In today’s gaming market, mechanical keyboards are a staple for enthusiasts and competitive players alike. My experience with the Cooler Master MK730 has shown that it’s a high-caliber Tenkeyless (TKL) keyboard tailored to meet the demands of gamers who require both reliability and performance without sacrificing portability. Its compact form factor saves substantial desk space, which is beneficial for gamers with limited room or those who attend gaming events.
The design of the MK730 merges functionality with aesthetics. I particularly appreciate the brushed aluminum top plate that exudes durability, along with a removable wrist rest that offers much-needed comfort during extended gaming sessions. I find that the integrated RGB lightbar adds a sophisticated edge to the keyboard’s look, providing customizable ambient lighting.
Performance-wise, the MK730 impresses with its high-quality Cherry MX Switches, known for their precision and longevity. Customization is an area where this keyboard excels, as I can program macros and adjust RGB lighting for individual keys to my preference. Though the customization software is Windows-exclusive, the on-the-fly system on the keyboard itself allows for immediate adjustments, making it versatile for various gaming scenarios.
Design and Build Quality
In assessing the Cooler Master MK730, I find its design to balance both aesthetics and durability. As we dissect the keyboard’s design and build quality, specific materials and construction choices stand out.
Brushed Aluminum Design
My analysis of the MK730 reveals a robust top plate made of brushed aluminum. This material choice imparts a premium feel and adds a layer of structural integrity. The frame below the keys provides a stark contrast to the lightweight plastic base, which, while less premium in feel, offers the necessary support without adding unnecessary weight.
Keycaps Material
The keycaps that come with the Cooler Master MK730 include ABS keycaps. Despite being relatively standard, ABS keycaps are prone to shine over time due to the wear from fingers. However, unlike PBT keycaps which are known for their resilience and sturdiness, the stock ABS keycaps may not offer the same longevity and texture. Even so, the legends are doubleshot, which means they will not fade or wear out since the lettering is actually a separate piece of plastic molded into the keycap.
Key Features and Performance
My focus here is to unpack the core elements of the Cooler Master MK730 that impact both its aesthetics and functionality. I’ll take a deep dive into the specific components that distinguish this mechanical keyboard, such as Cherry MX Switches, RGB lighting effects, and customization options for macros and profiles.
Cherry MX Switches
The MK730 comes equipped with the renowned Cherry MX Switches, which are a staple for gaming and typing precision. My model incorporates Cherry MX Brown switches, known for their tactile feedback combined with relatively quiet actuation, making them a balanced choice for both gaming and typing.
- Actuation Force: 45 cN
- Feedback: Tactile
- Noise Level: Moderate, quieter than Blue switches
RGB Lighting and Effects
I’m impressed by the keyboard’s dynamic RGB lighting, which illuminates with over 16.7 million colors to choose from. Individually backlit keys allow for an array of lighting patterns and the sweeping RGB lightbar adds ambiance to the setup.
- Customizable: Yes, with various lighting effects
- RGB Backlighting: Each key is individually lit
- Ambient Lightbar: Aesthetic addition surrounding the keyboard frame
Macro and Profiles Customization
Tailoring my experience is seamless, thanks to the MK730’s macro programming and profiles. I can easily configure all keys with macros and switch between different profiles as needed. This is managed either directly on the keyboard or through Cooler Master’s software on Windows, although the latter provides more comprehensive control.
- Macro Programming: All keys can be assigned macros
- Profiles: Multiple profiles for various use-cases
- Connectivity: Via detachable USB Type-C cable
Overall, each feature of the MK730 caters to a blend of high performance and personal preference. Whether it’s the tactile response from the Cherry MX switches, the vibrant RGB lighting, or the flexible customization, this keyboard delivers a reliable and immersive gaming experience.
Ergonomics and Comfort
My in-depth examination reveals that the Cooler Master MK730 keyboard prioritizes ergonomic design and user comfort, particularly through its included wrist rest and tenkeyless form factor.
Included Wrist Rest
The MK730 comes with a detachable magnetic wrist rest offering enhanced comfort for prolonged gaming sessions. Crafted with a soft-touch surface and likely incorporating PU leather, the wrist rest helps maintain a neutral wrist position, reducing strain during usage. Its magnetic feature ensures that the wrist rest stays securely in place but can be easily removed if desired.
Tenkeyless Form Factor
The tenkeyless (TKL) form factor of the MK730 is instrumental in providing extra desk space and facilitating a more ergonomic setup. Without the number pad, I find that my mouse can be placed closer to the keyboard, promoting a more shoulder-friendly position, which is particularly beneficial during extended gaming or typing periods. This compact size also makes the keyboard more portable, catered towards users who frequently travel with their equipment.
Connectivity and Compatibility
When I consider the Cooler Master MK730 keyboard, two aspects stand out in terms of connectivity and compatibility: the USB-C implementation which enhances its convenience and the software integration that expands its functionality.
USB-C Implementation
My MK730 features a USB-C connection on the keyboard side, ensuring a modern and reversible plug-in experience. The opposite end of the cable is a USB 2.0 Type-A connector that links to the computer, compatible with the vast majority of PC setups. This keyboard supports a 1ms response rate and a polling rate of 1000Hz, which I find gives an edge during gaming and rapid typing tasks. Moreover, the onboard 32bit ARM Cortex M3 processor facilitates these quick input and output communications efficiently.
Software Integration
To customize my MK730, I use the Cooler Master Portal software, which is available for download on Windows platforms. This software enables me to personalize the backlighting, record macros, and reassign key functions. It’s a straightforward interface that allows me to tailor my user experience to my specific needs and preferences.
Durability and Maintenance
In my focus on the Cooler Master MK730, I find its durability and maintenance aspects to be noteworthy for users who value longevity in their devices. The solid construction materials and high-quality key switches contribute to the keyboard’s overall robustness, while also providing clear maintenance directions to ensure it stands the test of time.
Structure and Weight
The MK730’s frame is made with aluminium, a material known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear, which makes it a hardy choice for a mechanical keyboard. Weighing in at 698g, it provides a sturdy, non-slip base for gaming or typing, yet it is light enough for easy repositioning or transportation.
Keycap and Switch Longevity
The keycaps of the MK730 are mounted on renowned Cherry MX switches, recognized for their durability and consistent performance. These switches are tested for a high number of keystrokes, ensuring long-term reliability. For maintenance, the keycaps can be removed for cleaning or replacement if needed. Additionally, the design supports effective cable management with its routing channels, thus preventing cable wear and maintaining a tidy workspace.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, I’ll address some common inquiries about the Cooler Master MK730 keyboard, covering software installation, comparisons to other models, switch customization, locating manuals, performance reviews, and RGB lighting settings.
How do I download and install the software for the MK730 keyboard?
To download the software for the MK730 keyboard, navigate to the official Cooler Master website and locate the MK730 product page. There, you’ll find the software under the ‘Downloads’ section. Once downloaded, run the installation file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the software on your system.
What are the differences between the MK730 and MK750 models?
The MK730 and MK750 keyboards mainly differ in size and features. The MK730 is a Tenkeyless model that doesn’t include a numerical pad, making it more compact. The MK750 has a full-size layout and includes additional features like a dedicated wrist rest and a USB pass-through.
Can you replace the switches on the MK730 keyboard without soldering?
The MK730 keyboard is outfitted with Cherry MX switches that are soldered onto the PCB, so replacing them would require desoldering the old switches and soldering new ones, which is not recommended for users without the necessary technical skills and equipment.
Where can I find the user manual for the MK730?
The user manual can be found online either on the Cooler Master website or reputable online retailers who provide product details. It’s often available in a PDF format that can be downloaded and saved for reference.
What are the reviews saying about the performance of the MK730 keyboard?
Reviews often highlight the MK730’s sturdy aluminum design, the comfortable magnetic wrist rest, and its portability as key strengths. Its Cherry MX switches are praised for their responsiveness and durability, making it a solid choice for gamers and typists alike.
How do you customize the RGB lighting settings on the MK730?
You can customize the RGB lighting settings directly on the MK730 keyboard using function key shortcuts. For full customization, you’ll want to use the Cooler Master software that provides advanced options like creating macros, custom lighting profiles, and individual key color assignments.
I’m Marcus Bextor, a seasoned software engineer passionate about demystifying technology. With over a decade in the tech industry, my journey began with a Computer Science degree, evolving through various roles in software development, system architecture, and project management. At MWTA, I leverage my expertise to provide in-depth, unbiased reviews of the latest tech products, from smartphones to smart homes. My blogs aim to be accessible to all, breaking down complex jargon into simple language. Besides reviews, I share insights on tech trends and practical tips. Connect with me for questions and suggestions as we explore the tech world together.