Physical buttons to control various software and macros have proved incredibly popular with gamers, content creators, and even digital creatives over the last few years, and now, Cooler Master has entered the fray.
The Masterhub puts an interesting spin on streaming kit hardware by building its platform on a modular system. And yes, you can hot-swap components. The base plate and components connect via pogo pins and magnets, letting each piece snap easily into place. The base place allows for vertical and horizontal mounting of modules, and depending on the size of the modules, you’ll be able to get between three and four modules on the starter plate. There is no word yet on whether Cooler Master will bring bigger base plates to market, but I would certainly encourage them to do so. A larger mounting surface would unlock so many options once there are more modules available for purchase.
The starter kit for your Masterhub modular setup consists of the base plate, a 15-key IPS display module that allows you to run macros, set scenes, and manage functions in software, a precision fader with a 5-setting fader module, and a roller accessory that lets you scroll and zoom through anything your workflow requires.
Two other modules will also be available for purchase around the launch time frame: a three-dial module and a large LED dial with a customisable display. These will come in handy for music producers or creatives looking to adjust settings easily.
The Masterhub software brings it all together, letting you customise the buttons and dials to your liking. Supported third-party software such as Adobe Suite, OBS, Twitch, Discord, and Streamlabs is already listed, so you can just drag and drop the most popular functions. There is space for you to create custom functions, too. I really liked that you can hot-swap modules, and the software will instantly recognise them, letting you quickly go from Twitch streamer to music producer using the same hardware stack.
A big part of Cooler Master’s goal with Masterhub is to work with the community to improve software integration with more applications and develop modules that offer new functionality to users. If they manage to bring a variety of new modules and base plates to the market, this could be the start of a new standard in the content creator space, if the price is kept somewhat affordable.
What Cooler Master brings to the table with its Masterhub is a truly expandable system that will hopefully see innovative new modules, supported by the community, come to market. The base kit is set to launch for $399, with local pricing to be announced when it launches here later this year.