Cougar 450K Gaming Keyboard Review

Usage & Final Thoughts
I have been using the Cougar 450K for the past 2 weeks as my main keyboard and while I did not like it at first it really has grown on me. Being my main keyboard I not only did a good bit of gaming with it, I also did quite a lot of writing.

Overall the keyboard has a great feel to it and while it does have a little flex it feels very solid. The keyboard took a little bit to get used to, I think the biggest thing was the smaller backspace key, it is at least half the size of backspace keys on most keyboards. At first I really thought the hybrid mechanical key thing was a gimmick, but it is not. While you can definitely tell the difference between this keyboard and a true mechanical keyboard, you can also tell the difference between this keyboard and a membrane keyboard. The tactile feel, while not as defined as what you would get from a true mechanical switch is there and I really do like it. You know when you are hitting a key it is being registered. I played quite a few different games with the 450K and it was a very good experience.

Cougar’s UIX system is one of the better gaming accessory companion software out there and allows you to completely remap the keyboard if you want. You also have the ability to create and save macros as well as assign keys on the keyboard advanced functions like mouse clicks and much more.

The keyboard is illuminated, but you only get red, green and yellow colors. You have the ability to have the keyboard cycle through all three colors and there is a breathing mode. The illumination is not the best though.

The other thing I would have liked to have seen with this keyboard is compatibility with Cherry MX keycaps. We have seen other similar hybrid switches that are compatible with aftermarket keycaps, which gives the user the ability to customize the keyboard as they wish.

Sadly, we could not find this keyboard for sale anywhere. From what we know it has an MSRP of $59, which we feel is very fair. If you are looking to save some money but want the same feel as a mechanical keyboard this keyboard is a very viable choice. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Cougar 450K Gaming Keyboard an 8 out of 10 score.

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Pros:
– Hybrid mechanical switches get you that tactile feedback
– Solid design and feel
– UIX software works great
– Can program macros and advanced functions
– Price

Cons:
– Not the best illumination we’ve seen
– Not compatible with aftermarket keycaps

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