Index
Features and technical specifications of the KROM Kluster
The main feature of the Krom Kluster keyboard is its Cut. We are faced with a keyboard that has a 60% design. This means that it is 40% smaller than a normal keyboard, even more than the TKL we know for not having a numeric keypad on the right. Thanks to this size, we will always be able to take the keyboard with us wherever we go and use it without any space problems.
The keyboard has Outemu Red mechanical switches high quality. These push buttons have a height of 4 mm and a pulsation force of 50 grams. In total, the keyboard has 62 keys. And all functions are mapped to it, one way or another.
The connection of this keyboard to the computer can be done both by cable (it includes a 1.5 meter braided USB-C cable which also serves to recharge it) and by Bluetooth (for which includes a Bluetooth 5.0 Dongle). Thanks to this connectivity, it is compatible with all operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), and with mobile devices. We can pair it with up to 5 different devices, linked to the QWERT keys.
Other important characteristics of this keyboard are its complete anti-ghosting system and the game mode thanks to which we will be able to deactivate the Windows key to avoid interruptions in our games. The keys are RGB backlit and everything can be configured without software, all with simple keyboard shortcuts.
The size of this keyboard is 290mm long, 39mm high and 100mm wide. And its weight is approximately 420 grams.
| Chrome cluster | |
|---|---|
| Type | Mechanical, 60% |
| lighting | RGB backlight |
| Connection type | Bluetooth 5.0, USB |
| Anti ghosting | Full |
| Rollover N-Key | Full |
| Multimedia control | No |
| SO compatible | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and IOS |
| Switch | Outemu Red |
| Operational style | |
| Task force | 50 grams |
| Actuation point | |
| Total distance | 4 mm |
| Life time | |
| Cable type | Braided cable |
| Cable length | 1.5 m |
| Width | 290 mm |
| Alto | 39 mm |
| Long | 100 millimeters |
| Weight | 420 + 20 g |
Krom did not specify the capacity of the included battery, as well as its durability.
External analysis
The KROM Kluster keyboard comes in a cardboard box dominated by black and orange. On the front of the box we can find a photo of the keyboard in question with the lighting on, while on the back we will find some details of the keyboard.
As soon as we open the keyboard case, we will find its manual. The manual is very simple, but as we are not going to have any configuration software, it is important to know it, because thanks to it we will know how to use and configure the keyboard functions.
The keyboard cable is 1.5 meters long and has a braided finish, giving it extra durability. At one end we have a normal USB port, which will be the one that connects to the PC or charger, and at the other end a USB Type C port to connect to the keyboard.
We will also find, inside a plastic case, a Bluetooth 5.0 adapter with which we can connect this keyboard or any other device (such as the new Xbox controller) to the PC. The brand of the adapter is not very clear, but it works without problems and meets the requirements of the standard.
As we can see, the keyboard has a very compact size, with hardly any unused space. Despite a 60% layout, you can find the Ñ key, as well as a large intro dictated by the ISO distribution.
We can find keys with several functions at the same time. For example, the numbers act as function keys, and in the right half of the keyboard we will find all kinds of remapped keys and functions to configure the lighting and operation of the keyboard.
The keyboard has a lower height than you would expect in a mechanical keyboard, and at the top we will find the USB-C port to connect it by cable or charge it.
Finally, at the bottom of it, we will find the keyboard on / off button and the 4 rubber feet that will help us prevent it from moving while we write with it.
Test and performance
Connecting the device to the computer or any other device is very easy. The first thing we need to do is press the FN key and then press one of the profile keys (QWERT) for 3 seconds to choose the profile where we are going to bind the device. Once that is done, we will see how the letter flashes, and then we can bind the keyboard from the operating system. If we change equipment, just press the previous keyboard shortcut for 1 second to change profiles.
This keyboard does not have configuration software, but we have to configure it ourselves using the keyboard shortcuts themselves. This is all done by pressing the FN key, followed by one of the following keys:
- ç – Change the lighting effect (there are 17 different effects).
- ^ o * – Changes the intensity of the lighting.
- Ñ or ¨ – Changes the speed of the lighting effects.
- Windows – Activate or deactivate the game mode.
- Control – Toggles the Esc key and remapped letters to your special commands.
- Enter – Changes the function of the arrows –
- A o S – Windows mode o macOS mode.
- Space – Press 3 seconds to return to factory settings.
Being a bluetooth device, it does not require any driver or any special configuration in our operating system. Moreover, we can use it with any USB dongle. Therefore, we don’t have to use the included pic if our PC already has bluetooth in the chipset itself (which is common in laptops) or if we have higher grade bluetooth USB. Of course, to avoid problems, we recommend use it in BT 5.0 or higher, since this is version 4, we may have some latency issues, and with the previous ones it certainly won’t even work.
In our testing, the connection remained stable at a distance of about two meters. According to the Bluetooth specifications, we should be able to be connected up to 10 meters away, although it is true that as the distance increases, the latency increases and the likelihood of having connection problems increases.
It’s also important to note that being wireless, the battery has its limits. And, although the duration is more than acceptable with the lights off, if we turn it on, the battery life decreases sharply.
Conclusion and opinion of KROM KLUSTER
Without a doubt, this is one of KROM’s most standard-breaking keyboards. The company decided to bet with a model that was almost half the size of other keyboards, yes, without eliminating any keystrokes. We are faced with a very small keyboard that we can always take with us. Its connection is via Bluetooth, so we can connect it to any computer (or device, such as a tablet) without any problem. That we don’t have Bluetooth at hand? Then we can also connect it by cable, no problem. In addition, thanks to this, we can forget about the batteries, because it includes a rechargeable battery via its USB-C port.
The pulsations are very similar to a Cherry RED keyboard, despite the use of its own buttons. Its mechanical keys serve us perfectly for all kinds of games, achieving quick and precise keystrokes, just like in any other keyboard. It’s a perfect keyboard for those who usually travel a lot or have little space to play. It’s also a great option for those who have, for example, a Steam Link or similar remote gaming device.
However, the truth is that the KROM Kluster is not a keyboard for everyone. The first thing we will notice strange is its size. Its 60% layout means that many keys are mapped into other keys. Arrows or function keys, for example, can be somewhat difficult to press. From our point of view, it is not a keyboard to work with, because its virtues place it mostly in other areas. Also, if we have very big fingers, or if we are not precisely precise when pressing keys, it may be that being so close to each other, we are confused in multiple keystrokes.
Regardless, we found it to be an excellent gaming keyboard. If we’re looking for something small, wireless (with very low latency thanks to the Bluetooth connection, that says it all) and mechanical, without a doubt this Krom Kluster will surprise you. And if you do, you’ll have a great gaming ally.
For all this, we have decided to give the Chrome cluster our reward of oro, highlighting, in particular, its design.
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