Cooler Master SK652 Review | 64 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£80
  • Avg. price in US: ~$50
  • Layout size: Full-size
  • Connection type: USB
  • Switch type: mechanical
  • Polling rate: 1000 Hz

Cooler Master SK652 review. Compare 64 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among keyboards and if it is worth buying.

6.2

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the keyboard's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best keyboards on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

5.8

Technical Score

20.0%

7.8

User score

Good
5.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.8

Switches

20.0%

6.0

Materials

12.0%

6.5

Features

6.0%

9.4

Design

Good
7.8

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

9.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
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3.6
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3.4
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3.8
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5.0
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United States
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3.6
(76)
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3.4
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3.5
(26)
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4.6
(15)
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3.8
(13)
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3.0
(13)
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3.4
(7)
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5.0
(2)
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5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

Very good
  • 2.1
    Gaming

    Score components:

    28.0%

    1.0

    Polling rate

    24.0%

    1.0

    Rapid trigger

    20.0%

    1.0

    Adjustable actuation

    16.0%

    1.0

    Hot-swappable switches

    12.0%

    10

    Onboard memory

  • 6.4
    Typing

    Score components:

    28.0%

    4.0

    Wrist rest included

    24.0%

    8.0

    Legend method

    20.0%

    10

    Adjustable feet

    15.0%

    5.5

    Typing angle

    13.0%

    4.0

    Pre-lubed stabilizers

  • 2.8
    Programming

    Score components:

    30.0%

    1.0

    QMK support

    26.0%

    1.0

    VIA support

    18.0%

    10

    Mac compatibility

    14.0%

    0.0

    Multi-device pairing

    12.0%

    4.0

    Connection type

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Best prices in UK

Best rankings

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Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Cooler Master SK652 is a full-sized mechanical keyboard featuring a slim profile with low-profile TTC mechanical switches and ergonomic chiclet keycaps. It offers a premium build with a brushed aluminum top plate, customizable per-key RGB backlighting, and a wired USB-C connection for low-latency performance. While its sleek design and macOS/Windows compatibility are major pros, some users find the flat keycaps less comfortable for long-form typing and note that the stabilizers can be somewhat rattly compared to high-end alternatives.

Technical Specifications of Cooler Master SK652

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the keyboard's technical performance, covering key areas such as switch feel, typing and gaming performance, layout and features, connectivity, build quality, backlighting, software, and comfort.

When it matters: When you want to compare keyboards based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

34.0%

6.5

Connectivity & Power

28.0%

3.8

Switches

20.0%

6.0

Materials

12.0%

6.5

Features

6.0%

9.4

Design

5.8
Cooler Master SK652 has a technical score of 5.82 points, which is lower than that of 77.6% of products in this category.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the keyboard.

When it matters: When you want to understand how a keyboard performs in daily use or gaming and how reliable it is in terms of typing feel, noise level, comfort, and long-term durability.

Score components:

70.0%

7.2

User reviews

30.0%

9.2

Popularity

User score:
United Kingdom
amazon
3.6
(76)
amazon
3.4
(36)
amazon
3.5
(26)
amazon
4.6
(15)
amazon
3.8
(13)
amazon
3.0
(13)
amazon
3.4
(7)
amazon
5.0
(2)
amazon
5.0
(1)
United States
Amazon_logo.png
3.6
(76)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(36)
Amazon_logo.png
3.5
(26)
Amazon_logo.png
4.6
(15)
Amazon_logo.png
3.8
(13)
Amazon_logo.png
3.0
(13)
Amazon_logo.png
3.4
(7)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(2)
Amazon_logo.png
5.0
(1)

(Reviews last updated: Jun 2026)

7.8
Cooler Master SK652 has a user score of 7.82 points, which is lower than that of 66.7% of products in this category.
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the keyboard.
When it matters: When you prefer a keyboard that has already been chosen and reviewed by many other users.
9.2
Cooler Master SK652 has a popularity of 9.2 points, which is higher than 63.9% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.2

Overall score

40.0%

10

Price

7.4
Cooler Master SK652 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is lower than 68.6% of products in this category.
Switch type
What it is: Identifies the switch technology used by the keyboard, such as mechanical, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you are choosing between different response technologies and their long-term behavior.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Switch feel
What it is: Describes the keypress character, such as linear, tactile, or clicky.
When it matters: When the sensation of each keypress changes comfort, control, and noise level for your use.

Importance: HIGH

linear / tactile / clicky
Switch name
What it is: States the specific switch model used by the keyboard.
When it matters: When the exact switch model matters because small tuning differences affect your preference.

Importance: MEDIUM

TTC Low Profile Mechanical
Actuation force
What it is: Measures how much force is needed to actuate a key.
When it matters: When finger fatigue, accidental presses, or key resistance matters to your typing style.

Importance: HIGH

45 g
Min actuation distance
What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.2 mm
Cooler Master SK652 has a minimum actuation distance of 1.2 mm, which is shorter than 59.9% of keyboards and equal to 15.6% of keyboards.
Show more
Keyboard type
What it is: Identifies the keyboard technology, such as mechanical, membrane, optical, or Hall effect.
When it matters: When you need a keyboard built around a specific switch technology or feel profile.

Importance: HIGH

mechanical
Layout size
What it is: States the keyboard form factor and how much of the standard keyset it includes.
When it matters: When desk space, portability, or access to a full key set affects how you work or play.

Importance: HIGH

Full-size
Layout standard
What it is: Specifies the regional layout standard, such as ANSI, ISO, or JIS.
When it matters: When you need a regional key layout that matches your language habits or keycap set.

Importance: MEDIUM

ANSI
N. of keys
What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

Importance: MEDIUM

104
Cooler Master SK652 has 104 keys, which is more than 74.2% of keyboards and equal to 13.9% of keyboards.
Profile
What it is: Describes whether the keyboard uses a low-profile or standard-height design.
When it matters: When key height changes your typing comfort, travel distance, or the overall desk setup.

Importance: MEDIUM

low-profile
Show more
Connection type
What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

Importance: HIGH

USB
Cooler Master SK652 offers USB connectivity, which is less versatile than 56.7% of keyboards and equal to 43.3% of keyboards.
Multi-device pairing
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard can stay paired with multiple devices for quicker switching.
When it matters: When you switch regularly between a laptop, tablet, and other devices on one desk.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Bluetooth version
What it is: States the Bluetooth generation supported for wireless pairing.
When it matters: When wireless stability, compatibility, and energy efficiency are part of what you compare.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Mac compatibility
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard is intended to work properly with macOS layouts, shortcuts, or legends.
When it matters: When you need the keyboard to work properly with macOS shortcuts and key mapping.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Cooler Master SK652 is Mac compatible. 44.4% of keyboards are Mac compatible.
extra Mac keycaps included.
Battery life
What it is: Estimates how long the keyboard can run on a full charge.
When it matters: When the keyboard needs to last through workweeks, travel, or long gaming stretches without constant charging.

Importance: HIGH

N/A
Show more
RGB lighting
What it is: Shows whether the keyboard includes customizable RGB lighting effects.
When it matters: When visual customization and desk aesthetics matter to your setup.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Cooler Master SK652 has RGB lighting. 12.3% of keyboards have RGB lighting.
Per-key RGB
What it is: Shows whether each key can be lit and controlled independently instead of sharing one uniform lighting zone.
When it matters: When customizing each key individually matters for visuals, games, or shortcut visibility.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Cooler Master SK652 has per-key RGB lighting. 23% of keyboards have per-key RGB lighting.
RGB zones
What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

Importance: LOW

104
Cooler Master SK652 has 104 RGB zones, which is more than 81.3% of keyboards and equal to 10.1% of keyboards.
Underglow / side lighting
What it is: Shows whether the case includes lighting around the underside or outer edges in addition to the keys themselves.
When it matters: When edge lighting is part of the visual style you want from the keyboard.

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Cooler Master SK652 does not include underglow lighting. 31.7% of keyboards include underglow lighting.
Backlight direction
What it is: Specifies whether the switches use north-facing or south-facing backlighting.
When it matters: When you care about switch compatibility, keycap interference, or lighting placement.

Importance: LOW

North-facing
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Case material
What it is: Describes the main material used for the keyboard case.
When it matters: When build feel, rigidity, and overall finish influence your sense of quality.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum/plastic
Plate material
What it is: Describes the material used for the mounting plate beneath the switches.
When it matters: When keyboard stiffness, sound profile, and bottom-out feel matter more than the switch spec sheet alone.

Importance: HIGH

aluminum
Keycap material
What it is: Describes the material used to make the keycaps.
When it matters: When surface texture, wear resistance, and sound of the keycaps affect your choice.

Importance: HIGH

ABS
Keycap profile
What it is: Describes the shape and height profile of the keycaps.
When it matters: When key shape and sculpting affect comfort, wrist angle, and the sound of each press.

Importance: MEDIUM

low-profile
Legend method
What it is: Describes how the legends are applied to the keycaps, which affects durability and visibility.
When it matters: When you care about how long key legends stay readable after heavy use.

Importance: MEDIUM

laser-etched
Cooler Master SK652 uses laser-etched legends, which are less durable than 85.7% of keyboards and equal to 11.5% of keyboards.
Show more

Cooler Master SK652 vs the average keyboard

  • 0.8 mm shorter key travel
    Cooler Master SK652 has 3.2 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
    What it is: Measures the full distance a key can move from top to bottom.
    When it matters: When full key movement changes comfort, speed, or the way the keyboard feels under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cooler Master SK652 has 3.2 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.3.2 mm vs 4 mm
  • 0.8 mm shorter actuation distance
    Cooler Master SK652 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
    What it is: Measures the highest configurable actuation point or trigger position.
    When it matters: When you want precise control over how deep a key can be set to trigger for different games or typing styles.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cooler Master SK652 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.1.2 mm vs 2 mm
  • 17 more keys
    Cooler Master SK652 has more keys than the average keyboard (104 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
    What it is: States how many keys are present on the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you need a certain number of keys for shortcuts, navigation, or a numpad.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cooler Master SK652 has more keys than the average keyboard (104 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.104 vs 87
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    Cooler Master SK652 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
    What it is: Measures the shortest key travel needed to register an input.
    When it matters: When faster key response matters and you want the shortest possible trigger point under your fingers.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cooler Master SK652 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm
  • 33.7% lower weight
    Cooler Master SK652 weighs less than the average keyboard (647 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
    Without cable.
    What it is: Measures the total mass of the keyboard.
    When it matters: When you care whether the keyboard feels easy to carry or heavy enough to stay planted on the desk.

    Importance: HIGH

    Cooler Master SK652 weighs less than the average keyboard (647 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.647 g vs 976 g
  • 21 more RGB zones
    Cooler Master SK652 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (104 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
    What it is: States how many RGB lighting zones can be controlled separately.
    When it matters: When you want more lighting control than a simple all-at-once backlight can provide.

    Importance: LOW

    Cooler Master SK652 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (104 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.104 vs 83
  • 13.5 mm lower keyboard height
    Cooler Master SK652 is lower than the average keyboard (25 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard's vertical dimension from its base to its highest point.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to fit under shelves, trays, or other tight desk constraints.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cooler Master SK652 is lower than the average keyboard (25 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.25 mm vs 38.5 mm
  • 62.5% cheaper
    Cooler Master SK652 is cheaper than the average keyboard (£80 vs £130).
    Cooler Master SK652 is cheaper than the average keyboard (£80 vs £130).£80 vs £130
  • 17 more keys
    Cooler Master SK652 has more keys than the average keyboard (104 vs 87). The average keyboard has 87 keys.
  • 33.7% lower weight
    Cooler Master SK652 weighs less than the average keyboard (647 g vs 976 g). The average keyboard weighs 976 g.
  • 13.5 mm lower keyboard height
    Cooler Master SK652 is lower than the average keyboard (25 mm vs 38.5 mm). The average keyboard height is 38.5 mm.
  • 13 mm thinner design
    Cooler Master SK652 is thinner than the average keyboard (25 mm vs 38 mm). The average keyboard thickness is 38 mm.
  • 0.8 mm shorter key travel
    Cooler Master SK652 has 3.2 mm of total travel, while the average keyboard has 4 mm.
  • 0.8 mm shorter actuation distance
    Cooler Master SK652 has a longer maximum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 2 mm). The average keyboard has a maximum actuation distance of 2 mm.
  • 0.5 mm shorter actuation distance
    Cooler Master SK652 has a shorter minimum actuation distance than the average keyboard (1.2 mm vs 1.7 mm). The average keyboard has a minimum actuation distance of 1.7 mm.
  • 21 more RGB zones
    Cooler Master SK652 has more RGB zones than the average keyboard (104 vs 83). The average keyboard has 83 RGB zones.
  • 75 mm wider width
    Cooler Master SK652 is wider than the average keyboard (430 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
  • 2 older release date
    Cooler Master SK652 is older than the average keyboard (2,021 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Cooler Master SK652 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
  • No hot-swap support
    Cooler Master SK652 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • No pre-lubed stabilizers
    Cooler Master SK652 does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
  • Less versatile connectivity
    Cooler Master SK652 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.
    What it is: Specifies how the keyboard connects, such as USB, 2.4 GHz wireless, or Bluetooth.
    When it matters: When latency, cable management, or wireless flexibility is part of your buying decision.

    Importance: HIGH

    Cooler Master SK652 offers less versatile connectivity than the average keyboard (USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth). The average keyboard offers USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth connectivity.USB vs USB / 2.4GHz / Bluetooth
  • No hot-swap support
    Cooler Master SK652 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
    What it is: Shows whether the switches can be removed and replaced without soldering.
    When it matters: When you want to try different switches, replace a bad switch easily, or tune feel without soldering work.

    Importance: HIGH

    Cooler Master SK652 does not support hot-swappable switches, the average keyboard does. 65.5% of keyboards support hot-swappable switches.
  • No pre-lubed stabilizers
    Cooler Master SK652 does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
    What it is: Shows whether the stabilizers arrive factory-lubricated instead of requiring manual tuning for smoother larger keys.
    When it matters: When larger keys like space, enter, and shift need to feel smoother and sound less rattly out of the box.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cooler Master SK652 does not have pre-lubed stabilizers, the average keyboard does. 81.1% of keyboards come with pre-lubed stabilizers.
  • 75 mm wider width
    Cooler Master SK652 is wider than the average keyboard (430 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.
    What it is: Measures the keyboard from side to side.
    When it matters: When the keyboard has to match limited desk width or fit inside a specific setup.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Cooler Master SK652 is wider than the average keyboard (430 mm vs 355 mm). The average keyboard width is 355 mm.430 mm vs 355 mm
  • 6.1% worse value for money
    Cooler Master SK652 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.35 vs 7.802).
    What it is: An indicator that combines the keyboard's overall rating with its cost.
    When it matters: When you are looking for a keyboard that offers a strong balance of performance, features, and price.
    Cooler Master SK652 has worse value for money than the average keyboard (7.35 vs 7.802).7.35 vs 7.8
  • 2 older release date
    Cooler Master SK652 is older than the average keyboard (2,021 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.
    What it is: States when the keyboard was officially launched or became available.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer board for more recent wireless standards, firmware support, or hardware revisions.

    Importance: LOW

    Cooler Master SK652 is older than the average keyboard (2,021 vs 2,023). The average keyboard was released in 2,023.2021 vs 2023

Graphic comparison of Cooler Master SK652 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Cooler Master SK652?

  • Sleek and minimalist design with a brushed aluminium top plate
  • Low-profile mechanical switches provide a faster typing feel compared to standard heights
  • Full RGB customisation per key with vibrant lighting
  • Hybrid OS support for both Windows and macOS with easy switching
  • Detachable braided USB Type-C cable for better durability and portability
  • Improved ergonomic keycaps over previous SK series models for better comfort

What customers dislike about Cooler Master SK652?

  • Common reports of keys developing double-pressing (chatter) or unresponsiveness after 8–18 months
  • MasterPlus+ software is often described as clunky, unintuitive, or prone to causing system issues
  • Key stabilizers (especially on the spacebar) can be rattly or produce a 'ping' sound
  • Typing experience can feel 'mushy' or less tactile to some users compared to traditional mechanical boards
  • The low-profile design may lead to accidental key presses due to the flat keycap shape and spacing
  • Non-standard keycap stems can make finding third-party replacement caps difficult

Expert reviews

C
charlestech.fr
26/05/2024

This review evaluates the Cooler Master SK652, a full-layout, wired mechanical gaming keyboard with a sleek, brushed aluminium top plate and low-profile design. Equipped with linear TTC Low Profile Red switches, the keyboard requires a 45-gram activation force and features a 1.5mm actuation point with a 3.5mm total travel distance. The reviewer praises the keyboard for its...Read more

T
tomshw.it
06/09/2021

Cooler Master SK652 & SK653 The Tom's Hardware Italia review outlines the Cooler Master SK652 (wired) and SK653 (wireless/Bluetooth) as sleek, full-size mechanical keyboards featuring a compact footprint, a integrated numpad, and a brushed aluminum design available in gray or white. Equipped with low-profile switches (Red, Blue, or Brown) and per-key RGB backlighting, these...Read more

T
techtesters.eu
05/05/2021

The Cooler Master SK652 and SK653 are low-profile mechanical keyboards featuring full-size layouts packed into compact frames with aluminum top plates. Available in black or white, they use linear red or tactile brown TTC switches rather than traditional Cherry switches, and they feature updated, slightly contoured keycaps that improve typing comfort compared to their predecessor....Read more

T
techgaming.nl
01/03/2022

The Cooler Master SK652 (Silver White) is a full-size, low-profile mechanical keyboard praised for its sleek brushed aluminium aesthetics and exceptional RGB lighting. Designed for both PC and Mac, it features hybrid keycaps with symbols for both operating systems and uses TTC low-profile mechanical switches (available in Red, Blue, or Brown). The reviewer highlighted its...Read more

Video reviews

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