Corsair K68 RGB Review
Category : Keyboards
Published by Luca Rocchi on 05.02.18
With their K68 RGB, Corsair offers a new mechanical keyboard equipped with Cherry MX Red switches. Based on a standard layout and without any additional buttons, this is a high-end product suitable for anybody who likes keyboards with linear actuation force. Apart from that there is a RGB backlight and IP32 certification.
Today we are going to have a close look at the K68 RGB keyboard coming from Corsair. This model ships with Cherry MX switches and RGB LEDs. The K68 RGB is essentially the same keyboard as the company's regular K68, but now with RGB backlighting added to the mix. Like the previous model, the K68 RGB blocks dust and liquid with a rubberized wall around each mechanical switch. The rubber shield doesn't cover the switch entirely, so you can't wash or submerge it under water. However it comes with IP32 rating, which means it can survive water sprays.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Preview
Delivery
The exterior of the Corsair K68 RGB features a huge picture of the keyboard itself. The box also highlights the fact, that the K68 RGB has been equipped with Cherry MX Red switches. On the back we find additional information about the specifications of this keyboard. Inside the box there is apparently the keyboard itself as well as the warranty statement and a small manual. In addition there is a palm rest. In order to gain access to all the customization features you need to browse Corsair's website to download the software, since there is no disk or pen-drive included in the delivery.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Features
| Model number | K68 RGB |
| Keys: | Cherry MX Red |
| Keycaps: | ABS, grip coated |
| Materials: | ABS |
| Interface: | USB 2.0 |
| Cable : | 1.5 m |
| Backlight: | RGB |
| Dimensions: | 455 mm x 170 mm x 39 mm |
| Weight: | 1400 g |
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Closer Look
As soon as you lift the K68 RGB, you realize how sturdy and solid it actually is. Corsair has created a keyboard that gives a sense of maximum quality to the user at any given time. Unlike other models of the same series, the K68 RGB isn't made from aluminium, but high-quality plastic. Apart from that the palm rest features a soft-touch surface with a grippy texture. A closer look at the keycaps reveals they have been laser printed, and therefore the keys feel very smooth and not sticky even if you should have sweaty hands. The K68 RGB is one of the smaller mechanical keyboards we've had for testing so far but as we already mentioned, it still features a comfortable size, especially due to the detachable palm rest.
The layout of the K68 RGB is standard and this keyboard doesn't come with additional macro buttons, but there are few multimedia buttons placed on the top right corner with additional functions. With the K68 RGB, Corsair adds another mechanical keyboard to its portfolio and our sample sports Cherry MX Red mechanical switches which are great for most hardcore gamers. The backlight is RGB with different levels of intensity which can be selected via software. The tactile feedback is very good as well as the perfomance. We also like the fact that the keycaps are grippy.
Back
The flip side of the K68 RGB is not really special. There is an even surface made from plastic and in each corner there is a stand-off, which in order to change the keyboard angle. Apart from that there are no rubber feet with this keyboard. We actually like it when the keyboard is not glued to the desktop, since we're the type of gamers/typists who like to move the keyboard around every now and then.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Software
As soon as you installed Corsair's software, which you'll have to download from the manufacturers website first, you can start to program macros as well as change the lighting. When it comes to macros you can assign them to any key you like, which means you're not limited to different keys on this device. Therefore you can configure pulse, ripple as well as wave effects. Basically it's only your imagination that could set limits to what lighting effect can be set.
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |
Conclusion
| General | + | - | |
| With the K68 RGB, Corsair created a high quality gaming keyboard, which has almost no flaws at all. We like the fact, that this keyboard feels very sturdy, which is partially because of the weight. Apart from there are Cherry MX RGB Red switches, which give you that very typical and linear feel those mechanical switches are known for. Unlike earlier models this keyboard doesn't feature any additional USB port for connecting your mouse or headset. Furthermore we really like the RGB lighting, which looks great and in combination with the Corsair CUE software there are infinite possibilities in terms of looks. Last but not least the K68 RGB comes with IP32 certification, which means that it has been tested for dust and water resistance. |
- Weight
- Design - Backlight - IP-32 |
||
| Manufacturing quality / Ergonomics | + | - | |
| The Corsair K68 RGB gaming keyboard is very comfortable to use as all the keys are well placed and easy to reach which means you will not find yourself pressing a wrong key by accident. Regarding the Cherry MX Red switches we can say, they're precise and linear as usual while providing excellent tactile feedback. We have tested the IP32 certification putting some water on the keyboard and the K68 RGB is still running without any issue. |
- Build quality
- Comfort |
||
| Software | + | - | |
| The software is essential but has everything you need, it is free and fast to get. We do like the fact, that macros can be programmed to each and every key on the K68 RGB and apart from that also the backlight is highly customizable. | - Easy to use - Customizability | ||
| Recommendation / Price | + | - | |
| A closer look at the price of the Corsair K68 RGB reveals that you have to pay 149 Euro in order enjoy this keyboard. For this price you get a gaming keyboard, which features mechanical switches, a very high build quality and a nice RGB backlight. We can definitely recommend this keyobard although the price is a bit steep. |
- Gaming |
- Price | |
| Rating | |||
| The K68 RGB from Corsair receives good 4 out of 5 stars. | |||
| Page 1 - Introduction |
| Page 2 - Photo Gallery / Delivery |
| Page 3 - Features |
| Page 4 - Closer Look |
| Page 5 - Software |
| Page 6 - Conclusion |