QPad MK-85

QPAD MK-85 keyboard review

Mechanical switches have fast become a must-have feature for gaming keyboards, and with a full set of Cherry MX Red switches beneath its rubberised keys, the MK-85 keyboard from high-end gaming specialist QPAD certainly ticks that box.Packed into the sturdy chassis are a few other features that make the keyboard desirable too; programmable macros will spark attention from MMO gamers and actions-per-minute-obsessed Starcraft II players. Bright orange WSAD key caps (kind of like the Corsair Memory Vengeance K60's WSAD set) will make FPS gamers happy. And the adjustable backlighting will put a smile on pretty much everyone's face. Although the QPAD MK-85's understated visuals make it look a bit 'normal' when the keys aren't throwing out neon red, this is absolutely a specialist product. You could use it for word processing tasks and the odd bit of Mafia Wars, but you'd be wasting £135 (and your life). Is this an essential buy for the hardcore gaming crowd though, or are you better off stumping up for another keyboard? It's time to wax lyrical about Cherry MX Red mechanical switches again. We did so after spending some time with the Corsair Vengeance K60 keyboard, and the QPAD MK-85 is just as congenial for your fingers.