Corsair Gaming STRAFE Silent RGB mechanical keyboard

Rating: 8.0.

Corsair has produced some fantastic looking keyboards in the last year. Adding to that line up now is a variant on its highly praised STRAFE design – the Silent. This board features the same RGB backlighting, media keys and attachable wrist rest, but with modified mechanical switches to make them that much quieter when you are typing.

Corsair assures us that doing so has not affected the responsiveness of the Cherry MX switches and in-fact thanks to the inclusion of gold connectors they may even be faster than before – which considering this review model sports modified mechanical switches akin to Cherry MX Reds, is plenty fast indeed. 

Corsair STRAFE SILENT RGB Features:

• Cherry MX “Silent” switches.
• Per-key backlighting offers high-level customisation.
• Fully programmable keys for remapping.
• USB port for connect-through.
• Textured and coloured keycaps for comfort and control.
• Gaming circuitry gives 100 per cent anti-ghosting.
• Easy access to media with built-in media keys.

The Corsair Gaming STRAFE Silent may not look much different then the standard STRAFE. It has all of the same features and back-end software perks with the addition of the quieter switches, which Corsair brands in a class of their own. Now when you go to buy a STRAFE RGB keyboard, you can get it with Cherry MX Red, Brown or MX Silent switches.

But what makes these work differently than others?

The Cherry MX Silent switches are built much like a standard switch, but they also feature a pair of “component tappets” to reduce the impact of the key at the base of the switch. That base, we are told is made from a patented “glass fibre,” which also helps cut back on noise output.

The packaging for the Corsair Gaming STRAFE Silent is much the same as it was for the standard RGB STRAFE with the only real difference being the small badge (not a sticker, kudos Corsair) that tells you which switch type you have. Other features are also proudly displayed, as well as a large picture of the board on the front and back at different angles.

Of course it also breaks down the RGB backlighting, which is a nice feature to have for those that like customisation as it provides a lot of scope for making the keyboard look like yours.

Everything is packaged up nicely too, so there should be no concern when having this keyboard shipped to you. It has a good chance of arriving in perfect condition.

The rear features some more break downs of different aspects of the board, as well as the suggestion that you pair it with other Corsair peripherals like its mice and headsets. If you do so with ones that also support RGB backlighting and the Corsair Utility back-end software, you can have them coordinate light shows. While you will not be able to see most of it while using those products, it might make you look that bit cooler.

The Corsair Gaming STRAFE Silent comes with the usual warranty sheet and quick set up guide, though for those looking to delve deeper into the features or Corsair Utility software, you will need to read up online.

There is also a set of additional, alternative keycaps with slightly-slanted tops to theoretically deliver better gaming performance although I personally don't notice much, if any, difference.

The only other accessory included with this board is the bundled wrist-rest, which has two split textured sections coated in hard plastic, while the exterior of the rest and the single diagonal slash through the middle, are coated in a softer material.

The Corsair Gaming STRAFE Silent is much the same board as we reviewed last time, with different switches. That means that it has the same clean, refined, matt black look – that is at the same time both professional and quite gamer-like. It has a solid build quality, with no creaking or flexing parts and it has a satisfyingly heavy feel.

Now, instead of the Corsair sails being positioned on the right, they are on the far-upper left and there is the name “Corsair,” on the right. The former also lights up and can be altered in the back-end preferences.

The key caps on this board feature a traditional dip and translucent lettering to allow the backlighting to shine through.

When the keycaps are pulled off we get our first look at the Silent switches themselves and they look much the same as normal Cherry MX switches.

They feature the same clear-plastic surrounds we saw on the K70 and standard STRAFE boards, though this one does have a white underlay. Presumably this is to help reflect the backlighting and provide more of a uniform glow underneath the keys, which will be interesting to see in darker conditions.

The WASD replacement keys are reasonably comfortable on first press and no way near as angled as they are on the GSkill board we looked at recently.

Media keys are in the same place as the original STRAFE keyboard, and they are within a one-handed stretch of the function key which is good news. Lock indicators are still as refined as ever, with a Windows lock-key and backlighting brightness button next to them at the end.

One thing that has changed with this board are the side panels. Along with the key underbelly, they are both white now too.

The underside however is still matt black and features the rubber grips in the same places.

The extender feet are mounted horizontally too as you might remember.

The cable on this board is not braided and features dual USB headers to allow for the pass-through port on the back. However it only splits off at the end and has a double-thick single cable for the rest of the run.

Testing a keyboard such as the Corsair Gaming STRAFE Silent RGB requires a considerable amount of real world time. We underwent comprehensive gaming, typing and usability tests paying particular attention to the new Silent switch design.

The Cherry MX “Silent” switches feel pretty good to use. For gaming, they feel very similar to a standard brown or red switch in terms of actuation pressure required, but there is no real tactile feedback like you would get with a blue or brown switch. You can still bottom these keys out every time.

The lighting options have been expanded from the basic STRAFE model, allowing for deep customisation

That does not really come into play with gaming though. So whether we were playing fast paced RTS titles, high-speed MOBA's or first person shooters, the Corsair Gaming STRAFE Silent RGB performed equally well. It has that same ‘mechanical-switch' responsiveness  and there was never a moment where I felt like the dampening impeded the switches' ability to actuate.

As before, the grey, additional key-caps did not feel like they added much to the experience or made the gaming any better, but they do look cool and did not in any way hamper the gameplay experience or feel uncomfortable over long periods.

There is obviously a noticeable difference in noise output, especially when repeating keystrokes or tapping out fast commands in quick succession. The new design dampens the clicking noise that can often accompany a mechanical key bottoming out, though that is less prevalent on boards with tactile feedback as you do not need to take the key all the way to the base to guarantee it has been pressed.

The lighting options on this board are excellent, with a great view from the side

Heavy duty typing demands – such as writing this 2,500 word review were not quite as enjoyable. While the switches are undoubtedly a quality design and are precise in operation, they do suffer from a spongy bottom point. I will try and elaborate.

The feedback you get when typing on mechanical boards is just not present on the Silent to the same level. There is some measure of it, which is why I say it is nicer to type on than any membrane board I have ever used, but those people who rate Cherry MX Blue switches (or similar) will find this a huge step backwards.

“Performance” options let you expand the lock-down options of the Windows Lock key, and the Settings menu has a number of tweakable settings

Additionally, it seems a real shame that in changing the standard switches and reducing the clicking noise that mechanical boards are known for, Corsair and Cherry have somehow added a new noise to the mix. These switches can ring when hit with a reasonable amount of force.

I presume those are the tappets that have been added to dampen the switches and to their credit, they do do that. One of the issues with typing on a mechanical is that your fingers are not really cushioned against the force applied. While a membrane switch may flex as you hit them, standard Cherry MX switches do not.

These do, which is good, but if you have a problem with sore fingers after typing, using a lighter switch would be a better investment. Using browns or blues, with their tactile feedback for instance, would be a smart choice. Taking the position of Devil's Advocate, perhaps I am an inordinately hard typist.

Other features of the board such as the 100 per cent NKey rollover, media keys, windows-key lock are all welcome additions, especially alongside the updated Corsair Utility software. The lighting options in particular have been expanded from the standard STRAFE model , offering a number of different out of the box lighting modes, or you can make your own, much like we did with the Corsair Gaming Vengeance K70.

We do like the Corsair Gaming STRAFE Silent RGB mechanical keyboard. Cherry's Silent switches are a welcome addition to the family. Incorporating tappets instead of ‘dampening o-rings' is a solid plan as it does not impact the feeling of precision that a mechanical keyboard gives you over a traditional membrane design. That said, that spongy feeling when the key reaches the bottom is not as satisfying as the user experience you get from a traditional mechanical key.

The Silent switches do have a soft touch feel for the fingers, which might be of use to those who find traditional mechanical boards to exacerbate RSI or similar joint related problems.

Typing aside, these switches work just as well as any other mechanical switches for gaming. They are fast and comfortable over long periods, and I did not feel that the dampening impeded gameplay in any sense.

It must also be said that this keyboard incorporates all of the features we loved in the original STRAFE, as well as the adoption of RGB backlighting. Thanks to the clear surrounds on the switches the lighting is very uniform. The expanded options for changing the lighting in the Corsair Utility software are also a welcome addition. While the back-end does feel a little obtuse still, it is some of the most versatile customisation software available for peripherals from any manufacturer.

You can buy the Corsair STRAFE RGB Silent on Overclockers for £140. The RGB Red/Brown switch alternatives can be found there also for £130.

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Pros

• Same high quality design as standard STRAFE keyboard.
• The clicking of the keys is slightly reduced on the down and upstroke.
• Great for gaming or typing, though not as satisfying as traditional switches.
• Typing can feel a little easier on your fingers than standard mechanical boards.
• Corsair Utility RGB backlighting system is one of the best in the world.
• Media key placement is excellent.
• The clean, refined look is welcome compared to a lot of other keyboards.

Cons

• Typing with reasonable force produces an irritating ringing hum.
• Spongier feel takes away some of the pleasure of using a mechanical.
• More expensive than standard mechanical switches.
• Corsair Utility software is still a little hard to get your head around.

KitGuru Says: The Corsair Gaming STRAFE Silent RGB is a solid keyboard and the RGB backlighting is excellent. These new silent switches may not appeal to everyone however – so if you can, try before you buy.

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