Corsair is the latest company to launch its own mechanical keyboard with 60 percent wiring, removing the arrow keys and other functions for a more compact design. The K65 RGB Mini costs $ 110 and has a design as subtle as the one Corsair has already produced. It connects via the detachable USB-C-to-USB-A braided cable included with your PC, macOS or Xbox One computer. This keyboard joins Razer’s $ 120 Huntsman Mini, Alloy Origins 60 categories $ 100 from HyperX and Ducky’s One 2 Mini, among others.
Like other 60 percent models, many of the function keys are incorporated as secondary functions that you can perform by holding the “FN” key. As a result, several keys are missing that you should be used to seeing on a keyboard. If you mainly use a gaming PC or are able to quickly learn a new keyboard layout, the transition to a 60 percent keyboard shouldn’t be too difficult.
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Image: Corsair
The K65 RGB Mini that I tested briefly is equipped with Cherry MX Speed linear switches, which have the characteristic mechanical “thock” sound. Unlike some other types of switches, they are very easy to press and have a short, smooth stroke. You can also choose between Cherry MX Silent or Red switches, depending on your region.
This keyboard also features RGB key backlighting that you can adjust in Corsair’s iCue software (available on Windows 10 and macOS Catalina and later). The keys are removable and a key removal tool is included in the box, along with a different space key. The bottom line is the default layout, so you can equip it with custom keys, if you prefer.
The K65 RGB Mini supports a search rate of up to 8,000 Hz through its iCue software. In other words, it can report new printers up to 8,000 times per second, or once every 0.125 milliseconds (on macOS and Xbox One, it reaches 1,000 Hz maximum). Nobody can type so fast and it may not have any impact on their games, but it ensures that this model is much more responsive to fast key presses than other keyboards. Other notable features include full N-key rollover and support for up to 50 custom mapping profiles saved to your integrated storage.
As I mentioned earlier, the design of this keyboard is subtle, clean and subdued. In addition to the RGB backlight, logos and other details are clear, which makes sense. Corsair knows that it needs to attract players who prefer a minimalist design, as this is all the appeal of opting for a 60% keyboard anyway.