Corsair has established itself as one of the most well-known Gaming peripheral brands on the market. They make high-performing gaming mice, headsets, controllers and some of the best gaming keyboards you can buy.

Over the last decade, gaming keyboards have exploded in popularity, especially mechanical keyboards. Mechanical switches like Cherry MX provide precision, responsiveness and a great feel that enhances both gaming and typing performance.

Corsair has leveraged this demand by producing a wide range of mechanical gaming keyboards equipped with Cherry MX key switches. They offer models across all sizes, prices and feature sets. From entry-level to high-end, wired to wireless, Corsair has a keyboard for every gamer.

In this in-depth guide, we will be taking a close look at all the gaming keyboard models in Corsair’s lineup. We cover all the factors like size, switches, ergonomics and features that you need to evaluate when choosing the best Corsair keyboard for your needs and budget.

Overview of Corsair Gaming Keyboards

Corsair’s keyboard lineup includes popular models like the K70, K95, K65, K55, and K100, among others. Here is a quick overview of their gaming-focused keyboards:

• Sizes and Layouts – Corsair offers full-size keyboards with number pads, as well as more compact TKL (tenkeyless) and 60% keyboards for space saving. Some Corsair keyboards like the K95 also have extra macro keys.
• Constructions – Flagship keyboards use aircraft-grade brushed aluminum for durability while budget models utilize plastic. High-end models feature metal backplates.
• Switches – Corsair keyboards come equipped with a wide selection of Cherry MX mechanical switches including Red, Blue, Brown and Speed options catered to gamers.
• RGB Lighting – Vibrant per-key RGB backlighting can be customized with Corsair’s iCUE software and synchronized with other Corsair RGB gear.
• Gaming Features – Anti-ghosting, high key rollover and dedicated macro keys allow advanced gaming commands and rapid key presses.
• Media Controls – Convenient buttons and rollers provide quick access to volume, playback and other multimedia functions.
• Wired vs Wireless – Corsair offers high-performance wired keyboards focused on gaming, as well as low latency wireless keyboards for flexibility.

With this diverse range of keyboards, Corsair is sure to have a model that fits your size requirements, budget, feature needs and preference for wired or wireless connectivity when gaming.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Corsair Keyboard

With so many options, it can be difficult to determine which Corsair keyboard is right for you. Here are some of the key factors to consider when choosing the best Corsair keyboard for your needs:

Keyboard Size and Layout

One of the most important decisions is choosing between a full-size or more compact keyboard layout:

• Full Size – Corsair’s full-size keyboards like the K70 and K95 have integrated number pads and full sets of function keys for maximum functionality. It is ideal for users who frequently input numbers or need extra macro keys.
• TKL (Tenkeyless) – Tenkeyless Corsair keyboards like the K65 lack a number pad for more desk space. The K55 RGB Pro TKL is a great option for office use.
• 60% – Extremely compact 60% keyboards like the K65 RGB Mini are ideal for travel but sacrifice number pad and function keys.

Carefully consider which size and layout fit your desk space constraints and usage needs the best. Those who frequently use number pads should get a full size.

Mechanical Switches

The type of mechanical switch is crucial for determining the feel and performance of a Corsair gaming keyboard:

• Cherry MX Red – Linear and smooth, Red switches are popular for gaming due to their fast, responsive input. Low noise also makes them good for shared spaces.
• Cherry MX Blue – With a tactile bump and audible click, Blue switches provide great typing feedback but are noisy. It is good for hybrid typing/gaming use.
• Cherry MX Brown – A tactile bump halfway through the key press results in excellent tactile feedback for typing. Browns are quieter than Blues.

Considering your priorities for noise level, tactility, force required and overall feel will help narrow down your ideal Cherry MX mechanical switch.

Ergonomics

For extended gaming sessions, ergonomic factors like wrist support play an important role in avoiding fatigue:

• Detachable Wrist Rests – Many high-end Corsair keyboards have plush detachable wrist rests for aligning wrists in a neutral position to reduce strain.
• Keyboard Incline – Tilting keyboard height with adjustable rear feet promotes a natural hand position for comfort during long use.

Proper wrist support and angle adjustments provided by Corsair keyboards can make a noticeable difference in comfort over many hours of gaming or typing.

Extra Gaming Features

Corsair gaming keyboards are designed with additional features to optimize and customize the gaming experience:

• Macro Keys – Some Corsair models like the K95 RGB Platinum have dedicated macro keys that can be programmed to execute complex keystroke sequences with a single press. This allows activating special abilities or commands with ease in games.
• Anti-Ghosting – Corsair’s anti-ghosting technology ensures key presses are accurately detected even when multiple keys are held down simultaneously. This prevents “ghosting” errors during fast paced gaming.
• High Key Rollover – Gamers can expect reliable multi-key input thanks to high key rollover on Corsair keyboards. For example, the K70 RGB MK.2 guarantees 100% 104-key rollover for hyperresponsive game control.
• Onboard Profiles – Saving profiles directly on the Corsair keyboard allows taking customized lighting, macro and media key settings between different computers with ease.

For serious gamers who want to execute skills flawlessly, optimize hotkeys, and immerse themselves in vibrant lighting themes, these gaming-centric features offered by Corsair keyboards provide big benefits.

Aesthetics and Customization

Corsair’s excellent iCUE software unlocks extensive aesthetic customization and synchronization with other Corsair RGB peripherals:

• Per-Key RGB Lighting – Individual key backlighting enables creating dazzling RGB lighting effects and color patterns across the entire Corsair keyboard.
• Effects and Animation – From reactive ripple patterns to rainbow waves, iCUE offers a suite of unique lighting effects to choose from.
• Customization – Use iCUE to program custom per-key lighting colors and effects or synchronize with other Corsair RGB products like mice, fans and memory.
• Replacement Keycaps – Aftermarket keycap sets allow modifying keyboard legends and materials for extra personalization.

For gamers who want fully tailored RGB lighting effects and color schemes, Corsair keyboards and iCUE offer one of the most robust customization experiences on the market.

Wired vs Wireless

Gamers need to decide between the performance of wired Corsair keyboards or the convenience of wireless models:

• Wired – Corsair’s wired gaming keyboards like the K70 RGB and K95 Platinum are optimized for tournaments and competitive play where every millisecond matters. The direct wired connection offers the fastest response times without worrying about signal interference or battery life.
• Wireless – Going wireless frees you from cable clutter. Corsair’s SLIPSTREAM wireless technology provides super-fast 1ms latency that is practically indistinguishable from wired. Wireless Corsair options like the K57 RGB Pro deliver convenience without compromising competitive responsiveness.
• Bluetooth – Some Corsair wireless keyboards additionally offer Bluetooth connectivity for easy pairing with mobile devices and laptops in addition to the high-performance SLIPSTREAM wireless dongle.

When choosing between wired and wireless, determining your priorities for responsiveness versus flexibility is key:

• Competitive gamers should stick with wired Corsair keyboards for tournaments and ranked online matches where milliseconds count.
• For most casual gaming and everyday use, Corsair’s wireless keyboards provide excellent low latency performance while allowing flexible placement anywhere on your desk or in the living room.

Now that we’ve covered the essential factors to evaluate like size, switches, ergonomics, features, customization, and wired/wireless considerations when choosing a Corsair gaming keyboard, let’s look at some of the top recommendations across various needs and budgets.

Best Corsair Keyboards for Gaming

Based on the factors covered, here are some of the best Corsair mechanical keyboards for gaming:

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2

The flagship K70 RGB MK.2 is arguably Corsair’s best high-end gaming keyboard. It offers a premium experience with aircraft-grade brushed aluminum, per-key RGB backlighting, and a comfortable soft wrist rest.

Pros:

• Durable brushed aluminum frame with silver or black finish
• 100% Cherry MX mechanical key switches
• 8MB onboard storage for saving profiles
• Plush detachable wrist rest included
• Full RGB backlighting with extensive customization
• Dedicated media and volume controls
• 104-key rollover with 100% anti-ghosting

Cons:

• Expensive price tag
• No macro or dedicated gaming keys
• Bulky full-size takes up desk space

With top-notch materials, responsiveness, and RGB effects, the K70 MK.2 is among the best high-end gaming keyboards Corsair offers.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum

The feature-packed K95 RGB Platinum is a top choice for MMO, MOBA and macro-heavy gaming.

Pros:

• Aircraft-grade black anodized aluminum frame
• 6 dedicated macro keys for custom abilities
• Plush memory foam leatherette wristrest
• Per-key RGB backlighting with 19 zones
• Dedicated media controls and large volume wheel
• Durable PBT double-shot keycaps

Cons:

• High price point, especially for a plastic build
• Very large footprint takes up major desk space

With its dedicated macro buttons and roomy design, the K95 provides everything needed to dominate in macro-heavy gaming genres.

Corsair K65 RGB Mini

The ultra-compact K65 RGB Mini delivers full gaming performance in a small 60% form factor.

Pros:

• Space-saving 60% layout great for travel
• Detachable USB-C cable for flexibility
• Vibrant per-key RGB backlighting
• 100% anti-ghosting with hyper-polling
• Dolby Audio-powered surround sound

Cons:

• The compact size lacks a number pad and function keys
• It is expensive given the smaller plastic build

For those who want a highly portable Corsair keyboard without sacrificing gaming responsiveness, the K65 RGB Mini is a terrific choice.

Best Corsair Keyboards for Typing and Work

Corsair also produces excellent keyboards for office and productivity environments beyond just gaming:

Corsair K55 RGB Pro

The affordable K55 RGB Pro provides a fantastic budget option for work and office use.

Pros:

• Low price point under $50
• Dust and spill resistant construction
• Six programmable macro keys
• Per-key RGB backlighting with 10 zones
• Dedicated volume and media controls
• TKL layout saves desk space

Cons:

• Membrane rubber dome switches, not mechanical
• Large plastic body feels cheap
• Only IP42 dust/spill resistance

With its TKL size, RGB backlighting, and dedicated controls, the K55 RGB Pro gives an excellent typing experience for the price.

Corsair K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical

The high-end K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical boasts hyper-fast inputs thanks to advanced OPX optical-mechanical switches.

Pros:

• Innovative OPX optical-mechanical switches
• Aluminum frame with soft-touch wrist rest
• 42 RGB lighting zones with dynamic effects
• Dedicated media controls and volume roller
• cushy detachable palm rest

Cons:

• Expensive, especially for a plastic body
• Lighting not per-key individually customizable

With its super responsive optical-mechanical switches, the K100 is a top pick for office users who want speed along with RGB flair.

Corsair K57 RGB Wireless

The wireless K57 RGB Wireless delivers a full-featured typing experience with the freedom of Bluetooth/wireless connectivity.

Pros:

• Slipstream wireless and Bluetooth connectivity
• Vibrant per-key RGB backlighting
• Portable tenkeyless design
• 15 macro keys for customization
• Up to 50 hours of rechargeable battery

Cons:

• Mediocre build quality for the price
• Subpar non-mechanical switches

For a customizable wireless office keyboard with RGB backlighting, the K57 RGB Wireless is a compelling choice.

Conclusion and Final Recommendations

After covering all the important factors like size, switches, features, ergonomics, customization, connectivity and intended use, here are some final tips for choosing the best Corsair keyboard:

• Match keyboard size to your available desk space – compact 60% for travel, TKL for office, full-size for maximum functionality
• Pick suitable Cherry MX switches based on desired force, noise and tactility
• Prioritize essential gaming extras like macro keys, anti-ghosting and USB passthrough if playing competitively
• Consider wireless Corsair models if you want flexibility in placement without cables
• For work and office use, focus on ergonomics and typing comfort over gaming bells & whistles
• Try out switch types and sizes in person, if possible to determine your preference

For an overall top recommendation spanning both gaming and productivity needs, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 shines above the rest. It offers a perfect blend of gaming responsiveness, build quality, RGB customization and typing comfort at a reasonable price point.

With aircraft-grade brushed aluminum, plush wrist rest, vibrant per-key lighting and 100% anti-ghosting, the K70 MK.2 is one of the most well-rounded Corsair keyboards available. Unless you specifically need wireless, macro keys or a compact size, the K70 MK.2 is an excellent choice for nearly any user.

To recap, this comprehensive guide covered all the essential factors like size, switches, ergonomics, lighting, wireless vs wired, and extra features to consider when choosing your ideal Corsair gaming or typing keyboard. Taking the time to evaluate your priorities for these elements will ensure you select the perfect model to match your budget and needs.