With the release of the K100, Corsair’s previous-generation flagship mechanical keyboard the K95 might now be a bargain. To stay competitive, when new products are released, companies like to try and keep the same price point.
That is a massive benefit to the consumer. Because the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is packed with features. Also, it features high-quality materials and components, making it one of the best gaming keyboards currently available.
So, let’s go through our in-depth Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Review to see if it still deserves praise and recognition, or if it’s now old news?
![Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Review [2022]](https://tinygrab.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/corsair-k95-rgb-platinum-review.png)
Contents
Design
For a full-sized, full-featured keyboard it’s much smaller than you might be expecting. Corsair has done a great job with the layout, keeping everything compact, yet accessible. As a result, it is one of the best compact gaming keyboards on the market.
On the underside high-quality ABS plastic has been used as a base, reinforced with an aluminum chassis. There’s the standard 104-key layout, with the addition of 6 macro keys along the left-hand side, and media keys in the top section.
Common commands made easy…
(4.6 / 5)Working our way along the very top section of the keyboard, we are met with three shortcut buttons. The first changes user profiles, followed by lighting adjustment, then a lock button that disables the Windows key during gameplay.
On the top right corner is a metal roller for adjusting volume levels with a small mute button directly on its left. Just below, and above the numerical pad are four dedicated media controls. These perform stop, skip back, play/pause, and skip forwards.
Give your wrist a rest…
Moving from the top to the bottom is where you’ll find the padded wrist-rest. It has been cushioned with foam and is covered in leatherette. Cleaning is easy by wiping down any sweat or accidental spills.
To provide more comfort depending on your task, it is double-sided. Smooth on one side, and textured on the other for some extra grip. Detaching and reattaching is easy because the wrist-rest simply snaps on with magnets. Therefore, this one of the most comfortable gaming keyboards on the market.
Make it your own…
There are two colors to choose from for the aircraft-grade anodized brushed aluminum top plate. Pick between Black or Gunmetal Gray. Both of which look superb and add to the keyboard’s already charismatic appeal.
If those two colors seem a bit boring, you have nothing to worry about. Built-in individual key RGB lighting can offer up to 16.8 million different color possibilities. There’s even a thin light-up strip along the top of the keyboard for some added flair.
Features
It’s sometimes the small things that matter the most. Like if you flip over the keyboard and see the X-shaped cutout. This is designed to assist with cable management, giving a range of routing options in different directions.
Besides the incredibly comfortable double-sided detachable wrist-rest, dedicated shortcut, and media controls, there are still plenty more features. Yep, still more than the magical rainbow of RGB lighting.
It can remember…
Thanks to the 8MB of onboard memory, you can save up to three user profiles directly to the keyboard. That means, if you attend a LAN party or even want to compete in ESports, then all your favorite settings are ready to go.
You can save everything from macro commands to key remapping, along with your customized RGB settings. Profiles can then easily be swapped by using the shortcut button located at the top of the keyboard.
Extra convenience…
Next to where the braided USB-C cable exits the keyboard in the center of the rear is a USB 2.0 passthrough. This is incredibly handy for so many reasons. Having access to a convenient USB port opens up a world of opportunities.
You can plug in an external storage device for quick and easy data transfer. Use it to plug in an accessory like a headset or mouse. Another great use is for charging your smartphone or tablet while lost in your gaming world.
Keys
The key caps are laser-etched with a large and easy-to-read font. This also allows for the LED light to shine through bright and evenly. Because of the dedicated media and shortcut keys, there’s no need for the legend to be cramped on any keys either.
The programmable G keys along the left edge are gray as opposed to the remaining black keys. They also have a textured finish making them easily recognizable. Additionally, you can swap the same style keycaps using the included key puller for the WSAD keys.
Original Cherry MX switches…
When purchasing the keyboard you get a choice of two different original Cherry MX mechanical switches. Choose between Cherry MX Brown or Cherry MX Speed Silver switches depending on which you prefer. This makes it one of the best Cherry MX gaming keyboards you can buy.
The Brown switches offer a tactile function with quiet operation with 2 mm pre-travel and 4 mm total travel. Your other option of Speed Silver provides linear function with a short 1.2 mm pre-travel and 3.2 mm of total travel.
Software
The main software program for completely customizing your keyboard is iCUE (Corsair Utility Engine). Corsair has used this software engine for some time now, meaning that most of the kinks have been ironed out.
This software mainly controls RGB lighting, with almost unlimited options. You can adjust everything from brightness to effects, and even layer them over each other. No other company offers this level of lighting customization.
Remapping and macros…
You can use iCUE to remap every key to perform any function you wish, and also record macros. There is an additional software package that offers further options and is a little easier to use called Elgato Stream Deck.
The detailed options available through Elgato are useful not only for gaming macros but also for editing programs. Any budding filmmakers and photographers will find creating shortcuts a breeze and extremely useful.
Performance
Using this keyboard is an absolute pleasure. Not only is it sturdy and inspires confidence, even when furiously tapping away during the heat of battle, but it’s also the finer details. It is obvious that gamers created and designed this keyboard. Meaning it is one of the most durable gaming keyboards on the market.
From the easy-to-reach layout and positioning of the keys to the textured surfaces on frequently used keys. The shortcut buttons aren’t in an area where they’ll accidentally be pushed, but still easy to reach when needed.
Hitting new heights…
Depending on which Cherry MX switches you use, there is nothing like those German-engineered originals. The shorter Speed Silvers offer one of the fastest responses we’ve ever experienced, while the Browns offer a better all-round experience.
Both fast-paced gaming and typing offer responsive and accurate results on both switch types. However, if you type more, we would probably go with the Browns. Having that comfy wrist-rest only further adds to the enjoyment of extended sessions.
We loved the premium feel of the brushed aluminum, and even changing volume with the metal roller gives satisfaction. If you have other Corsair components in your PC, using iCUE to match all the lighting is something really special that needs to be seen.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Review – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Premium materials used in construction like aircraft-grade anodized aluminum.
- One of the most comfortable wrist-rests we’ve ever used.
- Choice of two different attractive brushed aluminum colors.
- Genuine Cherry MX mechanical switches with two options.
- Built-in 8 MB of memory for saving your user profiles.
- Dedicated shortcut and media controls including a metal volume roller.
- Huge range of customization features using the software.
Cons
- Still not the most affordable keyboard in the premium category.
- iCUE software is complicated if never used previously.
- The textured side of the wrist-rest can collect dust and crumbs quickly.
- No audio jack available, which most other premium keyboards offer.
- Two USB ports are required on your PC if it doesn’t have USB 3.0 available.
Looking for Something Else?
Computer keyboards come in all shapes and sizes. Check out our in-depth reviews of the Best Cherry MX Brown Keyboards, the Best Tenkeyless Mechanical Keyboards, the Best 60% Mechanical Keyboards, the Best 40% Keyboards, and the Best Chiclet Keyboards you can buy in 2022.
Plus, don’t miss our comprehensive Das Keyboard Model S Review, our Corsair K63 Wireless Review, Logitech G413 Review, the Best Expensive Gaming Keyboards Review, and our Razer Huntsman Elite Review for more amazing items currently available.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Review – Final Thoughts
Even though this is an expensive keyboard, it does offer a premium experience. That old saying “you get what you pay for,” couldn’t be more true. After using this keyboard for a while, you’ll quickly forget and even be glad you paid more.
Because the same software and customization options are available in comparison to the new generation, this keyboard remains fantastic. If you can pick it up at a juicy discount, it’s a no-brainer.
We thoroughly enjoyed using this keyboard, not only for gaming but for general use too. It’s comfortable and performs exactly how it’s supposed to.
So, until next time, it’s game on.
