14 DAY TRIAL // Present on the ground at Computex, Cougar unveiled its latest performance gaming keyboards, the Cougar 400K and 450K. The two Cougar mechanical keyboards cost $100 (€88) and $60 (€53), respectively.
However, what makes them special is the fact that, although they feel and look mechanical, they are in fact membrane-based. According to AnandTech, the membrane keeps feeling the same enough time without wearing off with continuous usage.
Because it is membrane-based, the keyboard can withstand water splashes unlike mechanical keyboards, being quite useful for in-house usage and other places where liquids are nearby.
Is it really good enough?
However, the 400K and 450K models are the mid-range of the Cougar professional gaming keyboards offer, as the top-of-the-line 700K and 600K units offer Cherry MX switches, and the current keyboard on sale, the 500K, comes with the same specs as the 400K and 450K.
Comparing the new Computex 2015 photos with the existing 500K series, we can notice that the new models are missing the 6 programmable keys (G-keys). Also, we can observe the lack of the 32-bit ARM Cortex-M0 integrated processor, the RGB backlight or the palm rest and the COUGAR UIX™ SYSTEM, which enables higher-end models to store up to 3 profiles in your system.
They may, however, possess the 1000Hz / 1ms polling rate. The membrane is also present, probably being the main selling point of the keyboards. However, Cougar will have a hard time selling these mid-entry keyboards, as the Attack 2 series comes with Cherry MX switches, 8 G-keys and removable USB cable. It doesn't sport a membrane under padding, but it's still highly efficient as a performance gaming keyboard.
Otherwise, customers could simply go for the 500K series for an extra buck, and a ton of extra options to boot. Buying the 400K membrane keyboard for $60 (€53) can help you fight rogue drinks around the house, but for higher performance gaming, better options are on the market.
