Mad Catz launches S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 gaming keyboard

Mad Catz has just pulled back the curtain on its latest gaming keyboard, the S.T.R.I.K.E. 5 – it’s a modular system that shares a design with the company’s range of R.A.T. mice, but loses the LCD screen of the more expensive S.T.R.I.K.E. 7.

In its place is a removable macro control panel which can adjust the full RGB keyboard backlight, control mutlimedia playback and launch applications, as well as record in-game functions on the fly. A bank of 21 dedicated macro buttons have three modes each, leading to a monumental 63 potential macros – surely enough for even the hardest or hardcore MMO gamers.

A membrane keyboard might come as a bit of a disappointment to anyone hoping for mechanical keys, but Mad Catz promises the “tactile feel and responsiveness expected by gamers” is present and correct. The modular number pad and three-point wrist rest can all be removed and rearranged individually, to create a custom setup to suit individual players.

“S.T.R.I.K.E. keyboards captured the imagination of passionate gamers and we are pleased to expand the range with the newly announced S.T.R.I.K.E. 5” Darren Richardson, Mad Catz CEO, said of the launch. “The S.T.R.I.K.E.5 is part of our strategy to grow our market share with best in class products for all gamers.”

The S.T.R.I.K.E.5 is available to pre-order now through the Mad Catz online store, but expect to pay a premium for all those modular additions – it’s currently listed at £180.