With the Chinese market launching increasingly comprehensive and better-priced models, classic peripheral brands have had to up their game to avoid losing ground. That’s why keyboards like the one we’re analyzing today represent a truly necessary leap forward for them. We present the review of the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless, the latest compact format creation from the brand, featuring CORSAIR MLX Red switches, PBT keys, wireless connectivity, ARGB LED lighting, and high-end finishes.
Before starting the review, we want to thank CORSAIR for providing us with this keyboard for our analysis.
Technical specifications of the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless
Design: 75% format in black or gray colors
Plastic chassis with steel plate
Top mounting with double high-density foam cushioning and silicone pad
Hot-Swap PCB
Dimensions: 320 x 136 x 35 mm (length, width, height)
Weight: 918 grams
Switches: CORSAIR MLX Red
Linear mechanical switches
Actuation force: 45g
Activation distance: 1.9 mm
Travel: 4 mm
70 million keystrokes guaranteed
Full Key Rollover (NKRO)
Keys: PBT dye-sub single shot
Lighting: ARGB, configurable per key
Connectivity: 2.4 GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C 3.0 with 1.8-meter removable mesh
1,000 Hz polling rate
Battery life: 266 hours with lighting off
4,200 mAh 1S1P lithium polymer battery
Full charge in 5-6 hours
Compatibility: PC, Android, iOS, and Xbox/PlayStation consoles
Other features: 4 integrated profiles, multimedia wheel, CORSAIR ICUE software
Packaging and Accessories
We begin the review of the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless by placing its packaging on our work table. In front of us, we have a small black cardboard box with the brand’s popular pattern, displaying a product design image on the front.
Inside, we find the keyboard covered by a plastic cover that we can use later to protect it from dust. Next to it, the accessory pack includes the 1.8-meter removable mesh cable and the keycap and switch puller.
Continuing with the review of the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless, we observe it with its protection removed and the lighting turned on to see its full glory. In front of us, we have a 75% format keyboard, meaning it has no numeric keypad, with the other keys much closer together. Thus, we don’t lose the F1-F12 keys, the cursor keys, or most system keys, but we do have an incredibly compact keyboard that is only slightly larger than a 60% keyboard that does lose those keys. It has dimensions of 320 x 136 x 35 mm (length, width, height) and a weight of 918 grams, which is quite light as its chassis is plastic with an inner steel reinforcement.
The CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless features ARGB LED lighting under its keys, fully configurable using the brand’s iCUE software with countless effects. Also, the F1-F12 keys serve as multimedia keys in conjunction with the FN key, while the number keys access lighting modes, and the right-hand side of the alphanumeric keyboard houses the missing system keys.
In addition to the Home, Page up, and Page down keys, we find a wheel on the right edge that, by default, controls volume and mutes sound, although we can configure it to our liking.
The cursor keys are located in the lower right corner, forcing a reduction in the size of the keys in this area of the alphanumeric keyboard, particularly noticeable on the shift key.
PBT dye-sub single shot keys
The CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless has PBT dye-sub single-shot keys, a significant improvement over the classic ABS keys in both finish and durability. They do not let light through and have the standard Cherry support, allowing us to change them for others at any time if we wish.
CORSAIR MLX Red switches
Underneath the keys, we find the CORSAIR MLX Red switches, a linear model with a smooth feel that easily adapts to any user. They have a 45g actuation force and a 1.9mm activation distance over the 4mm of their full travel distance. They also come pre-lubricated and promise 70 million keystrokes, making them an excellent choice for elevating the keyboard’s quality.
On the left edge, we find a simple button that turns off the lighting, contributing to longer battery life. Meanwhile, on the rear side, we find many details better seen up close.
2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, and USB-C
The CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless offers great versatility in its connection options. We can choose between 2.4 GHz wireless connectivity, thanks to the receiver located in the chassis itself, Bluetooth connectivity ideal for mobile devices, or a wired USB-C connection to the PC. Both the first and last options provide a 1,000 Hz polling rate and a latency-free connection, except for Bluetooth, which is more limited.
The keyboard base features a unique design with the brand’s classic triangle pattern. Additionally, it offers rear legs that allow for three keyboard tilt angles with their opening.
4,200 mAh battery for up to 266 hours of autonomy
We open the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless to see how behind its rear cover hides a lithium-ion battery with a 4,200 mAh capacity that promises up to 266 hours of autonomy. It’s true that this is achieved with the lighting off, so in practice, if we turn it on, it will last much less.
On the opposite side, we find a silicone pad that helps absorb vibrations when typing. This combines with a layer of high-density foam on the metal front plate, providing excellent damping.
Top mounting for a hot-swap NKRO PCB
As we can see in these images, the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless features a top mounting (top mounting) for its PCB. This allows the installation of two-pin switches with integrated lighting in the PCB itself, being hot-swap and Full Key Rollover (NKRO).
Testing the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless
It’s time to focus on the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless review and discuss the user experience. Firstly, we should emphasize that getting used to a 75% format keyboard is easier than it seems. In reality, the entire alphanumeric keyboard maintains its position, and only the cursor keys and keys above them are slightly more compressed. It’s true that we don’t have a numeric keypad, which is pointless if we don’t frequently input numbers, and that we personally miss the End and Print Screen keys, but these can easily be substituted by modifying available functions.
Focusing on the CORSAIR MLX Red switches, we must say that they are truly exceptional when compared to the classic Cherry MX Red switches. They have a considerably more comfortable feel, and combined with the two layers of cushioning, they provide an excellent typing experience. The PBT plastic of their keys also contributes to the overall feel, being much better than the ABS that most commercial keyboards feature. Regarding noise, we must note that these keys are very quiet, making them one of the quietest mechanical keyboards we have tested.
CORSAIR iCUE Software
We now explore the configuration software of the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless, which unsurprisingly is the well-known CORSAIR iCUE from the brand. From here, we can assign any function we want to each key, even including macros in their activation.
Similarly, we can configure the ARGB lighting of the keys, either with predefined modes or those we create ourselves.
We also have options to disable key combinations, for example, to avoid pressing them accidentally, and options to configure the three functions of the wheel.
Conclusions on the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless
We conclude the review of the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless, and it’s obviously time to draw our conclusions. With this model, the brand has made a significant quality improvement in its mechanical keyboards, particularly by adding two layers of internal cushioning. Adding pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red switches and PBT keys makes for an important combo that elevates the keyboard to a high-end level. Furthermore, with extras like ARGB lighting, a multimedia wheel, and wireless connectivity, we have an outstanding keyboard.
We can find it for sale at a price of 160 euros, which is quite reasonable considering all the features it offers. It is true that there is considerable competition among Asian models, but the brand’s warranty and support from local stores is not the same and should also be considered.
Main advantages:
+ Excellent quality of materials and finishes, significant improvement
+ 75% format, very compact yet not much loss of functionality
+ High-quality CORSAIR MLX Red mechanical switches
+ PBT keys
+ Double internal layer of foam and rubber cushioning
+ Hot-swap PCB
+ Exceptional ARGB lighting possibilities
+ Multimedia wheel
+ Anti-Ghosting N-Key Rollover
+ Great battery life
Negative Aspects:
– Higher price compared to Asian alternatives
Other aspects:
* No wrist rest included
El Chapuzas Informático awards the CORSAIR K65 Plus Wireless keyboard with the Gold Award.
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