Cooler Master SK621 Mechanical Wireless Keyboard (Review)

Cooler Master has a whole slew of hardware products like keyboards, PC cases, power supplies, headsets, mice, and of course coolers. Every one of its products has been specially designed from community feedback. Including keyboards. They even had a Kickstarter analog keypad with pressure sensitive keys called ContolPad. With that said, let’s take a closer look at what makes the new Cooler Master SK621 so special.

SK621 Features

• Hybrid Wired & Wireless – Up to 3 devices supported with Bluetooth 4.0 or wired and charge the battery simultaneously
• Portable 60% Keyboard Layout – Mini, unique and portable design
• Brushed Aluminum Design – Flat brushed aluminum top plate, floating keycaps, and a slim minimalist design
• Cherry MX Low Profile Switches – A reduced travel distance and actuation point with the same signature durability and precision
• RGB Backlighting – Per-key backlighting and surrounding LED ring with customization
• On-the-Fly Controls – Make real-time adjustments to lighting and macros with no software necessary
• Easy-to-use Software – Map 16.7 million colors to any key, customize lighting modes, or fine-tune macros through Cooler Master’s Portal Software
• Extra Slim Keycaps – Slightly contoured, slim, and durable
• Removable Type-C USB Cable – Easy transportation and future-proofing
• Hybrid Key Rollover – Ensure every press is registered, with automatically enabled 6-key rollover in wireless mode and N-key rollover in wired mod

Hands-on Experience

First thing I noticed was the ability to pair with 3 different devices fluidly. Connecting a device is as simple as holding the function button and Z, X, or C. Switching from using it with a phone to a PC is very simple because of this feature. Turning on the SK621 is simple too. Either plug it in via the USB Type-C cable or flip the very discreet wireless switch on the left side.

When first using the SK621, it is recommended to connect to a PC via USB Type-C and installing the Cooler Master Portal. This will allow for control of different lighting effects and customization. Here preset profiles can be created, which makes it easy to switch between profiles when using the “on-the-fly” controls. You can also adjust the lighting effects with the “on-the-fly” controls as well, but the Portal is more user-friendly. The customization is very easy to use and there is a myriad of combinations. Adjusting the speed, direction, and brightness of effects are all options.

Macros can also be programmed. It is also worth adding that all these features, such as RGB lighting, macros, and on-the-fly controls are all available while using the SK621 via Bluetooth as well. The battery life is impressive as well. I can get through 2 full work days before the CAPSLK key lights up red to indicate that the battery is low. Charging the SK621 is easy as well. Just simply connect it via USB Type-C. The SK621 is still usable as a wired keyboard while it is charging the battery.

Build

The SK621 is built to last. The brushed aluminum body frame keeps it light and sturdy and provides a premium look. There is also a nice smooth cut accent around the edge of the aluminum which adds a touch of elegance. The keys are plastic and don’t have much texture to them.

The Cherry MX low profile switches are quiet enough to use in an office space. The switches are incredibly sensitive, and using the SK621 takes some practice. This is because the keys will register a press with as little as a millimeter or less. Adding random letters in words was quite common at first.

The SK621 comes with a velvet sleeve and a braided USB Type-C cable. Since the SK621 is a 60% keyboard layout, it is quite portable, so including the velvet bag was a nice touch. It is definitely built more for gaming due to the Cherry MX switches but can easily be toted for use at work.

Suggestions

The Cooler Master SK621 does everything it is intended to do so well. However, the keys are great for gaming, but a bit too sensitive for typing. The plastic keys are also prone to oil smudges from fingers, so eating while gaming can be tricky. Maybe if the keys had some oil resistant coating or more texture, the oil prints wouldn’t be so pronounced.

Final Reaction

Overall, Cooler Master exceeded expectations with the SK621. It is especially impressive because of what it can do as a Bluetooth keyboard. The SK621 has loads of lighting effects and customization, packed with a compact build and tons of functionality. Using the SK621 at work and then toting it back home for some gaming makes it my favorite Bluetooth keyboard. The SK621 is $119.99 and is available on Cooler Master’s website. There are also Tenkeyless (SK63) and Full Size (SK650) layout options for those looking for a larger size.

Specs

• Switch Type – Cherry MX RGB Low Profile Switch
• Material – Aluminum/Plastic
• Color – Gunmetal
• LED Color – RGB
• Polling Rate – 1000Hz
• Response Rate – 1ms/1000Hz
• MCU – 32 bit ARM Cortex M0
• On-board Memory 512KB
• On-the-fly system – Yes, for Multi-media, Macro Recording and Lighting control via FN
• Multi-media Keys Through Function Key (FN)
• Cable – USB Type-C Detachable & Braided
• Software Support – Yes, through Cooler Master Portal
• Wireless Connectivity – Bluetooth 4 .0
• Battery – 4000mah
• Connector Cable – USB Type-C (Keyboard Side), USB 2.0 Type A (Computer Side)
• Cable Length – 1 .8 m, Braided & Removable
• Dimensions – 293*103*29.2mm (LxWxH)
• Product Weight (without cable) – 424g (0.934lbs)
• Warranty – 2 years
• Net weight – 475g (1.047lbs)
• Gross weight 716g (1.579lbs)
• Package Dimensions – 3 1 .7 *12*6cm (LxWxH)

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