Corsair K95 RGB Platinum review: a flagship keyboard that does everything right

In our eternal search to find the perfect keyboard for gamers led us to review the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum (Check on Amazon.com), one of the best mechanical keyboards ever made.

The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is a large keyboard, with dedicated macro keys, in addition to the dedicated multimedia controls, game mode key, aluminum frame… But perhaps what most attracted our attention to this particular model is its build quality and, of course, the use of Cherry RGB switches.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum – Design

Once we took it out of the box we realized that it is a keyboard with generous dimensions, but negligible weight, and build quality that really stands out. Its aluminum frame with the brushed metal finish is truly astonishing.

It has all the keys you could think off and even some extras. Let’s start with the column of dedicated macro keys on the left side. These fully programmable keys have a textured finish (and are also slightly higher than the rest) so they are easier to find and use without looking (it will still take a couple of days before you are accustomed to them).

In addition to these special keys, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum also offers dedicated multimedia keys in the upper right corner. We really like the volume control roller (although at the beginning is somewhat hard, we would have liked it looser).

To the left, we find three more keys that allow you to activate and deactivate the game mode, adjust the RGB brightness, and change profiles.

In the lower part, we find the wrist rest, which incorporates a reversible rubber band. It is attached to the keyboard magnetically, so it is very easy to remove it.

All the keys protrude slightly from the frame, allowing you to enjoy its spectacular RGB lighting.

On the rear, we find, in addition to the quality braided cable, an extra USB port that is very convenient in order to connect other peripherals.

In addition, Corsair has added a beautiful LED lighting band (called LightEdge) with 19 light zones that can be configured to our liking.

Finally, the underside features well-distributed rubber support, folding legs, and a very handy X-shaped cable management system so that you can organize the cables of all your peripherals.

Last but not least this keyboard also includes a series of special textured replacement keys, with a textured finish, for FPS and MOBA gamers.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum – Features

The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is a high-end keyboard, so you can expect and receive maximum performance from it…

The famous Cherry MX Speed switches have an activation run of just 1.2mm and an actuation force of just 45 grams. Their total travel is 3.4mm deep, and have a lifespan of about 50 million keystrokes. These are switches especially created for the most demanding gamers, but also for those with rather sensitive fingers.

The activation point is so shallow, and they are so sensitive, that the slightest pressure will cause them to activate, so you should avoid resting your fingers on the keyboard unless you intend to press a key. Otherwise, you will keep pressing keys without realizing it.

The wrist rest offers good support for your hands, and although its surface may not be as spongy as that of other keyboards (such as the Razer Ornata Chroma), it is enough to make a difference.

Last but not least the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum has an internal memory that allows you to store user profiles so that you can switch between them without having to install the CUE software on another computer.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum – Software

Corsair uses the famous (or infamous) CUE (Corsair Utility Engine) software. It is tremendously powerful and useful but also unnecessarily complicated for new users.

While it allows you to customize every aspect of the keyboard to your liking, the truth is that we prefer a more streamlined approach like the Razer software.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum – Performance

Coming from a K70 RapidFire (Check on Amazon.com), I thought that using this Corsair K95 RGB Platinum would have been a piece of cake and I wouldn’t require an adaptation period. Of course, I was wrong. Those macro keys on the left side, caused me at first to position my hands on the keyboard in the wrong place, making a series of mistakes when typing. Long story short, I had to use this keyboard for several hours until I felt completely comfortable writing and gaming with it.

Read more: Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 review: probably the best gaming keyboard on the market

In any case, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is an obviously a game-oriented keyboard and it is designed with gamers in mind. I’m already used to the sensitivity of the MX Speed switches, but if you are not you are bound to mistype quite a lot until you you get used to them. It is a matter of practice though.

On the other hand, they are fabulous for gaming. I used this keyboard with two games: League of Legends and Final Fantasy XIV Online (MMORPG). In LOL where you keep your fingers in the same position and literally smash the keys, it is a joy to game on. Each press is registered at maximum speed and the keyboard behaves perfectly no matter the number of key presses. The sensation of speed while gaming is simply fabulous. In FFXIV you are going to use many (many) more keys, including combinations but the general feeling and the keyboard’s response doesn’t change.

At this point I have to highlight one thing about the macro keys: they are a godsend. Not only they are very handy but they make me play faster: in one of them I made a macro for my “healer” character that: first sends a message warning that I am going to resurrect, then uses a spell called “Swiftcast” (which makes the next spell be cast instantly) and finally casts the resurrection spell. Everything is executed instantly with a single keypress!

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum – Verdict

The Corsair K95 RGB Platinum targets the premium segment of gaming keyboards. For (Check on Amazon.com) you can get it equipped with MX RGB Brown or MX RGB Speed/Silver switches (we focused on the latter since this is a gaming keyboard).

The build quality is at the highest level. The simple and elegant aluminum design has been copied several times but, is still the best in our eyes. The well-implemented dual solution for the wrist rest and the improved CUE software elevate it further up. The additional dedicated macro buttons with a textured surface are the cherry on top.

The only problem is that the high-end gaming keyboard segment has become much more cutthroat. For a device that wants to be perfect, there are some features missing like a second USB port or one that is upgraded to USB 3.0; a removable cable or the three status LEDs that are now RGB would have completed the picture. In the original K95, for example, the 18 dedicated macro buttons on the left side, had been well received by the MMO gamers and were the real highlight of that keyboard.

With the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, the highlight is the light bar at the rear, which is just an optical effect and unfortunately slightly clouded by the slightly uneven illumination. Even if it will not bother most of you that much, we would have liked a perfect machine.

All in all, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is an excellent keyboard, but it comes at a price. One could describe the K95 RGB Platinum as visually an even more beautiful version of the K95 RGB, which renounces some of the macro keys. If this solution does not suit you, you can still buy the Corsair K95 RGB (Check on Amazon.com), which is still an extremely good keyboard.