Are you shopping for mechanical gaming keyboards and wondering if the Corsair K65 suits you? Then you’ve come to the right place. Corsair makes phenomenal peripherals for gamers. However, not every keyboard is right for every game.
In the following sections, we’ll break down the reasons to avoid the Corsair K65 mechanical gaming keyboard. We’ll also give you a few alternative options below!
Some Background on Mechanical Gaming Keyboards
Not all keyboards are created equally. Some keyboards suit the novelists better, while others are best for gamers or casual users. Mechanical gaming keyboards are pricier than other keyboard types but have way cooler features like RGB backlighting and extra controls.
Gaming keyboards must be more responsive than other keyboards. A standard keyboard causes problems because it takes longer for the computer to process your commands. Gaming keyboard manufacturers overcome this issue by lowering the actuation distance, or the distance between the key and the electronic circuit. Cutting milliseconds out of the response time can mean the difference between pixelated life and death. So, it’s a big deal.
Furthermore, mechanical keyboards have an actuation switch beneath each key. This also helps response times. These switches also mean the keyboards are more customizable than membrane or other standard keyboards. The really cool thing about mechanical keyboards is that you can repair them yourself. So, if you break a key in a full-on rage match with an eleven-year-old gamer in COD, replace the key and get your revenge.
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Reasons to Avoid a Corsair K65 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
It’s no lie that the Corasair K65 mechanical gaming keyboard has some neat features. It remembers your keystrokes, can communicate multiple keystrokes into your gameplay all at once, and has attractive backlight features, which is undeniably cool.
However, this keyboard isn’t for everyone. There are a few reasons to avoid the Corsair K65 mechanical gaming keyboard. So, if you’re in the market and unsure about this one, we’ll put your mind at ease and list all the downsides.
It’s Pricey
First, and often most importantly, the Corsair K65 mechanical gaming keyboard is pricey. Now, there’s no amount that’s too much for some of us regarding a good mechanical keyboard packed with features.
However, this one seems to be lacking compared to others in its price range. As we’ll cover more in detail below, it’s a small wired keyboard and is missing some of our favorite key features. Although Corsair makes phenomenal mechanical keyboards for gaming, this one hits the mark in a lot of ways.
Moreover, although it does have the high-quality feel that we expect from Corsair, you can get that same quality and more function with a smaller price tag. Of course, some of our readers may find that this keyboard meets their exact needs and expectations. However, most will likely find a better option in our Alternatives section below.
It’s Missing Key Features
If you’re paying more than $100 for a keyboard, you have some expectations. Unfortunately, the K65 mechanical keyboard doesn’t even have some of the basics. First, it doesn’t have a keypad. That’s right! The company sacrificed a 10-digit keypad for size.
While some may find this an inconsequential detail, adjusting to a keyboard with no keypad takes some getting used to. Furthermore, if you type numbers often, this isn’t the best solution for you.
Those shopping around for keyboards can find more features with the same price point. Tournament switches, detachable USB cords, media keys, and other features are important to some gamers.
It’s Small
The K65 is the most basic of keyboards. It’s a tenkeyless keyboard, so that may be precisely what you’re looking to buy. However, you’re also missing a lot of functionality for the price. The K65 contains the basic block of letters, your function and arrow keys, and a few extras like volume keys.
While it isn’t a compact keyboard, per se, it is a bit small for comfort. You won’t enjoy this keyboard if you enjoy more real estate. A little overhang on a keyboard is comforting. It gives your hands a place to rest, and it feels awkward having your hands too close together while gaming. If that sounds like you, head to our Alternatives section and find a keyboard that suits your needs better.
It’s Wired
Finally, the K65 is a wired keyboard without a detachable USB cord. Now, this one may be the least of your concerns for gaming. However, it’s an important detail that steers us away from it. We like our pricey keyboards to have versatility. If you need to pack up your setup for a gaming night at a buddy’s house, you can’t elegantly detach the cord and put it with all the cables you need to take.
Furthermore, you don’t have the option to go wireless. Sure, it isn’t practical to game on a keyboard that could die at any given moment, but some of us would like to have the option to take that risk. It seems unfair not to have that versatility for a keyboard in this price range.
Alternatives to the Corsair K65 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
If you’re still reading this, it likely means that you agree there are better keyboards out there. Fortunately, we’ve compiled a list of keyboards that overcome the limitations and drawbacks of the Corsair K65. Our readers who are still shopping for their next favorite keyboard will find one in the following list.
Great on a Budget
Great keyboards always come at a price. However, that doesn’t mean they have to be overpriced. The RedDragon K556 RGB Mechanical Keyboard is a high-quality keyboard packed with features and functionality. It’s larger than the tenkeyless K65, but that may be a bonus for you.
It comes with 18 modes of RBG backlighting, a numeric keypad, and tactile brown switches with eight extra switches (perfect for gaming keyboards). It also has USB connectivity and wide compatibility with both Windows and Mac.
- 104 hot-swappable keys
- Sturdy aluminum-alloy base
- Upgraded socket plus noise-absorbing foam
- Soft, tactile brown switches with 8 extras
- 18 backlight modes
- USB connectivity
Packed with Features
Another viable option that also comes from Corsair is the K100 RGB mechanical gaming keyboard. This one is a bit pricier than the K65, but it has so many features it’s sure to impress any gamer. You can get two color options, black or gold, and it has per-key RGB backlighting.
The iCUE software makes it so you can program the macro keys to fit your needs, and it has 8MB of onboard storage. The Corsair OPX RGB optical-mechanical keyswitches have a 1.0mm actuation distance and they are guaranteed for 150 million keystrokes. The Corsair Axon Hyper-Processing technology also provides 4x faster throughput. This is the top-of-the-line if you’re looking for a really good Corsair keyboard.
- CORSAIR OPX RGB optical-mechanical keyswitches
- 1.0mm actuation distance
- Guaranteed for 150 million keystrokes
- 4x faster throughput with CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing technology
- 44-zone, three-sided RGB light edge
Larger Than Life
If you’re looking for something similar to the K65, the Corsair K70 RGB Pro is a step up in features, functionality, and size. However, it’s also in the same price range. This full-size keyboard has RGB backlighting and adjustable Cherry MX Brown tactile switches so you can control the actuation distance. You’ll have dedicated media keys and a numeric keypad.
This is a high-quality mechanical gaming keyboard for a fair price. It has a detachable USB-C cable for easy setup and portability. Furthermore, it also has 8MB of onboard storage and iCUE software, making it more versatile and customizable.
- 104 Cherry MX Brown tactile keyswitches
- Guaranteed for 100 million keystroke
- Durable PBT double-shot keycaps
- 8,000Hz hyper-polling with CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing technology
- Soft, magnetic wrist rest
- Detachable USB Type-C cable
Portable, Wireless, and Versatile
Finally, if your goal is to find a compact keyboard that’s versatile and affordable, the Cackbird RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard stands out. It’s incredibly inexpensive, it can be used wireless or wired with the included USB Type-C cable, and it meets all of our requirements for gaming keyboards.
The actuation distance is 4.0mm, and it has 18 LED backlighting effects. Similar to the K65, it doesn’t have a numeric keyboard. Also, this one doesn’t have arrow keys. However, it’s designed to be small and portable, so if that’s what you’re looking for, this is an excellent choice.
- 61-key compact design
- Blue tactile switches
- Detachable Type-C cable for easy portability
- 18 LED rainbow backlight modes
- Wide compatibility with Windows and Mac
Reasons You May Still Want to Purchase the Corsair K65 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Not everything is negative about the Corsair K65, and some of our readers may absolutely love it. The keyboard is a mid-range option between compact and full-size. It doesn’t have the numeric keypad, but it does still have the arrow keys and a few other features.
It’s priced a bit high for its functionality, but it’s still a high-quality keyboard that’s manufactured by a great company. Overall, this one is a matter of personal preference. If you’re looking for a mid-size keyboard that functions well, it’s an excellent choice. However, if you want the same thing at a lower price point or you want more features, keep looking.
Wrapping Up
Hopefully, you’ve enjoyed our take on the Corsair K65 mechanical gaming keyboard. Whether you’ve decided you don’t mind the reasons to avoid it or you’ve found the best one for you in our Alternatives section, we also hope you enjoy your new keyboard!
Better Alternatives to the Corsair K65 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
| RedDragon K556 RGB Mechanical Keyboard |
| Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Keyboard |
| Corsair K70 RGB Pro Mechanical Keyboard |
| Cackbird RGB Mechanical Keyboard |
- $59.99Buy Now
- 104 hot-swappable keys
- Sturdy aluminum-alloy base
- Upgraded socket plus noise-absorbing foam
- Soft, tactile brown switches with 8 extras
- 18 backlight modes
- USB connectivity
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/30/2023 09:20 pm GMT - $139.98Buy Now
- CORSAIR OPX RGB optical-mechanical keyswitches
- 1.0mm actuation distance
- Guaranteed for 150 million keystrokes
- 4x faster throughput with CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing technology
- 44-zone, three-sided RGB light edge
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/30/2023 09:35 pm GMT - $169.99Buy Now
- 104 Cherry MX Brown tactile keyswitches
- Guaranteed for 100 million keystroke
- Durable PBT double-shot keycaps
- 8,000Hz hyper-polling with CORSAIR AXON Hyper-Processing technology
- Soft, magnetic wrist rest
- Detachable USB Type-C cable
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/30/2023 10:15 pm GMT - $22.99Buy Now
- 61-key compact design
- Blue tactile switches
- Detachable Type-C cable for easy portability
- 18 LED rainbow backlight modes
- Wide compatibility with Windows and Mac
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
11/30/2023 10:15 pm GMT
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