Corsair K55 RGB Keyboard Review

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So, you’re in the market for a new keyboard and you’ve stumbled upon the Corsair K55 RGB. This review will help you decide if it’s the right fit for you. Whether you’re a casual gamer, an office worker, or someone who just needs a reliable keyboard, we’ll dive into all the details of the Corsair K55 RGB to see if it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Let’s get into it!

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First Impressions: Out of the Box

Unboxing the Corsair K55 RGB is quite a treat. The first thing you notice is its sleek design. It’s got a full-sized layout, which means it’s got all the keys you need plus a few extras. The keyboard is mostly black, which gives it a professional look that can fit into both a gaming setup and an office environment.

The RGB lighting is the star of the show here. As soon as you plug it in, you’re greeted with a dazzling display of colors. It’s not just a light show; the lighting is customizable, allowing you to set the mood whether you’re working late into the night or gearing up for a gaming marathon. However, it’s worth noting that the lighting is zone-lit, not per-key, which might be a letdown for some hardcore RGB enthusiasts.

Typing Experience: Let’s Get Typing

Alright, let’s talk about the actual typing experience on the Corsair K55 RGB. This keyboard uses rubber dome switches instead of mechanical switches. Now, if you’re used to the tactile feedback of mechanical switches, you might find this a bit underwhelming. The keys require a fair amount of force to press, which can be tiring during long typing sessions. On the upside, the keys are quite stable and there’s decent space between each one, which helps in reducing typos.

One thing to appreciate is the quietness of the keys. If you’re in a shared workspace or you just don’t like the click-clack of mechanical keyboards, this can be a significant advantage.

Gaming Performance: Casual vs. Competitive

Let’s be honest, the Corsair K55 RGB is designed with gaming in mind. However, it’s more suitable for casual gamers than hardcore competitive ones. The rubber dome switches just don’t offer the same responsiveness as mechanical switches. This means that in high-stakes, fast-paced gaming scenarios, you might find yourself lagging a bit.

On the bright side, the keyboard boasts very low latency. This is crucial for gaming as it ensures that there’s minimal delay between your keystrokes and the action happening on screen. Plus, the six dedicated macro keys are a great addition. These keys can be programmed for various functions, giving you an edge by performing complex commands with a single keystroke. The dedicated media keys are also a nice touch, allowing you to control your music or adjust the volume without having to leave your game.

Ergonomics: Comfort is Key

The Corsair K55 RGB doesn’t just look good; it feels good too. It comes with a detachable palm rest which adds a layer of comfort, especially during extended typing or gaming sessions. The keyboard has decent ergonomics, making it a comfortable choice for both office use and gaming.

However, the keys can feel heavy, and this might cause fatigue if you’re typing or gaming for long periods. It’s a trade-off between the quietness and the heaviness of the keys. If you’re someone who types a lot or engages in long gaming sessions, you might want to consider this factor.

Build Quality: Solid and Sturdy

Build quality is an important aspect, and the Corsair K55 RGB does not disappoint. The keyboard feels solid and sturdy, which is a testament to Corsair’s reputation for durable products. It’s also worth mentioning the IP42 dust and water resistance. This means that the keyboard can withstand some accidental spills and dust accumulation, adding to its longevity.

The detachable palm rest is another highlight. It’s not just a flimsy piece of plastic; it’s quite comfortable and adds to the overall build quality of the keyboard.

Customization and Software: Make It Your Own

One of the standout features of the Corsair K55 RGB is the level of customization it offers. Using the Corsair iCUE software, you can program all the keys, set up macros, and customize the RGB lighting. The software is user-friendly and offers a lot of options to tweak the keyboard to your liking.

The six programmable macro keys are especially useful. Whether you’re looking to gain an edge in games or streamline your workflow, these keys can be programmed to perform a variety of functions. The iCUE software makes it easy to set these up, even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy.

Office Use: More Than Just a Gaming Keyboard

While the Corsair K55 RGB is marketed as a gaming keyboard, it’s quite versatile and can be a good fit for office use as well. The keys are stable and have a decent amount of space between them, which helps reduce typos. The quiet typing experience is a boon in a shared office environment where you don’t want to disturb your coworkers.

The ergonomic design, with the detachable palm rest, makes it comfortable for long typing sessions. The keyboard’s aesthetics are professional enough to blend into an office setting, so you won’t feel out of place using it at work.

Value for Money: What’s the Verdict?

When it comes to value for money, the Corsair K55 RGB offers a lot of bang for your buck. It’s priced reasonably and offers features that you usually find in more expensive keyboards. The customizable RGB lighting, programmable macro keys, dedicated media keys, and the overall build quality make it a solid choice in its price range.

Sure, it’s not a mechanical keyboard, and it might not satisfy the needs of a competitive gamer, but for casual gaming, office use, and general typing, it’s a great option.

Final Thoughts: The Corsair K55 RGB Keyboard Review

To wrap up this Corsair K55 RGB Keyboard Review, it’s clear that this keyboard has a lot to offer. It strikes a good balance between functionality, aesthetics, and price. Here are some key takeaways:

  • Pros:
  • Customizable RGB lighting
  • Six programmable macro keys
  • Dedicated media keys
  • Solid build quality
  • IP42 dust and water resistance
  • Comfortable detachable palm rest
  • Quiet typing experience
  • Cons:
  • Rubber dome switches might feel heavy and tiring
  • Zone-lit RGB instead of per-key lighting
  • Not ideal for competitive gaming

In conclusion, if you’re looking for a versatile keyboard that can handle both gaming and office tasks, the Corsair K55 RGB is a solid choice. It offers a lot of features for its price and has a durable build that can withstand everyday use. Whether you’re a casual gamer, a professional, or someone who just needs a reliable keyboard, the Corsair K55 RGB is definitely worth considering.

So, should you buy it? If you’re okay with rubber dome switches and you value the extra features like RGB lighting and programmable keys, then yes, the Corsair K55 RGB is a great buy. It’s a keyboard that does a lot of things right and offers good value for money. Just remember to take breaks if you’re typing or gaming for long periods to avoid fatigue from the heavier keys.

Happy typing and gaming!

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