Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

We’ve compiled a lot of information and in our detailed review Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT is the newest in a long line of big producer membrane gaming keyboards. Though mechanical switches and gaming peripherals complement each other wonderfully, they are not affordable, with even tenkeyless versions regularly costing more than $150.

That is why anything like the K55 RGB Pro XT, in principle, is so appealing. It has per-key RGB illumination, programmable macro keys, and discrete media functions, much like its more costly mechanical counterparts, except it only costs $70.

As a result, the K55 Pro XT could be one of the strongest gaming keyboards for beginners to the PC gaming scene who aren’t quite willing to invest hundreds of dollars in peripherals just yet.

The K55 RGB Pro XT, on the other side, has some unused room in its architecture and costs more than comparable keyboards from other manufacturers. Even like many membrane buttons, the K55 RGB Pro XT’s aren’t particularly pleasurable to type on.

Given that an excellent membrane keyboard can be had for about $25, you’re simply spending $45 for fancy lighting and certain app features.

Corsair K55 RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

Features

The Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT has about all correct in terms of “bells and whistles.” This keyboard features per-key RGB illumination and an additional column of macro buttons, all of which are uncommon in programmable versions.

It also uses the Corsair Utility Engine (iCUE) app, which allows you to reprogram buttons, construct complex lighting patterns, and sync the keyboard with the Elgato Stream Deck device.

Since Corsair owns Elgato, several Corsair goods have Elgato functionality; nevertheless, this is important to remember if you’re a new streamer with a limited development budget.

Although the iCUE app can be a little difficult to use, it still provides an enormous amount of flexibility, particularly for such a low-cost peripheral. The RGB lighting and macro keys alone enhance a pretty ordinary keyboard — and help validate the asking price.

Design

Also, by full-size gaming keyboard specifications, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT measures 19.0 x 6.6 x 1.4 inches. The extra macro keys account for some thickness, but other keyboards with identical functionality, such as the Logitech G915, are a complete half-inch shorter.

Instead, there seems to be a lot of extra room on the K55 Pro XT, whether it’s the big, shiny, fingerprint-prone bar at the top of the generous bezels on each side of the black plastic chassis.

Compared to anything like the Corsair K70 RGB Mk. 2, the K55 RGB Pro XT isn’t very appealing. There are no airbrushed metal accents, no tastefully recessed keycaps, and no silver volume dial. All seems to be easy, dark, and either “plain” or “cheap,” depending on your point of view.

There’s even a detachable wrist rest with a gritty, bumpy feel that’s very convenient.

The K55 RGB Pro XT, on the other hand, should not skimp on extra buttons. A column of six programmable macro keys is located on the left side of the keyboard. These are simple to configure due to a dedicated macro recording button on top of the keyboard, and brightness, and a “win lock” button. This last one disables the Windows key and other key combinations that can unintentionally exit a game (Alt + Tab).

However, one of my favorite features of the K55 RGB Pro XT is a set of dedicated media keys in the upper-right corner. Many inexpensive keyboards skimp on these instead of relegating them to keyboard shortcuts.

However, the K55 RGB Pro XT includes halt, rewind, play/pause, fast-forward controls, volume up, volume down, and mute. If you’ve never used a keyboard with discrete media functions, you’ll be surprised by how easily you’ll come to depend on them.

Keys

The Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT is bound to divide opinion when it comes to the main feel. This is the never-ending “membrane vs. mechanical” controversy, but in view of many reviewers, mechanical keyboards are more convenient, great for gaming, and last much longer.

Granted, you would pay a high price for the opportunity. This isn’t often possible for novice PC players, who could be short of cash after spending $1,000 or more on a brand-new computer.

As a result, the issue is if the K55 RGB Pro XT keys succeed on their own. The response is, “kind of.”

To offer credit where credit is due, the K55 RGB Pro XT, like many membrane keyboards, is really very nice for typists, with accurate, sensitive keycaps. On a Typing.com test, I achieved 124 words per minute with 99 percent accuracy on the K55 RGB Pro XT, compared to 108 words per minute with 98 percent accuracy on my standard Logitech G915 keyboard.

That, though, does not adequately capture the sensation of typing on the K55 RGB Pro XT, which can be unsatisfying and even exhausting at times. The keys don’t react to excessively light touches and feel a little rigid when depressed and popped back up. My wrists ached as I scribbled detailed notes for a product briefing; later, I was dismayed to see my typo-filled paper.

Looking back at my previous membrane gaming-keyboard reviews, it seems that I wouldn’t say I liked all of their keys all that well. So, at the very least, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT isn’t any weaker than its rivals. But it’s not the peripheral I’d use at my desk for the next three years.

Performance

The Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT performs admirably in a wide range of game genres. The keys aren’t really more convenient for gaming than texting, but I didn’t see any disadvantages for daily use.

I put the peripheral through its paces by playing Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition, Doom Eternal, Baldur’s Gate III, and Final Fantasy XIV. If I was constructing houses for my Inca kingdom or gunning down demons in the ruins of a ruined settlement, the keys were receptive.

It’s worth mentioning that the K55 RGB Pro XT’s macro keys can be handy for MMO players who enjoy performing complicated attack patterns with a single keystroke. However, for daily FFXIV games, I found this keyboard to be no better or worse than others I’ve tried.

Corsair K55 RGB Pro Vs. Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT

The Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT has a much less expensive variant: the Corsair K55 RGB Pro. The Pro model foregoes per-key RGB lighting and patterns in favor of five zones with six potential patterns.

It’s a significant disadvantage, but the Pro is just $50, compared to the Pro XT’s $70. In terms of configuration and efficiency, the versions are identical.

Originally posted 2021-11-11 12:56:41.