Corsair is considered one of the top gaming brands in existence. In my opinion, its mechanical keyboards live up to that reputation. Exclusive partnerships with Cherry resulted in some new switch types over the past few years, which benefited the industry as a whole. Corsair has been in the gaming peripheral industry for a long time and has excelled in making gaming mechanical keyboards. MX Silent switches reduce noise and MX Speed switches decrease the time it takes for each press to reach the computer, an essential factor in pro gaming. When you view pages that sell Corsair products, always check the pricing on each switch type. Supply and demand can drive some prices up, so choosing a different switch may result in a better deal.
If you need an introduction to mechanical keyboards in general, take a look at our start page. If you need more information about switches, we have a page for that too. You can also ask questions on social media or in the comments section.
In this guide and list, we’ll look at the best Corsair gaming mechanical keyboards for everyday use. We’ll start with Corsair’s cheapest models and then work our way up to the more expensive ones. Regardless of price, all of the mechanical keyboards in this list are perfect for everyday gaming and will fit any PC gaming rig.
Corsair K65
| Pros | Cons |
| Small footprint for a low price | Some users may miss backlighting |
| Aluminum upper case and excellent build quality | Nonstandard bottom row |
| Removable cable | Pad printed keycaps |
The Corsair K65 is Corsair’s earliest tenkeyless (TKL) mechanical keyboard model. It features their typical aluminum upper case, a removable cable, and a textured space bar. MX Red switches ensure a smooth and light gaming experience. It isn’t backlit, which may turn gamers who enjoy dark rooms away. If you don’t mind a little bit of ambient light and the TKL form factor, it’s definitely worth investigating. Few Cherry keyboards are cheaper. I’d highly recommend this model for those seeking a portable, compact, or simplistic gaming keyboard.
Read through Bjorn3d’s review to see if it’s right for you.
Corsair K63
| Pros | Cons |
| Backlighting may prove useful | Plastic case |
| Decent build quality | Nonstandard bottom row |
| Portable small form factor | Keycaps are painted and etched |
This rarely mentioned product marks a small sidegrade in Corsair’s tenkeyless line. It offers dedicated media keys, a vibrantly colored plate, and a short bezel. The net result is an attractive keyboard that shares many features with the STRAFE, which is next on our list. The Corsair STRAFE lacks media keys, so if you’re a music or film addict the K63 is an ideal budget board. Again, this is definitely recommended for those looking for a nice compact mechanical keyboard that’s also aesthetically pleasing.
Read Bjorn3d’s review for more information.
Corsair STRAFE
| Pros | Cons |
| Reasonable price for a full size MX board | Plastic case |
| Decent build quality | Nonstandard bottom row |
| Additional gaming oriented keycaps | Keycaps are painted and etched |
The Corsair STRAFE is an entry-level model in Corsair’s full-size lineup. Costs cuts resulted in fewer media buttons and a plastic chassis. It doesn’t come with a wrist rest either. Unless you’re looking for more media keys and a premium gaming experience, this mechanical keyboard will suffice. In fact, I would say that it suits offices and gaming setups. A number of switches are available, so look around to see what’s kicking around on Amazon before making a final choice. We’ve linked the variant with MX Silent switches as it has the best-featured photos. This landmark Corsair keyboard is well-known in the gaming and keyboard community which means it has a lot of credibility and reviews to look at.
Our STRAFE RGB review covers a similar model, so check it out.
Corsair K70 RAPIDFIRE
| Pros | Cons |
| Ideal gaming switches | Wrist rests aren’t healthy for typists |
| Aluminum upper case | Nonstandard bottom row |
| Nice accessory package | Keycaps are painted and etched |
The Corsair K70 RAPIDFIRE does everything a pro gamer would want and more. The original K70 mechanical keyboard did as well, but I selected the RAPIDFIRE because its forebear is rarely in stock on Amazon. Additional gaming keycaps are bundled in the packaging, it boasts a USB passthrough port, and it features Corsair’s sought-after volume roller. It’s what most people need in a gaming keyboard. Sure, you can purchase LEDs and additional features. They’re primarily cosmetic. If you don’t mind the lack of beautification options, the K70 RAPIDFIRE offers precisely what most gamers need.
The K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE is very similar. We reviewed it a while back, so feel free to take a look.
Corsair K70 LUX
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved controller | Wrist rests aren’t healthy for typists |
| Aluminum upper case | Nonstandard bottom row |
| Nice accessory package | Keycaps are painted and etched |
The K70 LUX is a refreshing gaming keyboard that has a unique style. It keeps a USB passthrough port and various other features. Its primary selling point is an improved controller, which allows for more fluid lighting effects and macros. If you don’t need the additional lighting control or macro capabilities, I recommend choosing the cheapest K70 possible. Right now that crown goes to the Corsair RAPIDFIRE, but prices fluctuate greatly as stock is shifted around. So long as you keep an eye out for deals, you can get a solid Corsair gaming keyboard for relatively cheap.
You can look to our K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE review for more information, as backlighting is the only difference between models.
Corsair STRAFE RGB
| Pros | Cons |
| Cheapest Corsair RGB | Plastic case |
| Decent build quality | Nonstandard bottom row |
| Textured gaming keys | Keycaps are painted and etched |
The STRAFE RGB is the entry-level multi-colored LED keyboard in Corsair’s full-size lineup, and it shares much with the less expensive monochromatic variant. Costs cuts resulted in fewer media buttons and a plastic chassis. A wrist rest was added to the package, which is useful for gamers. The STRAFE RGB’s pricing varies wildly based on the switch type you select, which is true of all Corsair mechanical keyboards. Be sure to view red and brown switch variants on Amazon to find the best price.
We covered the STRAFE RGB shortly after its release, you can find the review keyboard here. Looking through our review might prove helpful.
Corsair K95
| Pros | Cons |
| Tons of macro keys | Macro key extension is plastic |
| Decent build quality | Nonstandard bottom row |
| Textured gaming keys | Keycaps are painted and etched |
The Corsair K95 mechanical keyboard appends macro keys to the K70 chassis. It also includes a USB passthrough port. No-textured gaming keys are included in the package. If you don’t mind those limited caveats, the K95 will serve you well as a gaming mechanical keyboard. Competitive games don’t allow macros, especially at tournaments, so it wouldn’t make sense to use it in such circumstances. If you’re playing local multiplayer or single-player games that don’t penalize macro use it won’t present a problem. It might even streamline your gaming experience. On the other hand, graphic designers and 3D modelers might find the banks of macro keys useful in a professional setting. That’s where I see the Corsair K95 keyboard going above and beyond.
Take a look at Proclockers’ review to learn more about the K95 mechanical keyboard.
Corsair K70 LUX RGB
| Pros | Cons |
| Improved RGB controller | Wrist rests aren’t healthy for typists |
| Aluminum upper case | Nonstandard bottom row |
| Nice accessory package | Keycaps are painted and etched |
This is a direct upgrade from the K70 LUX keyboard that adds RGB backlighting to the mix. It’s key-switches improve light concentration, but few (if any) other changes were implemented. The USB passthrough port remains. Accessory keycaps and a wrist rest are still there. In essence, it’s the first high-end RGB keyboard in Corsair’s lineup of gaming mechanical keyboards. If you want RGB lighting it’s a great choice. If you don’t think you need the extra color, going monochromatic might be a better financial decision, though it may take away from your gaming rig.
Corsair K65 LUX RGB
| Pros | Cons |
| Small tenkeyless footprint | Cable isn’t removable |
| Aluminum upper case and excellent build quality | Nonstandard bottom row |
| RGB backlighting | Painted and etched keycaps |
This updated version of the K65 offers a wrist rest, RGB backlighting, and a USB passthrough port. Its controller and switches have been optimized for RGB lighting as well. It has a few additional keys for volume and other simple functions, but it doesn’t have the nice volume roller that typically defines Corsair’s high-end keyboards. I also think that a removable cable, even if it used a proprietary connector, would have been a good idea.
Tenkeyless models are typically intended to be portable, especially high-end variants, and fixed cables impede that functionality. There really isn’t much else to discuss, as this is a somewhat minimalist model. The great thing about its simple look is that it is compatible with most PC gaming setups and isn’t too flashy like most mechanical keyboards.
Gamersnexus has a fairly detailed review up that touches on soldering, which I found interesting.
Corsair K95 RGB
| Pros | Cons |
| Tons of macro keys | Macro key extension is plastic |
| Decent build quality | Nonstandard bottom row |
| RGB backlighting | Keycaps are painted and etched |
The Corsair K95 RGB doesn’t include a USB passthrough port due to its high power draw. RGB backlighting is notorious for pushing the envelope in USB 2.0 implementations, though 3.0 tends to handle it well. With that exception, it’s essentially the same as its cheaper monochromatic relative.Buy it if you want RGB backlighting and need an army of macro keys. As a final note, the textured FPS and MOBA keycaps aren’t included in this package.
Rocket Jump Ninja’s video review provides a ton of valuable details.
Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM
| Pros | Cons |
| Bank of macro keys | Fewer macro keys than K95 RGB |
| Excellent build quality | Nonstandard bottom row |
| RGB backlighting | Keycaps are painted and etched |
Corsair’s recent refresh of the K95 gaming keyboard ditched the plastic appendage on the left-hand side of the keyboard. Removing the extension limited the number of macro keys that could be added, but it upped the consistency of the fit and finish in a pleasant way. RGB edge lighting and logo lighting add to the aesthetic. Because there are fewer keys to drive (and due to USB 3.0’s improved current capacity) the USB passthrough port returns on this variant of the K95. Certain variants of this keyboard can dip below the last-gen K95 RGB in price, so it’s worth researching both options. This is perfect for hardcore gaming and expensive or flashy gaming rigs.
Tweak Town has a great review up that includes a tear down. I think tear downs are vital, as they make additional assembly related critique possible.
Corsair RAPIDFIRE keyboards
| Pros | Cons |
| Faster keyswitches | More expensive than standard |
| Excellent build quality | No additional features |
| All from Corsair’s premium line | Difficult to acquire at times |
Corsair offers RAPIDFIRE branded gaming keyboards at premium prices. The K65 RGB, K70, and K70 RGB received RAPIDFIRE updates, though other options like the K95 can have MX Speed switches as well. MX Speed and Speed RGB switches are optimized for gaming, which may justify the price hike for some users. A high activation point means that your key presses are registered slightly faster which can be essential for competitive fast-paced gaming.
If you’re a top tier competitive gamer, the extra milliseconds that Speed switches save could be a game changer. For people like me, who are closer to the center of the bell curve, the difference will be negligible. High activation points also benefit typists who don’t bottom out. If that’s your style, Speed switches might offer you a WPM advantage. If you prefer bottoming out or saving your wallet, it’s probably better to go with cheaper options like RGB Red or standard Red switches.
Corsair’s best keyboard?
There is no single “best gaming keyboard” in Corsair’s mechanical lineup, as each gamer has different needs. I do, however, have a favorite. The K70 RAPIDFIRE — in its non-RGB form — offers everything a gamer needs in a reasonably priced package. This mechanical keyboard even includes a high-end build quality. An aluminum upper case and volume roller are features that I respect greatly. With the Corsair K70, you get the functionality, gaming aesthetics, and a good price. This mechanical keyboard is just great for everyday typing or gaming, which is why it’s an easy buy for me.
Remember to use your own discretion, though. If you see something that you like, such as a removable cable or RGB backlighting, don’t hesitate to select a different model. It’s pretty much impossible to buy a bad Corsair mechanical keyboard. My last bit of advice involves their software. Do some reading on it first. Ensure that you’re prepared, as it can require some time investment to grasp.
That wraps up our list for the best Corsair gaming mechanical keyboards! We covered a lot in this review in order to find the best Corsair keyboard that fits both your wallet, gaming needs, and gaming rig. GoMK has had ample opportunity to test out Corsair mechanical keyboards in person. I highly recommend you look at our other hands-on reviews if you’re interested in a particular keyboard. But also, you can’t go wrong with a gaming keyboard from Corsair, they have a reputation for quality and customer assurance.
Once again, feel free to ask questions via social media or this site’s comment system. Have fun shopping!