Cooler Master CK550 - Gateron browns Review & Comparison with Logitech G512 Carbon - GX browns (incl. Linux usage)

Hi everyone, gonna share a review of the CK550 Kb, as there weren't many written about it when I bought it. I'll also be comparing it to a G512 carbon, as they're both similarly priced, and are similarly available outside the US. And are similarly available at my house :)

Cooler Master CK550 - Gateron browns

TL;DR - Fantastic. If these are the features you're after, buy it.

This is my first MKB, and I bought it mostly for typing purposes - coding and writing. I was afraid of the noise blues make, hence why going browns. They are available in gaterons blues and reds as well. There's also a TKL option (I bought the 100% model).

From the start the difference between the gateron's and my older hand-me-down stinky membrane were unbelievable. I could type for hours on hours, with zero hand strain, and much much quicker. I enjoyed the Gateron's key feel so much, I was looking for stuff to write just so I could keep on using them. My experience is limited, as this (was) the only mech I've tried, but it's the best keyboard I've used including non-mechs. If it's your first, you're gonna have a great time.

The key feel itself is very tactile, the actuation point is easily recognizable (without being distracting) and there's zero resistance. clicking is completely effortless. I'd almost describe it as smooth, but I've never tried red switches so I don't want to confuse anyone. Although there is a certain amount of friction and feedback, it's of the very-good kind, and definitely not what I'd describe as "scratchy".

The key feel is consistent between each key, and they are all great. The only exceptions are with the stabilizers (shift, ctrl backspace etc) which feel slightly more non-mechanical, due to the stabilizers themselves lacking said key feel. It did distract me at first, but I've gotten used to it rather quickly.

The noise isn't loud, and doesn't bother me at all. It actually sounds great, kind of like soft rain, but I don't wanna get poetic. Anyway, it was yet to be called "annoying" by anyone.

The RGB is great, very bright and punchy (and white looks white!), and extremely varied -20 on board profiles (including a functioning 'snake' game! which is super cute) and 4 extra personal profiles. There is heavy light bleed (if that matters), due to the reflections from the brushed aluminum and the fact that the keys are raised. Non through the key caps themselves, however.

There's a huge array of function keys that include full media controls, Win key&Full-board lock, and more, and everything works straight out of the box, with or without software. I think there are even macros, but I don't remember as I don't use 'em. The software itself is easy to use, straight forward, quick and not-offensive. No registration required. As I said before, it could also be ignored. There's full RGB customization that is possible to do with function keys' combos alone.

Everything works on linux as well, although I haven't checked the software.

The keyboard itself isn't good looking. I wouldn't call it ugly, but I'd definitely wouldn't buy it for it's looks. I really wish they would've just made it a box, and not "curve" the edges at an angle. It has a non-gamer -y font though, which is a GIGANTIC plus for me.

It is sturdy, covered in aluminium, and hefty, so I don't see it breaking at all, It feels premium.

It feels like a tank, to be completely honest.

To conclude, this is truly a feature rich board. It has everything a mecha could offer at an great price, and everything it does, it does without cutting any corners. Gateron switches are honestly awesome
- If anybody's on the fence about this brand, don't be. They're great.

It might not be a 'clean looking' eye-candy, and the light bleed might turn-off some people, but if you aren't bothered by these things, this is a keyboard I can't recommend enough.

Logitech G512 Carbon - GX browns comparison:

TL;DR: good board, not as good the Cooler Master.

In terms of switches, the GX browns are decent: they're not bad by any means, but definitely not a highlight. I've used non-mechs that had a better key feel than these (like the Logitech K310). They're scratchy, they have a small, but noticeable amount of resistance (you feel the spring as you go down), and the travel distance is shorter than the CK550, which is a downside for me. The stabilizers are great though, even better than the CK550, and the key feel is consistent throughout. All in all the Gatreons are way better.

The key-caps themselves are smaller, and the keys are more tightly arranged. It's better looking, but a bit harder to type on (for me at least).

Feature wise, the logitech is again lackluster in comparison: only 7 on-board RGB profiles and less functionality. The function keys are also printed on the side of the key caps (instead of being engraved on top like the CK550's), which makes them difficult to see in the dark. Same goes to any other "secondary functions", like the numeric row (although those are printed on the key caps themselves, instead of on the sides).

It does have a thick braided cable and a USB pass-through port, and some cable tunnels on the bottom.

I don't know anything about the software cause it doesn't work (not on linux, and currently still crashing on windows). This is extra nasty since there aren't any function keys to customize the RGB like on the CK550, only to cycle through the 7 pre-made modes and their brightness\speed.

The function keys work without the software, at least. That includs the RGB itself and all of the premade profiles. Also works on linux.

In terms of looks, this is a MUCH better looking board. I'd actually say it's one of the best looking boards I've ever seen, definitely in the non-custom market. There's pretty much zero light bleed (due to the caps being tightly arranged), and the light that is seen through the engravings is so unified and good looking, it almost looks painted on. The board itself is compact (even for a full-size), Thin, and premium feeling, and also featuring an aluminum top.

Can't say this enough, this is a really good looking board.

In conclusion, I bought this keyboard for my mom because she saw my CK550 and said she also wants one "with those pretty and fancy lights! ". She's a programmer herself, and this was the only reasonably priced, RGB mechanical keyboard that had brown switches and was available in my country. I'd buy her the CK550 if I could, but that was only available with blues or reds.

Besides, she fell in love with how it looks so quickly, that I'm not bothered by all the other stuff. I don't think she even notices them, so that's even better.

If you want premium feel and a great looking mecha, and aren't really "a switch elitist", this is a great buy. If you want the most features, better switches and a better price, go for the CK550.