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The Corsair User Forums Corsair Product Discussion Keyboards and Mice: K95 RGB Platinum bricked after iCUE firmware update out of box 02/2020. Help Me Hit 10K Subs! ME ON: Nintendo Channel: https://www.youtube.com/JSkeletonPlaysGames?sub.
- Dedicated macro and media controls.
- Responsive, smooth keys.
- Attractive aluminum build.
- Easy yet customized utility.
- 16.8 million color options.
- Military-grade aluminum frame.
- 32-Bit Arm Cortex Processor
- 8MB Profile Storage
- Great RGB lighting.
- Comfortable wrist rest.
- Low actuation force.
- Cherry MX Speed switches
Against
- Quite expensive
- No audio-pass through
- Complicated software
- Rubber palm rest gets grungy sometimes
- Need to customize another OS before using Linux.
- Limited switches options.
If you’re a fan of Corsair, you have never heard something bad about their masterpieces, including keyboards, and the K95 RGB Platinum is no exception. I know it’s no denying that it is pretty expensive, but it feels right at home, having a few more requested features.
In The Box, you will get…
- Corsair K95 PLATINUM Bundle Picture
- Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM keyboard
- Extra textured keys (F,D,E,R,Q, 2x W, A, S, D)
- Keycap remover
- Detachable wrist rest
- A couple of manuals
Price to Value Ratio
Corsair is not only responsible for bringing RGB keyboards into the mainstream. Its K95 Platinum can take your gaming experience to a new level; you will love its integrated light bar.
Now, consider the high $170.26 (£140.58, AU181.67) price tag that this elegance brings with; I know it’s a ton of money for a gaming keyboard. And, the sad part is – Corsair’s ‘iCUE’ software is still a pain to use.
Now, let’s talk about Corsair K95 RGB Platinum’s Design… starting from some basics!
Dimensions
- Height – 1.3″ (3.4 cm)
- Width – 18.3″ (46.5 cm)
- Weight – 2.65 lbs (1.200 kg)
- Depth – 6.6″ (16.8 cm)
- Depth (with wrist rest) – 9.1″ (23.0 cm)
Yes, you’re right… This keyboard is big and follows a full-size design, so ensure you’ve enough space if used with its detachable wrist rest.
Are cable and connector detachable?
No, both cable and connector are non-detachable; the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM’s cable length is quite long – 7.2 ft (2.2 m) – with two USB plug ends, having two plugs means you can use the USB passthrough on the keyboard.
Other wireless compatibility;
- Bluetooth – No
- Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing – No
- Proprietary Receiver – unavailable
- Battery – No Batteries
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum – Overall Look & Feel
To make your gaming life super-smooth and quick, the durable keycap, though it seem a bit cheap, is made out of ABS, following a better build quality, whereas the board is of a solid plastic base topped with a military-grade aluminum plate.
The reworking of Corsair’s predecessor, the K95 RGB Platinum keyboard, has a slight, comfortable layout with authentic Cherry MX Speed linear switches and six dedicated macro keys. Worry not; due to its low pre-travel distance, the switches feel quite responsive and quick!
Want to adjust the backlight brightness, switch between onboard profiles quickly or disable the Windows key? Let a trio of buttons let the magic work.
Meanwhile, its aluminum chassis is sturdy. The given reversible/detachable/magnetic wrist rest (a rougher texture on one side and a smooth micro-finish on the other) is also a good addition – great for both – on-desk and on-lap gaming.
Unfortunately, this wrist rest gets easily dusty, oily, crumby, oils, and all manner of detritus – so get ready for constant cleaning.
Talking about its ergonomics…
- Board Design: Straight
- Minimum Incline: 3°
- Maximum Incline: 8°
Ergonomics are OK with an incline setting and open sideways so that it won’t meet the ground if you put too much pressure accidentally or un-accidentally.
Oh yes, how could this Corsair K95 RGB Platinum review be completed without mentioning my favorite thing – Backlighting – about the keyboard?
So…
- Color: RGB
- Backlit Keys: Yes
- Effects: Yes
- Color Mixing: OK
- Programmable: Yes
Lighting, well, it has been upgraded with a new 19-zone light bar that runs along the top of the frame; you will love its eye-catchy if excessive touch and how the way colors wash across the Corsair’s logo.
You will all agree to the fact that the Corsair K95’s backlighting is quite amazing; each key is lit, even a strip of underglow as well. The good part is that you can control the brightness on the board.
Cables, Cables, Cables
- Cable Length: 7.2 ft (2.2 m)
- Detachable: No
- Connector: Not Detachable
The Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM’s cable is extended, ending with two USB plugs so that you can also use the USB passthrough on the keyboard.
Corsair has added an “X” arrangement of two cable channels, which can be molded underside; they’re not for routing the keyboard’s cable but keeping your headset wire out of the way.
Something more than just KEYING
- Macro Programmable Keys: Yes
- Dedicated Media Keys: Yes
- USB Passthrough: Yes
- Trackpad / Trackball: No
- Windows Key Lock: Yes
- Wheel: Yes
- Numpad: Yes
- Lock Indicator Caps, Scroll & Num lock: Yes
The Corsair K95 has a nice wheel to control volume with a dedicated Windows lock and media keys at the top right – so that your game doesn’t accidentally minimize instantly.
Let’s type with Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
Talking about its overall typing experience… It is excellent, thanks to its stable keys and the spacing between keys – this will help you avoid typos. The linear switches are quiet and easy to function.
On the other hand, the actuation point is quick to reach, so get ready for multiple mis-inputs.
The KEYSTROKES are;
- Key Switches: Cherry MX Speed
- Operating Force: 45 gf
- Actuation Force: 42 gf
- Feel: Linear
- Pre and total Travel: 1.1 mm and 3.4 mm respectively
When it comes to speed, the K95 RGB Platinum keyboard follows in the footsteps of Corsair’s K70 RGB Rapidfire, featuring Cherry’s latest, highly responsive, linear MX Speed switches; press them lightly to actuate – just 1.2mm of movement and 45g of force will be required.
The keys will require less pressure and bottom-out faster, well suited for twitch shooters or those that require fast reflexes.
Software
- Software: iCUE
- Profiles: 6+
- Account Required: No
- Cloud Sync: No
- Onboard Memory: Yes
- Macro Programming: Software and Onboard
Corsair Tastatur K95 Software
The iCUE software is customizable, letting you have as many profiles, but you can only save only three on the onboard memory.
FAQ: Last, not least… How compatible is the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum?
- Windows Full
- Android No
- macOS Partial
- iOS No
- iPadOS No
- Linux Partial
Being fully compatible with Windows, some of its keys don’t work on macOS (the scroll lock, pause, print screen, and the G1-G6 macro buttons) and Linux (keys work, but the software, so you can’t customize your keyboard and the G1-G6 macro keys).
However, there’s an onboard memory, which can let you program them on macOS or Windows and use them on Linux.
Corsair K95 RGB Platinum Keyboard – Video Review
Corsair K95 Platinum Xt Software
My Verdict
Even more than just standard and just six macro keys, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is the Rolls Royce of gaming keyboards – both in its styling and its price tag.
No other keyboard matches its classical, all-metal build quality, disco lighting, handy shortcut buttons; so if you can also stomach the price and being OK with its complex software, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is worth it.
If you’re also using Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, feel free to share your reflections or ping me with your favorite gaming keyboard in the comment section below.
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Kylo Smith
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Kylo is a tech geek who loves technology and spends time writing about it. He is also an avid gamer, completing his studies in Information technology. He is a co-founder of Reviewsed.