Cooler Master MasterKeys PBT Keyboards Review

Usage & Final Thoughts
So I have been using the Cooler Master MasterKeys PBT L keyboard for a couple of weeks now and I have to say I really do like it. As I said these are pretty much designed the same as the Pro line, except of course no backlighting and you have the better keycaps. So both boards feel really solid and have that sort of plain design to them which I actually like.

So do the PBT keycaps really feel different? Yes 100% they do! I have Cooler Master’s own MasterKeys Pro keyboards here and I tested them side by side with the PBT versions and the PBT versions feel better. Again PBT keycaps are thicker, more durable, and more shine resistant than standard keycaps. They have that sort of stiff feel which as someone who does a lot of typing really appreciates. If you want to see for yourself go to your local computer shop and see if they’ll open a Pro L and a PBT L for you and test them out, it is a big difference.

Cooler Master has also done a great job matching the PBT keycaps with the more still Cherry MX Green mechanical key switch. These are very much like Cherry MX Blue’s, but are stiffer. This combination in my option makes for a keyboard that is a joy to type on and really gives you that great feedback. As I am writing this review even I am just “in the zone” with this keyboard and I love it.

I do have to say these are more of a typists keyboard than a gamers keyboard and here’s why. First of all there is no backlighting. Its 2017 and pretty much all gaming keyboards having some type of backlighting, if not RGB. I don’t think this keyboard would even look that back with its current keycaps and RGB backlighting, I mean someone has basically already done it. Secondly, I feel that the Cherry MX Green switch is more of a typist switch than a gamers switch, going with a blue, brown, or red here would make these decks more for gamers. Finally there is no software, I talked about this in my last keyboard review. If your “gaming” keyboard does not have software it is very limited.

With that said I feel this is a great purist keyboard, no flashy lights, plug and play, and a minimal design. If you don’t need lights or the ability to save and load macros this could be the perfect keyboard for you. It feels so good to type on and if you are someone who does a whole lot of typing you are really going to enjoy the PBT keycaps matched with the Cherry MX Green Mechanical key switches.

Cooler Master tells us the MasterKeys PBT S will retail for $79, with the larger MasterKeys PBT L going for $89.

Overall ThinkComputers gives the Cooler Master MasterKeys PBT Keyboards a 9 out of 10 score.

rating9 10

Pros:
– PBT keycaps
– Cherry MX Green key switches
– Minimalist design
– Feels solid, no flex at all
– Detachable USB cable

Cons:
– Not backlit
– No software

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