Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT Keyboard Review

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First Impressions: The Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT Experience

Unboxing the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT was like a birthday morning. The packaging was sleek and the weight of the box hinted at the solid build inside. Upon first sight, the keyboard’s robust design and dazzling RGB lighting made an immediate impression. As I lifted it out of the box, the heft and sturdiness reassured me that this was a premium piece of equipment.

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Design and Build Quality: Built to Last

The Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is no lightweight, and I mean that in the best possible way. It’s a full-size keyboard with a substantial aluminum frame that promises durability. The keycaps are doubleshot PBT, known for their longevity and resistance to wear. These keycaps feel slightly textured, providing a good grip and a premium feel under the fingers.

The detachable wrist rest is another highlight. It’s soft, cushioned, and covered in a leatherette material that feels comfortable even during extended typing or gaming sessions. As someone who spends hours at the keyboard, I appreciated this small but significant addition.

RGB Lighting: Light Up Your Life

If you’re a fan of RGB lighting, you’re in for a treat. The Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT doesn’t just light up; it dazzles. Each key is individually lit, and there’s a 19-zone LightEdge across the top of the keyboard. The customization options are nearly limitless, allowing you to create light shows that could rival a concert.

Using the iCUE software, I programmed different lighting profiles for various tasks. For gaming, I set up a vibrant, pulsating red theme, while for typing, I preferred a calming blue. The transitions are smooth, and the colors are vivid, adding a touch of excitement to my workspace.

Typing Experience: Feel Every Press

Typing on the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is a joy. The keyboard is available with different switch types, and I opted for the Cherry MX Blue switches. These are known for their tactile feedback and audible click, which I find satisfying. However, if you’re in a shared office, be warned: the clicks might drive your coworkers up the wall.

For those who prefer quieter switches, Corsair also offers this keyboard with Cherry MX Brown and Cherry MX Speed switches. The Brown switches provide tactile feedback without the loud click, and the Speed switches are linear and ideal for rapid key presses, which is great for gaming.

The key travel and actuation force feel just right. There’s a solidity in each key press that makes typing feel substantial and precise. After a long day of typing, my fingers didn’t feel fatigued, thanks to the comfortable layout and the wrist rest.

Gaming Performance: A Gamer’s Delight

The Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT truly shines when it comes to gaming. The six dedicated macro keys on the left side are a boon for gamers. I programmed these keys for various in-game commands and macros, giving me an edge in fast-paced games. Whether it’s casting spells in an RPG or building structures in a strategy game, these macros make life a lot easier.

One of the standout features is the keyboard’s extremely low click latency. Every key press registers instantaneously, which is crucial in competitive gaming. The precision and responsiveness are top-notch, making sure that no key press is ever missed.

The RGB lighting also adds to the gaming experience. Playing in the dark with the keyboard’s vivid backlighting creates an immersive atmosphere. Plus, the key customization means I can highlight important keys with different colors, reducing any chance of hitting the wrong key in the heat of battle.

Software: Customization Galore

Corsair’s iCUE software is where you unlock the full potential of the K95 RGB PLATINUM XT. The software allows for extensive customization of both the lighting and the key functions. I spent quite a bit of time tinkering with the settings, creating different profiles for gaming, work, and general use.

The software is user-friendly, with a drag-and-drop interface for setting up macros and remapping keys. It also supports integrations with other Corsair peripherals, allowing for synchronized lighting effects across your setup. For streamers, the included S-key keycaps can be programmed with the Elgato Stream Deck software, adding another layer of functionality.

One downside is the limited compatibility with macOS and Linux. While the keyboard works on these systems, the iCUE software is only available for Windows and macOS, leaving Linux users without full customization capabilities.

Ergonomics: Comfort Is Key

Ergonomics can make or break a keyboard, and the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT doesn’t disappoint. The wrist rest is one of the best I’ve used. It’s thick enough to provide support without being too soft, and the leatherette covering feels luxurious. The keyboard itself has an adjustable tilt, allowing me to find the most comfortable typing angle.

During long typing sessions or extended gaming marathons, my hands and wrists remained comfortable. The layout is spacious, with enough room to avoid accidental key presses. The media controls and volume roller are conveniently placed, allowing for quick adjustments without breaking concentration.

Office Use: Not Just for Gamers

While the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is marketed as a gaming keyboard, it’s also excellent for office use. The typing quality is superb, with tactile feedback that makes typing long documents a breeze. However, the Cherry MX Blue switches might be too loud for a quiet office environment. In such cases, the Brown or Speed switches would be better choices.

The macro keys can also be repurposed for productivity. I assigned them to common office tasks like opening email, launching specific applications, and copying/pasting text. This not only saved time but also reduced the strain on my fingers from repetitive actions.

Programming: A Coder’s Companion

For programming, the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is a solid choice. The keyboard’s excellent build quality and comfortable wrist rest make it suitable for long coding sessions. The tactile feedback from the Cherry MX Blue switches helps in minimizing typos, which is crucial when writing code.

The six dedicated macro keys are particularly useful for programming. I set them up for various shortcuts and frequently used code snippets, speeding up my workflow. However, the lack of iCUE software support for Linux is a drawback, as it limits the keyboard’s full potential on that platform.

Connectivity and Compatibility: Plug and Play

The Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is a wired keyboard, ensuring a stable and lag-free connection. It comes with a braided USB cable that feels durable and resists tangling. The keyboard also features a USB pass-through port, which I found handy for connecting a mouse or USB drive without reaching for my PC’s ports.

Compatibility-wise, the keyboard works well with Windows and macOS. However, as mentioned earlier, Linux users won’t have access to the iCUE software. This means no custom macros or lighting profiles, which is a significant limitation for some users.

Pros and Cons: Weighing It All Up

Pros

  1. Build Quality: The aluminum frame and PBT keycaps are built to last.
  2. RGB Lighting: Customizable and vibrant, with near-limitless options.
  3. Macro Keys: Six dedicated keys that can be programmed for gaming or productivity.
  4. Low Click Latency: Instantaneous key response, crucial for gaming.
  5. Comfort: Detachable wrist rest and ergonomic design.

Cons

  1. Noise: Cherry MX Blue switches are loud, potentially disturbing in quiet environments.
  2. Compatibility: Limited support for macOS and Linux.
  3. Weight: The keyboard is on the heavier side, which might not suit everyone.

My Recommendation: Is the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT Worth It?

After spending considerable time with the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT, I can confidently say it’s one of the best keyboards I’ve ever used. The build quality, customization options, and overall performance make it a standout choice for both gamers and professionals.

If you’re a gamer, the dedicated macro keys and low click latency will give you a competitive edge. The dazzling RGB lighting not only looks fantastic but can also be customized to enhance your gaming experience. For office use, the typing quality is excellent, though you might want to opt for quieter switches if you’re in a shared space.

For programmers, the comfort and functionality are top-notch, although the lack of full software support on Linux is a downside. The keyboard’s hefty build and premium materials mean it’s built to last, providing a reliable companion for years to come.

In conclusion, the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT is worth every penny if you’re looking for a high-performance, customizable keyboard that excels in both gaming and productivity. Just be prepared for the weight and the noise if you opt for the Cherry MX Blue switches. Overall, it’s a fantastic investment for anyone serious about their keyboard experience.

Final Verdict: Highly Recommended

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