The race for multi-color backlighting is still ongoing, with Corsair expanding its RGB backlighting feature not just to more keyboards, but to other peripherals, including headsets and mice.
A New Addition
In the past, only the Corsair K65, K70 and K95 keyboards featured the RGB backlighting. However, that's changed with the introduction of the STRAFE RGB and STRAFE RGB Silent keyboards. They're nearly identical to the old STRAFE keyboards, featuring FPS and MOBA keycaps, and the USB pass-through port. However, instead of just a red LED backlight, it now has access to an entire list of colors with the Corsair Utility Engine Software.
The STRAFE RGB comes in Cherry MX Red or Brown switches, but the STRAFE RGB Silent uses Cherry MX Silent switches and claims to be 30 percent quieter than other mechanical keyboards. However, that statistic can vary depending on the type of switch used in the keyboard. The STRAFE RGB and STRAFE RGB Silent keyboard will cost $149.99 and $159.99, respectively, and will be available in October, but Corsair is taking pre-orders in August.
Sights and Sounds
For headsets, the VOID Stereo Analog, VOID Dolby USB 7.1, VOID Wireless Dolby 7.1 and the VOID Wireless SE are getting the RGB treatment. The color lighting, which can be located on the Corsair logo on both sides of the headset, can be set independently or match with other Corsair products using the Corsair CUE software (sound familiar?). They all feature 50mm drivers and two small LED lights on the microphone to provide a heads-up status on audio and voice and settings.
Of the two wired headsets, the VOID Stereo Analog, which costs $79.99, includes a mobile-compatible connector and a Y-adapter cable to make it compatible with consoles, PCs, mobile devices, and laptops alike. However, it only provides stereo sound. For the full Dolby 7.1 effect, you'd have to upgrade to the VOID Dolby USB 7.1 headset, which is more expensive at $99.99.
On the other hand, the two wireless headsets are almost identical, with a 2.4 GHz wireless connection, a 40-foot range, and boasts up to 16 hours of battery life. However, the VOID Wireless Dolby 7.1, which costs $129.99, is cheaper than the Wireless SE, which is a Best Buy exclusive and will cost $149.99 due to the addition of a wireless USB extension dock. All four will be available in late August.
Light In Your Hand
Last but not least, there's the 12,000 DPI Scimitar RGB mouse, which has lighting on its front, wheel, palm rest, and the 12 buttons on the side. Speaking of those side buttons, Corsair implemented a slider to the buttons so you can adjust them forward or back on the side to get a comfortable setting. It will be available in September for $79.99.
A Sign Of Things To Come
Along with these new RGB peripherals is an update to the Corsair Utility Engine, the software used to not only program macros, custom key commands and mouse sensitivity, but also the RGB lighting. The company said that it's now easier to use CUE for lighting thanks to new presets and the CUE Link, which synchronizes lighting colors and patterns across your Corsair roster of devices.
In the past few months, Razer has continued to bring its Chroma lighting to more and more of its peripherals, most recently the DeathStalker keyboard and Orbweaver gamepad. However, it's moving at a faster pace than Corsair, with new Chroma devices coming on a frequent basis. The multi-color backlighting sensation is picking up across other companies as well, which bodes well for the customer looking for options when the time comes to buy a new peripheral with backlighting.
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