The Corsair K65 Plus Wireless keyboard might not be the flashiest the company has released, even when compared to some of the more compact 75% keyboards on the market, but it certainly makes a strong first impression. From the moment you start typing or tapping on the keys of the K65 Plus, it becomes apparent that Corsair is on to something here.
As one might expect with a 75% keyboard, the Corsair K65 Plus is not looking to become a battlestation-level device. It does feature all the controls one would need on a keyboard, albeit accessed by first holding a function key. The keyboard also includes a programmable control knob that can raise/lower volume by default, but can be set up to do things like scroll a page or zoom in.
So while you may miss the dedicated buttons for pausing media or a numpad, the Corsair K65 Plus never feels like it is shortchanging users. In terms of its features, Corsair’s latest tech offering doesn’t miss a beat.
Corsair 65 Plus is One of the Smoothest Keyboards
Where the keyboard really shines, though, is in its feel. Built with two layers of sound dampening and Corsair’s MLX red linear switches, the K65 Plus is much quieter than the average keyboard, with a nice smooth feel. It feels great to type on the keyboard, with a solid bit of bounce to each key press, but not in that clicky way like some keyboards. Some gamers may prefer more tactile switches, and Corsair does have an answer for them, but personally, the K65 Plus offers a surprisingly comfortable typing and M+K gaming experience.
At $150, the Corsair K65 Plus still feels like a premium offering, even if the keycaps don’t look as flashy as some gaming keyboard options do. And even though it's the feel of the keyboard that helps it stand out, Corsair has included a tool for switching out the keycaps and switches. So those who might prefer the more clicky keycaps for their reliability can swap those in with no issue. It should be noted, though, that we never had any issue with mistyping or double presses.
Dual Device Connectivity is a Content Creator's Dream
It’s not necessarily a feature for everyone, but the K65 Plus keyboard does offer dual device connectivity via its included USB dongle or over Bluetooth. Being able to flip a switch and go from typing on one PC to another is a very niche option, but it’s still one that a lot of more demanding tech users appreciate. For example, content creators with dual PC setups can use the K65 Plus for their gaming and then switch over to type messages in their Twitch chat.
The Corsair K65 Plus also includes a toggle to switch the keyboard from PC to Mac compatibility.
Even though the overall feel of the Corsair K65 Plus is solid, there is one element that feels like it could have been better thought out. The single-shot dye sublimated PBT keycaps are not built with translucent legends, so only the rims of each key are lit by RGB. That might not be an issue for every user, but those who game or type in low light settings might have trouble seeing the legends on the keycaps. Obviously, you can still find the correct keys based on positioning, but it feels like a weird design choice. That being said, like most Corsair products, the K65 Plus works with the company's iCUE software for customizing the RGB lighting or setting up macros.
Other than that, the Corsair K65 Plus is a great keyboard made better by its price. Usually, 75% keyboards are on the higher end of the price spectrum, but Corsair has made sure its offering can capture a larger share of the market. Design-wise, the feel of the keys is what sold me on the K65 Plus as a daily driver, and the multi-device connectivity is a huge bonus. And then the ability to hotswap the switches on the keyboard to better fit your personal preference gives it even wider appeal.
Corsair K65 Plus
The Corsair K65 Plus keyboard is the company's 75% PC gaming accessory, boasting hot swappable switches, two layers of sound dampening, and up to 266 hours of battery life (with RGB off).
- Wireless
- 2.4GHz Slipstream, Bluetooth
- Switch Type
- CORSAIR MLX Red
- Replaceable Keys
- Yes
- Keycaps
- PBT dye-sublimated keycaps​
- Smooth feel
- Dual device connectivity
- No translucent key legends
The Corsair K65 Plus keyboard is available now for $159.99 at Corsair's Official Site. Game ZXC was provided a unit for this review.
