Full-color RGB mechanical keyboards are all the rage these days. However, Corsair wagers that there are still a few stalwarts out there who want to stick to just one backlighting color while pocketing a few (dozen) bucks.

Authentic Cherry MX keys; Comfortable textured keycaps; Not as expensive as RGB keyboards

Complicated software; No stand-alone media control keys; Limited red backlighting

So that brings us to the typing experience which is the Strafe's high point. On the basic level, all the key options are just a button press away (media, lighting, Win lock) and the board is compact without any complication from spurious extra or misplaced buttons.

A handsome frame, excellent switches, first-rate software, and a low price make the Strafe an excellent entry-level buy for mechanical-keyboard first-timers.

Genuine Cherry MX switches; Aggressively priced for a mechanical keyboard; Well-designed supporting software; Can store keyboard profiles for each executable; Handsome design; Excellent manual

No dedicated media or macro keys

I gotta be honest with you guys, I've been a fan of the Corsair gaming keyboard series ever since the beginning. The K70 RGB was the highlight of the year, the gadget factor was so immense.

We have reviewed quite a bit of Corsair gaming keyboards in the past and we can say that while they are a bit more expensive, the quality is top-notch and the experience is quite unique.

So far an amazing keyboard and definitely a step up from my 710+. The CUE software is amazing and the lighting effects are gorgeous. It makes for a great keyboard for gaming. Might have been worth waiting and paying the touch more for the RGB version simply for the wrist rest and the additional...

Sturdy construction; does not feel like cheap plastic. Gorgeous back-lighting; yes only red but still vivid; and the red back plate makes it stand out that much more. Love the included key caps and the fact they are not just textured but also ridged so you know the edges of your layout.

Lack of designated media keys; But that can be changed in the key assignments No wrist rest; My hands definitely get fatigued; and the RGB version is going to have wrist rest Would be nice if the textured F key had the little bump still on it.

Corsair's newest mechanical keyboard is dubbed the Strafe and features per-key back lighting, among other tricks. It is equipped with Cherry MX-switches and is supported by the Corsair CUE driver suite. At US$109, this is one feature-packed keyboard for the price.

Corsair has upped their game since we last saw a keyboard from them. While the switches are not out personal go to for switches, the Cherry MX reds are soft feeling with linear travel, and there is the potential to hear the caps tapping on the steel plate.

Corsair drives the development of its products in order to remain a constant in the global playing field that is input devices. For the development, Corsair among others work with the gaming community to help offer them exactly what they want.

Corsair has repeatedly impressed with its line of gaming keyboards , including the Editors' Choice K95 RGB . Its lower-priced model, the Strafe Mechanical Gaming Keyboard ($109.99), maintains the same solid dependability, high performance, and individual key customization enthusiast gamers crave.

Reasonable price; Mechanical keyboard with per-key backlighting; Customizable visual effects; Full individual-key and macro programming; USB pass-through

Red backlighting only; No wrist rest