Cougar 500K Keyboard: A membrane switch gaming keyboard

Introduction

Hardcore gamers swear by their mechanical keyboards due to the tactile feedback and the low actuation force needed to register a key. No doubt that you have noticed there are tons of mechanical keyboards on the market, and almost every one of them are using one of the four switches from Cherry: Black, Brown, Blue, or Red. Every gamer has his/her own preference on which Cherry switch they prefer.

While hardcore gamers love their mechanical keyboards, casual gamers may not be into the clickity-clack sound that all mechanical keyboards make. Especially if your primary system is a laptop; most of them use scissor switches. The clicky feeling of a mechanical keyboard can be somewhat hard to get used to. Not to mention that the price of a mechanical keyboard is higher than a scissor switch model. Even the cheapest mechanical gaming keyboard would still cost about $100, while more expensive models can go as high as $200. Compare this to a non-mechanical keyboard that can be purchased for $30-$40 cheaper, and non-hardcore gamers may consider saving a few bucks and opt out of the mechanical keyboard.

This is where the Cougar 500K comes in. Retail priced at $79.99, the keyboard is designed to provide those who want a gaming keyboard without spending a lot of hard-earned cash and do not wish to be bothered by the clicky sound of a mechanical keyboard.

Cougar is well known for their computer peripherals, and they even offer a couple of mechanical keyboard such as the 600K and the 700K, which are aimed for hardcore gamers. Realizing that there may be a market for non-mechanical gaming keyboards, the company introduced the 500K. Instead of using mechanical switches, the 500K uses membrane switches. I know you maybe thinking, yuck, membrane switch for a gaming keyboard. Pass. Well, do not pass the judgment so quickly, stay with me a bit longer before you make your decision.

Features

• FULL KEY BACKLIGHT
  • 5-step brightness adjustment by the backlight key
• ON-THE-FLY MACRO RECORDING KEY
  • Convenient one-touch to start recording a new macro on the fly
• ON-THE-FLY MODE SWITCH KEY
  • Convenient one-touch to switch your profiles (Mode 1~Mode3) on the keyboard
• MULTIMEDIA KEYS
  • Convenient one-touch to access multimedia commands
• WINDOWS LOCK KEY
  • Quickly disable the Windows key with one touch
• DETACHABLE PALM REST
  • Relieve palm discomfort and keeping your palm in an ergonomic typing position
• NON-SLIP RUBBER FOOT
  • Base remains stable in the intense gaming sessions
• BRAIDED CABLE & GOLDEN-PLATED CONNECTORS
  • Sturdy and durable solutions for gaming

Specifications