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Cooler Master CK721 wireless mechanical keyboard with 3-way customizable dial now shipping for $120 USD

Cooler Master CK721 wireless mechanical keyboard with 3-way customizable dial now shipping for $120 USD (Source: Cooler Master)
Cooler Master CK721 wireless mechanical keyboard with 3-way customizable dial now shipping for $120 USD (Source: Cooler Master)
The 65 percent keyboard comes standard with a two-year warranty unlike most other keyboards. Nonetheless, the CK721 has a few annoyances that users should be aware of before purchasing.
Accessory

Cooler Master has just launched its CK721 65 percent keyboard with a bunch of auxiliary features that gamers and office users alike might appreciate. A sample was provided to us for our honest impressions.

The most notable features of the CK721 are its dial and three ways to connect to a host: Bluetooth 5.1, USB cable, or a dedicated wireless dongle. Users can toggle between the modes via a switch along the right edge while Bluetooth mode itself can save up to three different hosts for quickly toggling between them. Meanwhile, the physical dial makes certain adjustments such as volume, backlight brightness, and LED patterns more easy to control than on many other keyboards.

Unfortunately, the C721 has a number of faults that hinder the experience. Firstly, the switch along the right edge is too small and with not enough separation between the three modes. It's therefore easy to accidentally enable wireless dongle mode or Bluetooth mode when trying to switch to USB mode instead. Secondly, the Enter key is oddly too spongy when compared to the rest of the keyboard keys including the Space key. We're unsure if this is unique to our test unit, but we recommend checking after purchasing regardless.

Lastly, the removable aluminum top cover can be difficult to snap back on. Its latches along the edges and corners can attach incorrectly and so the whole deck can be slightly off-centered as a result.

The core typing experience is otherwise solid. The keyboard deck doesn't teeter while the palm rest is much thicker than most others. The keyboard backlight illuminates all symbols including the secondary and tertiary symbols on the front of the keys. The weak feedback on the Enter key, tiny switch, and inelegant removable aluminum top could have definitely been made better considering the $120 price point.

Users interested in checking out the CK721 can see the Amazon page here or official product page here. Black or white color options are available.

Retail box includes the keyboard, wireless dongle, USB-C to USB-A cable, key remover, manual, quick start guide, and soft wrist rest
Retail box includes the keyboard, wireless dongle, USB-C to USB-A cable, key remover, manual, quick start guide, and soft wrist rest
Keyboard with aluminum top removed. The top is awkward to snap off and on
Keyboard with aluminum top removed. The top is awkward to snap off and on
Soft palm rest has no way to physically attach to the keyboard
Soft palm rest has no way to physically attach to the keyboard
Wrist rest appears to be similar to many yoga mat materials
Wrist rest appears to be similar to many yoga mat materials
Keyboard lying flat
Keyboard lying flat
Keyboard with feet engaged
Keyboard with feet engaged
Build quality is strong with no noticeable weak points
Build quality is strong with no noticeable weak points
The extra 5 percent in the 65 percent relates to the off-centered column of keys along the right edge of the keyboard due to the dial
The extra 5 percent in the 65 percent relates to the off-centered column of keys along the right edge of the keyboard due to the dial
Dial is rigid and easily the best part of the keyboard. Pressing the dial will mute the PC
Dial is rigid and easily the best part of the keyboard. Pressing the dial will mute the PC
Removable USB-C cable along the back of the keyboard
Removable USB-C cable along the back of the keyboard
Many keys have tertiary functions
Many keys have tertiary functions
Red, blue, or brown switch options are available
Red, blue, or brown switch options are available
Dedicated compartment for storing the USB wireless dongle when not in use
Dedicated compartment for storing the USB wireless dongle when not in use
The cover can be difficult to remove if you have larger fingers
The cover can be difficult to remove if you have larger fingers
Keyboard is compatible with MasterPlus+ software
Keyboard is compatible with MasterPlus+ software
ABS plastic base with PBT keycaps
ABS plastic base with PBT keycaps
The kickstand feet on bottom can be engaged for an 8 percent or 10 percent angle
The kickstand feet on bottom can be engaged for an 8 percent or 10 percent angle
Kickstand at 10 percent angle
Kickstand at 10 percent angle
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> Expert Reviews and News on Laptops, Smartphones and Tech Innovations > News > News Archive > Newsarchive 2022 04 > Cooler Master CK721 wireless mechanical keyboard with 3-way customizable dial now shipping for $120 USD
Allen Ngo, 2022-04-13 (Update: 2022-04-13)