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Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT Keyboard Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1
Reviewed May 04, 2021 at 10:18 am
Latest change: Test bench update Nov 29, 2023 at 09:32 am
Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT Picture
8.3
Gaming
6.1
Office
1.1
Mobile/Tablet
6.6
Programming
3.5
Entertainment / HTPC
8.7
Raw Performance

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a very good, entry-level gaming keyboard with rubber dome switches. It's an update of the Corsair K55 RGB with acceptable build quality, very low latency, and acceptable ergonomics, including a detachable wrist rest and one incline setting. It has dedicated media and macro keys and companion software that's compatible with Windows and macOS. Unfortunately, the rubber dome switches only provide mediocre typing quality as all keys wobble significantly and feel fairly heavy to press. It has RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and you can customize the lighting on a per-key basis. It's very similar to the Corsair K55 RGB PRO, but that one lacks individually-lit keys as it only has five customizable lighting zones and doesn't support dynamic in-game lighting with certain games through Corsair's iCUE software.

Our Verdict

8.3 Gaming

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a great gaming keyboard. However, its build quality is only adequate, and the rubber dome switches are fairly heavy to press and have a high pre-travel distance. It has very low latency, dedicated macro keys, and companion software for customization. It also has RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys that are independently customizable.

Pros
  • Remarkably low latency.
  • RGB backlighting with individually lit keys.
  • Acceptable ergonomics.
  • Dedicated macro keys and all keys are macro programmable.
Cons
  • Keys feel heavy to press.
  • Only adequate build quality.
6.1 Office

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is satisfactory for office use. It has very quiet rubber dome switches and acceptable ergonomics with a detachable wrist rest and one incline setting. Unfortunately, the typing quality is mediocre because all keys wobble noticeably, have a fairly high pre-travel, and feel heavy to actuate.

Pros
  • Acceptable ergonomics.
  • Very quiet rubber dome switches.
Cons
  • Keys feel heavy to press.
  • Only adequate build quality.
1.1 Mobile/Tablet

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a wired-only keyboard that isn't designed for use with tablets or mobile devices.

6.6 Programming

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is alright for programming. It has adequate build quality and mediocre typing quality. That said, it has acceptable ergonomics with a detachable wrist rest and one incline setting. It has RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys that you can customize on a per-key basis. There are also six dedicated macro keys, all keys are macro-programmable, and the companion software is compatible with Windows and macOS.

Pros
  • Acceptable ergonomics.
  • Dedicated macro keys and all keys are macro programmable.
Cons
  • Keys feel heavy to press.
  • Only adequate build quality.
3.5 Entertainment / HTPC

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is bad for home theater PC use. It's a wired keyboard with no wireless connectivity options, and it has no trackpad, so you may need to use a mouse to navigate menus. On the other hand, it has dedicated media keys and RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys.

Pros
  • RGB backlighting with individually lit keys.
  • Dedicated media keys.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
  • No trackpad.
  • Only adequate build quality.
8.7 Raw Performance
  • 8.3 Gaming
  • 6.1 Office
  • 1.1 Mobile/Tablet
  • 6.6 Programming
  • 3.5 Entertainment / HTPC
  • 8.7 Raw Performance
  1. Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've concerted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
  2. Updated Oct 27, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
  3. Updated May 12, 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.
  4. Updated Mar 22, 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.
  5. Updated May 27, 2022: Initially, we reported this keyboard as having only five lighting zones, but we've confirmed that you can adjust the RGB lighting on a per-key basis. We've updated the text in the review to reflect this finding, and all test scores remain the same.
  6. Updated May 04, 2021: Review published.
  7. Updated Apr 28, 2021: Early access published.
  8. Updated Apr 26, 2021: Our testers have started testing this product.
  9. Updated Apr 21, 2021: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  10. Updated Apr 11, 2021: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT comes in black, and there are no other switch types available. The Corsair K55 RGB PRO is a very similar keyboard, but it lacks individually-lit keys and doesn't support iCUE integration with certain games for dynamic lighting effects. You can see the label for our unit here.

Compared To Other Keyboards

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a satisfactory, entry-level gaming keyboard. It has improved latency, backlighting with individually-lit keys, and better RGB customization than its predecessor, the Corsair K55 RGB. It can make a good pick if you're looking for a budget gaming keyboard with solid performance and customizable RGB without getting into mechanical switches.

For more options, check out our recommendations for the best keyboards, the best gaming keyboards, and the best Corsair keyboards.

Corsair K55 RGB PRO

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO and the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT are nearly identical wired gaming keyboards with rubber dome switches. The K55 RGB PRO XT has RGB backlighting with individually lit keys that are customizable on a per-key basis. It also supports dynamic lighting effects with certain games through Corsair iCUE.

SteelSeries Apex 3

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT and the SteelSeries Apex 3 are non-mechanical gaming keyboards with comparable performance. The Corsair has significantly lower latency, individually-lit keys that are independently customizable, and its companion software has onboard memory, but you can't sync settings to the cloud. On the other hand, the SteelSeries has ten zone RGB backlighting, but the keys aren't individually backlit. That said, it feels sturdier, it has a wheel on the top right, and it has more stable keys that offer a better typing experience than the Corsair.

Corsair K100 RGB

The Corsair K100 RGB is a much better gaming keyboard than the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT. The K100 is a mechanical keyboard that feels much better-built, has an additional incline setting, and has a padded wrist rest, a USB passthrough, and a wheel in the top right. It also has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and it's available with linear Cherry MX Speed or linear Corsair OPX switches. On the other hand, The XT is a non-mechanical keyboard with rubber dome switches, a hard plastic wrist rest. It also has full RGB backlighting with independently customizable keys, but it has fewer RGB zones overall.

Logitech G413

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT and the Logitech G413 are both full-size gaming keyboards, but the Logitech is a better gaming board overall. The Logitech is a mechanical keyboard with Romer-G tactile switches with short pre-travel distance and good tactile feedback. It feels better built and has full red backlighting with individually-lit keys, though there's also a variant with white lighting. It also has media hotkeys and a USB passthrough, but only dedicated macro keys. On the other hand, the Corsair has rubber dome switches that feel fairly heavy and have a long pre-travel distance. It also has a detachable wrist rest, and its companion software has onboard memory but no ability to sync settings to the cloud. It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys. Both keyboards have exceptionally low latency.
 

HyperX Alloy Origins

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT and the HyperX Alloy Origins are full-size, wired keyboards, but the HyperX is a better gaming keyboard. The HyperX is a mechanical keyboard available with linear HyperX Red, tactile Aqua, or clicky Blue switches. It also feels much better-built and has full RGB backlighting that you can customize on a per-key basis using the companion software. It also has a detachable USB-C cable and two incline settings, but it lacks a wrist rest. On the other hand, the Corsair has rubber dome switches and RGB backlighting with individually lit keys that are independently customizable. It also has software compatible with Windows and macOS. Both keyboards have exceptionally low latency, and while the Corsair's is slightly lower, it's unlikely to be a noticeable difference.

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Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Dimensions
Size
Full-size (100%)
Height
1.3" (3.4 cm)
Width 18.9" (48.1 cm)
Depth
6.6" (16.7 cm)
Depth With Wrist Rest
9.1" (23.0 cm)
Weight
1.96 lbs (0.890 kg)

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a full-size keyboard that takes up a significant amount of desk space.

6.5
Design
Build Quality
Keycap Material ABS

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT has adequate build quality. The body and baseplate are made of plastic and flex quite a bit, while the top of the keyboard has a glossy finish that shows fingerprints and scratches very easily. There's significant wobble in all keys, and the laser-etched ABS keycaps feel cheap, slippery, and are prone to showing oils from fingers. The rubber pads on the bottom feel stable, but the keyboard may slide around more with the feet extended. This keyboard is rated IP42 against solids and liquids.

6.0
Design
Ergonomics
Curved/Angled
No
Split Keyboard
No
Key Alignment
Staggered
Minimum Incline
Medium Incline
N/A
Maximum Incline
Home Row Height
29.3 mm (1.2")

This keyboard has acceptable ergonomics. It has one incline setting and includes a detachable wrist rest made of hard plastic. The wrist rest is fairly short and shallow, so the comfort it provides may vary between people.

0.7
Design
Hardware Customizability
Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
No
Stabilizer Fixation
Non-Customizable Design
Spacebar Stabilizer Size
Non-Customizable Design
Size Of Right Mod Keys
1.25u
Hot-Swappable Switches
No
Switch Stem Shape
Non-Customizable Design
Switch PCB Socket
Non-Customizable Design
North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
Non-Customizable Design
10
Design
Backlight Features
Backlighting Yes
RGB
Yes
Per-Key Backlighting
Yes
Effects
Yes
Software Controllable
Yes

Unlike the Corsair K55 RGB PRO, which only has five customizable lighting zones, the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT has individually-lit keys that are independently customizable, meaning you can set the backlighting on a per-key basis using the software to create layers. Corsair also advertises that some games can integrate with the iCUE companion and produce dynamic lighting effects that react to in-game actions and events.

8.0
Design
Backlight Clarity
Design
Cable & Connector
Connectivity Wired
Detachable
No
Length 6.1 ft (1.9 m)
Connector (Keyboard side)
Not Detachable

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT has a tangle-resistant rubber cable.

0
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
No
Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
No
Proprietary Receiver
No
Battery Type
No Batteries

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is a wired keyboard that can't be used wirelessly.

8.9
Design
Macro Keys And Programming
Dedicated Macro Keys Count 6
Onboard Macro Programming
Yes
Macro Programming With Software
Yes
Design
Extra Features
Media Keys
Dedicated
Trackpad / Trackball No
Scroll Wheel
No
Control Knob
No
USB Passthrough
No
Numpad Yes
Windows Key Lock
Yes
Lock Indicator Caps, Scroll & Num lock

This keyboard has a Windows Lock key and a key that adjusts RGB brightness. It also has six dedicated macro keys. You can record your own macros onboard or using the companion software, or you can set streaming commands using stream deck software.

Design
In The Box

  • Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT keyboard
  • Wrist rest
  • User manuals

Typing Experience
6.0
Typing Experience
Typing Quality
Key Spacing
19.0 mm (0.748")

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT has mediocre typing quality. The keycaps are ABS plastic and feel slippery, which may lead to more typos. There's also a considerable amount of wobble in the keys. The rubber dome switches offer some tactile feedback, but they feel mushy. Also, you may experience fatigue after typing for long periods because the keys can feel heavy to press. That said, the larger keys feel well-stabilized, and they actuate smoothly.

8.0
Typing Experience
Typing Noise
Average Loudness
50.1 dBA
High Pitch Clicks
No

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT is very quiet and is unlikely to bother those around you.

Typing Experience
Switches
Switch Name
No Marketed Name
Switch Type
Rubber Dome
Feel
Tactile
Analog
No

This keyboard has rubber dome switches.

Typing Experience
Keystrokes
Operating Force
58 gf
Actuation Force
29 gf
Pre-Travel
2.6 mm
Total Travel
4.0 mm

The rubber dome switches are fairly heavy to press, and they have a somewhat long pre-travel distance. While these characteristics may help you avoid making typos, you may also get tired when typing for some time. The operating and actuation forces are slightly lower next to the nearly identical Corsair K55 RGB PRO, but this is likely due to manufacturing tolerances and may vary between units.

Performance
9.0
Performance
Single-Key Latency
Best Connection
3.9 ms
Best Connection Std Dev ±0.3 ms
Wired
3.9 ms
Receiver
N/A
Bluetooth
N/A
PCB (Estimated)
1.5 ms

This keyboard has exceptionally low latency, and even competitive gamers should find it feels very responsive.

8.8
Performance
Multi-Key Latency
Connection Evaluated Wired
Key Press
4.2 ms
Key Release
6.6 ms
7.7
Performance
Data Transmission
Connection Evaluated Wired
USB Polling Rate
1,000 Hz
Effective Update Rate
1,000 Hz
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
No
Multiple Keys Per USB Report
Yes
8.7
Performance
Chord Split
4 Chord Split Delay
3.6 ms
8 Chord Split Delay
N/A
Software and Operating System
Software and Operating System
Configuration Software
Software Name iCUE
Software Windows Compatible
Yes
Software macOS Compatible
Yes
Onboard Memory
Yes
Profiles
6+

Corsair's iCUE software offers plenty of customization options. It allows you to adjust key bindings, macros, and polling rate settings and create RGB lighting layers to customize the lighting on a per-key basis. You can also save your settings to onboard memory. The polling rate settings are 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz.

10
Software and Operating System
Computer Compatibility
Windows
Fully Compatible
macOS
Fully Compatible
Linux (Ubuntu 22)
Fully Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Windows, MacOS & Linux

The software is available on macOS, but Print Screen registers as F13, F11 hides open windows, Num Lock registers as Clear, and the Pause Break and Scroll Lock keys do nothing. In Linux, all keys work, but the software isn't available.

0
Software and Operating System
Wireless Mobile Compatibility
Android
Not Compatible
iOS
Not Compatible
iPadOS
Not Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Not Compatible