Mice & Keyboards by stefan @ 2021-03-27
The K65 RGB MINI keyboard does incorporate a ton of functions other full-sized models do have, like the extra functions, a powerful onboard controller which allows a polling rate of up to 8000Hz, hardware profiles for saving custom key functions and lighting presets, multiple switches to choose from and an assortment of keycaps which can be purchased separately right from CORSAIR’s online shop.
At first we would like to thank CORSAIR for offering us their K65 RGB MINI Mechanical Gaming Keyboard for testing and reviewing.
"Founded in 1994, Corsair has grown from pioneering the high-performance DRAM market to one of the world’s leading providers of enthusiast-grade PC components and peripherals. Our groundbreaking technology and innovation can be found in our high-performance memory, ultra-efficient power supplies, PC cases, PC and CPU cooling solutions, and solid-state storage devices. Under the Corsair Gaming brand, launched in 2014, we provide gaming keyboards, mice, headsets and mouse mats to eSports professionals and anybody who is passionate about competitive PC gaming.
Corsair hardware is regularly featured in showcase “dream systems,” and we have earned the adulation and respect of the press, professional gamers and overclockers, high-end system integrators, and PC enthusiasts worldwide by delivering leading-edge technology backed by renowned service and support.
Corsair has developed a global operations infrastructure with extensive marketing and distribution channel relationships, and our products are available through leading distributors and retailers in over sixty countries worldwide."
Form meets function
The K65 RGB MINI delivers big features compressed into a 60% form-factor, easily fitting into any setup for comfortable gaming.
Personalize Your Play
Show off your style with dynamic per-key RGB backlighting and an optional included radiant spacebar, along with a standard bottom row layout so you can swap in your own custom keycap sets.
Expansive Shortcuts
Access a robust set of side-printed onboard features, including over 30 unique controls for lighting, profiles, macros, media, volume, and mouse cursor.
Onboard macro recording and two function layers allow you to record macros on-the-fly to (FN + any key) or (FN + FN2 + any key) for convenient access to your advanced commands without sacrificing any standard keys.
Powered by AXON
CORSAIR’s most advanced gaming keyboard experience delivers inputs up to 4x faster with native 8,000Hz hyper-polling and 4,000Hz key scanning, while simultaneously driving up to 20-layer lighting effects.
Linear & Fast
CHERRY MX SPEED Silver keyswitches provide lighting-fast response times with an extremely short 1.2mm actuation distance, perfect for fast-paced competitive gameplay.
Unite your setup
The next evolution in CORSAIR iCUE software is here, turning your entire setup into a cohesive, fully immersive ecosystem with intuitive control.
Keyboard Warranty: 2 Year
Weight: 0.85 kg
Lighting: RGB
Keyboard Layout: NA
USB Polling Rate: Up to 8,000Hz with AXON
Keyswitches: CHERRY® MX SPEED
Matrix: 61 Keys
Connectivity: Wired
Adjustable Height: No
Additional colored and textured keycaps: Radiant Space Bar, CORSAIR logo
Media Controls: Yes
Keyboard Type Size: K65
Keyboard Product Family: K65
Keyboard Rollover: Full Key (NKRO) with 100% Anti-Ghosting
Form Factor: 60%
Wired Connectivity: USB 3.0 or 3.1 Type-A
On-Board Memory: 8MB
Number Onboard profiles: Up to 50
WIN Lock: FN Shortcut
Media Control: FN Shortcuts
Palm Rest: No
Keyboard CUE Software: Supported in iCUE
Cable Type: Detachable
Keyboard Cable Material: Braided
With the launch of the K65 RGB MINI keyboard, we can note CORSAIR’s first product of this kind. We do enjoy compact peripherals such this one, which are ideal in case you do not have a very large desk to work on, especially if you live in a small apartment and are forced to work from home. The key spacing and overall keyboard size does seem to match the keys found with regular gaming laptop models, only on those we have scissor switches and the K65 RGB MINI does use fully-fledged CHERRY MX SPEED models. Besides MX Silver (Speed), we can also go with the MX Red or the MX Silent switch types, depending on the environment this keyboard will be used in and the customers’ typing preference.
The K65 RGB MINI was shipped inside a compact cardboard box, with the usual CORSAIR boxart. Here it is mentioned that the product is iCUE compatible, but not the version exactly (does operate on the recently released 4.9.350 but not on the older 3.38.61 with the well-known GUI):
On the side of the keyboard we will note CORSAIR’s “Press the advantage” saying:
On the packaging, we will note the keyboard technical specifications in multiple languages but also the keyboard internal code name and serial number:
The bottom layer of the box will show the main keyboard features in multiple languages, the compatibility with different systems, the CHERRY MX switch flavor but also the mention of the AXON controller, being able to deliver 8000Hz hyper-polling and 4000Hz key scanning, while simultaneously driving up to 20-layer lighting effects:
After removing the seals, we will be able to check out the inside contents; on the top layer we have the K65 RGB MINI keyboard, which also features a transparent plastic protective cover:
On the bottom we do have the documentation, together with the rest of the hardware bundle:
Let’s take a closer look at the included accessories, which do include the braided USB cable, the key puller, a standard Spacebar keycap but also a custom CORSAIR keycap:
The key puller will be mostly used for replacing the current keycaps with other custom ones in different colors, available from CORSAIR’s website as a separate purchase (Arctic White, ORIGIN Red, Elgato Blue and more):
Here is how the inside of the custom keycap with the CORSAIR branding does look like:
The included documentation does come with a Safety Information leaflet, a Warranty Guide but also the Quick Start Guide:
The manual does contain enough information in order for the user to change the current key mappings, work with the Hardware/Software lighting capabilities, perform a factory reset and more:
The keyboard also comes with the 60% name, which means that it is a compact model lacking the function row and navigation cluster; these were frequently seen on the Asian market but now they seem to have been adopted worldwide. K65 RGB MINI does have a white layer underneath on which the CHERRY MX Speed switches are mounted, in order for the lighting to shine through the keys as well:
Since this is a compact keyboard and CORSAIR wanted it to have the same capabilities as with a regular-sized one, we are noticing a ton of additional functions on the side of the keycap facing the user:
On the second row of keys, we will note some mouse functions but also multimedia keys; the PageUp/Home/Insert are here as well, together with the Macro on-the-fly recording key:
The next row continues with some more mouse functions:
The directional keys are followed by the Volume Down key function but also PageDn/End:
Moving on to the next row, we do have the Profile selector, LED Brightness button, some keys for working with the lighting effects but also the PrintScr/Pause functions and some other multimedia keys:
The final row includes a Windows Lock key function, but also a Fn2 key for using with even more mappings:
The default Spacebar key does allow the LED light to shine though thanks to a pattern with small triangles, a design also found on the CORSAIR peripheral packaging; this one looks nice!
The chassis is angled for a more comfortable typing experience, while a subtle product logo is placed in the lower left corner:
The frontal area of the keyboard does come with a single USB-C port and no extra pass-through ports:
On the bottom layer of the keyboard we will find four rubber feet, one in each corner but no kickstands:
The central sticker will show the product internal code name, its power rating but also the serial number:
By using the key-puller, we will be able to remove the keycaps with ease; here we can see the grey stem of the CHERRY MX Speed switch:
The new keycap can be then positioned on the switch:
The USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable is fully braided and has the custom shape we have seen with other CORSAIR peripherals in the past:
After connecting the K65 RGB MINI to a spare port, the LED show will begin:
As mentioned before, the K65 RGB MINI keyboard is not compatible with the version of iCUE we have been accustomed with, but with only with the newer iteration which features a completely revamped GUI. Right from the Home tab, we do have the possibility to select one of the profiles, choose one of the preset signature RGB scenes or display the hardware sensors which have been detected by the application. The K65 RGB MINI keyboard has been successfully detected for configuration purposes:
After accessing the keyboard-specific GUI, we will note a menu available on the left:
The Key Assignments menu will allow the user to change the current key mapping with many available presets:
We can choose to have multiple mappings on the same key, by using Fn or Fn2 keys.
Here are the presets we can choose from:
While the key assignments we have set previously were available only with the iCUE application turned on, the next section will save the settings to the hardware of the K65 RGB MINI:
The Lighting effects menu will also show the Lighting Layers section, from where we can work with up to 20 layers at the same time:
The Lighting Effects setup GUI is similar to the one CORSAIR has used for the Key Assignments; we do also have a very handy Quick Lighting Zone dedicated area where we can choose to configure preset key zones:
Here are the lighting presets we can work with:
Lighting presets are also available for us to choose while iCUE application is turned off (the preset is saved to the hardware of the keyboard):
The Performance tab will allow us to tweak what should happen when the Win Lock function is activated, but also modify the indicator colors:
From the Settings area, we will be able to update the firmware of the keyboard, adjust the Polling Rate, the LED brightness, the layout of the keyboard, but also work with the hardware profile slots:
The K65 RGB MINI keyboard does incorporate a ton of functions other full-sized models do have, like the extra functions, a powerful onboard controller which allows a polling rate of up to 8000Hz, hardware profiles for saving custom key functions and lighting presets, multiple switches to choose from and an assortment of keycaps which can be purchased separately right from CORSAIR’s online shop.
Being a 60% model, you will notice a lack of separate keys for F1-F12 but also the directional keys, which can be frequently used in some scenarios. Of course, these can be accessed by using Fn/Fn2 but it is not as easy as standalone keys; we would like to address this because some people might need to accommodate with the new layout in order to meet all their usage needs.
Here are the Pros and Cons we have selected for the K65 RGB MINI:
Pros:
-unique space-saving layout, more frequently used on Asian markets
-CORSAIR AXON controller processing, which allows up to 8000Hz polling rate and up to 20 layers of RGB lighting presets
-very good quality of materials concerning the chassis but also the keycaps
-different choices of CHERRY MX switches available, in order to fit your typing preferences
-up to 50 presets can be saved on the onboard memory of the keyboard
Cons:
-the 60% layout may not be for everyone and requires some tweaking in order to use the keyboard properly (key function mapping)
-missing dedicated directional buttons may be an issue in some games or when using the keyboard for productivity purposes
-the sale price of about 140 Euros is not exactly cheap
We would like to thank again to CORSAIR for making this review possible!