Corsair Gaming K55 RGB Keyboard, Backlit RGB LED

Pros: This keyboard has some very nice features for its price point. It has 3 zones of selectable back-lighting / illumination. The keys, while not mechanical, all feel very uniform and consistent to type on. The wrist rest is detachable and works well. The media keys, volume control, and macro keys are all nice to have, especially the volume control and macro keys. Also the windows key lockout is a feature I have been in love with on this keyboard and others I have tested, it's a real lifesaver when you are gaming, especially with keyboard intensive games.

Cons: Before I go into the cons section let me note I have tested Corsair's K70 keyboards and some of my notes here are more about comparing it to something that does cost more at the end of the day. This keyboard while nice does have a bit of a cheaper feel compared to other Corsair keyboards I have tested. The switches are not mechanical, and the whole keyboard is plastic. The lighting is in zones and is not per key. The wrist rest is a lot cheaper compared to the wrist rests that come with other Corsair keyboards.

Overall Review: While I had some things to put in cons, it's because I have tested higher end Corsair keyboards, the K55 here is not a bad keyboard at all, in fact I was rather impressed with it once I got it and started using it, the simple fact that, for a non-mechanical keyboard, the key presses felt very uniform was enough to let me know that this unit was built for quality at an entry level price. While I would like to see more options with the lighting I do realize this is not a K70 and does not carry a K70 price tag. Overall my experience with the keyboard so far has been good. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a nice keyboard but doesn't want to spend $$$ on a mechanical unit. It's geared to be an entry gaming / power user keyboard with the lighting, macro keys and extra functions. I am impressed.

Pros: This keyboard is really a delight to type on. Admittedly, when I initially received it I was disappointed as I thought it was supposed to be a mechanical keyboard, but even so, I’m still happy typing on it. Key travel is nice and long, rebound is strong, and the keys have a satisfying sound. The keys don’t appear to be loose or wobbly (as they are on my other cheap keyboard). My absolute favorite thing about this keyboard is that all of the programming for the macro buttons and changing of the LED colors/patterns is done with buttons on the keyboard. I currently am using this on my work machine and I’m not able to install unapproved software, so this is a HUGE plus. After not having audio and playback controls on my last few cheap keyboards (or not on dedicated buttons) I am SO glad to have them back! Being able to instantly control the volume is a huge plus.

Cons: I think this is more me needing to get used to the keyboard, but I routinely hit the first macro key when I’m trying to hit the escape key. Even if you have nothing programmed to it, it types a 1, which doesn’t seem like a big deal… until you’re deep into some messy Excel formulas or VBA and can’t figure out where that 1 came from. My solution was to put a glob of blue on the key so that I have a physical reference. I’m sure that with time I will adjust to it more. Only having 3 distinct lighting zones means that you can really see where one starts and the other stops. Nicer keyboards have more zones/LEDs that make them more uniform. For a keyboard at this price range it seems fair. The manufacturer claims that the detachable wrist rest is a soft rubber-like material. In reality, its just a cheap scratchy plastic with a texture that makes it feel a little better than your average Toyota dashboard.

Overall Review: I’m not much of a gamer – at least not lately. I opted to hook this keyboard up to my work computer so that I could actually get some use out of it and write a review. Generally I am very happy with it, especially considering the price. I would definitely buy this over and over. The windows button lockout key didn’t make sense to me at first… until I hit the Windows key a few times when trying to copy and paste. That is very convenient! Also, beware! People will want to randomly play/type/smash this keyboard if you have it on your desk. I get a lot of comments on it, but I also found that if I leave the LEDs on when I leave for the night, people come play with it.

Pros: Nice looking back lighted macro keys good software quiet keys

Cons: Not mechanical tactile feedback not great (I do use mechanical keys myself though normally) non braided cable Cannot run individual key color zones each key does not have it's own back light

Overall Review: It's Corsair. I love Corsair. I have more Corsair products than any other PC parts maker. That said I do not care for this keyboard. Sure I'm spoiled by my other Corsair keyboard that is mechanical with individual lights for each key, different lighting zones and just better tactile feel to each key press but I really wanted to like this keyboard. It's alright and does have some nice features but ultimately it cannot replace my main keyboard nor does it perform as well as some of my mechanical china branded keyboards that cost me under $25. One thing I do like is macro keys and this keyboard does have that. Very convenient. and the media controls work well. It's decent but could be better IMO.

Pros: The K55 is incredibly quiet. I was able to work on an essay while not waking a family member asleep less than 15 feet away from my PC. With my old keyboard, I'd get complaints about it being loud from guests late at night. The wrist support is comfortable and allowed for extended sessions of typing without any fatigue.

Cons: The keys feel spongy. I've never used a gaming keyboard that felt this odd. When pressing down on the keys, it almost feels as though the keys aren't sliding down smoothly. I'd compare it to felt fabric lining the side of the plastic peg on the bottom of the key used to press down on the switch membrane. With other keyboards used, all of the resistance is in the initial press. The K55 has resistance through the whole stroke even after the press has been registered. Lighting... The lighting on this keyboard isn't configurable through software. Corsair has several preprogrammed light configurations which are selectable via pressing <FN>+ a number key. The lighting is strictly set to three zones. For a gaming keyboard not to light up the WASD keys differently from the surrounding keys is baffling. The Media Keys are also left out of the back-light pack. I found myself fumbling to find the volume controls on the keyboard late at night multiple times.

Overall Review: Zone 1 runs from the far left of the keyboard up to the right side of the F4, 5, T, F, and V keys. Zone 2 starts at the end of Zone 1 and runs till the right of F12, Backspace, \, Return, Right Shift, and Right CTRL keys. The remaining area containing the number pad, arrows, and page options are all in Zone 3. Aside from the preprogrammed lighting modes, this keyboard has the ability for changing the back-light colors individually for the three zones. To cycle through the colors for Zone 1, press <FN> + F1. Zone 2 is controlled with <FN>+F2 and Zone 3 is <FN>+3. Symbols accessed by holding Shift + a key are displayed under that key instead of above. This is a striking difference from the norm. For example, the $ symbol is located at the lower left corner of the 4 key instead of in the upper left corner. Not necessarily bad but it led to some confusion with my young nephew.

Pros: The Corsair K55 keyboard connects via USB 2.0 or 3.0 and comes with a detachable soft plastic-rubber wrist rest. There are collapsible feet on the bottom of the keyboard to adjust the angle. It has three customizable zones with dynamic RGB backlighting. There are about 12 preconfigured lighting modes, which are easily accessible by the function button and 1-0, minus, and equal keys. The first six are three different static colors, seven is user customizable, eight cycles the same color through three zones, nine is a pulse, zero is a color shift, minus is a color pulse that moves sideways, and equals gives a rainbow wave. The speed and direction of the dynamic modes is easily adjusted with the function and arrow keys to speed up, slow down or change from left to right, to right to left. The lights can easily be turned off, and adjusted for brightness with dedicated buttons at the top of the keyboard. There are also dedicated multimedia keys and volume up and down keys. There are six programmable macro keys (G1-G6) located along the left edge, with an MR macro record button at the top. It adds some interest to the keyboard and is helpful when working/gaming at night. Using this for a few weeks and I like it, and expect it to last.

Cons: There is some bleed-through of lighting between zones. You can’t maintain completely separate colors or on/off for numbers vs. letters.

Overall Review: The write rest could be of higher quality material. The windows key lock mode can be of use while gaming. The media keys would be nicer if backlit, but you get used to the order.

Pros: There have been several illuminated and RBG keyboards in the past and I have to say that this is probably the best budget RBG keyboard I have owned. It comes packaged in an attractive and stylish box witch tells me right off the bat that some thought went into this and its not just another cheapo keyboard from China. The keyboard inside the box is equally impressive with good layout and aesthetically pleasing. It does not come off as a premium keyboard but rather as a mid range with good build quality. I liked the color modes and controllable software app that needs to be downloaded. RBG color pattern reminds me of my Razer Chroma mechanical keyboard but without the price tag and the noisy keystrokes. This is definitely great for when you would like to game quietly without waking up everybody else in your household. The keys are very responsive and the detachable palm rest is great.

Cons: The letters on individual keys could be slightly better illuminated but for a mid range RBG keyboard its still probably the best I have seen.

Overall Review: I would definitely recommend this keyboard for someone on a budget looking for a decent RBG keyboard. The illumination patterns are awesome and rival the premium mechanical RBG keyboards.

Pros: + lightweight, much lighter than my K70 RGB + 6 macro keys with dedicated 'MR' (Macro Recorder) button to record your key sequence + 2 year warranty + 8 key anti-ghosting

Cons: - media keys don't like up

Overall Review: Packaging was good for a cheap gaming keyboard. The keyboard wrapped in plastic, with the top part of the keyboard taped for protection. An instruction booklet and a palm-rest that you can optionally attach to your preference. I quality of the palm rest feels no different than what I received with my $140 K70 RGB. There are 3 brightness levels to the backlight; guess you could call them low, medium and high - but to be honest the medium setting seems little different than the low. I can tell something happened when hope. All the keys light up very well I must say, much better than my K70 RGB where keys that contain more than one layer of text/digits appear dimmer - uneven lighting. There are 3 color control zones, zone 1 runs from left side of keyboard to about the T key, then zone 2 to about the 'Enter' key, then zone 3 to finish off to the right-end of the keyboard. Typical with membrane keyboards is that stuff that fall under the keys can find itself a comfortable home and reselient to leave - unless you take off many keys and do some serious cleaning, typically finding its way inside the keyboard itself. This keyboard appears to have a solid, unified plastic sheet that will keep dirt and debris from making its way inside. Also appears to help spread the backlighting out to the keys. All-in-all, it looks like the days of pushing keys hard to crunch dried food morsels to win control of your key back is over - just tip the keyboard over and give it a shake. I'm used to having a keyboard with the Cherry MX Brown switches so I may be a little bias in saying that I find typing with the K55 requiring a little too much pressure to engage than I prefer (the Cherry MX Brown switches require little pressure to engage) Because this is a membrane keyboard, the key 'clicks' are quieter than mechanical switches. Still audible but some people don't mind the sound and feel of mechanical keyboards. Overall, it is what is is, a cheaper RGB gaming keyboard alternative to the high-end gaming ones with mechanical switches. You get quite a bit of features for a lot less dollars to shell out.

Pros: Keys are firm for a membrane keyboard. Construction feels sturdy. Macro features.

Cons: Media keys not backlit. Wrist wrest has questionable durability. Software could be more refined.

Overall Review: For a membrane keyboard, it feels really good. The keystroke is maybe a little slower than some gaming keyboards but not an issue for me. Lighting options are not very robust but acceptable at this price point. Seems like a good investment that will last. The software was not best or easiest to use but you can get through it.