We’ve tested pretty much every shape and size of keyboard that exists, and one of our favorite formats of late is the 60% and 65% keyboard class. For some users, though, these keyboards’ small bodies and reduced key layouts can be a challenge. The Corsair K65 Plus Wireless ($159.99) is a prime, slightly bigger alternative; its few additional keys greatly enhance usability. It’s not cheap for a compact-layout model, but it’s far from the priciest option, and your money will go to good use. Hot-swappable key switches, stunning RGB effects, and the versatile iCue utility make the K65 an excellent pick for a compact wireless gaming keyboard if the Editors’ Choice-winning Alienware Pro Wireless Gaming Keyboard doesn’t fit your budget. Design and Layout: ‘K65′ Actually Equals 65 Plus 10Despite the “65” in its name, this keyboard is actually a 75% layout; it keeps some shortcut keys like Page Up and Page Down on the right side that get cut off in a smaller layout. The keyboard measures 1.4 by 12.6 by 5.4 inches (HWD), making it just slightly larger than the Alienware Pro Wireless.
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Like most wireless keyboards in this price range, the K65 Plus has built-in Bluetooth connectivity as well as a 2.4GHz wireless mode that uses a dongle you plug into your computer. The dongle rests in a cutout on the top right of the keyboard’s frame when you’re not using it. In both wireless modes, the board receives power through its internal 4,200mAh battery and is rated for about 266 hours of use with the RGB backlighting turned off.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
To charge the battery, a 6-foot USB Type-C-to-A cable is included. You can also use the cable to operate the keyboard in wired mode, if you’d prefer. A green light will pulse on the top left edge of the frame while the battery is being charged and shuts itself off once fully charged.
On the top right edge, you’ll find a switch to toggle between Windows and Mac layouts. The modifier keys for macOS (Control, Command, Option) are conveniently labeled in addition to the Windows function labels. Typing on the K65 Plus feels quite satisfying, thanks to the keyboard’s materials. The combination of a polycarbonate frame, a steel plate, a silicone interior pad, and a foam layer limit what might otherwise be a considerable amount of rattle and echo on a less-expensive keyboard with lesser build quality. The Corsair MLX Red switches are the only available option for the K65 Plus. They come pre-lubricated and are analogous to Cherry MX Reds in terms of feel. The MLX Reds are a fine switch that will serve most needs, but we would have liked to see Corsair offer this board with a wider range of switch options. We also note the absence of a detachable wrist rest, which we expect to see at this price.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
While you’re limited to a single switch type when you order the board, you can always swap out some or all of the switches afterward, as the K65 Plus is hot-swappable. Simply remove the keycaps, extract the switches with the included keycap/switch puller, and pop new ones in. The K65 Plus offers top-notch keycaps, with legends that are clearly visible but in a font that’s subdued enough to not be obnoxious. The space bar has a fractal pattern similar to the one on the Corsair K70 Pro Mini, although far more subtle as the pattern starts on the right and slowly fades into a solid dark gray near the middle.The Esc keycap has a Corsair logo emblazoned in black, while the rest of the cap has a painted chrome finish. It looks diecast, but it’s actually single-shot polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), the most common keycap material. The chrome finish matches that of the multifunction control knob located at the top right of the board. Unlike the keycaps, the knob is actually machined aluminum, Corsair says.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
The knob changes the volume in its default setting, but you can quickly customize its function by holding down the Fn key and then pressing an arrow key. The down arrow assigns vertical scrolling to the knob, left arrow is for adjusting RGB brightness, the right arrow activates zoom, and the up arrow will change back to volume control.Holding down the Fn key also cuts off the lighting on any key that doesn’t have a shortcut attached to it. This implementation works like on the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini Wireless, except that the Apex Pro’s assigned shortcut keys glow orange instead of the white seen here when you’re holding down the Fn key. Also, note that the lighting on the K65 Plus does not shine through the keycaps at all; the RGB just bleeds out around the keys’ edges. That makes typing in the dark difficult unless you’re comfortable touch-typing, and it makes the RGB more of an aesthetic choice than a functional one.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Holding down the Fn key and pressing Home, Page Up, or Page Down will cycle among up to three Bluetooth connections, handy in case you want to use the K65 Plus with multiple devices. Getting Comfortable With the K65 Plus SoftwareCorsair’s highly versatile iCue software is compatible with both Windows and macOS, and it adds an extra level of customization with the K65 Plus. You can add and modify profiles with new lighting effects and key assignments. You can’t change the polling rate—the keyboard maxes out at 1,000Hz—but that will be fine for most casual gamers. (Anyone who plays at the competitive level will likely need a higher polling rate; the spec measures the frequency keystrokes are sent to the host computer.)
(Credit: Corsair)
The knob on the K65 has no RGB highlighting, but you can change its function using iCue like you can on the keyboard. Although each of these functions has a color associated with it in the app, the lack of RGB lighting on or around the dial means the LED indicator for the battery will change instead.RGB effects do emit around the keys, however, and they get a massive amount of attention in iCue. The software has dozens of preprogrammed effects than you can assign to each profile, and each can be further customized by changing its speed and brightness. The keyboard has 1MB of onboard memory to store up to four separate profiles that you can later tweak from the software utility.Verdict: A Good-Looking Keyboard Worth the MoneyThe Corsair K65 Plus Wireless is a feature-rich keyboard that makes a big impact despite its mini-keyboard classification. Its build quality is excellent, with a rigid polycarbonate frame and an aluminum control knob that feel rugged enough for long stints of gaming abuse. The lack of backlight shine-through on the keycaps, and the sole option for key switches, are two aspects that hold back the K65 Plus a bit. If either of those is a deal-breaker, we recommend you stretch your budget a bit for the Editors’ Choice-winning Alienware Pro Wireless.
Corsair K65 Plus Wireless
Cons
No wrist rest
Only one key-switch type available at purchase
RGB lighting doesn’t shine through keycaps, just around their edges
The Bottom Line
The Corsair K65 Plus delivers a satisfying typing experience and striking RGB lighting effects. It’s an excellent mechanical-keyboard option for gamers who want a compact wireless model.
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