Cooler Master CK550 under test: Compact and without extras, but 100% performance

We have already written about the SK series of Cooler Master. However, the Taiwanese peripheral manufacturer did not remain inactive last year and also launched the CK550. In design, appearance and functionality, it is a completely different model from the flat SK621, SK630 and SK650.

If you prefer large keys, a compact design and RGB in the style of a gaming keyboard, you should read more carefully now. Compared to the SK Series, which has slim, flat keys, Cooler Master’s CK Series is all about the original form and function of a gaming keyboard.

So the focus is on efficient gaming. Extras such as palm rest or multimedia keys are not found on the CK550. Uncomplicated, it should shine above all through performance and robustness.

We took a closer look at the Cooler Master CK550 and really looked under the hood, especially to be able to see the switches. The CK550 comes in three versions, each with different key switches.

Technical data

Packaging and contents

The keyboard arrives in a typical Cooler Master packaging. On the front the CK550 is emblazoned and a cardboard cutout allows a glimpse of the arrow keys. Packed in, the keyboard is as simple as it should be.

Inside, a 1.8 meter long cable awaits us next to the keyboard, which is not detachable, as well as an additional tool for removing keys.

The first thing we notice, apart from the weight of the keyboard, is the rubberized cable. Meanwhile we are used to such braided ones. In our eyes not a big minus. Our focus is on what the Cooler Master CK550 can do for real PC gamers.

No eye-catcher, but suitable for every setup

As one is used to from the Taiwanese, the excellent workmanship is noticeable from the beginning of the test. To guarantee this as well as a long life span, Cooler Master has again used brushed aluminum. The keycaps are also made of sturdy plastic. The smooth, slightly curved surface flatters the fingers – Cooler Master is no different.

Nice to see that the company is not stingy at the important points, although the price is only about 75 Euro. But in the end, it lacks dedicated multimedia keys and other familiar extras. In the end we weigh up the pros and cons.

The uneven case of the CK550 creates a drop-off towards the user. Fold-out stands at the rear are therefore superfluous, but do exist. It is noticeable that not much frame was left and the rows of keys on the left, right and bottom almost close to the edge of the case. In the end, you have a compact and stable case in front of you, ready for all (gaming) infamies.

What also stands out is the fact that no logo has been immortalized on the keyboard. On the outside, it fits seamlessly into any setup.

The construction and design of the Cooler Master CK550 definitely appeal to us – even if the key switches under the caps are not covered. But if you want to be comfortable while gaming, you will miss a palm rest on this keyboard. This will be included in the successor, the CK550 V2.

Galeron Switches from Glorious PC Gaming Race

No matter what the switches are, the CK550 is not about beauty, but about function, as the recent review makes clear. In order to be able to install optimal switches, Cooler Master brought the US-Americans from Glorious PC Gaming Race on board. They fit the CK550 like a glove. As the company name suggests, GPGR is all about the PC and outstanding functionality.

The company, which was only founded in 2014, has already been gaining momentum with its Galeron switches for some time and is thus growing as a competitor to the Cherry MX switches. Cooler Master has also relied on the latter in various of its keyboards. However, the CK550 should be geared from start to finish to the advantage of PC gaming. For this reason, the peripheral manufacturer also offers three keyboard variants: with Red, Blue or Brown switches. We have broken down in more detail how all three differ from each other and which gamer should choose which color.

With the Gateron switches, it is especially worth mentioning that they are very similar to those from Cherry. This means that they can also be installed in keyboards that previously had MX switches from Cherry. The switches also show similarities in terms of durability: they should be able to withstand a full 50 million clicks.

Red

The version with the red switches, we have tested ourselves. These can be pressed through linearly with a pressure of a light 45 grams. They are the all-rounders among the Gateron switches. The buttons can be operated as soft as butter with the red switches, but you don’t get any acoustic or haptic feedback either.

By the way, key caps and switches are very good and stable. We don’t notice any wobbling or the like. Thus, the CK550 is also prepared for every gaming session in this respect.

Blue

If you like the click on keystrokes, you should get the CK550 variant with the blue switches from Glorious PC Gaming Race. In addition to an acoustic one, this one also gives a tactile feedback. In addition, it takes 55 grams of pressure to get a reaction from a key. According to the switch manufacturer, the blue switches should primarily appeal to programmers.

Brown

The Brown switches on the other hand are a mixture of Blue and Red. As a hybrid model, they combine both characteristics of the Galeron switches described above, which means that although no clicking can be heard, tactile feedback is provided. This keeps the noise per keystroke low and again only 45 grams of pressure are required to elicit a reaction from a key.

Finally, the Cooler Master CK550 supports full-key rollover to prevent ghosting. So no matter how many keys are pressed simultaneously, every single one is registered. In our opinion, however, both of these features are also to be expected with a keyboard that focuses purely on high-performance gaming.

Apart from that, we can only say that Cooler Master has found the right partners when it comes to switches. Simply constructed switches for a simple keyboard!

On-the-fly control is possible

With a microcontroller and 512 kB of on-board memory, the CK550 is able to record macros, execute multimedia commands and partially control RGB lighting with a single keystroke. Partial in this case means that although colors can be changed on-board, there are very few and no effects. For more, it requires the Cooler Master Portal software.

With RGB lighting that can be controlled by software

A keyboard that is designed for gambling can of course also glow colorfully. This is ensured by the Galeron switches, which are equipped with LEDs. This allows each switch to be controlled individually. All you need is the Cooler Master software, which can be downloaded from the manufacturer’s website.

Macros can be defined here, but above all 16.7 million colors and a total of 17 lighting effects can be set. So you can give the CK550 a Rainbow Wave, blinking stars or even your own effects. The latter lets every single key shine in the way the user imagines it to.

The Cooler Master portal is quite easy to use. The CK550 is displayed graphically. To change a color, simply click on the desired button and choose the right one from the right color palette.

Conclusion

In our eyes, the CK550 from Cooler Master is a simple, compact keyboard with all the necessary gaming features. It offers no more than you need and no less than such a keyboard should. In this respect, the price of about 75 euros is also absolutely justified. If you want more functions and extras, you have to pay more and should perhaps change the manufacturer. After all, Cooler Master is known for building compact input devices.

But once again the good workmanship, the suitably selected switches and the high-quality materials are striking. Especially the choice between three different switch types has put us in a positive mood. For those who don’t need any extras, we recommend the CK550 as a purchase recommendation.