Best Corsair Keyboards for Gaming in 2024

Corsair is one of the most well-rounded manufacturers of PC components, producing everything from memory sticks to excellent gaming keyboards, mice, and headsets. Even if the company dominates multiple marketplace sectors, its selection of gaming keyboards is particularly diverse. Unfortunately, finding the right model among the best Corsair keyboards is enough to make any gamer’s head spin.

Key Factors For Choosing the Best Corsair Keyboards For Gaming

To make the buying decision easier, focus on these qualities that differ among Corsair keyboards:

• Form Factor: Whether a gamer wants to devote considerable space to a full-sized keyboard or cram a compact device into a small area, Corsair has every scenario covered. The company produces full-sized keyboards, tenkeyless keyboards without number pads and 60% keyboards that include only the essential keys for gaming.
• Wired vs. Wireless: Wired keyboards remain popular because they are primarily stationary peripherals with manageable cords. On the other hand, Corsair also sells wireless keyboards that give buyers total freedom around their gaming desks.
• Customization: The ability to customize a gaming keyboard is critical for many gamers with unique play styles. Most Corsair keyboards allow users to program macro keys to execute attacks faster. Other keyboards go further by enabling gamers to install different mechanical switches for personalized typing experiences.
• Switch Type: Typing feel and sound can vary dramatically among Corsair keyboards. Cheaper membrane keyboards are usually quieter but have a mushiness that some gamers dislike. Most contenders in this guide utilize mechanical switches capable of fast and linear typing or adjustable actuation distances.

Corsair has carefully developed its inventory so that every buyer can find the perfect option for their gaming rigs. The following keyboards each have standout qualities that make them worthy of consideration:

Game Rant’s Picks for the Best Corsair Gaming Keyboards in 2024

The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT is a wired mechanical gaming keyboard that is also powerful streaming gear. This keyboard is perfect for buyers looking for a jack-of-all-trades mechanical gaming keyboard. Although other options have been available in the past, Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are now most commonly found in stock for the K95 RGB Platinum XT. These switches live up to their name and allow for accurate rapid-fire inputs during gaming with an actuation point of just 1.2 mm.

As a 2.88 lb full-sized keyboard, the K95 RGB Platinum XT is not ideal for traveling, unlike compact keyboards such as the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless. The thick attached USB cable can also pose problems when trying to route it underneath desktops. Still, once in its proper position, the K95 RGB Platinum XT and its anodized aluminum frame will likely withstand any abuse. The PBT double shot keycaps on the device will also resist having their lettering wear off and can survive heat and spills.

The Elgato stream deck integration on the K95 RGB Platinum XT is not commonly found with other gaming keyboard brands. Streamers can use the six dedicated macro keys on the left side of the keyboard to assign shortcuts to Elgato software and quickly start, stop, and make many other on-the-fly adjustments during broadcasts. Both content creators and their viewers will enjoy the highly customizable per-key RGB lighting on the K95 RGB Platinum XT. However, the illumination isn’t limited to the keys since, in iCue, users can configure how the 19-zone LightEdge strip on the top of the keyboard will look.

A full array of macro and media keys also allows gamers to control every part of a rig with a click of a button. Although the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT’s heavyweight profile may not appeal to every buyer, its versatility makes it the best Corsair gaming keyboard.

As premium mechanical keyboards have become more accepted among mainstream gamers, budget keyboards have struggled to remain relevant. Still, there is a significant market for affordable keyboards among buyers with lower-end PC builds or new to gaming. The Corsair K55 Core RGB is a membrane keyboard that can win over skeptical gamers with stunning looks and smooth typing.

The K55 Core RGB is relatively compact for a full-sized keyboard, even if its base is surprisingly chunky. However, the keys are low-profile, and there is very little wasted area on its surface. Gamers will find media keys above the K55 Core RGB’s number pad and controls to adjust brightness levels and activate Win Lock. There is ample space between the keycaps, allowing the keyboard’s ten zones of RGB lighting to shine in their full glory.

Membrane keyboards have a reputation for mushy inputs that lack the distinctiveness of mechanical alternatives. With the K55 Core RGB, gamers won’t experience the clickiness of a high-end keyboard, but its quiet typing relieves migraine sufferers. While not as durable as PBT keycaps, the K55 Core RGB benefits from a spill-resistant coating to enhance its longevity.

The fact that the comprehensive iCue software makes most features accessible to the K55 Core RGB only enhances its value. Gamers can remap keys and create RGB profiles toggled in software or by setting up shortcuts. For buyers who plan on purchasing Corsair mice or keyboards, the K55 Core RGB is a great starting point for coordinating an entire gaming rig.

Game Rant’s K55 Core RGB review determined that it offered enough unexpected perks to rank it among the best Corsair keyboards. Buyers can experience the customization and flair of more expensive gaming gear even on a strict budget.

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL packs tremendous functionality into a compact form factor. Heavy on gaming features, this wired mechanical keyboard is perfect for buyers who need to save some space on their crowded desktops. Although there is no number pad, users have a collection of media keys and a volume rocker, which is far from standard on smaller keyboards.

Corsair doesn’t take too many chances with the default switch options for the Corsair K70 RGB TKL. Cherry MX Speed and Cherry MX Silent are two of the more popular variations to find in stock. Corsair also offers its own OPX optical linear switches, allowing blazing-fast inputs with an actuation distance of just 1.0 mm. These switches rely on beams of light to register inputs rather than hardware making physical contact, maximizing their durability. Regardless of the switch choice, little more than a feather touch is necessary for most key presses, which may not be ideal outside of gaming.

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL’s frame and keycaps are just as durable as its mechanical switches. This keyboard’s housing is heavy aluminum, while its PBT double shot keycaps are extra sturdy to survive the most brutal gaming sessions. Although the Corsair K70 RGB TKL’s 2.1 lb weight doesn’t rank it as one of the lightest keyboards, it does feature a detachable braided USB-C cable to make traveling to competitions feasible.

Some of the more unique features of the Corsair K70 RGB TKL include a switch to activate Tournament Mode, which disables macros and simplifies RGB lighting to one color. Even though esports pros are usually prohibited from using macros at competitions, iCue software allows for the extensive remapping of nearly every button on the device. The per-key RGB lighting on the keyboard is also top-notch and completely customizable so that gamers can showcase their unique sense of style.

With an emphasis on gaming-focused features and accuracy during rapid inputs, the K70 RGB TKL is the preferred keyboard among Corsair’s wired models.

To say that the Corsair K100 Air Wireless RGB Ultra is low-profile is almost a criminal understatement. The aluminum body of the keyboard is just 11 mm wide at its lowest point, rising to just 17 mm toward its top edge. The only keyboard that comes close to this thinness is the Lofree Flow, but it doesn’t have the same excellent gaming performance. While the thin build makes it easy to type on for long periods, Corsair decided not to include a wrist rest, which is standard for their full-size keyboards.

This keyboard is perfect for gamers who want a low-profile keyboard without sacrificing gaming performance. The only switch type available with the K100 Air Wireless RGB Ultra is Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile switches, which manage a travel distance of 2 mm despite their size. If a gamer is a fan of fairly quiet gaming laptop-style keyboards with flat keys, this Corsair keyboard is a real treat. Although it takes minimal effort to press a series of keys in succession, users may initially have trouble finding the tops of the small keycaps. Corsair doesn’t recommend swapping out the keyboard’s switches; doing so is extra risky since the low-profile hardware is more delicate. The Corsair K70 Pro Mini might be a better option if gamers want a DIY-friendly keyboard.

As the best wireless Corsair gaming keyboard, the company has accomplished some admirable feats, stuffing heaps of technology into a wafer-thin peripheral. Ingenious low-profile switches will have gamers typing for hours without feeling fatigued. The K100 Air Wireless RGB Ultra’s steep asking price is the only obstacle.

75 percent keyboards are the most sensible choice for many gamers since they retain function and arrow keys. The Corsair K65 Plus is a highly customizable and compact wireless keyboard with the versatility to thrive in any scenario. While still pricey, powerful wireless connectivity and excellent battery life make it a better value than competing wired keyboards.

Shipping with multi-colored keycaps, the K65 Plus resembles keyboards popular for coders like the Keychron Q2 Pro. With RGB lighting shining in between but not through the PBT keycaps, the K65 Plus looks a bit more like a productivity keyboard. Plenty of functionality enables this Corsair keyboard to be practical for daily use, including a versatile multi-function dial in its upper right corner. In combination with Fn keys and programming in iCue, users can rely on the sturdy dial to do far more than change volume levels.

By default, the K65 Plus comes with smooth, red linear mechanical switches that are not particularly loud. Corsair also installed multiple layers of sound-dampening foam in the device to drown out the pinging that plagues some mechanical keyboards. However, the K65 Plus is one of the easier hot-swappable keyboards to mod, with Corsair including a tool to change switches.

Undoubtedly, Corsair’s latest compact keyboard will draw some comparisons to the 75 percent Razer BlackWidow V4. Razer’s enthusiast keyboard comes with a wrist rest but is wired despite being more expensive. The K65 Plus is a strong value considering its dual low-latency RF or Bluetooth connectivity and remarkable 266-hour battery life. This Corsair device is also an excellent choice as a Mac Keyboard, complete with Apple-style modifiers on keys.

Game Rant’s review of the K65 Plus praised the keyboard even with a few disappointments, like single shot PBT keycaps. The K65 Plus rises above all other Corsair keyboards for buyers searching for a portable but practical everyday keyboard.

Gamers who would rather have a full-size keyboard to take advantage of abundant macro keys will adore the Corsair K100 RGB mechanical keyboard. This keyboard has an incredibly fast polling rate of 8,000Hz and an effective update rate of 4000Hz, resulting in some extremely responsive gaming without worrying about input lag. Regardless of the polling rate this keyboard is running at, the latency is consistently around 3.3 ms, which is incredibly low even compared to other high-end gaming keyboards. The K100 RGB has some of the most consistently instantaneous inputs compared to other full-size keyboard options.

Using the Corsair OPX mechanical switches provides a great typing experience, albeit a little mushy sometimes because of the lack of a tactile bump. If gamers don’t want to use Corsair’s OPX switches, they can also swap them out for Cherry MX switches when purchasing the K100. Note that this keyboard does not have hot-swappable switches, so fussy gamers must desolder and resolder new switches onto the PCB.

The K100 RGB is incredibly well-built, and thanks to its bigger size, it doesn’t move, no matter how hard it is typed on. That being said, gamers should prepare for this keyboard to take up a lot of their desk space, with dimensions measuring 18 inches long and 6 inches wide because of the included wrist rest. However, the adjustable typing angle and padded wrist rest make this an ergonomically sound keyboard to type on for long periods.

If a 65% keyboard is still too large for a compact gaming setup, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini simplifies its key layout even further. This wireless 60% mechanical keyboard dispenses with every key besides the essential commands needed in the most competitive FPS titles. However, what makes this device special is the remarkable level of customization buyers are treated to on Corsair’s website when completing checkout.

Other keyboards like the Logitech Pro X enable gamers to swap mechanical switches to achieve a different typing feel and performance. With the K70 Pro Mini, Corsair allows buyers to select from various Cherry MX switches. However, gamers can then determine the color of the keyboard’s base, accent bar, and keycaps. Gamers can order and install mechanical switches since the K70 Pro Mini has a PCB that simplifies modifications. Regardless of the switch type, gamers may find that the keycaps wobble more than expected, even if commands are executed with surgical precision.

Beyond its extensive customization potential, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini also ships with wireless connectivity, allowing it to pair with almost any device. The low-latency Bluetooth connection makes the keyboard a viable option with most popular consoles, portable gaming systems, and mobile devices. PC users can benefit from Corsair’s usual long-range and low-latency Slipstream RF protocol. Gamers should expect a battery life of up to a phenomenal 200 hours without RGB lighting in use.

RGB effects on the Corsair K70 Pro Mini are so prominent that the device is almost as much a light fixture as it is a keyboard. The per-key lighting extends to the device’s backside, where gamers will find a detachable light bar to add even more flair to a gaming desk.

Thanks to the K70 Pro Mini’s highly modular nature, gamers can essentially build their dream 60% keyboard. Even as a standard keyboard, the K70 Pro Mini can match the performance of the most high-end mechanical keyboards on the market.

The K70 Max is one of Corsair’s largest but most innovative keyboards, unleashing the full potential of RGB lighting. Its magnetic, mechanical switches also separate the K70 Max from other Corsair keyboards. This material allows for fine-tuning the pressure applied to keys, and gamers can assign two commands depending on actuation distance.

Gamers must devote considerable real estate on a gaming desk to accommodate the K70 Max. However, they are rewarded with gaming gear fully loaded with two rows of media controls, with several accessible buttons protruding from the keyboard’s surface. The K70 Max boasts an incredible amount of onboard storage for macros and lighting patterns, and gamers can also utilize dedicated keys to adjust brightness. Below the keyboard sits a removable wrist rest, which is very cushy and more than just an afterthought. Even though most gamers likely won’t be lugging the K70 Max around to tournaments, the keyboard connects to a detachable USB-C cable.

The Corsair MGX switches aren’t loud like conventional clicky mechanical switches, but the metal components naturally make some noise. Corsair added sound-dampening materials inside of the K70 Max to deal with potential distractions during gaming, making inputs speedy and quieter.

It isn’t easy to decide which model outdoes other Corsair keyboards for RGB effects since even budget keyboards like the K55 Core RGB shine brightly. Even so, the K70 Max particularly impresses, with double shot PBT keycaps that barely dim any light emanating from below. Every key participates in the light show, with most of the media keys invited to the party. Of course, the per-key illumination is highly customizable in the iCue app and syncs with Nanoleaf gaming room lighting.

Many gamers may find programming keys based on actuation distance tedious and unhelpful in certain titles. Regardless, the rock-solid K70 Max is ready for any challenge involving competitive gaming, streaming, or office tasks.

Narrowing the Down the Crop of Corsair Keyboards

Since Corsair gaming keyboards share many of the same features, the simplest way to settle on the ideal keyboard is to consider these factors:

Form Factor

The largest Corsair keyboards, like the K95 RGB Platinum XT, occupy significant territory on a gaming desktop. Still, some gamers appreciate this high-end wired keyboard’s extensive selection of media and macro keys. If a buyer would rather devote more space to a mousepad, the Corsair K65 Plus is a wireless keyboard with a reasonably compact 75% form factor. This miniature keyboard still manages to include arrow keys and other functionality, rivaling much larger alternatives.

Wired vs. Wireless

As an example of why wired keyboards have a technological advantage over wireless models, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL boats a maximum 8000 Hz polling rate. Although few gamers will notice that level of responsiveness to inputs, Corsair’s Axon Hyper-Processing is more easily implemented on corded keyboards. Even so, the Corsair K100 Air Wireless RGB Ultra represents the pinnacle of wireless connectivity. Thanks to both Bluetooth and low-latency Slipstream RF, gamers can use the K100 Air Wireless RGB Ultra on consoles and mobile devices.

Customization

Customization can mean many different things in relation to gaming keyboards. The wireless Corsair K70 PRO Mini is one of the most modular keyboards ever conceived, allowing gamers to swap out not just its keycaps but also its mechanical switches. Buyers can also change the color of the keyboard’s base and removable light bar for a device to give it a unique look. Most Corsair keyboards permit users to design complicated RGB lighting patterns, though the lighting of the affordable Corsair K55 Core RGB membrane keyboard is limited to ten zones.

Switch Type

The switch a keyboard uses can significantly impact gaming performance. The Corsair K55 Core RGB requires a minimal investment, but some users may find its membrane keys not the most satisfying to press. On the other hand, the high-end Corsair K70 Max RGB sports some of the most unique mechanical switches on the market. Using magnets, gamers can walk or run with the same key in games relative to how far a key is pressed.

The K95 RGB Platinum XT was chosen as Game Rant’s best Corsair keyboard for gaming because it excels in all of the above areas. Regardless, the right keyboard for a gamer will depend on what features will make the largest impact on a gaming experience.

FAQ

Q: What makes Corsair gaming keyboards superior to keyboards made by other brands?

Corsair has one of the largest selection of gaming keyboards in the industry. The company produces keyboards for any budget and their peripherals impress with innovative features regardless of price range. iCue is one of the most widely praised PC peripherals apps, empowering gamers with extensive customization of macros and RGB lighting synced across many Corsair products.

Q: What qualities do Esports pros look for in a gaming keyboard?

Gaming keyboards suited for competitive action must be durable yet portable enough to carry long distances to different tournaments. Also, esports keyboards should allow for fast and accurate inputs to keep pace with furious tournament gameplay.