Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 Professional Gaming Keyboard Review: A Nifty Keyboard for The Gamer

Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 Professional Gaming Keyboard Review: A Nifty Keyboard for The Competitive Gamer

S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 Professional Gaming Keyboard
Mad Catz
Official S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 Page
Price: $199.99

I recently got my hands on the Mad Catz S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 Professional Gaming keyboard; this is their model just below the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 which is their high end keyboard. Still, at a less expensive price, this is an impressive keyboard that gives you many advantages that you will want on the playing field. The keyboard is specially designed for competitive gamers and has detachable sections on the keyboard allowing you to create the type of control you need for specific gameplay. If you don’t want the entire set-up in front of you, you can detach the parts you don’t want and keep the parts that you do. This also allows for more comfortable space in front of you on your desk. I certainly like the build-it approach and the customizable options to set up the keys for the controls you need.

Unboxing and Example Video

The major component for the S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 keyboard is the E.Y.E., the OLED display that features a number of customizable options as well, but most importantly the E.Y.E. itself with its ability to quickly control options such as the volume and headset volume. It also can be used to quickly launch programs, keeping track of time, a timer, and keyboard lighting control. The keyboard is backlit so that if you are playing in dark areas you can easily see the keys in front of you. These backlit colors are also fully customizable to set at the color you like best. The E.Y.E. is certainly a nifty component; in fact, the entire keyboard is a nifty option for your entire PC gaming needs.

The E.Y.E. component also features media control buttons allowing you to quickly play, pause, skip back or forward, stop and mute. It also features a lighting button that allows you to turn the backlight on the keyboard on or off. But most importantly, it features three command list buttons (three different set-ups) which you can also set up to have three different colors for personal preference or to remind you what set of options you are using for specific games. So if you are going to play a certain game and then switch to the next, you won’t have to change any options, you can easily just push the command button and switch between the three. This is of course after you already initially set-up the keys to your liking. So, there is no need to change the button control set-up every time you switch games or go into a program to change it.

Putting the S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 together is simple and easy, and it’s just as easy to take it apart and set it up in the alternative ways. Right from the minute that it’s hooked up and ready to go, you’ll quickly fall in love with it. It looks awesome, especially when the backlit colored lights are on and you know you are ready to game on it. Besides the OLED E.Y.E. piece, there are two other pieces with buttons on them. A side piece with four buttons and my most used attachment which is the palm piece that holds your left hand perfectly and also features two buttons that are easy to use with your thumb.

I was recently playing PlanetSide 2 and set up the buttons to my preference that fits my style of play. For me, I want to be able to continue moving while reloading or throwing a grenade. So I was able to set the palm piece’s keys for my thumb to have easy access to. Now, I don’t have the Mad Catz R.A.T. mouse that would allow me to program those buttons on the mouse instead, which of course would make those things even easier on me. Still, the additional buttons on the keyboard are placed nicely and are easily accessible and customizable for that option, for those who may not have a gaming mouse. I can certainly say that playing PlanetSide 2 is more fun with the S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 keyboard and it’s certainly easier to manage all of my options.

I can easily walk away impressed by this keyboard. It has all the well placed buttons you need to customize no matter what game you are playing, it’s fairly comfortable for long hours of gaming, and I can even type on it easily, even though I’m used to an ergonomic keyboard. I love all the customizable options and the OLED E.Y.E. display is an awesome tool to use and have at your command. Still, I’m not one that really needs three different stop clock timer options that are available by using the E.Y.E., but I suppose there are a lot of intense gamers out there that like to keep track of time and use those countdown clocks. I said nifty earlier and I stick by that, it’s a nifty keyboard that gives you an extra edge on the playing field. I can easily say that the S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 is worth looking into. It improved my gaming experience and made it much more enjoyable.

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