|
Page 1 of 6
Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer: Mad Catz Interactive
Product Name: S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 Gaming Keyboard
Model: MCB43109N002/02/1
UPC: 728658031060 EAN: 0728658031060
Price As Tested: $299.99 (Amazon / Newegg)
Full Disclosure: The product sample used in this article has been provided by Mad Catz.
Mad Catz has always taken wild swings at design and innovation. Their latest introduction, the Mad Catz STRIKE 7 gaming keyboard, is among the most luxurious and expensive keyboards on the market. With 7 detachable and modular pieces, 1 TFT-LCD touch screen, 12 programmable macro keys, 12 touch screen macros, and 3 instant toggle profiles, the raw capability of this keyboard can put any keyboard to shame. Benchmark Reviews will take apart the STRIKE 7 and see if it really is the king of the crop.
Aside from its futuristic look and eye popping touch screen, the first thing you'll probably notice is the $299.99 price tag. That's a steep premium to pay as some of the best mechanical keyboards are only around $150. The Razer DeathStalker, a comparable keyboard with a touchscreen that runs apps, costs $250. We will discuss the comparisons in more detail in later sections.
The STRIKE 7 is not a mechanical keyboard, one of the most popular demands today from gamers. However Mad Catz has developed a membrane that mimics the feeling of a mechanical keyboard without the excessive noise. The feel most closely resembles cherry brown switches for its light tactile feel when the key press is activated. It is comfortable for typing as well as gaming. The main excitement for this keyboard is the modular touchscreen that features 12 out of box apps, which alone comprises about 50% of this keyboard's cost. Benchmark Reviews is eager to try out this piece of hardware.
STRIKE 7 Features
Fully Modular for Unparalleled Customization
Borrowing modifiable technology from the world's most adjustable mouse - - the award-winning R.A.T. - - the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 Gaming Keyboard's unique design provides unprecedented customization options to enhance overall comfort. Armed with total control of your keyboard's fit, size, color, sound, and programming, you can finally play your favorite games exactly as intended: How you like to play them!
5 Separate Hardware Modules
- Control Module with V.E.N.O.M. TFT-LCD touch screen
Easily navigate the keyboard's many functions with the Control Module's intuitive V.E.N.O.M. touch screen. Program advanced macros, adjust backlighting, and take in-game control of external functions - - balance game and chat volumes, launch apps and websites, even initiate and control TeamSpeak - - all with a few simple finger taps.
- Main Keyboard
Thanks to a much smaller footprint than run-of-the-mill keyboards, the main keyboard gives your mouse plenty of extra space for large, sweeping movements. Replacement, interchangeable WASD and cursor keys adapt to your gaming style by giving you the choice of standard, contoured or rubber-edged versions. Full RGB backlighting - - with 16 million color variants - - matches the keyboard to your gaming rig and the keys' laser-etched, lacquered light guides are ideal for gaming in dim environments.
- Function Strip
Adding four programmable macro buttons to the mix, the removable Function Strip brings the total to 24. Including the V.E.N.O.M. touch screen, the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 Gaming Keyboard incorporates 24 programmable macro buttons over three modes to create 72 user-definable commands.
- NumPad
Just like the Control Module, the NumPad is capable of loose or fix-mounted positioning. The custom connection scheme makes it all possible, and the included set of longer wires bolsters your arrangement options.
- 3-Part Active Palm Rest and Two Wrist Rests
A height-adjustable, active palm-rest houses both a thumb wheel and an action button for even more controls at your fingertips. Both wrist rests utilize a rugged 5-pin connector to attach to the main keyboard module and NumPad, effectively enhancing your comfort during stints of extended gaming.
Uncomplicated Macro Programming
An intuitive graphical interface vastly simplifies the formerly tedious task of macro programming. Assign single or multiple keystrokes, complete with custom timings, to macro keys or interface icons and then easily fine-tune your settings. This ability is essential for fast-paced games which require clear but complex multi-key actions.
Each of the keyboard's three different modes can store your programmed macros; you need only switch to a different mode mid-game to triple your available commands. Once programmed, custom profiles can be published to share with your community and saved for later recall, allowing for a seamless transition to another gaming PC.
Integrated TeamSpeak Functionality with Visual Identifier
The team at Mad Catz collaborated with TeamSpeak's development team to integrate their state-of-the-art chat technology into the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 Gaming Keyboard. Once you have the TeamSpeak application running on the keyboard's V.E.N.O.M. touch screen, select specific game rooms to check who is online and who is actively talking. You can even control the chat volume from within the game you are playing, removing the need to pause and switch programs.
STRIKE 7 Specifications
| Size |
9.33"x7.52"x15.08"
|
| Weight |
7.28 lbs
|
Product includes
|
- Main Keyboard Module
- Control Module TFT-LCD with 2 High-Speed USB Ports
- Macro Key (Function Strip) Module
- Number Pad Module
- 3 Palm/Wrist Rests
- Additional Key Caps with Removal Tool
- Adjustment Tool
- 3 Keyboard Link Cables
- AC Adapter
- 6 Connector Screws
- Internet Connection Required for Driver Download
|
| Compatibility |
Windows XP/Vista/7/8 |
| Ports |
2x USB 2.0 ports
|
|
Comments
And as far as functionality is concerned this board still does little to nothing for FPS gaming.
For a board with so many module why on earth is there no FPS module with a layout like for example the Ideazon Fang or Steelseries Merc Stealth has. If there was a module like that I would have bought this board no matter the messy look.
Every single keyboard I've owned that used membrane type switches simply didn't last long enough to justify their expense.
Membrane type switches are irreparable, mechanical switched are. The Deck keyboard I've been using for a couple of years had 2 instances of key lights that failed. Both were fixed during the warranty period. I can also modify this keyboard any way I wish with a soldering iron, resistors and/or led's. I really don't think that a keyboard with membrane switches may be modified in any fashion without destroying it.
If Mad Catz produces another keyboard like this, with mechanical switches, I'll be buying the 1st one I find. Mad Catz is a very good company. I just wish they didn't buck the trend by using membrane switching with this keyboard. It has everything I want and a few things I'd have never thought of asking for.
As for the FPS setup, you can just attach the touchscreen to your numpad, attach the extra long cable that comes with it and you can use your numpad + arrows and extra macro keys around the arrows for FPS gaming.
If you dont want the numpad on the right side of the rest of the keyboard you can just put it on the left side and attach the 4 extra macro keys to your numpad section as well.
I want to know if we can use this keyboard without a computer...I mean...if we can use touchscreen funcionalities with some autonomy, like a battery, or we really have to use the keyboard alonside a computer?
Thanks!