I have the old model, that's how it looks at full brightness. It's because the keycaps float above the frame and the led's are basically under it. There's a lot of light bleed
I hope there isn't that much glow. It only needs to be a keyboard. If it does it would unintentionally expand its capabilities....you could twirl a couple of them at a EDM festival, guide aircraft landing on a carrier, direct traffic, recreate a triple rainbow.....
There is alot of light bleed coming from under the keys. That is always the major drawback for Corsair (and many other) mechanical KB's. I stick with Logitech for that reason. They at least embed them a good deal better so its not so hideous.
Far too much light bleed on this very expensive keyboard, which just detracts and becomes gimmicky. The Logitech G910 and PRO has a far better implementation with just etched keys lighting up as per game profiles. Much neater and more professional looking IMO
The 910 is less gimmicky? LOL Looks like a space battle axe. Tape it to a broom and you could go LARPing with it. I agree the lights are too much on this KB though
Forget the lighting options these boards give, I'm referring to the excessive light bleed beneath the Corsair keys, which does not exist on the Logitech versions I mention.
They are excellent for key profiles and much neater, like I said.
I have the old model k95, brown switches. I've had it for I think three or four years, and it's a great keyboard. The switch from 18 macros to 6 is probably for the better, because I only use three macro keys regularly. As for the quality of the keycaps, they have gotten shiny over time, but if I give them a good wash with isopropyl alcohol they look almost as good as new. I think only one of my keys has a bit of the black scraped off from wear. It's a fantastic keyboard that will last a very, very long time. The metal construction is beyond par. The only problem I have with it is not the keyboard, but the software. It's awful. Often, it will not recognize my keyboard and I'll have to unplug and plug it back in to get it recognized again. And it's infuriating to use, because clicking on any of your macros will switch it over to whatever key you have selected, or unbind it if nothing is selected. There's more I'm forgetting, but the software is definitely the worst part of the keyboard.
I have a Cherry Blue based keyboard and I love it.... when it works. I have the same USB issues as you but to the point where I actually have to have two keyboards plugged in as it so rarely works and I can't be arsed faffing to get it to talk. I thought at first it was a failing motherboard as other USB devices were being dodgy as well but I upgraded and the problems persisted Of course it's now not only out of warranty but also had tea dripped in it (on one of the few occasions it worked) so they'd blame that for any issues.
Must say I find the Red switch to be awful and the way they've moved with the Speed one is totally the opposite to what I like, but that's just me. I learnt to type on old fashioned "clicky" keyboards.
Sometimes I feel like you're beatin' a dead horse An I don't know why you'd wont just turn it down You'd like to think that the G910's worth a tad more It may sound funny but you'd think by now I'd be lighted I guess some things never change Never change I ain't quite what you'd call an old soul Still wet behind the ears I been around this post a couple o' times But now the dust is startin' to clear....
I have a Strafe with Reds and now 2 Velocifire VM01's.
The CUE software is terrible. I have it installed on a machine with multiple user profiles, and switching between profiles several times causes the software to crash. The keyboard (Strafe) still works, but any macros or lighting profiles don't work anymore. I have to force quit CUE, restart it, and then unplug and re-plug in the Strafe.
I absolutely love the Velocifire VM01. Bought one as a cheap mechanical for the other PC in the house, and ended up buying another quickly after to use at work. Dare I say I actually prefer the Velocifire to the Strafe that costs 2x as much.
One thing I couldn't see in the review that I'd really like to know: is this keyboard "true" 16.8M colors, or is it like the original K70/K95 RGB which only supports 512 colors and leads to flickering when attempting to emulate 16.8M colors?
When I saw this K95 coming out, I made sure I went and got one of the original K95 with RGB Cherry Brown switches. The price of which should go through the roof like the M95 mouse.
Did get Vortex PBT Doubleshot backlit capable keycaps for it, with all the correct keys from http:\www.MechanicalKeyboard.com in white-on-black and black-on-white, just to mix it up.
I'd like to know how these switches compare to the "hybrid" switches that Razer uses on the Ornata Chroma. I've tried that keyboard (though not for an extended period of time) and quite like the feel of the switches.
If these switches feel like those then I would probably prefer this keyboard over the Razer.
While Razer's software isn't as fully-featured as CUE, I absolutely love my Ornata Chroma! Keys are just perfect for me and it does what I need (and for half the price of the K95 Platinum). Light bleed is nothing like the Corsair units, though not as nice as Logitech.
I have had two K95s (white LED only, cherry red) and they both had LEDs die within months. The typing experience is great, but for this price I expect more from Corsair's QA department. I won't buy another keyboard from them.
Did you get any warranty support from Corsair for them? For a defective product that was less than a year old, it should have been on the company to offer repairs or replacements.
But that was a general problem with regular cherry mx switches with leds added externaly, that was caused by electronic interference from the switch. So not really corsairs fault but general problem with mechanical keyboard, the newer rgb switches have much Much lower failure rate when it comes to leds.
What's the min/avg/max latency/input lag in milliseconds? If any of you are about to respond by mentioning the USB polling rate or similar it proves you don't know what you're talking about on this subject. Because saying the USB polling rate is high and thus the input lag has to be low is like saying monitors with a high refresh rate will always have low input lag. And that's not true: https://displaylag.com/display-database/
That's an inaccurate comparison, and your instinct to compare it to monitors by posting a generic link rather than simply explain the need for response time information points to you not really understanding what it means either. Polling rates can help significantly (you're far more likely to register an input within the same frame with a 1ms polling rate vs. 10ms), but there are other considerations to that (such as whether the peripheral's controller keeps the polling window open, or simply polls at intervals).
This is all functionally irrelevant though. Anyone asking this question seriously is looking for a reason to blame their equipment for their performance, when the margin of error is far more likely to be their own lack of response time and in-game skill. It's essentially a null factor - even in LAN play.
1) Yes polling is important HOWEVER we're talking about gaming keyboards (as per the article) so the polling should already be at the max (1000Hz). If a USB keyboard is polling at low rates it's effectively not a gaming keyboard, or something is wrong (OS etc).
2) There really are significant differences in keyboard latencies: wwwXblackboxtoolkitXcom / responsedevices.html wwwXpstnetXcom /eprimedevice.cfm (broken links due to anandtech spam filter) So far I have not seen any independent measurements proving that gaming keyboards are all practically the same with respect to latency, so are we supposed to take it by faith?
3) Even if you can't get the absolute numbers you can get relative numbers by comparing each keyboard with the same mouse- e.g. use the same mechanical setup to press the spacebar on the keyboard AND the mouse button at the "same" time. See: pastebinXcom/cckQWRwP You can record the sound of the presses at 48KHz and view the recording to adjust things so that the clicks are truly close to the same time. Then after doing a number of measurements you can swap the keyboard with other keyboards and compare the results. For example, I have a logitech PS/2 keyboard that is really slow (50ms slower than my mouse!), and I had a Kalashnikov AK990i keyboard that was faster than the Logitech BUT still slower than my a4tech X7 G800V (which has stuck key issues).
4) You claim it's a null factor "even in LAN play" and yet the evidence is against you. Even 30ms is significant in the twitch gaming world. If everyone has ping times of >500ms then 30ms is not significant. But in LAN play it's like someone playing on the LAN with a ping of 2ms against a someone with a ping of 32ms. Where are the benchmarks proving the latency differences for these gaming keyboards are insignificant? Thus my original question.
5) Last but not least your claim that I'm trying to blame my equipment for my performance is impolite and not a valid nor proper argument. If you choose to argue at this level you have little to contribute to a proper technical discussion.
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nathanddrews - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
Is the glow around the keys mostly from a longer exposure time or is there really that much glow to it?Sparkyman215 - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
I have the old model, that's how it looks at full brightness. It's because the keycaps float above the frame and the led's are basically under it. There's a lot of light bleedManch - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
I hope there isn't that much glow. It only needs to be a keyboard. If it does it would unintentionally expand its capabilities....you could twirl a couple of them at a EDM festival, guide aircraft landing on a carrier, direct traffic, recreate a triple rainbow.....theblacklaser - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
@Manch the lighting is fully configurable in software. You can set the brightness and color to whatever you want.Manch - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
I know. I don't remember what model I have. Its red LED only. Love the build quality. I'm just having a bit of fun about the garish lights.goatfajitas - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
There is alot of light bleed coming from under the keys. That is always the major drawback for Corsair (and many other) mechanical KB's. I stick with Logitech for that reason. They at least embed them a good deal better so its not so hideous.Agent Smith - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
Far too much light bleed on this very expensive keyboard, which just detracts and becomes gimmicky. The Logitech G910 and PRO has a far better implementation with just etched keys lighting up as per game profiles. Much neater and more professional looking IMOManch - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
The 910 is less gimmicky? LOL Looks like a space battle axe. Tape it to a broom and you could go LARPing with it. I agree the lights are too much on this KB thoughphilehidiot - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
Ha!Xinn3r - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
I think he meant the G810 and PRO, as the PRO is essentially a TKL G810. Was just announced too, looks good.Makaveli - Saturday, March 11, 2017 - link
I chose the G810 also because I didn't like the light bleed on the corsair models.goatfajitas - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
Yes, but for the price, you dont get all that light bleed with the G910.Agent Smith - Friday, March 10, 2017 - link
Forget the lighting options these boards give, I'm referring to the excessive light bleed beneath the Corsair keys, which does not exist on the Logitech versions I mention.They are excellent for key profiles and much neater, like I said.
Sparkyman215 - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
I have the old model k95, brown switches. I've had it for I think three or four years, and it's a great keyboard. The switch from 18 macros to 6 is probably for the better, because I only use three macro keys regularly. As for the quality of the keycaps, they have gotten shiny over time, but if I give them a good wash with isopropyl alcohol they look almost as good as new. I think only one of my keys has a bit of the black scraped off from wear.It's a fantastic keyboard that will last a very, very long time. The metal construction is beyond par. The only problem I have with it is not the keyboard, but the software. It's awful. Often, it will not recognize my keyboard and I'll have to unplug and plug it back in to get it recognized again. And it's infuriating to use, because clicking on any of your macros will switch it over to whatever key you have selected, or unbind it if nothing is selected. There's more I'm forgetting, but the software is definitely the worst part of the keyboard.
philehidiot - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
I have a Cherry Blue based keyboard and I love it.... when it works. I have the same USB issues as you but to the point where I actually have to have two keyboards plugged in as it so rarely works and I can't be arsed faffing to get it to talk. I thought at first it was a failing motherboard as other USB devices were being dodgy as well but I upgraded and the problems persisted Of course it's now not only out of warranty but also had tea dripped in it (on one of the few occasions it worked) so they'd blame that for any issues.Must say I find the Red switch to be awful and the way they've moved with the Speed one is totally the opposite to what I like, but that's just me. I learnt to type on old fashioned "clicky" keyboards.
goatfajitas - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
It is a good KB, but hte light bleed is excessive for its price range. Take a look.G910: https://bryanedge.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/orio...
K95: http://lghttp.52430.nexcesscdn.net/802D685/wootwar...
Manch - Wednesday, March 8, 2017 - link
Sometimes I feel like you're beatin' a dead horseAn I don't know why you'd wont just turn it down
You'd like to think that the G910's worth a tad more
It may sound funny but you'd think by now
I'd be lighted
I guess some things never change
Never change
I ain't quite what you'd call an old soul
Still wet behind the ears
I been around this post a couple o' times
But now the dust is startin' to clear....
goatfajitas - Wednesday, March 8, 2017 - link
Took me a minute to catch on :PManch - Wednesday, March 8, 2017 - link
LOL, Im in class for Vrealize. Bored.....Agent Smith - Friday, March 10, 2017 - link
Yup, the G910 gives a much sharper looking key ID than all that light bleed Corsair and other makers offer.I own the K95 and my brother has the G910 and I much prefer Logitech's and its software too!!
zero2dash - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
I have a Strafe with Reds and now 2 Velocifire VM01's.The CUE software is terrible. I have it installed on a machine with multiple user profiles, and switching between profiles several times causes the software to crash. The keyboard (Strafe) still works, but any macros or lighting profiles don't work anymore. I have to force quit CUE, restart it, and then unplug and re-plug in the Strafe.
I absolutely love the Velocifire VM01. Bought one as a cheap mechanical for the other PC in the house, and ended up buying another quickly after to use at work. Dare I say I actually prefer the Velocifire to the Strafe that costs 2x as much.
Friendly0Fire - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
One thing I couldn't see in the review that I'd really like to know: is this keyboard "true" 16.8M colors, or is it like the original K70/K95 RGB which only supports 512 colors and leads to flickering when attempting to emulate 16.8M colors?Taracta - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
When I saw this K95 coming out, I made sure I went and got one of the original K95 with RGB Cherry Brown switches. The price of which should go through the roof like the M95 mouse.Taracta - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
Did get Vortex PBT Doubleshot backlit capable keycaps for it, with all the correct keys from http:\www.MechanicalKeyboard.com in white-on-black and black-on-white, just to mix it up.iamlilysdad - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
I'd like to know how these switches compare to the "hybrid" switches that Razer uses on the Ornata Chroma. I've tried that keyboard (though not for an extended period of time) and quite like the feel of the switches.If these switches feel like those then I would probably prefer this keyboard over the Razer.
Devo2007 - Wednesday, March 8, 2017 - link
While Razer's software isn't as fully-featured as CUE, I absolutely love my Ornata Chroma! Keys are just perfect for me and it does what I need (and for half the price of the K95 Platinum). Light bleed is nothing like the Corsair units, though not as nice as Logitech.Sarchasm - Wednesday, March 8, 2017 - link
The Ornata switches are literally just standard rubber dome switches with a mechanical leaf to make a clicking sound. It's laughable and sad.https://deskthority.net/product-news-f44/razer-orn...
CrimsonKnight - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
I have had two K95s (white LED only, cherry red) and they both had LEDs die within months. The typing experience is great, but for this price I expect more from Corsair's QA department. I won't buy another keyboard from them.BrokenCrayons - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
Did you get any warranty support from Corsair for them? For a defective product that was less than a year old, it should have been on the company to offer repairs or replacements.David_K - Wednesday, March 8, 2017 - link
But that was a general problem with regular cherry mx switches with leds added externaly, that was caused by electronic interference from the switch. So not really corsairs fault but general problem with mechanical keyboard, the newer rgb switches have much Much lower failure rate when it comes to leds.zeeBomb - Tuesday, March 7, 2017 - link
This is a keyboard I'll probably never be able to own...qqlyeoh - Thursday, March 9, 2017 - link
What's the min/avg/max latency/input lag in milliseconds?If any of you are about to respond by mentioning the USB polling rate or similar it proves you don't know what you're talking about on this subject.
Because saying the USB polling rate is high and thus the input lag has to be low is like saying monitors with a high refresh rate will always have low input lag. And that's not true: https://displaylag.com/display-database/
Sarchasm - Friday, March 10, 2017 - link
That's an inaccurate comparison, and your instinct to compare it to monitors by posting a generic link rather than simply explain the need for response time information points to you not really understanding what it means either. Polling rates can help significantly (you're far more likely to register an input within the same frame with a 1ms polling rate vs. 10ms), but there are other considerations to that (such as whether the peripheral's controller keeps the polling window open, or simply polls at intervals).This is all functionally irrelevant though. Anyone asking this question seriously is looking for a reason to blame their equipment for their performance, when the margin of error is far more likely to be their own lack of response time and in-game skill. It's essentially a null factor - even in LAN play.
lyeoh - Monday, March 13, 2017 - link
1) Yes polling is important HOWEVER we're talking about gaming keyboards (as per the article) so the polling should already be at the max (1000Hz). If a USB keyboard is polling at low rates it's effectively not a gaming keyboard, or something is wrong (OS etc).2) There really are significant differences in keyboard latencies: wwwXblackboxtoolkitXcom / responsedevices.html
wwwXpstnetXcom /eprimedevice.cfm (broken links due to anandtech spam filter)
So far I have not seen any independent measurements proving that gaming keyboards are all practically the same with respect to latency, so are we supposed to take it by faith?
3) Even if you can't get the absolute numbers you can get relative numbers by comparing each keyboard with the same mouse- e.g. use the same mechanical setup to press the spacebar on the keyboard AND the mouse button at the "same" time. See: pastebinXcom/cckQWRwP
You can record the sound of the presses at 48KHz and view the recording to adjust things so that the clicks are truly close to the same time.
Then after doing a number of measurements you can swap the keyboard with other keyboards and compare the results. For example, I have a logitech PS/2 keyboard that is really slow (50ms slower than my mouse!), and I had a Kalashnikov AK990i keyboard that was faster than the Logitech BUT still slower than my a4tech X7 G800V (which has stuck key issues).
4) You claim it's a null factor "even in LAN play" and yet the evidence is against you.
Even 30ms is significant in the twitch gaming world. If everyone has ping times of >500ms then 30ms is not significant. But in LAN play it's like someone playing on the LAN with a ping of 2ms against a someone with a ping of 32ms.
Where are the benchmarks proving the latency differences for these gaming keyboards are insignificant? Thus my original question.
5) Last but not least your claim that I'm trying to blame my equipment for my performance is impolite and not a valid nor proper argument. If you choose to argue at this level you have little to contribute to a proper technical discussion.
Irishgamer01 - Thursday, April 6, 2017 - link
NICE RGB, BUT TRUELY AWFUL AS A KEYBOARD.CONSIDERING THE COST. AVOID.
OBVIOUSLY I OWN ONE.
Glenwing - Thursday, December 28, 2017 - link
Typo in the second sentence:"and used it to create the a keyboard regardless of the cost."
Glenwing - Thursday, December 28, 2017 - link
Second sentence of the conclusion I mean