Cooler Master has been making a name for itself on the PC component market since 1992. Even though the name may still sound primarily like a cooling system, the portfolio has grown to include cases, input devices, power supply units, chairs and various other products.
Today we have tested the Cooler Master MK770 keyboard in the color Macaron for you. Cooler Master calls the keyboard the “ultimate customizable keyboard” – in addition to hot-swap switches, there are also three ways to connect the keyboard to your computer and customizable RGB lighting. You can find out whether the keyboard lives up to its advertised high-end status in the following test.
Technical data
| Switches | Kailh Box V2 Red |
| Keycaps | ABS; laser engraved |
| Connectivity | Wired, 2.4 GHz via dongle, Bluetooth |
| Layout | DE ISO, 95% |
| Colors | Macaron or Space Grey |
| RGB | available, 16.7 million colors |
| Sampling rate | 1000 Hz (with cable or 2.4 GHz dongle), 125 Hz (Bluetooth) |
| Response time | 1 ms |
| On-board memory | 128 KB |
| Multimedia buttons | Available per function key |
| Battery capacity | 4000 mAh |
| Cable length | 1.8 m, USB-C to USB-A |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 380.89 x 140.42 x 38×74 mm |
| weight | 1052 g (without cable) |
| Price | € 138.29 * |
Scope of delivery, design, workmanship
- Connection cable
- Wireless dongle
- Keycap and switch remover
- Eight Clicky Switches
- “Feet
Basically, it can be said that the accessories include everything you could wish for in a keyboard – perhaps even a little more. A quick start guide is more or less standard, as are necessary accessories such as a cable and a wireless dongle – but you rarely see eight additional switches. In our test, we also received eight white clicky switches – and were able to test these directly.
The design of the Cooler Master MK770 is striking. The “Macaron” color in particular, which is of course based on the brightly colored French macarons, makes quite an impression. The choice of color may be polarizing, but we give it a plus point. If all that color is too much for you, you can also get the simpler “Space Grey” version, which comes with black and white keycaps.
What is striking about the keyboard is its relatively unusual 95% format. Only a few keys, such as the dedicated scroll-lock key, are omitted and there is hardly any unused space. The result is a hybrid that saves space, as TKL keyboards do, but can also retain its numpad and does not have to miss any really relevant keys.
The double-assigned keys also catch the eye. The keys that we have to give up due to the 95% format are of course double-assigned with the FN (or CoolerMaster) key. There are also some keys for keyboard profile control, RGB control and multimedia keys. There is also a scroll wheel for adjusting the volume on the top right-hand side.
If we look at the keyboard from the side, we can see the different structures that are placed on top of each other – rounded off with a notch and Cooler Master lettering. On the back, we also find a switch to switch between Bluetooth, wired and 2.4 GHz, as well as the USB-C port.
On the underside of the keyboard we find – as expected – the rubberized feet. These can be folded out, and there is also an intermediate step. The USB dongle is also hidden under the right stand – it can be safely stowed there for transportation.
About the workmanship of the Cooler Master MK770: At just under one kilogram, you immediately feel that you are holding something of value in your hand. The case is generally made of softer materials, which in combination with the rubberized feet results in a gap between the keyboard and the table. If you apply pressure here, the keyboard bends slightly. This is probably due to the stickers included – but we wouldn’t see this as a negative point in the workmanship, as we strongly believe that this benefits the typing feel and sound of the keyboard.
As an eye-catching gimmick, the USB-A end of the cable is colored on the inside to match the color of the keyboard. A nice eye for detail. On the other hand, one wonders why the dongle and its connection housing are suddenly black. Given the preceding quality and the overall picture, it just doesn’t fit in. Although it tends to be irrelevant, it’s still a shame given the great focus on color and design.
A really big point of criticism is the keycaps. It’s a pity that only the US and Chinese versions use Doubleshot PBT keycaps. In the German version, laser-engraved ABS keycaps are used – this is definitely noticeable in the durability in the long term.
Practical test – how does it type?
- Very convincing typing feel
- High-quality sound, not loud, convincing insulation and damping
- Super all-rounder thanks to 95% layout
- Strong Kailh-Boxed switches
To get a good feel for the keyboard, we used it for some time, both in gaming in various games and in everyday life – at work and for writing in general. Overall, it is a well-rounded and really good experience.
The keystrokes feel really high-quality, and the sound with the keyboard’s dampened layers is particularly impressive. There is no reverberation, metallic sounds or similar in any scenario. – It feels coherent and fits the overall picture. The response times of the Kailh switches are also impressive, especially in gaming. Realistically, there are no problems here. The boxed version is definitely noticeable – the keycaps sit super tight, so that the very high-quality picture is rounded off here too.
In general, the test was consistently positive. Nevertheless, there are two minor issues to note – if you are not familiar with the layout, it honestly takes some getting used to when you are blindly searching for the arrow keys. Although this is not a fault of the keyboard itself, you should be aware of it. After a while, however, this becomes normal again – similar to reaching into the void when using a TKL keyboard for the first time.
The Cooler Master MK770 is also quite high and comes without a palm rest. This is definitely a matter of taste, with small hands and sensitive wrists this can possibly be a disadvantage and require a separate palm rest if you type for longer periods. In everyday use, this was more noticeable when typing for longer periods, such as here when writing the test – this was not an issue at all when gaming.
RGB, software and co.
- Software simple but functional – but not necessary
- RGB more of an “add-on” for a colorful keyboard
- Illumination not ideal
First of all – realistically, the Macaron version in particular would not have needed RGB at all. It already shines due to the choice of color, but as is so often the case, having is better than needing. For some, it may be a criterion for exclusion.
Overall, you would tick the box for “RGB available”, but it is not completely convincing. The secondary assignment of the keys is almost not illuminated at all, and the keyboard also shines quite strongly into the spaces between the keycaps. To use it as a key illumination in the evening, it is quite useful, and the effects also look well illuminated – but some competitors tend to do this better.
The “MasterPlus” software controls all connected Cooler Master peripherals. Here you can change the key assignment on the various tabs, adjust the lighting, manage energy saving options, define macros and create profiles. Overall, the software is clearly laid out. Fortunately, it is not absolutely necessary to use the keyboard.
Conclusion – a successful keyboard?
Overall, the Cooler Master MK770 leaves a very strong impression. The biggest point to emphasize is definitely the typing feel, combined with the background noise. You can definitely tell that an enormous focus has been placed on this. Together with the Kailh Boxed Red V2 switches, this creates a very well-rounded picture.
There are minor deductions in the B grade. The RGB lighting is good, but could be a tick better and please make the dongle and the adapter for this simply white or in other Macaron colors of the keyboard. It just doesn’t fit in – otherwise it’s an extremely nice overall look.
The color choices are successful and look great on any desk. With pastel shades in the Macaron version, but also in black and white, the Cooler Master MK770 is definitely an eye-catcher. If the height of the keyboard is not a problem for you, you are getting a really high-quality product at a fair price.
Cooler Master MK770
Processing
Equipment
Ergonomics
Software
Price-performance ratio
93/100
Very successful keyboard - strong typing feel, compromises with the lighting
