Cooler Master CK550

Cooler Master CK550 / CK530

The Cooler Master CK550 is a cheap RGB mechanical keyboard which is available since mid of 2018.

Inexpensive Mechanical Gaming Keyboard

Finding a mechanical keyboard for less than 100 Dollars is not a problem but usually comes with compromises made somewhere. That’s not different with the Cooler Master CK550, the keyboard lacks some features that more expensive gaming keyboards usually have. For example, there are no dedicated media keys, no palm rest and no USB passthrough. Nevertheless, the CK550 comes with an impressive set of features, especially when considering that the keyboard is sold for under 100 Dollars.

The keyboard supports RGB illumination which can be controlled via shortcuts on the keyboard or via Cooler Master Portal software. Media controls are integrated into the function keys and macros can be configured for arbitrary keys. N-Key-Rollover ensures that all inputs are recognized reliable, even in fast-paced situations.

Cooler Master CK550 / CK530 Versions

Choose your Switch

The CM CK550 features switches of the Chinese manufacturer Gateron. The keyboard is available in three different versions: The model code CK-550-GKGR1 refers to keyboards with Gateron Red switches, CK-550-GKGM1 refers to keyboards with Gateron Brown switches and CK-550-GKGL1 identifies models with Gateron Blue switches.

Make it Tenkeyless: CK530

The so called Cooler Master CK530 is a model without numpad. Just like its bigger brother, the CK530 is available with red, brown or blue switches from Gateron.

Cooler Master CK550 V2 / CK530 V2

In 2020, Cooler Master revised and updated their keyboards. The CK550 V2 and CK530 V2 feature switches from TTC and have a wrist rest included. Depending on the region, the V2 includes ABS doubleshot keycaps (US, parts of Asia) or just standard laser-engraved keycaps (rest of the world).


Versions: Cooler Master CK550 | Cooler Master CK530 | Cooler Master CK530 V2 | Cooler Master CK550 V2

Tech Specs for Cooler Master CK550

Dimensions: 460 x 135 x 41 mm
Weight: 850 g
Connection: USB
Illumination: Yes (RGB)
Cable Length: 180 cm
Key Rollover: NKRO
Numpad: Yes
Macro Keys: No macro keys
Media Keys: Yes (integrated)
USB Passthrough: No USB Passthrough
Switches: Gateron Blue, Gateron Brown, Gateron Red
Keycaps: Laser etched ABS keycaps
Extras: Fully programmable, keycap puller
Available since: Jun. 2018
Dimensions: 380 x 135 x 40 mm
Weight: 749 g
Connection: USB
Illumination: Yes (RGB)
Cable Length: 180 cm
Key Rollover: NKRO
Numpad: No
Macro Keys: No macro keys
Media Keys: Yes (integrated)
USB Passthrough: No USB Passthrough
Switches: Gateron Blue, Gateron Brown, Gateron Red
Keycaps: Laser etched ABS keycaps
Extras: Fully programmable, keycap puller
Available since: Jan. 2019
Dimensions: 380 x 135 x 40 mm
Weight: 739 g
Connection: USB
Illumination: Yes (RGB)
Cable Length: 180 cm
Key Rollover: NKRO
Numpad: No
Macro Keys: No macro keys
Media Keys: Yes (integrated)
USB Passthrough: No USB Passthrough
Switches: TTC Blue, TTC Brown, TTC Red
Keycaps: Laser etched ABS keycaps
Extras: With palm rest, fully programmable, keycap puller
Available since: May. 2020
Dimensions: 460 x 135 x 41 mm
Weight: 908 g
Connection: USB
Illumination: Yes (RGB)
Cable Length: 180 cm
Key Rollover: NKRO
Numpad: Yes
Macro Keys: No macro keys
Media Keys: Yes (integrated)
USB Passthrough: No USB Passthrough
Switches: TTC Blue, TTC Brown, TTC Red
Keycaps: Laser etched ABS keycaps
Extras: With palm rest, fully programmable, keycap puller
Available since: May. 2020

Further Information on Amazon.com

Cooler Master CK550 Gaming Mechanical Keyboard with RGB Backlighting, On-the-Fly Controls, and Hybrid Key Rollover, Brown Switch
(Read customer reviews)
Buy from Amazon.com

Mechanical Keyboard Score

81

The mechanical keyboard score is our overall score for a keyboard. The score is based on the available ratings and critics and makes an easy comparison between different mechanical keyboards possible. It is also used for our mechanical keyboard ranking.


Reviews


Vortez

November 24, 2019

Amazing Value

"Overall the CK550 is one of best entry level mechanical keyboards we've tested but there are a few pain points that need to be considered."

Read the full review.


ThinkComputers

April 8, 2019

8 out of 10 points

"It is a good keyboard for the price. It is tenkeyless, mechanical, has full per-key RGB backlighting, software, and solid construction. "

Read the full review.


Hardware Heaven

November 26, 2018

Recommended Award

"Our Cooler Master CK550 review shows that this is one of the most affordable mechanical keyboards around. "

Read the full review.

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