From high-quality coolers to powerful power supplies to beautiful cases, Cooler Master is a well-known peripheral manufacturer in the PC space. However, the company's latest invention is quite different from its previous offerings. Designed for streamers and image/video editors, the MasterHUB is a modular macro pad similar to Elgato's Stream Deck Neo, but offers tons of modules and features compared to its competitor.
The MasterHUB, for example, consists of a magnetic FlexBase to which you can attach additional modules such as knobs, sliders and buttons with IPS displays. This allows you to swap out the components and combine them as needed. In addition, you can attach the modules in different orientations using a variety of pogo pin connectors distributed throughout the base.
After testing the MasterHUB for over a week, I can safely say that it is a solid addition to any content creator’s workspace.
About this review: Cooler Master sent me the Pro Kit version of the MasterHUB. However, the company had no influence on this review and did not see the content of the article before publication.
A premium control panel
Cooler Master MasterHUB
Enough buttons and switches for all your creative needs
$299 399$ Save $100
The MasterHUB is a unique control panel that allows you to switch between multiple components as needed. Depending on the version, you can get up to five different modules for the MasterHUB, with each add-on bringing its own useful features.
- Supports multiple hot-swap modules
- Compatible with most content creation apps
- Easy-to-use companion app
- Not big enough to accommodate all components at the same time
- A bit too expensive
Prices, specifications and availability
At the time of writing, the MasterHUB is only available on Kickstarter, with the company planning to ship orders by October 2024. For the average buyer, the base model of the MasterHUB costs $399, but you can get it for a limited time at a discounted price of $299. The Starter Kit includes the FlexBase, as well as a 15-key IPS display, a 2-roller module, and a triple-knob add-on. If you want more options, you can upgrade to the Pro Kit, which costs an additional $100 ($150 after the discount period ends) and includes two more components: a 1.3-inch IPS display and a 5-fader module. CoolerMaster also sells other add-ons for the MasterHUB, including a PLUS+ stand and additional versions of each module.
Cooler Master MasterHUB
- Integrations
- OBS Studio, Twitch, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Streamlabs Desktop
- Color
- Black
- Programmable keys
- Yes
- Wireless
- NO
- Module
- 1x 15-button IPS display module, 1x 5-slider module, 1x 2-roller module, 1x 3-button module, 1x encoder 1.3'' IPS display
What I like
A versatile design that allows you to switch between different parts
Unlike most macro pads and control panels that allow you to customize the software aspect of the device, the MasterHUB also allows you to change the hardware modules to your liking. The heart of the device is the FlexBase, which consists of several pogo pins that can power any modules you connect to the MasterHUB.
Plugging in the components is easy: align the connector on each component with the pins on the FlexBase and let the magnets do the rest of the work.
Plugging in the components is easy: align the connector on each component with the FlexBase's pins and let the magnets do the rest of the work. Of course, you'll need to be a little strategic about the placement of the add-on modules if you plan on attaching multiple modules, especially the larger ones. Speaking of components…
A solid selection of modules
Since receiving the Pro Kit variant, I've been able to test out all of the add-ons available for the MasterHUB – and I can tell you, each component has its own unique features, including the rather unassuming 2-roller module. For example, the three-knob plate is fantastic for image and video editing, and you can even map additional actions like tapping the knobs using the official MasterHUB app (which I'll get to in a moment). Likewise, the 5-fader component is perfect for audio editing pros, while the 1.3-inch display can be used to monitor your CPU/GPU temperatures when you're not busy turning the dial to switch between desktops.
The 15-key display module is the real highlight of the show, though. Not only does it have enough keys for all your content creation needs, but the module in question also features a vibrant IPS display instead of resorting to LCD screens. In terms of functionality, you can map any application, command, hotkey, or even application-specific actions to the 15 keys. Since it's a display, you can also set custom icons for each key. The MasterHUB application also lets you create up to five pages for different icons. Even if you sacrifice eight keys to switch between different pages, you can still access a total of 67 key configurations at once! As if that wasn't enough, you can even set GIF files as icons for the 15-key display to make your setup even more vibrant.
The actual start of the show is marked by the 15-button display module.
The software support is just as amazing
With a productivity-focused tool like the MasterHUB, the software aspect can make or break the product. And I'm happy to report that the control panel exceeded my expectations. The MasterHUB is not compatible with Cooler Master's existing app suite. Instead, the device requires its own dedicated application, which is not available on Cooler Master's website at the time of writing.
Nevertheless, the MasterHUB application has a simple interface and does not contain any bloatware services or unnecessary additions. In the app you will find a variety of options, from RGB lighting settings to key mapping provisions. Since all components have different sets of buttons, the application has a separate set of interactions for each module. In addition, you can create multiple profiles and switch between them as you wish.
The MasterHUB application has a simple user interface and does not contain any bloatware services or unnecessary additions.
Speaking of mappable actions, the MasterHUB is compatible with a wide range of third-party apps and tools, including OBS Studio, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, Twitch, and Streamlabs Desktop, allowing you to map application-specific interactions like changing brush sizes, opening a chat, or starting a stream directly from the MasterHUB control app.
What I don't like
You cannot connect all modules to the MasterHUB at the same time
Despite the wide range of components you can connect to the MasterHUB, the FlexBase simply isn't large enough to accommodate all of the modules available in the Pro Kit version. Although Cooler Master claims to be releasing a larger version of the motherboard in the future, be aware that you'll have to leave out at least one component from the setup. Since the MasterHUB lets you hot-swap any component, the lack of space is by no means a dealbreaker. But I was disappointed that I couldn't turn the MasterHUB into a full-fledged productivity war machine equipped with all of the modules available for the device.
Should you buy the Cooler Master MasterHUB?
You won’t regret purchasing the MasterHUB if:
- You're looking for a control panel that has all the switches, buttons, and knobs you'll ever need for your productivity needs.
- You want a macro pad with numerous features and lots of customization options.
You should stay away from the MasterHUB if:
- You don't want to spend more than $250 on a D-pad.
- All modules must always be connected to the board.
The MasterHUB is undoubtedly the most innovative alternative to Stream Decks on the market, and it offers many useful features whether you're an aspiring developer or a seasoned creative professional. The MasterHUB allows you to add custom images to each hotkey. You can even use it in your favorite RPGs as an interactive action board with custom mappings and icons for all of your spells and actions. Sure, it's not the most expensive panel on the market. But if you're willing to spend $299 on the MasterHUB, you won't be disappointed with this feature-rich panel!
A premium control panel
Cooler Master MasterHUB
Enough buttons and switches for all your creative needs
$299 399$ Save $100
The MasterHUB is a unique control panel that allows you to switch between multiple components as needed. Depending on the version, you can get up to five different modules for the MasterHUB, with each add-on bringing its own useful features.