The Corsair K55 RGB is a decent full-sized gaming keyboard that uses rubber dome switches, which don't offer the same tactile feedback as mechanical switches found on most gaming keyboards. It has six extra macro keys, and since each key is macro programmable, you can customize it to your liking. The keys are stable, but they feel heavy to type on, and you may experience fatigue when typing for long periods. It has zone-lit RGB backlighting if you want to use it in the dark, but you can't change the lighting on a per-key basis. It should be fine enough for casual gamers, but it might disappoint some more serious or competitive gamers.
Our Verdict
The Corsair K55 is only decent for gaming as its rubber dome switches require a fair amount of force to operate, resulting in less responsive-feeling keys. On the other hand, it has very low latency, zone-lit RGB lighting, six dedicated macro keys, and all of its keys are programmable.
- Very low latency.
- Every key is macro-programmable.
- Acceptable ergonomics.
- Zone-lit RGB lighting.
- Keys feel heavy to type on.
- Only adequate build quality.
The Corsair K55 keyboard can't be used wirelessly.
The Corsair K55 is alright for office use. The keys feel heavy to type on and could get tiring, but they feel stable, and there's decent space between each one which helps reduce typos. The Corsair K55 has acceptable ergonomics and comes with a comfortable wrist rest. It's also quiet to type on, which is great for an office environment.
- Acceptable ergonomics.
- Very quiet.
- Fully compatible with Windows; partially compatible with macOS.
- Zone-lit RGB lighting.
- Keys feel heavy to type on.
- Only adequate build quality.
The Corsair K55 is passable for programming use. Each key is macro-programmable, and it has zone-lit backlighting, but the typing quality is mediocre, and you may experience fatigue when typing for long periods as the keys require a fair amount of force to operate. That said, it has acceptable ergonomics and comes with a comfortable wrist rest.
- Every key is macro-programmable.
- Acceptable ergonomics.
- Fully compatible with Windows; partially compatible with macOS and Linux.
- Zone-lit RGB lighting.
- Keys feel heavy to type on.
- Only adequate build quality.
The Corsair K55 is bad for entertainment or home theatre PC use. It's a full-sized keyboard that takes up a considerable amount of space, especially with the wrist rest attached, and it can't be used wirelessly. Thankfully, it does have media keys, but while it does have backlighting, it's zone-lit only. It also lacks a trackpad, so you'll need a dedicated mouse to move your cursor.
- Every key is macro-programmable.
- Acceptable ergonomics.
- Zone-lit RGB lighting.
- Keys feel heavy to type on.
- Wired-only.
- No trackpad or wheel.
Changelog
- Updated Jun 21, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated May 26, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Dec 16, 2022: Updated review to change the name of the product to Corsair K55 RGB.
- Updated Mar 08, 2021: Updated review for accuracy and clarity.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Corsair K55 RGB is only available in black with rubber dome switches. The Corsair K57 RGB WIRELESS is a wireless version of the Corsair K55 with individually-lit keys. If you come across a different variant of the K55, or if yours doesn't correspond to our review, let us know, and we'll update the review.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Corsair K55 is an entry-level gaming keyboard that doesn't compare very well with higher-end mechanical gaming keyboards. That said, it may be a good choice if you're a casual gamer, and it performs similarly to some of its competitors, including the Razer Cynosa Chroma and the SteelSeries Apex 3. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best gaming keyboards, and the best RGB keyboards.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 and the Corsair K55 RGB are both full-sized gaming keyboards with rubber dome switches. The SteelSeries has a sturdier-feeling build quality and keystrokes that require less operating force. The Corsair has substantially lower latency, and though its keystrokes require a higher operating force, they also have better tactile feedback, although that can tire your fingers more quickly.
The Corsair K55 RGB and the Razer Cynosa V2 are both full-sized keyboards with rubber dome switches. The Razer has individually-lit RGB backlighting, and its keys require much lower operation force, making its keystrokes feel lighter. The Corsair only has zone backlighting, but it has significantly lower latency, a detachable wrist rest, and companion software compatible with macOS.
The Corsair K55 RGB and the Corsair K57 RGB WIRELESS are two very similar keyboards with rubber dome switches. The only differences between them are that the K57 is wireless and has individually-lit keys, while the K55 is wired and has zone lighting.
The Corsair K68 RGB is much better than the Corsair K55 RGB. It uses mechanical switches, providing better tactile feedback for an improved gaming experience and better typing quality. Each key on the K68 is individually lit, while the K55 is zone lit. That said, since the K55 uses rubber dome switches, it's quieter to use in office environments.
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