Cooler Master MasterPlus+ vs Polychromatic
Cooler Master MasterPlus+
coolermaster.comPolychromatic
polychromatic.appSide by side
| Figure | Cooler Master MasterPlus+ | Polychromatic |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · RGB Lighting Software | 7.8 (#9) | 7.3 (#16) |
| Feature limit | The 1.9.6 notes explicitly state that the Motion1 motion control function was removed. | Key remapping is not supported, and the maker says the application's main strength is RGB lighting effects. |
Plans
In their own words
Cooler Master MasterPlus+
Cooler Master MasterPlus+ is free Windows software for supported Cooler Master peripherals and PC components. Its compatibility list includes cooling products, fans, LED controllers, cases, power supplies, keyboards, mice, audio products, and accessories. Examples include MasterLiquid coolers, MasterFan and SickleFlow fans, HAF 700 cases, CK and SK keyboards, and MM series mice. For supported Addressable Gen 2 RGB devices, it controls individual LED colors, effects, and brightness. Cooler Master says GD120 ARGB desk lighting can synchronize with display colors and reproduce monitor visuals in real time. Mobius 140P ARGB RGB customization requires a dedicated controller sold separately. The download is labeled for Windows 10 and Windows 11. Version 1.9.6 notes removal of Motion1 motion control and enhanced D-BOX guidance. Cooler Master is headquartered in Taipei City, Taiwan, and was founded in 1992.
Polychromatic
Polychromatic is a free, open-source GNU/Linux frontend for OpenRazer. It controls lighting and other settings on supported Razer peripherals, with the home page listing more than 210 devices including keyboards, mice, mouse mats, and headsets. You can adjust built-in effects, brightness, DPI, and polling interval, or create static and animated mappings from pixels and frames for games, applications, or ambience. The app shows firmware versions and serial numbers and can test individually addressable LEDs. A tray applet provides settings access when the desktop supports system-tray indicators, and a troubleshooter addresses problems such as OpenRazer failures or missing devices. It runs locally without cloud services or a login and is licensed under GPLv3. Polychromatic supports OpenRazer only; other brands are unavailable, and key remapping is not supported.