Cooler Master has taken to CES 2018 to unveil a plethora of new equipment, from cases to RGB coolers, but one of the standout products is its new M800 gaming series of peripherals. While still quite a way from launching the products, there is something for everyone, from a selection of keyboards to a new mouse, mousepad and headset.
The MK851 Keyboard houses a new feature that Cooler Master dubs “Aimpad Technology,” in which eight keys utilise full analogue movement control, including that of WASD. This allows for more precision in driving, flying and when in third-person with pressure sensitive pushes instead of the standard actuation point activation like other keyboards on the market. The remaining switches are linear Cherry MX Red.
If the pressure sensitive Aimpad Technology doesn’t appeal to you, then the MK850 keyboard might be more your style, featuring everything else the MK851 has to offer such as the cobalt aluminium top plate, dedicated media keys, macro keys and a wrist rest, but swapping the switches out for a choice between Cherry MX Blue or Brown.
Both keyboards also feature a “precision wheel” which is meant to work in tandem with other M800 products, tinkering with settings unified through a software program our own Leo Waldock says seems refreshing. This can help change volume, fine-tune DPI, scroll through RGB lighting preferences and more.
Cooler Master states that its new MM830 mouse features “hidden D-pad technology,” which enables players to press four directional buttons without lifting their thumb. This is aimed at MMO and MOBA players in particular, with the buttons being customisable in Cooler Master’s universal software. Elsewhere, the mouse houses a Pixart 3360 sensor, adjustable with 24,000 DPI and 16.7 million colour RGB lighting that is customised from its 96*94 OLED screen located on the side.
Its new MP860 RGB Dual Mousepad does what it says on the tin, making use of two different surfaces on each side for different styles of players while endowing them with the same 16.7 million colour RGB lighting. The hard side of the mouse pad is meant for gaming, while the soft aimed at daily tasks to promote longevity of the product.
The MH850 Headset offers virtual 7.1 surround sound and “Focus FX” technology to bring out the mid and high tones that are often drowned out by bass on gaming headsets. This helps players to hear footsteps more clearly and cater to a wider range of games, including PvP competitive. The ear pads are covered in leather while the remainder is cloth, plugged in via USB Type-C and 3.5mm cables. It is the third product to include Cooler Master’s precision wheel technology.
All products are set to launch between Q2 and Q3 2018, with pricing yet to be confirmed. Cooler Master is also offering its fans a chance to beta test its new flagship products, which you can apply for here.
KitGuru Says: It’s an impressive line-up of peripherals that at least try to innovate the way in which games are played. I am particularly interested in the Aimpad Technology, which could remove the need for a controller permanently, if I didn’t enjoy kicking back from time to time. What Cooler Master product do you like the most?