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).
Tech Specs for Cooler Master CK550
Further Information on Amazon.com
(Read customer reviews)
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Mechanical Keyboard Score
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
November 24, 2019
"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."
April 8, 2019
"It is a good keyboard for the price. It is tenkeyless, mechanical, has full per-key RGB backlighting, software, and solid construction. "
November 26, 2018
"Our Cooler Master CK550 review shows that this is one of the most affordable mechanical keyboards around. "
