In 2022, we released the CORSAIR K70 PRO MINI WIRELESS, our first hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. This initial foray into the custom mechanical keyboard scene proved a good foundation, but any PC gamer who’s spent time on Reddit or YouTube knows that simply being able to swap the switches isn’t enough.
So, in 2023, we brought you the CORSAIR K70 CORE RGB. This introduced CORSAIR’s first mechanical keyboard switches, known as MLX Reds. The accessible price of the K70 CORE belies the great sound and feel of this keyboard, thanks in no small part to the pre-lubed MLX switches. Good progress, but it’s not hot-swappable.
This is where the CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS comes in as the sum of all the keyboard progress we’ve made thus far. It ships with CORSAIR pre-lubed MLX RED switches, is 5-pin hot-swap compatible, and is totally customizable, requiring only the removal of eight screws. No clips to break, no prying plastic apart. Let’s take a look at the full specs first, then get into the cool stuff.
Ok, that’s a lot of specs, however, listing all this stuff is a specific decision as the enthusiasts who like to customize their keyboards to the Nth degree need to know all the details to ensure their mods will work. Additionally, it’s worth noting here that both cables that connect to the PCB are not soldered in, but we’ll talk about customizability later on.
The most obvious difference between the K65 WIRELESS and our previous mechanical gaming keyboards is the 75% form factor, which is a first for CORSAIR. It’s been a long time coming, too, as this is a form factor very few people can argue with.
Basically, it’s a full-size keyboard that has shed the vestigial Number pad. Given that the Numpad lives on the right-hand side of the keyboard, removing this gives right-handed users about 5 inches of additional mouse space. It’s free real estate. Yes, this is functionally the same as a TKL, however, the 75% condenses the remaining keys resulting in less empty space, so if you’re a TKL loyalist, trying a 75% is a great idea as you get full functionality, with a more refined look. The specific number of keys differs between ANSI and ISO, by the way, so watch out for that if you're after 3rd party keycap sets.
75% ANSI layout
75% ISO layout
Of course, we’ve made keyboards without the numpad for a long time now, 60%, 65%, and TKL boards for example. However, the 60% has no arrow keys, and the 65% has no function keys. Neither of these are strictly speaking vital for day-to-day use, but really make a big difference for PC enthusiasts here and there. Anyone who’s tried to get into and navigate a BIOS without delete, F12, or arrow keys will know what we’re on about right now.
This is where the 75% truly shines. For normal use, and experienced PC tinkering, it has everything you need, nothing you don’t. Plus, it looks a bit cooler than a TKL – in this very opinionated writer’s opinion, anyway.
When it comes to customizability, we understand that there’s some uncertainty. Historically, big-brand keyboards have been difficult to disassemble, full of glue, and solder. This makes it hard to get in there and modify or replace things. Luckily for you, that not the case here.
Once you’ve removed the key caps and switches (cap and switch puller included, of course), disassembly is easy. To open the CORSAIR K65 WIRELESS, you need only remove eight screws from the underside of the keyboard which allows you to separate the top and bottom case. After this, all you need to do is unplug the battery and power button from the PCB.
Once this is done you can separate the layers of the keyboard. None of these are glued together, so if you don’t like the sound-dampening silicon pad in the bottom of the case, you can change it. Same with the polycarbonate switch plate, or the foam between said plate and the PCB.
The straightforward construction and relatively standard design of the components mean that the K65 PLUS WIRELESS is the best keyboard we’ve ever made in terms of customizability, and we’re sure that people will find some pretty weird and impressively creative ways of modifying it.
Ok, “universal” is a strong word, but it really does make sense for the K65 PLUS. Specifically, we’re talking about Mac OS layout and the multiple connectivity options here.
First up are the keycaps. Any that have a different use when used on a Mac have been double printed with Windows and Mac legends, so you can always double check the function regardless of which system you’re using.
Additionally, there’s a switch on the top side next to the slot for the dongle that switches the K65 PLUS between Windows and Mac mode. This is all you need to do if you use both Mac and Windows devices. Additionally, those who like to complement their console with a keyboard will be happy as you can switch the K65 PLUS into a dedicated PlayStation mode via iCUE.
Speaking of switching systems, the K65 PLUS has no shortage of connectivity options. For those of you with an appreciation of the classics, you can go with the tried-and-true USB Type-C cable.
If instead you’re more concerned with keeping a tidy setup and complimenting your sleek wireless mouse, then simply yank the 2.4GHz dongle from its hiding place on the top edge and plug it in to go wireless.
Alternatively, if you’re a frequent laptop user, then simply use Bluetooth. With a modern laptop you might not even have any USB Type-A ports anyway. Additionally, if you flip between multiple systems, you can save up to three Bluetooth devices to the keyboard and cycle between them with the keyboard shortcut handily displayed on the keys under the volume knob.
So, if this sounds like your next keyboard, check out the CORSAIR K65 PLUS WIRELESS at our webstore. If it doesn’t sound like your next keyboard, we have plenty of other options, too. Whatever you go for, happy gaming.
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