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The Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro M RGB gives you a number pad in a smaller 90 per cent form factor

By Koh Wanzi - on 2 May 2017, 6:09pm

The Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro M RGB gives you a number pad in a smaller 90 per cent form factor

Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro M RGB

Cooler Master has announced the local availability of the MasterKeys Pro M RGB and Pro S White keyboards, further expanding its portfolio with even more choices for consumers.

The interesting part is that both keyboards aim to bring something new to the table to satisfy users with specific requirements. For instance, the MasterKeys Pro M RGB features a unique 90 per cent form factor that keeps the number pad while dispensing with dedicated arrow keys and the usual block of Home, End, and Insert keys above it.

Instead, these functions have been combined with the number pad, so you get the core functionality of a full-sized keyboard in a slightly smaller body. The main reason why people go for full-sized keyboards is because they want the number pad, and Cooler Master gives them this while trying to make things slightly more space efficient.

Lighting controls are bound to the function keys, and you’ll be able to switch between modes, colors, and adjust the brightness level on-the-fly. The onboard ARM Cortex M3 processor also enables you to make repeat rate adjustments – or the rate at which a key repeats when it is held down – and macro recordings without having to pull up any software.

Up to four custom profiles are supported, and you can easily switch between them by holding down on the Fn key and hitting the number key (1 to 4) that corresponds to the profile you want.

Similarly, the MasterKeys Pro S White attempts to distinguish itself with its pure white LEDs and white backplate, even though it adheres to the more common tenkeyless design. The result is a crisp and clear white illumination that should fit in nicely with monochrome setups.

Cooler Master MasterKeys Pro S White

The MasterKeys Pro S White uses a slightly slower ARM Cortex M0 processor, but it is still more than capable of supporting things like on-the-fly macro recording. The arrow keys are used to quickly adjust the speed and direction of individual lighting effects.

Both keyboards also come with a useful shortcut for reverting to default mode in the event that you need to quickly get back to business. Hitting Fn + Esc instantly disables gaming macros and lighting modes, but you can quickly restore your settings by using one of the four profile buttons. Finally, if things get confusing, holding the Fn key alone will activate the Status Indicator System and the corresponding buttons will light up and let you know what profile and repeat rate you're on, and whether or not Windows lock is active.

You can get the keyboards in Cherry MX Blue, Brown, Red, or Silver switches. The latter is a relatively new switch type with similar characteristics to Cherry MX Red. However, it features a shorter actuation distance of just 1.2mm, compared to 2mm on the regular MX switches.

The MasterKeys Pro M RGB retails for S$219, while the MasterKeys Pro S White is going for S$139. Other Cooler Master MasterKeys models you can buy here include the MasterKeys Pro L and Pro S, the Pro L RGB Crystal, and their corresponding White versions. 

Here's an overview of their prices:

  • MasterKeys Pro L RGB Crystal Edition (S$249)
  • MasterKeys Pro L RGB/White (S$239/159)
  • MasterKeys Pro M White (S$149)
  • MasterKeys Pro S RGB (S$199)
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