The Corsair K65 LUX RGB is a good TKL mechanical keyboard for gaming. Its frame feels well-built and has minimal flex, but the ABS plastic keycaps feel a little cheap. It's comfortable to type on and comes with a magnetically-attachable wrist rest. You can set macros to any key and customize the RGB backlighting with the iCUE software. It has great typing quality and the Cherry MX Red switches have a low actuation force, but the high pre-travel distance isn't ideal for gaming.
Our Verdict
The Corsair K65 LUX is good for gaming. This well-built keyboard is comfortable to use and comes with a wrist rest. You can fully customize the RGB backlighting and set macros to any key you want. The Cherry MX Red switches have a low actuation force, but the high pre-travel distance isn't ideal for gaming.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Great built quality.
- Great typing experience.
- Customizable RGB backlighting.
- Wrist rest connectors feel fragile.
- ABS keycaps feel cheap.
- High pre-travel distance.
The Corsair K65 LUX is wired-only and isn't designed to be used with mobile devices.
The Corsair K65 LUX is very good for office use. It's comfortable to use and comes with a decently comfortable wrist rest. The typing quality is great, but the slightly wider spacing and the high pre-travel distance may cause some fatigue if you aren't used to it. It feels well-built and it's quiet to type on, so it shouldn't bother those around you.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Great built quality.
- Cherry MX Red switches are quiet.
- Great typing experience.
- Wrist rest connectors feel fragile.
- ABS keycaps feel cheap.
- High pre-travel distance.
The Corsair K65 LUX is great for programming. It feels well-built and comes with a decently comfortable wrist rest. It has a great typing experience, but the slightly wider spacing and the high pre-travel distance may cause some fatigue if you aren't used to it. Additionally, you can set macros to any key through the iCUE software.
- All keys are macro-programmable.
- Great built quality.
- Great typing experience.
- Customizable RGB backlighting.
- Wrist rest connectors feel fragile.
- ABS keycaps feel cheap.
- High pre-travel distance.
- Great built quality.
- Wrist rest connectors feel fragile.
- ABS keycaps feel cheap.
- High pre-travel distance.
Changelog
- Updated Oct 05, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Dec 01, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Nov 18, 2020: Early access published.
- Updated Nov 13, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Corsair K65 has no variants and it's only available in Cherry MX Red switches. You can see the label of our unit here.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
The Corsair K65 LUX RGB is a good TKL mechanical gaming keyboard and performs very similarly to the Corsair STRAFE RGB MK.2, although it may feel less responsive for gaming due to the high pre-travel distance of the Cherry MX Red switches. Although it doesn't have dedicated macro keys, those looking for a TKL gaming keyboard should be pleased. For other options, see our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best RGB keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards.
The Corsair K65 LUX RGB and the Corsair K63 Wireless are similar TKL gaming keyboards. The K65 LUX feels much better built, it has RGB lighting, and it has a USB passthrough. However, the K63 is more versatile thanks to its wireless capabilities, and its Cherry MX Red switches have a slightly lower pre-travel distance than the Cherry MX Red switches on the K65 LUX.
The Corsair K65 LUX RGB is better than the Corsair K60 RGB PRO Low Profile. The K65 LUX comes with a detachable wrist rest and it has a USB passthrough. Its Cherry MX Red linear switches have a high pre-travel distance that might feel less responsive for gaming; however, they're less sensitive than the K60 PRO's Cherry MX Low Profile RGB Speed switches which may cause more unintended keystrokes. However, if you prefer a full-sized keyboard, the K60 PRO is better.
The Corsair STRAFE RGB MK.2 and the Corsair K65 LUX RGB are very similar gaming keyboards, but the STRAFE is better for gaming. Its Cherry MX Red switches have a much lower pre-travel distance than the K65's Cherry MX Red switches, so they should feel more responsive for gaming. However, the K65 is more compact, so there's more space to move around your mouse next to it.
The SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL is better than the Corsair K65 LUX RGB. The SteelSeries feels better built, and it's fully compatible with macOS. Also, the SteelSeries Brown tactile switches on our unit might feel more responsive for gaming than the Cherry MX Red linear switches thanks to the lower actuation force and pre-travel distance. However, the Corsair has a Windows Key lock and might present better value for some people.
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