Computex 2017 - Day 2

Cooler Master

Cases and peripherals were the focus for Cooler Master in terms of new products at Computex 2017. We'll start with the former.


First up is the new MasterBox Q series, which includes the base-level MasterBox Q300L, the mid-tier MasterBox Q301P, and the top-end MasterBox Q300T. Similar to the MasterCase series, it will be possible to use the modularity of the core chassis here to upgrade from one model to the other over time, or to customise one of the cases into something unique using various modular components. The I/O panel on the MasterBox Q301P, for example, can be fitted in one of six different positions.


Cooler Master is also launching the MasterCase H series, with the H effectively standing for HAF and harking back to those famous cases. Shipping with the MasterCase H500P, for example, is a pair of front-mouted, 200mm RGB fans – the largest RGB models available on the market. Extra fans can be installed, of course, but these are the only ones that'll ship with it. A tempered glass panel, dedicated cable management brackets, a PSU cover that can be opened or closed depending on whether you want to expose your PSU or not, and a roof radiator bracket are all included, although the riser cable needed to mount the GPU vertically as shown is not. It should launch in September for around $149, so probably £149 here once taxes are accounted for.


The Cosmos 25th Anniversary Edition, which we've just reviewed, was on show, but a new Cosmos case also made an appearance – the Cosmos C700P, designed to modernise the Cosmos family. The motherboard tray can be rotated or even swapped to the other side of the case, and the steel and tempered glass panels can swap positions too. The tempered glass is curved, and there are LED bars that change colour at the press of a button on the front I/O and can synchronise with other RGB hardware too. The I/O panel also includes a USB 3.1 Type-C connection and a fan control button that can manage up to six fans. Expect this to retail for between $299 and $349 when it launches, probably in October.


On the peripherals stand, we saw the MS120 mouse and keyboard combination. The keyboard uses Cooler Master's 'mem-chanical' switches, but this time they've been made clicky to replicate Cherry MX Blue switches. Per-key RGB lighting is included, and all customisations can be made on-the-fly using only hardware. The mouse side of the equation is a claw-grip style model with a 3,500 DPI sensor, three-zone RGB lighting, rubberised sides, and Omron switches for the main buttons. The combo should launch in July or August for 89 Euros.


Two new mice with similar specs but targetting different grip styles were also shown. The MM530 targets palm grip users while the MM520 is all about a claw grip. They use the new and popular PixArt PMW 3360 sensor (up to 12,000 DPI) and Omron switches, and you also get rubberised sides and three-zone RGB lighting again. Cooler Master is also making noise about using PBT plastic for the left and right buttons instead of the usual ABS. Moulded in black rather than in a milky white which is then painted (like ABS), Cooler Master says these will fade less over time.


The MH320 headset is a new entry-level model featuring a steel outer band for durability and a softer, suspended headband for auto-adjustment and comfort. There's plenty of padding around the earcups of this analogue headset too, and it's set to launch for 50 Euros.


Lastly, we saw the MasterKeys MK570, which will supplant the MasterKeys Pro keyboards as the flagship model. It adds features like a leatherette, magnetic palm rest, dedicated media keys, and front and side-mounted RGB light bars. The keyboard uses a raised key design to show off the Cherry MX RGB switches a bit more, and as ever with Cooler Master you can control loads of functionality including macros and lighting using the FN key and F-keys – the software is optional and only used to fine-tune certain settings. Expect an MSRP of around $159 later in September for this one, and perhaps a price-drop for the current Pro keyboards too.