- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Updates
- Comparison
- Best Keyboards
- Conclusion
- Discussions
Corsair is a very well-known brand in the world of PC components and gaming peripherals. Their products are usually well-built, with plenty of features to satisfy every type of gamer. Most of their keyboards follow a similar design language, with sharp corners and minimal gamer aesthetic, so it wouldn't look out of place in a professional work environment. Other than the Corsair K83 Wireless, their focus is strictly on gaming keyboards, and they don't produce their own type of mechanical switches, instead relying on genuine Cherry MX switches for all of their mechanical keyboards. All of Corsair's gaming keyboards are highly customizable through their great iCUE software, which is available for both Windows and macOS.
We've tested over 130 keyboards, and below are our recommendations for the best Corsair keyboards. You can also check out our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best RGB keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards.
Updates
- 05/04/2021 Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT reviewed
- 05/03/2021 Corsair K70 RGB TKL reviewed
- 04/26/2021 Corsair K55 RGB PRO reviewed
- 04/21/2021 Corsair K65 RGB MINI reviewed
- 03/08/2021 Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard updated
Best Corsair Keyboards
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Best Corsair Full-Size Gaming Keyboard
Connectivity WiredSizeFull-size (100%)MechanicalYesThe best Corsair gaming keyboard with a full-size layout that we tested is the Corsair K100 RGB. It has excellent build quality, with a plastic base and metal top plate that exhibit only a slight amount of flex. The doubleshot PBT keycaps feel solid and durable, while the thick and grippy feet prevent the board from moving around. It also has good ergonomics thanks to the detachable wrist rest and adjustable incline setting. The full RGB backlighting is easily customizable within the Corsair iCUE software, which allows you to reprogram any key to a macro or a preset action and save up to 200 profiles to the onboard memory. It has exceptionally low latency, among the lowest we've tested.
Unfortunately, it’s a wired-only model, so you can't connect it via Bluetooth, and it doesn’t support any multi-device pairing. However, it comes with many extra features like six dedicated macro keys, a volume wheel, media keys, and a unique multi-function iCUE wheel. Our unit uses linear Cherry MX Speed switches, which feel very light and responsive due to their low pre-travel and actuation force. It’s also available with Corsair OPX optical switches, advertised to have an even lower pre-travel distance. All in all, the Corsair K100 is an exceptional gaming keyboard that should satisfy most gamers.
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Best Corsair Wireless Gaming Keyboard
Connectivity WirelessSizeTenKeyLess (80%)MechanicalYesThe best wireless keyboard for gaming we've tested is the Corsair K63 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. It's one of Corsair's very few wireless models. This TenKeyLess board can pair with up to two devices at once via Bluetooth and its USB receiver, and it's compatible with many operating systems, although some function keys only work on Windows. It has dedicated media keys, a Windows Lock key, device switching hotkeys, and you can set macros to any key through the iCUE software. Despite being wireless, its latency is still decently low when used with its receiver, although it isn't recommended for gaming over Bluetooth. The Cherry MX Red switches require a bit of force to actuate, especially for linear switches, but they should feel responsive.
Unfortunately, it doesn't have onboard memory, so your settings don't remain when you switch computers. While the board comes with a detachable wrist rest, it's hard and feels a bit cheap. Also, fans of RGB may be disappointed that both variants of this keyboard have blue backlighting only. That said, this is an excellent option if you're looking for a wireless gaming keyboard, and it's among the best gaming keyboards under $100 that we've tested.
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Best Corsair Compact Gaming Keyboard
Connectivity WiredSizeCompact (60%)MechanicalYesThe best Corsair keyboard in a compact size is the Corsair K65 RGB MINI. It's a 60% compact wired board with exceptionally low latency and an 8000Hz polling rate. You can set macros to any key, either directly from the board or through the Corsair iCUE software, and you can also customize the RGB backlighting on a per-key basis. It has many secondary functions, which you can access using the Fn key and Fn2 hotkey, including media hotkeys and a Windows Key lock. The linear Cherry MX Speed switches feel very light and responsive thanks to their low operating force and short pre-travel distance. Also, it has onboard memory, so you can save your settings and maintain them when you move to a computer that doesn't have the software installed.
Unfortunately, it doesn't have adjustable incline settings, and it doesn't come with a wrist rest, so your wrists may feel fatigued after long periods of use. Also, it's only available in certain linear switches depending on your country, so if you prefer a tactile or clicky feel, you may be disappointed. On the bright side, the board feels remarkably well-built, with a metal base plate and doubleshot PBT keycaps, and it's an outstanding option if you want a compact model to game with.
Compared to other brands
- Good build quality. Corsair keyboards are generally well-built; even the budget options have a decent build quality with very few issues.
- Genuine Cherry MX mechanical switches. Corsair usually uses genuine Cherry MX switches, which is great, as you know exactly what kind of typing experience you'll get depending on which switches you get.
- Excellent customization software. Corsair's iCUE software has a large number of customization options, and it's compatible with Windows and macOS.
- Expensive. In general, Corsair products are a bit more expensive than their competitors.
Corsair vs Logitech
Logitech has a much wider range of choices for keyboards, as they have options for gaming and productivity. G HUB is one of the best customization software on the market, with an interface that's clean and easy to understand. Unlike Corsair, Logitech often uses their proprietary switches, like their Romer-G switches and their low-profile GL switches. Logitech keyboards are also somewhat more affordable, but there are exceptions like the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED, which is quite expensive. However, Logitech keyboards don't feel as well-built, since there's more use of plastic and cheaper-feeling keycaps.
Corsair vs Razer
Razer, like Corsair, makes keyboards marketed towards gamers, and they also have a modern and clean design that fits into any work environment. However, Razer tends to use proprietary switches, with offerings comparable to genuine Cherry MX switches. Build quality is just as good as Corsair's, although with more use of plastic. Razer keyboards also tend to be on the expensive side. Razer's Synapse 3 software offers similar functionalities, but it's only compatible with Windows.
Corsair is one of the biggest manufacturers of gaming peripherals, with a reputation built on reliability and good quality control. For keyboards, they focus almost entirely on gaming, making their portfolio much smaller than a company like Logitech, which makes keyboards for productivity and various devices. Corsair keyboards stand out for their good overall build quality and their stylish and modern design.
Notable Mentions
- Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT: The Corsair K95 PLATINUM XT is an excellent alternative to the Corsair K100 RGB, but the switches on the K100 have a shorter pre-travel distance and feel more responsive. See our review
Recent Updates
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Aug 18, 2021: Removed the Corsair K83 Wireless Entertainment Keyboard and made the Corsair K65 RGB MINI the 'Best Corsair Compact Gaming Keyboard'.
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Apr 20, 2021: Updated text for clarity and accuracy; no change to product picks.
Conclusion
Overall, although Corsair mainly advertises their keyboards for gaming, they're perfectly suitable for a wide variety of uses and won't be a sore thumb in an office setting. They have great features to suit nearly any need, and you're sure to get a good typing experience with their use of genuine Cherry MX switches.