a fraction of a second is all that divides victory from defeat, you must have absolute confidence in your keyboard. The S.T.R.I.K.E. key bed utilizes a specially engineered membrane which provides the tactile feel and responsiveness expected by gamers. The speedy, double-tap friendly keys respond to an optimized 60g of actuation force and reset at the perfect level, all of which helps reduce muscle fatigue during marathon gaming sessions. The unique design gives you the best keyboard performance without sacrificing backlighting, durability or responsiveness.
  Not all backlighting is the same. Full 16 million color RGB backlighting - - both through and around the keys - - matches the keyboard to your gaming rig and the keys' laser-etched, lacquered light guides are ideal for gaming in dim environments.

   

• 3. More Programmable Macro Buttons
  The S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 Gaming Keyboard incorporates 21 programmable macro buttons over three modes to create 63 user-definable commands. The keyboard includes nine programmable buttons on the E.Y.E. panel plus four more on the removable Function Strip, three controls on the palm rest, and five additional programmable keys on the NumPad bring the total to 21.

   

• 4. Modular NumPad
  Just like the Control Module, the NumPad is capable of loose or fix-mounted positioning. The custom connection scheme makes it all possible, and the included set of longer wires bolsters your arrangement options.

• • 5. 3-Part Active Palm Rest and Two Wrist Rests A height-adjustable, active palm-rest houses both a thumb wheel and an action button for even more controls at your fingertips. Both wrist rests utilize a rugged 5-pin connector to attach to the main keyboard module and NumPad, effectively enhancing your comfort during stints of extended gaming.

     

     

Specifications

Included in the Box

The unboxing process is kinda fun, and you'll probably be amazed at the number of things that come out of the surprisingly-squarish box.  The primary keyboard is separated from the num pad, and three wrist rests, a command module with E.Y.E. LED, a four button macro module, several mini-USB cables, a small allen tool, and clear instructions are also included.