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Cooler Master released a new and innovative ControlPad that can be used by a wide variety of people. What started out as a Kickstarter, is now a reality! Gamers, graphic designers, musicians, and many more can find a way to use this new product.
The ControlPad design was created to change the method in which a user interacts with pc games and other applications using the world’s first pressure-sensitive technology on a keypad that is combined with mechanical switches.
Cooler Master ControlPad
What’s In the Box?
- ControlPad
- Keycap Puller
- USB Type-C to Type-A Cable
- Removable Magnetic Wrist Rest
- Quick Start Guide
Specifications
- Switch Type: Cherry MX Red or Gateron Red (choice)
- Material: Plastic, Aluminum, PU Leather
- Color: Gunmetal Black
- LED Color: RGB, 16.7 million colors
- Polling Rate: 1000Hz
- Response Rate: 1ms / 1000Hz
- MCU: 32bit ARM Cortex M3
- On-Board Memory: 512 KB
- On-The-Fly System: Lighting Control
- Wrist Rest: Yes, Removable magnetic with soft PU Leather
- Cable: USB Type-C Detachable & Braided
- Software Support: Yes, new Cross Product Unified Software Application (Master Plus)
- Connector Cable: USB 2.0
- Cable Length: 1.8 Meters
- Warranty: 2 years
Cooler Master ControlPad Technology and Design
The keypad’s aluminum frame creates a durable product that should last for a while. The magnet wrist rest connects to the keypad but does not have real way to keep it from moving on the surface.
Built with Gateron switches, rapid-fire situations are controlled and should be good for at least 50 million clicks.
The 24-key ControlPad uses Aimpad technology which combines IR sensors and mechanical switches to bring the power of a number of peripherals together and give you an advantage with the pressure-sensitive feature. The ControlPad is plug-and-play and recognized by a PC as a controller and a keyboard.
With this keyboard, you will no longer need all those extra accessories like the steering wheels and controllers laying around just in case.
Lighting and other Features
The Cooler Master ControlPad has RGB backlighting in all the keys and is equipped with presets that allow you to highlight certain keys according to how you use them.
The two Precision Wheels allow you to adjust volume settings, change colors, dial in your DPI, and other customized actions.
If you are looking for a specific set of keycaps to add to your customization, they are available for purchase compatible with a variety of professional applications making this a keyboard for more than just gamers.
MasterPlus+ Software Suite
To customize macros and lighting, the Cooler Master ControlPad uses the Masterplus+ Software Suite. The software suite is fairly user-friendly and allows you to choose from 16.7 million colors for the lighting, obtain other customize lighting modes, and more.
Bells and whistles are not a requirement for everyone, but it is a nice feature for those who enjoy customizations.
Pricing
The pricing for the Cooler Master ControlPad retails at approximately $89.00 on Amazon and CoolerMaster.com. Considering this is a new innovative technology, it is a little difficult to make a price comparison but, in general, I would not consider this to be an unreasonable price.
Cooler Master ControlPad Summary
The ControlPad provides a nice accessory for your PC setup as it allows you to replace some of the other gaming accessories (i.e. joysticks, steering wheel, etc.) and can be used by gamers, creative designers, and more.
A sturdy product with all the macro capabilities and customization options makes this keyboard a pretty nice purchase.
Cooler Master Information
Website: coolermaster.com/
Facebook: facebook.com/coolermaster
Twitter: @CoolerMaster
Image Sources: Cooler Master
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