Name: Cooler Master CK721 (Black, White)
Switch Type: TTC Mechanical Switch (Red/Blue/Brown)
Keycaps: ABS Painting & Laser Engraved, OEM Profile
Wireless: Yes
Battery: 2000mAh
Battery Life: 73 Hours (LED Off)
Material: Aluminium, Plastic
Colour: Space Grey/Silver White
LED Colour: RGB, 16.7 Million Colours
Polling Rate: 1,000 Hz (Wired/2.4Ghz Mode), 125 Hz (Bluetooth Mode)
Response Rate: 1ms (Wired/2.4GHz Mode), 8ms (Bluetooth Mode)
On-The-Fly System: Yes
Multimedia Keys: Yes (Using FN keys)
Wrist Rest: Cloth/SBR, 334 x 95 x 18 mm
Cable: Detachable & Braided
Software Support: Yes, Cooler Master MasterPlus+
Connector Cable: USB-C
Cable Length: 1.8 m
Dimensions: 334 x 118 x 37 mm
Weight: 764 g
Warranty: 2 Years
Cooler Master CK721 Packaging
The Cooler Master CK721 came in a fairly standard, yet extremely high quality black box, with an image of the keyboard immediately catching your eye. The box itself is made from high quality cardboard, presumably to protect the keyboard within. The image of the keyboard is high resolution, and clearly shows all of its talking points, such as the super modern design, and red switches.
The front of the box also features the keyboard key features, such as wireless connectivity, software controlled RGB, Bluetooth, and the ability to set hotkeys in the Masterplus+ software.
When moving to the back of the box, the keyboard goes into more detail as to what is contained within, showing a list of key specifications, such as weight, switch type, material, colour, and other basic information. The overall initial experience of the box itself is very promising, as the high quality materials give the product an extremely premium finish.
Lifting the lid of the box, I was met with the Cooler Master CK721 itself, resting securely within a custom-cut black foam tray. The fit was snug, leaving no room for the keyboard to jostle around during transport. Underneath this tray, I found a separate compartment tucked neatly into the box. This compartment housed the included accessories for the CK721.
The first item I pulled out was a braided USB-C cable, its dark weave hinting at a quality construction. Next came a keycap puller, a handy tool for anyone who might want to customize the keycaps down the line. Finally, a multilingual user manual rounded out the package, ensuring users around the world could get up and running with the keyboard quickly.
The entire contents of the box were meticulously organized and well-protected, leaving a positive first impression.
Overview
The Cooler Master CK721 has arrived on my desk, and after spending a significant amount of time typing and gaming on it, I’m here to share my experience. This keyboard falls into the increasingly popular 65% layout category, meaning it eschews the function key row and number pad for a more compact footprint. This makes it ideal for those with limited desk space or for those who prioritise portability.
Picking up the Cooler Master CK721, the first thing that struck me was its weight. The sandblasted aluminium top plate feels reassuringly solid, exuding a quality that belies its mid-range price point. The clean lines and minimalist design give it a sleek, modern aesthetic that would complement any setup. Unlike some other 65% keyboards, the Cooler Master CK721 retains the dedicated arrow keys, a welcome feature for those who find using function layer shortcuts cumbersome.
My review unit came equipped with TTC red linear switches. These switches offer a smooth and quiet keystroke, making them well-suited for both gaming and extended typing sessions. There’s minimal key wobble, and the actuation force feels just right, neither too light nor too heavy. While some users might prefer the tactile feedback of brown switches, the reds deliver a satisfyingly responsive typing experience.
The keycaps themselves are made from PBT plastic, a more durable and premium choice compared to the common ABS plastic found on cheaper keyboards. The keycaps have a slight texture that provides a pleasant grip, and the legends are clear and crisp, even with the per-key RGB backlighting turned on. The Cooler Master CK721 offers a trio of connection options, making it a versatile choice for a variety of users. You can connect it to your PC using the included braided USB-C cable for a lag-free wired experience.
Alternatively, for a cleaner desktop setup, you can utilise the 2.4 GHz wireless connection, which offers a reliable and low-latency connection. Finally, Bluetooth 5.1 allows you to connect the keyboard to multiple devices, seamlessly switching between them with a press of a button. Cooler Master claims a battery life of up to 73 hours with the RGB backlighting turned off. While I haven’t been able to precisely measure this claim, the battery life has certainly proven impressive during my testing. Even with moderate use of the RGB lighting, I’ve been able to go several days without needing to recharge.
One of the most intriguing features of the Cooler Master CK721 is the inclusion of a multi-function precision dial located on the top right corner. This dial can be programmed to control a variety of functions through the Cooler Master MasterPlus+ software (not included in this review). Out of the box, it defaults to volume control, but it can be customised to control media playback, adjust lighting effects, or even perform application shortcuts. While I found the dial a bit stiff initially, it loosened up with use, and I can see it becoming a handy tool for quick adjustments during gameplay or multitasking
Software
MasterPlus+ provides a good level of control over the Cooler Master CK721’s features. You can customize the per-key RGB backlighting with a wide array of effects and lighting profiles. The software also allows you to remap keys, program macros, and configure the multi-function precision dial on the CK721. It’s a functional program that gets the job done.
Summary
The Cooler Master CK721 strikes a commendable balance between features, performance, and price. The build quality is excellent, the typing experience is smooth and responsive, and the multiple connectivity options provide versatility.
The inclusion of the precision dial adds a touch of innovation, offering users another way to interact with their keyboard. While the lack of hot-swappable switches might be a deterrent for some enthusiasts, the TTC red switches on my review unit performed admirably for both gaming and everyday use.
Final Verdict: Great Keyboard
The Cooler Master CK721 is a compelling option for those seeking a compact, wireless mechanical keyboard that doesn’t compromise on performance or build quality. The sleek design, solid construction, and excellent battery life make it a great choice for both gamers and everyday users. While the lack of hot-swappable switches might limit customizability for some, the overall package offers a well-rounded experience at a competitive price point.
