There is also an additional cable that can be used with a particular layout of the keyboard. In the small black case there are different keys for the WASD and the arrow keys. The key caps can also be removed and swapped out for some different varieties, which come in a plastic case (see below). They act similar to the mechanical switches – Cherry MX Brown’s but supposedly have the “click” of blue switches. These have been specifically designed for this keyboard to offer the best performance and experience possible. Unique to the STRIKE7 are the key switches. The function keys along the top of the keyboard also have additional functions, which are just the typical media keys. Just below the scroll wheel is a small grey catch that when pressed, allows you to adjust the length of the wrist rest. They are in the perfect location for the left hand thumb when using the WASD keys during gaming. This offers an additional scroll wheel and a button that can be configured to do whatever the user wishes. There is slightly more sophisticated wrist rest for the left hand side of the board. These have to be configured before use though. There is also an additional macro button strip that can be connected to the left edge of the main keyboard or the numpad. The STRIKE7 also has detachable wrist rests, so these can be added or removed depending on the user’s preference. They have a rubber base to stop any movement during use. The feet flip out like on most keyboards.
All the cables are braided black and red, which adds a quality look and feel to them. These can have several configurations depending on the layout of the keyboard, of which a couple of cables of different lengths are also supplied. These are points that the numpad can connect to or even the additional macro buttons.Īlong the rear edge of the keyboard are the connectors that must be plugged into the the VENOM touchscreen. The STRIKE7 has clips across several locations. The image below shows the connector, which is similar for the touchscreen, for when the screen and the wrist rest must plug in to.
There are two locations for the touchscreen on the keyboard, at either corner, and only one place for the wrist rest with the scroll wheel.
The STRIKE7 keyboard only requires a USB connection to operate, however if you wish to make full use of the illumination (see further on), then you will have to plug in the mains connector. The three buttons to the right of the touchscreen control the different profiles that the keyboard can be configured with.
The button just below the logo with the hexagon shape on it, acts as a back button when using the touchscreen. The black circle you see below lights up with the MadCatz scratch marks logo and there are several buttons to the left it that control the volume and the mic. The VENOM touchscreen is by far the most prominent feature of the STRIKE7 keyboard. Unlike some keyboards, MadCatz have crammed in a few extra macro keys around the arrow buttons. What makes this keyboard so interesting however, is the VENOM touchscreen, that we have chosen to position on the top left of the board, although this can be moved to be positioned above the numpad. The angular edges, exposed aluminium and even the graphics on the keyboard fit perfectly. Full assembled like in the box graphic, you can see how the keyboard aligns itself perfectly with the current range of RAT mice within the Cyborg brand.