Mad Catz have released their S.T.R.I.K.E.M Mobile keyboard and here is our review.
Designed around a compact tablet sized footprint, the S.T.R.I.K.E.M is designed for home or mobile use and can pair with up to four devices simultaneously.
Features
• Compact keyboard for mobile and desktop platforms
• Integrated OFN (optical finger navigation) cursor control, ideal of web browsing, navigation and touch games.
• Bluetooth connectivity for multi-platform wireless gaming and productivity.
• Adjustable white LED backlighting
• Rechargeable battery – 18 hours life (backlit), 45 hours life (no backlight)
• Quick switch between 4 paired devices for seamless multi-tasking
• Dedicated multi-platform media buttons
• Up to 33ft (10m) operational range
• Micro-USB port for battery charge and firmware updates
• Smart Device stand, supports devices up to 10” screens.
What’s in the Box?
- S.T.R.I.K.E. M Mobile Keyboard
- Smart Device Stand
- Micro-USB Charge Cable
- Travel Pouch
- Quick Start Guide
- Mad Catz stickers
A Closer Look
The S.T.R.I.K.E.M comes in it’s own protective sleeve, which make it easy to carry around without worrying it will get damaged.
Here is the top down view of the S.T.R.I.K.E.M.
On the left hand side of the S.T.R.I.K.E.M there is a volume barrel, various media buttons, mouse buttons, a backlight button and a Bluetooth button. There is also an LED display which displays details of the battery, which device is connected (the S.T.R.I.K.E.M can support up to 4 devices) and a CAPS display.
The right hand side also has mouse buttons, along with an OFN (Optical Finger Navigation) Sensor which can be used by people who can’t access their touch screen devices.
On the bottom of the keyboard is the Home button. The WASD area is also marked.
On the top of the S.T.R.I.K.E.M is the power switch and the charge port.
And here is the underside of the S.T.R.I.K.E.M.
Final Thoughts
The S.T.R.I.K.E.M comes in a choice of three colours – white (the one we had for review), red or black. All of them look great so just pick the one that you like the most.
The S.T.R.I.K.E.M feels very comfortable to use either as a gaming keyboard or just as a normal keyboard. In fact, I am writing this review on the S.T.R.I.K.E.M. It has low profile P.U.L.S.E. scissor keys with a 60g actuation force with a crisp click response for both typing and gaming and has anti-ghosting in the key gaming WASD area for a much better gaming experience.
The S.T.R.I.K.E.M comes with its own carry case and is very lightweight. You can easily slip it into a bag ready for use anywhere on the go. There is also a small stand that will support tablets up to 10” for making your experience that much better.
Out of the box it comes with a charge so you can use it straight away and the battery life is excellent. You can get around 45 hours of use of it if you not use the backlit keyboard, or if you do want to use the backlit keyboard you can get around 18 hours, so that should cover every situation you face. When in dark room the backlight works great though.
Pairing the S.T.R.I.K.E.M with a device is quick and simple, and you can have up to four devices paired at any one time making it easy to switch between devices at the touch of a button, and the LED display on they keyboard will show you will device you are paired with too. It works with Android devices, iOS devices, Windows, Mac and even Mad Catz own M.O.J.O. console.
The integrated OFN is a nice touch (no pun intended) and is very easy to use, making tasks such as web browsing so much easier – this was a really great addition, so well done Mad Catz.
If you plan on using the S.T.R.I.K.E.M to watch movies or listen to music then the dedicated media buttons will be very useful as well.
I really love the S.T.R.I.K.E.M, it’s easy to use, small enough to carry, and works flawlessly with all of my devices. I never leave home without it!
If you are looking for a lightweight mobile keyboard that can work with multiple devices and that’s great for gaming on the go, then the S.T.R.I.K.E.M is the keyboard for you – so what are you waiting for?
The S.T.R.I.K.E.M retails for £79.99 and is available now.
