One keyboard to rule them all? Find out in our K65 Plus Wireless review!
In the world of gaming keyboards, the sheer variety can often be overwhelming. How do you choose the perfect keyboard for your setup when there are literally thousands on the market!? From different form factors and switch types to an array of connectivity options and aesthetic features, finding the right keyboard to enhance your gaming experience can be daunting.
Enter the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless, a 75% gaming keyboard that promises top-tier performance and a distinctive design at a reasonable price. Does it deliver on its promises? Let’s get those keys tapping and find out in our K65 Plus Wireless review.
K65 Plus Wireless Review – Design
Despite its name and clearly compact design, this keyboard provides a 75% layout that strikes a perfect balance between functionality and space-saving convenience. This form factor is ideal for gamers who need more room for expansive mouse movements without sacrificing essential keys. Despite its smaller footprint, the keyboard maintains a full range of functionalities, ensuring that users do not miss out on any critical commands (unless a numpad is key to your keyboard).
The build quality of the K65 Plus Wireless is its main selling point, featuring a solid and sturdy construction that exudes durability and reliability. The chassis is crafted from a combination of robust PC and steel plate, providing a reassuring heft that keeps the keyboard firmly in place. This is hands down the sturdiest keyboard I’ve had the pleasure of using and makes all others feel like flimsy bits of plastic.
Aesthetically, the K65 Plus Wireless is both sleek and satisfying. The black and grey colourway offers a modern, understated design that fits seamlessly into any gaming setup (or even a professional work environment). The keyboard’s clean lines and minimalist design are complemented by the vibrant per-key RGB backlighting, which adds a customizable touch of flair if you’re wanting to show off.
Incorporating two layers of sound dampening, the design also moves away from the absurd clackiness of some mechanical keyboards. High-density foam and a silicon pad work together to temper unwanted pings and clacks, providing a quieter, more pleasant typing experience. As a result, the K65 Plus Wireless is suitable for use in quieter environments where loud keystrokes could be disruptive. Library gaming sessions, anyone?
K65 Plus Wireless Review – User Experience
The Corsair K65 Plus Wireless excels in usability, meaning it allows for both gaming and everyday use. Its versatile connectivity options are a standout feature, allowing you to effortlessly switch between devices. Whether you’re connecting via the 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or the included USB cable, the transition is smooth and hassle-free. For Mac users, it also features a simple switch on the rear of the keyboard to swap between Mac and PC use.
Battery life is another area where the K65 Plus Wireless shines. With up to 266 hours of use on a single charge (with the RGB lighting turned off), users can enjoy long gaming sessions or continuous use without the constant need to recharge. This extended battery life is worthwhile if you don’t want to be interrupted mid-play. I did find in my time with the keyboard that is needed to be charged roughly every week, but admittedly I did forget to switch it off when it wasn’t in use…
One more feature that many users will find handy is the inclusion of a multi-function rotary dial and additional FN shortcuts adds another layer of convenience. These features allow users to quickly adjust settings, control media, and access shortcuts without disrupting their workflow or gaming experience. I particularly found the rotary dial to be quite useful, which can control various aspects of your PC including sound and even RGB lighting.
And of course, you’ve got the MLX Red switches, which contribute significantly to the keyboard’s usability. Their smooth, responsive keypress are both satisfying and efficient, enhancing performance for gaming and even just regular everyday typing. Personally, I found this keyboard incredibly satisfying to use for work and was a pleasure to type on.
K65 Plus Wireless Review – Positives and Negatives
As discussed earlier, one of the major positives of the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless is its compact and stylish design. The 75% layout is ideal for gamers who need more desk space for their mouse movements without compromising on essential keys. The pre-lubricated MLX Red switches provide a silky smooth and responsive keypress, enhancing both gaming and typing. Many users will also find the versatile connectivity options to be particularly useful, making it far more adaptable to various devices.
However, the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless does have some drawbacks. The absence of a palm rest might be a concern for users who need ergonomic support during long typing sessions. Additionally, the price point (at $269AUD RRP) may be a barrier for some potential buyers. This cost might be justified by the features and performance it offers, but it could still be a consideration for those on a tighter budget.
Conclusion
The Corsair K65 Plus Wireless is a standout in the crowded market of gaming keyboards, offering a perfect blend of style, performance, and versatility. Its compact design, superior switch quality, and impressive battery life make it an excellent choice for both gaming and even just general everyday use (particularly those who type a lot for work). While it comes with a pricetag to match, the features and performance it offers are well worth the investment for those seeking a high-quality gaming keyboard that will likely last a lifetime.
So, why should you buy the K65 Plus Wireless?
- Sleek and compact design to suit smaller setups
- Incredibly sturdy and solid – likely to stand the test of time
- Satisfying and smooth keycaps to make typing a breeze
- Variety of connectivity options
But why shouldn’t you buy the K65 Plus Wireless?
- You’d prefer a keyboard with a numpad
- Rather a keyboard that’s thin and lightweight
- Looking for a cheaper keyboard
A review unit was kindly provided by Corsair ANZ for the purpose of our K65 Plus Wireless review. If you enjoyed this review, be sure to check out more of our hardware reviews and join us over on the Qualbert Discord to chat about all the latest in tech!
