Cooler Master CK352 Keyboard Review

1. Introduction2. Unboxing and First Look3. Testing4. Closing Thoughts5. View All Pages

With the peripheral market becoming increasingly saturated, it can be easy to get lost among a variety of keyboards, all with various key selling points and unique features… and price-tags to match.

The USP of the Cooler Master CK352 is almost the fact it doesn't have a USP, and instead is designed as a ‘no-frills' gaming keyboard. At its core, it offers mechanical switches, per-key RGB lighting and solid build quality thanks to the use of an aluminium top-plate, so Cooler Master is clearly trying to make something that does the basics without costing a small fortune.

And I have to say, it is pretty successful in meeting its aim. The LC Red mechanical switches feel good under the fingers and do not disappoint while gaming. The per-key RGB does indeed work very well, and I do like that no software is required to quickly change colour to configure a new LED effect.

Credit also has to go to Cooler Master's design team, as the sleek grey aluminium and dual-tone keycaps look fantastic in my opinion, reminiscent of the Drop CTRL – and that is certainly a good thing.

That said, there are undoubtedly some limitations. The lack of software is both a blessing and a curse, as there's no way to record or use macros via the on-board controls, which I do find disappointing for a full-size keyboard. The lack of switch variety could be a problem for some too, with only Red switches available in the UK – Browns and Blues are an option for the CK352, but only in other regions.

I do have to admit to having a question mark around these LC switches. LC are a brand I have never heard of before, and while Cooler Master still claims a 50m click lifespan, I do wonder why they didn't opt for a different alternative. Cherry as we know charges a price premium, so I don't insist on Cherry switches personally – but Gateron, Kailh, Outemu and even TTC are known brands in this space. LC is just a bit of an unknown, and while that certainly doesn't mean things will go wrong or the switches aren't as good, we just don't really know how they will hold up, when the aforementioned brands all have track records stretching back years.

Still, the Cooler Master CK352 is ticking a lot of the right boxes for a mechanical keyboard that won't cost the earth. You may want to look at the Corsair K60 RGB Pro that's currently retailing at the same £69.99 asking price – but with Corsair software support and Cherry Viola switches – so arguably Cooler Master could knock another tenner off just to make the CK352 even more competitive, but it's still a solid offering in this market segment.

We found the CK352 listed for £69.95 from Overclockers UK HERE.

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Pros

• Solid build quality.
• Looks great with aluminium top-plate and dual-tone keycaps.
• Per-key RGB lighting works well.
• Mechanical switches.
• On-board functionality.

Cons

• LC switches are a bit of an unknown.
• On-board controls don't include macros or saving different profiles.
• Corsair's K60 RGB Pro is the same price but offers Cherry switches and iCUE software.

KitGuru says: The CK352 offers the core functionality we'd expect from a modern mechanical keyboard without costing the earth.

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