Corsair K70 Pro VS K65
Corsair K70 Pro vs K65: An In-Depth Comparison for Gamers
When it comes to high-performance gaming keyboards like Corsair K70 Pro vs K65, Corsair is one of the most trusted brands in the market. The Corsair K70 Pro and K65 models stand out in Corsair’s lineup due to their design, performance, and advanced features. But, which one should you pick? Both keyboards cater to different user preferences and gaming needs, so choosing between them can be a challenge.
This article will break down the key differences, helping you make an informed decision by comparing the features, performance, and value for money of both the Corsair K70 Pro vs K65.
Corsair K70 Pro
Pros:
- The K70 Pro boasts a robust aluminum construction, ensuring durability and giving it a high-end, premium appearance.
- A variety of Cherry MX switch options is offered, allowing users to choose according to their preferences (Red, Blue, Brown, etc.).
- With per-key RGB backlighting customizable through Corsair’s iCUE software, users can enjoy a personalized lighting experience.
- Supports customizable macros and key remapping via the iCUE software, enhancing gaming and productivity functionality.
- Dedicated media controls are included for quick access to volume and playback settings.
Cons:
- It tends to be more expensive than other options, which may be a concern for budget-conscious users.
- As a full-sized keyboard, it occupies more desk space and may not be ideal for those seeking a compact setup.
Corsair K65
Pros:
- The K65 is a tenkey less keyboard, making it more space-efficient and portable, which is ideal for smaller desks or gaming on the go.
- It features a solid build quality with an aluminum frame, although slightly less robust compared to the K70.
- In contrast, the K65 also offers Cherry MX switch options, catering to personal preferences.
- While it includes customizable RGB backlighting, the features are not as extensive as the K70’s.
- Additionally, the K65 is generally priced lower, making it a great option for budget-conscious users.
Cons:
- Unlike the K70, the K65 lacks dedicated media keys, which might be a drawback for some.
- Although customizable, the level of macro support may not be as advanced as that of the K70.
- Some users may also find the absence of a wrist rest uncomfortable during extended use.
Design and Build Quality
The design of a keyboard is crucial, not just for aesthetics, but for practicality and comfort during long gaming sessions. Both Corsair K70 Pro and K65 are known for their sturdy, premium builds, but there are significant differences that may influence your decision.
Corsair K70 Pro: Premium and Full-Sized
The Corsair K70 Pro is a full-sized keyboard, which means it includes a number pad on the right side. This can be convenient for users who also use the keyboard for productivity tasks. The build quality is exceptional, with an anodized brushed aluminum frame that exudes durability and elegance.
Its larger size makes it ideal for gamers who have the space for a full-sized keyboard setup. The K70 Pro also includes extra features like a detachable wrist rest, making it more comfortable for extended gaming marathons. Additionally, it comes with dedicated media keys and a volume wheel, allowing for easy control of music or videos while gaming.
Corsair K65: Compact and Portable
On the other hand, the Corsair K65 is a tenkey less (TKL) keyboard, which means it omits the number pad. This compact design makes it lighter and more portable, perfect for gamers who travel frequently or prefer a minimalist desk setup. Despite its smaller footprint, the K65 still boasts a sturdy aluminum build, which is a hallmark of Corsair’s keyboards.
The lack of a wrist rest and dedicated media keys might be a downside for some users, but others may appreciate the space-saving design. The K65 focuses on delivering high performance in a more compact package, ideal for users who prioritize mobility over additional features.
Switch Options and Key Feel
Switches are the heart of any mechanical keyboard. The choice between the Corsair K70 Pro and K65 often comes down to personal preference regarding key feel and responsiveness. Both keyboards offer a variety of Cherry MX switch options. However, there are differences in availability and switch types that are important to consider.
Corsair K70 Pro: Variety of Switches
The Corsair K70 Pro offers a wider range of switch options compared to the K65, making it more versatile for different types of gamers. You can choose from Cherry MX Red, Speed Silver, and Silent Red switches, each with distinct characteristics.
Cherry MX Red switches offer a smooth, linear feel, making them perfect for quick reactions and uninterrupted gameplay.
Speed Silver switches are designed for gamers who need quick actuation for competitive gaming.
Silent Red switches are ideal for gamers who play in shared environments and prefer a quieter, more discreet gaming experience.
Having multiple switch options allows the K70 Pro to cater to various preferences, whether you want fast actuation for competitive gaming or a quieter typing experience.
Corsair K65: Focused on Speed
The Corsair K65 keyboard is most commonly available with Cherry MX Red or Speed Silver switch options. This makes it perfect for gamers who prioritize quick actuation and responsiveness. The K65 targets competitive gamers and those who prefer a compact setup. Its limited switch options focus on delivering optimal performance for FPS and fast-paced games.
If you value compactness and don’t mind fewer switch options, the K65 offers excellent performance. Its fast and reliable Cherry MX switches ensure responsive gameplay.
RGB Lighting and Customization
Corsair is well-known for its impressive RGB lighting and customization options, and both the K70 Pro and K65 are no exceptions. However, there are subtle differences in how each keyboard handles lighting and customization.
Corsair K70 Pro: Unlimited RGB Customization
The K70 Pro takes RGB lighting to the next level with dynamic, per-key RGB backlighting that can be customized in Corsair’s iCUE software. This means you can program individual keys with different colors, patterns, and effects, making your gaming setup truly stand out.
The iCUE software also allows for macro programming, key remapping, and in-depth profile settings. This makes the K70 Pro an excellent choice for gamers who want full control over the look and functionality of their keyboard.
Corsair K65: Brilliant RGB in a space-saving form
While the Corsair K65 also features dynamic RGB lighting, it doesn’t offer as many customizable options as the K70 Pro. The iCUE software still provides excellent lighting effects, but the lack of dedicated keys may limit customization for certain profiles.
The K65 is perfect for users who want stunning lighting without the complexity of extensive customization. Its compact design still allows for vibrant lighting effects, making it visually appealing without overwhelming the user with too many options.
Performance in Gaming
Performance is arguably the most crucial factor for any gaming keyboard, and both the Corsair K70 Pro vs K65 are engineered for top-tier gaming experiences. However, their target audiences differ slightly.
Corsair K70 Pro: Ideal for Competitive and Casual Gamers
The Corsair K70 Pro is built to deliver performance suitable for both casual gamers and esports professionals. With its full-sized layout, macro capabilities, and wide variety of switches, it offers versatility for different gaming genres. The presence of dedicated media controls also makes it a great choice for streamers and content creators who need quick access to various functions.
With a polling rate of up to 8000 Hz, the K70 Pro provides ultra-fast responsiveness, reducing input lag and ensuring your keystrokes are registered instantly during fast-paced games.
Corsair K65: Optimized for FPS and Competitive Gaming
The Corsair K65, with its tenkey less design and fast-switch options, is perfect for FPS and competitive gaming. Its compact size makes it easier to position on your desk for optimal comfort during intense sessions. The fast actuation of Cherry MX switches ensures lightning-quick reactions, crucial when every millisecond matters.
Because it lacks the number pad, the K65 provides more space for mouse movement, which can be crucial for gamers who rely on precision aiming in FPS titles.
Price and Value for Money
While both the Corsair K70 Pro and K65 offer excellent performance, their price points differ, which can be a deciding factor for many users.
Corsair K70 Pro: Premium Pricing for Advanced Features
The K70 Pro is priced higher due to its premium features, including a full-sized layout, dedicated media controls, a wrist rest, and extensive RGB customization options. For users who want a feature-rich keyboard that excels in both gaming and productivity, the higher price is justified.
Corsair K65: Affordable and Focused on Performance
The K65 offers a more affordable option for gamers who don’t need the extra bells and whistles. Its compact design and focus on performance make the K65 a great choice for competitive gamers seeking top-tier performance at a lower price point. While it lacks some advanced features of the K70 Pro, it still offers excellent value for money, especially for FPS enthusiasts.
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FAQs
1-Which is better for competitive gaming, the Corsair K70 Pro or K65?
The K65 is better suited for competitive gaming due to its tenkey less design and fast-switch options. However, the K70 Pro can also perform exceptionally well, especially for gamers who prefer a full-sized keyboard.
2-Does the Corsair K70 Pro come with a wrist rest?
Yes, the K70 Pro comes with a detachable wrist rest, which adds comfort during long gaming sessions.
3-Can I program macros on both the K70 Pro and K65?
Yes, both keyboards support macro programming through Corsair’s iCUE software, though the K70 Pro offers more customization options due to its larger size and additional keys.
4-Is the Corsair K65 good for traveling?
Yes, the Corsair K65 is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for gamers who travel frequently.
5-Are the RGB lighting options the same on both keyboards?
Both keyboards feature dynamic RGB lighting, but the K70 Pro offers more in-depth customization options through iCUE, while the K65 focuses on delivering vibrant lighting in a smaller form factor.
6-Which keyboard is more affordable?
The Corsair K65 is generally more affordable than the K70 Pro, making it a great option for gamers on a budget.
Conclusion
Choosing between the Corsair K70 Pro vs K65 largely depends on your gaming preferences and setup. If you need a full-sized keyboard with extensive customization options and additional features like media controls and a wrist rest, the K70 Pro is the way to go. However, if you prefer a more compact, performance-focused keyboard that excels in competitive gaming, the K65 is an excellent choice.
Both keyboards deliver exceptional quality, performance, and value for their respective price points. Whether you’re an esports professional or a casual gamer, Corsair has designed these models to meet your specific needs.
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