With their first gaming keyboard, Corsair are aiming straight for the top. Can it compete with the current crop of established mechanical keyboards though?
Product on Review: Vengeance® K60 Performance FPS Gaming Keyboard
Manufacturer and Sponsor: Corsair
Street Price: £93.98 inc. VAT
Corsair have spread their wings to cover many PC components including PSU’s, PC enclosures, SSD’s and of course performance memory. Today, we see that their huge range is once again expanded to include gaming peripherals, specifically from the gaming Vengeance line which includes mice, keyboards, memory and headsets. Today, we turn our focus to the performance fps mechanical gaming keyboard, the K60. There are currently two keyboards in the Corsair Vengeance line-up, the K90 which caters for MMO gamers, and the model we have today, the K60 which is aimed squarely at the FPS gamer.
We have reviewed a number of mechanical keyboards recently and for the most part, have been impressed. Each has brought something new to the table so with Corsairs innovative approach we hope to see some new features along with Corsairs reputable quality assurance. Each of the keyboards we have reviewed did however have their own failings, some were not backlit, some placed style over function, others offered a mixture of features but were lacking in other departments. With the Corsair model being the latest kid on the block hopefully some of this issues have been addressed and because it is priced competitively at £94, it is one of the cheaper mechanical keyboards we have tested. So on paper at least, the Corsair already has the advantage but before we get carried away, let’s take a look at the product and specifications to see how well they match up to the competition.
The gear that brings your gaming to the highest performance
Incredible responsiveness. Precise accuracy. Customizable, reliable controls. Intelligent design. The smallest details and the highly crafted refinements that make all the difference. Vengeance gaming peripherals aren’t typical gaming devices, but elite mice, keyboards and headsets that allow you to perform at your highest level. Brought to you by Corsair — people enthusiastic about performance gaming.
The Corsair Advantage
With a long history of building enthusiast-grade memory and components, we’ve earned a reputation for quality, compatibility, and performance. Need help? We’re available by phone call, email or web forum.
Incredible responsiveness. Precise accuracy. Customizable, reliable controls. Intelligent design. The smallest details and the highly crafted refinements that make all the difference. Vengeance gaming peripherals aren’t typical gaming devices, but elite mice, keyboards and headsets that allow you to perform at your highest level. Brought to you by Corsair — people enthusiastic about performance gaming.
The Corsair Advantage
With a long history of building enthusiast-grade memory and components, we’ve earned a reputation for quality, compatibility, and performance. Need help? We’re available by phone call, email or web forum.
Specification & Features
Specification
– Light, responsive Cherry MX Red mechanical switches for fast, efficient gaming action
– 45g actuation Force
– 2mm to actuation and 4mm to bottom
– Rated for 50 million operations
– Gold contacts*
– Ten (10) additional sculpted FPS keys (W, A, S, D and 1 to 6) for superior reaction and control — interchangeable with the standard keyboard keys Gaming palm rest with soft-touch surface for superior gaming comfort
– Storage for ten (10) sculpted FPS keys
– Key extraction tool included and storable in palm rest
– Six multimedia keys — Stop, Previous, Play/Pause, Next, Mute, Volume Up/Down — with Solid metal, weighted volume “drum roller”
– Windows Lock key for uninterrupted game play
– Metal top plate for increased strength, durability and rigidity
– USB pass-through connector giving easy access to a USB port on the back of the keyboard (USB 2.0/1.1/1.0)
– Selectable report rate: 1000Hz/500Hz/250Hz/125Hz (1ms/2ms/4ms/8ms) response time
– 2m non-tangle cable
– 45g actuation Force
– 2mm to actuation and 4mm to bottom
– Rated for 50 million operations
– Gold contacts*
– Ten (10) additional sculpted FPS keys (W, A, S, D and 1 to 6) for superior reaction and control — interchangeable with the standard keyboard keys Gaming palm rest with soft-touch surface for superior gaming comfort
– Storage for ten (10) sculpted FPS keys
– Key extraction tool included and storable in palm rest
– Six multimedia keys — Stop, Previous, Play/Pause, Next, Mute, Volume Up/Down — with Solid metal, weighted volume “drum roller”
– Windows Lock key for uninterrupted game play
– Metal top plate for increased strength, durability and rigidity
– USB pass-through connector giving easy access to a USB port on the back of the keyboard (USB 2.0/1.1/1.0)
– Selectable report rate: 1000Hz/500Hz/250Hz/125Hz (1ms/2ms/4ms/8ms) response time
– 2m non-tangle cable
Features
Cherry MX Red mechanical key switches
Cherry® MX Red key switches are the best of the best — they provide the sensitivity and low operating force that professional gamers love. Reaction times are ultra-fast and responsive for quicker double and triple taps. The action is predictable and linear unlike lesser gaming keyboards that have a tactile bump or the annoying click of a typist’s keyboard.
Contoured, textured WASD and 1-6 Keycaps
The Vengeance K60 is designed to give you complete control even during the most intense action. The contoured, textured WASD and #1-6 keys are soft to the touch and without slip so you can focus on the game without needing to look down to find the right controls. An extra set of standard typing keycaps and a keycap replacement tool are provided for general typing.
Full key matrix anti-ghosting
Our expertly designed anti-ghosting technology provides flawless control even when you’re pressing multiple keys at once. The K60 has individual switches with dedicated diodes for each switch so every key press results in an input and is 100% ghost free without trade-off or compromise.
20-key rollover (20KRO) on USB
Typical USB gaming keyboards are limited to the USB standard six-key rollover. The K60 features increased performance with a 20-key rollover implementation on USB at a blazing fast 1ms (1000 reports per second) reporting rate.
Professional-grade brushed aluminium chassis with laser etched keys
The comfortable yet rugged design is ideal for single player or LAN party gaming and provides increased durability and stability when compared those that are primarily plastic. The stiff suspension chassis and the laser etched keys are made for durability so they won’t degrade over time.
Cerry MX Red Keys
The K60’s Cherry MX Red key switches provide the sensitivity and low operating force that professional gamers love.
Ergonomic wrist rest
Wrist Pad
The ergonomic soft-touch wrist rest helps you play for hours without fatigue. It even doubles as a safe and secure holder for the included spare set of WASD and #1-6 keycaps.
Easy access multimedia controls
Control all of your music with the easy access media controls.
USB pass-through
A USB port on the back of the Vengeance K60 gaming keyboard makes connecting your mouse or other USB devices a simple task.
Cherry® MX Red key switches are the best of the best — they provide the sensitivity and low operating force that professional gamers love. Reaction times are ultra-fast and responsive for quicker double and triple taps. The action is predictable and linear unlike lesser gaming keyboards that have a tactile bump or the annoying click of a typist’s keyboard.
Contoured, textured WASD and 1-6 Keycaps
The Vengeance K60 is designed to give you complete control even during the most intense action. The contoured, textured WASD and #1-6 keys are soft to the touch and without slip so you can focus on the game without needing to look down to find the right controls. An extra set of standard typing keycaps and a keycap replacement tool are provided for general typing.
Full key matrix anti-ghosting
Our expertly designed anti-ghosting technology provides flawless control even when you’re pressing multiple keys at once. The K60 has individual switches with dedicated diodes for each switch so every key press results in an input and is 100% ghost free without trade-off or compromise.
20-key rollover (20KRO) on USB
Typical USB gaming keyboards are limited to the USB standard six-key rollover. The K60 features increased performance with a 20-key rollover implementation on USB at a blazing fast 1ms (1000 reports per second) reporting rate.
Professional-grade brushed aluminium chassis with laser etched keys
The comfortable yet rugged design is ideal for single player or LAN party gaming and provides increased durability and stability when compared those that are primarily plastic. The stiff suspension chassis and the laser etched keys are made for durability so they won’t degrade over time.
Cerry MX Red Keys
The K60’s Cherry MX Red key switches provide the sensitivity and low operating force that professional gamers love.
Ergonomic wrist rest
Wrist Pad
The ergonomic soft-touch wrist rest helps you play for hours without fatigue. It even doubles as a safe and secure holder for the included spare set of WASD and #1-6 keycaps.
Easy access multimedia controls
Control all of your music with the easy access media controls.
USB pass-through
A USB port on the back of the Vengeance K60 gaming keyboard makes connecting your mouse or other USB devices a simple task.
Packaging & First Look
The outer front packaging is in typical Corsair style and very nicely done. Aside from the main picture and product title, there is a partial window cut-out showing the WSAD area of the keyboard. Unlike the keyboards we have tested previously, the overall package is much smaller than usual yet still carries a hefty weight.
Flipping the box over we see a full picture of the keyboard along with a multilingual introduction and feature list. Upon removing the outer sleeve of the packaging, I was surprised that there was no inner box other than a cardboard tray holding the keyboard. I guess this makes some sense as this allows the keyboard to be seen from the window on the front of package and the tray does afford adequate protection to the keyboard itself.
Other than the keyboard, the contents at first glance appear fairly basic with a product catalogue and warranty leaflet which is joined by a very small wrist rest.
Rather than opting for a full length wrist rest, Corsair decided to go with just a small rest designed to be clipped to the underside of the keyboard adjacent to the WSAD keys which fr all intents and purposes are the average gamers preferred setup. The wrist rest opens up to reveal both a key-pull and a spare set of sculpted replacement red keys (more on these later).
The keyboard itself feels very weighty for it’s size. The weight can be explained by the use of an brushed aluminium top plate which is very sturdy and certainly gives off that quality feel to the product. Notable by its absence is the key set frame. Rather than have the keys sitting flush against the keyboard base, Corsair elected to have the keys standing proud which may look odd at first but there is method to this madness…
Closer Look
K60 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
As stated previously, the aluminium finish of the keyboard is very luxurious and with the contrasting black key set sets this keyboard apart from the crowd. All of the keyboards we have seen previously adopt a black plastic frame but the Corsair K60 looks very plush in comparison.
Keyboard Back
The back of the K60 has little of interest apart from the keyboard stands, of which their are four – two at the top and two at the bottom so the keyboard can be adjusted to your preference. Also note that there are two notches towards the bottom ogff the keyboard which allow the fitment of the mini-wrist rest. Sadly this is the only position it can be fitted.
Keyboard Legs
The legs themselves appear to be fairly robust, more so than some of the competition which only serves to further the keyboards appeal as I have heavily criticised some keyboards which skimp on this area which is crucial if you use leg stands because if one snaps, the keyboard will be rendered useless by those (such as myself) who prefer a keyboard in the tilted position. The leg stands add just shy of 10mm in elevation.
Profile
Here you can see just how far the keys are raised away from the platform. This will make cleaning the keyboard so much easier as any crumbs, hair or other foreign objects can be more easily retrieved/clean away when there isn’t a frame in the way.
Media Controls
The K60 features basic media controls via a combination of buttons and a scroll wheel. Sadly the buttons, while coloured aluminium, are painted plastic. The wheel however is metal and is not too stiff, not too loose – perfect for controlling the volume with an element of precision. You will also notice the padlock button. This disables the windows key which can periodically be the bane of gamers. The small led’s are white and are not so bright that they will interfere with your vision during dimly lit gaming sessions.
Braided Cable
I’m pleased to report that the K60 features a fully braided (dense weave) USB cable. It is worth noting at this point that the Corsair K60 does not feature full nKey roll-over functionality. ‘Only’ 20 key actuations will be detected at once which is the current limit of USB 2.0. This may seem like a problem for some but unless you are an Octopus with 6 digits on each appendage, 20 detections should be ample!
USB port
One area which I did find lacking was the I/O area. Every other mechanical keyboard we have featured has had both twin USB ports and basic audio outputs. Sadly the Corsair K60 has to make do with just a single USB 2.0 port.
Let’s take a closer look at this keyboard…
Closer Look Pt.2
Brushed Aluminium
As mentioned previously, the keyboard backplate features a slab of brushed aluminium which streches all of the way across the keyboard. Not only does it look very attractive but it also serves to strengthen the keyboard which will certainly come in handy during those moments of frustration!
Textured keys
The replacement key set below, along with the space bar are all textured as opposed to the relatively smooth standard keys. It’s little details such as this that impress on the Corsair unit.
Key removal
Removing and replacing the keys was a cinch thanks to the included key pull-ring. Each key came away from the keyboard with a slight tug and the spare keys were set in place with a firm push. Adding replacement keys is a must for a gaming keyboard because overtime, the extra, lengthy presses on your preferred control keys will wear out the font making the keyboard look rather unsightly.
Cherry Red MX Switches
Rather than opt for the more popular Cherry MX Black switches, Corsair have implemented the Cherry Red design which require less actuation force (45g) as opposed to the 60g needed for the Cherry MX Blacks. Like the blacks though, the Red switches are non-tactile and linear in operation. they are also reportedly more expensive than the Cherry black switches which may explain my findings below…
Rubber membrane
As you can see from the picture above, not all of the keys are mechanical in nature with the function keys and page controls being traditional rubber membrane. Corsair do however state and to a certain extent I agree that these keys are usually only pressed once and as such you do not want the speed of Cherry MX red mechanical switches and as such the rubber domed keys work better in this instance. These keys are tuned to the same weight as the mechanical switches but the aditional dampening effect should prevent unwanted double tapping.
Replacement Keys
While most gamers will know where WSAD are on a keyboard, the replacement keys are also highlighted by a bright red colour. The keys also have a rubberised texture to them and are individually sculpted towards a central position for comfort when gaming.
Let’s move on to the performance testing of the keyboard…
Performance Testing
General Use
To put the keyboard through its paces there is no better way than writing up this review.
The Cherry MX Red switches receive both criticism and praise for the lightness of touch needed to press. For typing, I find the Cherry red keys to be near perfect. Sure, the actuation takes a little getting used to and the keys do tend to bottom out much more easy. The keys have an actuation point of 2mm and bottom out with 4mm of travel. When starting the review I did find the key presses to be a little odd but it wasn’t long before the keyboard felt comfortable to use – for the most part.
Typing anything of length will result in your hands beginning to cramp up. The lack of a full-length wrist rest meant my wrists were hovering rather than resting, putting more strain on both my arms and the backs of my hands. If you have the sculpted spare key set installed, this only makes typing even worse due to the sculpted nature of the keys which rather than being cylindrical like the ‘normal’ keys, the spare set are angled towards one another for comfort when gaming – not typing. When pressing any of the function/page keys you will immediately notice the difference despite their ‘tuned’ (dampened) operation which also feels odd after typing on the mechanical switches.
Overall then, for light general use, this keyboard will suffice. For heavy writing, there are much more comfortable products on the market, mechanical and rubber-domed versions.
Gaming
Having an excuse for a night on Battlefield 3 is always a good thing and having the K60 as your platoon companion makes the whole experience even better. Here is where the K60 shows it’s metal. The sculpted keys were extremely comfortable during game-play, even after extended periods. Thanks to the rubberised coating ensured my sweaty fingers(and greasy after a midnight snack!) never once slipped from the keyboard and the mini-wrist rest was a pleasure to use.
I can now appreciate the reasoning for not having a full length wrist pad as they can become cumbersome and get in the way of mouse movements so for this design Corsair should be commended. After my late night/early morning cheese on toast remnants were blown from the keyboard, it looked as good as new again, ready and waiting for more abuse I could throw at it. The K60 is therefore an extremely good gaming keyboard regardless of whether you are a pie munching n00b or a seasoned pro – either skill level will appreciate the thought that has gone into the K60.
With my testing complete it’s time we rounded the review off with my concluding thoughts of the Corsair K60 performance fps mechanical Gaming Keyboard…
Conclusion
The Corsair K60 is a very good keyboard of that there can be no doubt. It’s performance in the gaming testing was exemplary and produced no faults whatsoever. Throughout the gaming sessions (and since) it has performed at the very highest level and would be comfortable rubbing shoulders with the best gaming keyboards available. The gaming replacement keyset is worthy of another mention as they really are very comfortable to use for long periods of time thanks to the rubber texture and sculpted design.On the negative side I was initially puzzled by Corsairs choice to use a combination of mechanical switches and rubber domed keys. While I would agree that the function keys are not regularly pressed during gaming and thus do not need the speed of Cherry MX switches, the dull feel of rubber after using mechanical switches is not a pleasant feeling and you can’t help but think this was a cost saving measure rather than a performance enhancement. This figures as at £94 which is towards the low end price for mechanical keyboards and the fact it uses the more expensive Cherry red switches, I guess compromises had to be made.
As a general keyboard, it is ‘only’ average. It is very difficult to report on how a keyboard ‘feels’ when typing as individual preference purveys bias that perhaps could be deemed unfair by some. Without the gaming key set in place, it is not a bad keyboard to type on by any means would so while the Cherry red switches on a concise keyboard are perhaps not best suited for me, they may well be perfect for you. You also have to consider (and this is my biggest problem) that there is no full-length wrist rest. The wrist rest for the WSAD gaming setup is near perfect for gaming, it is however useless for general use and thus it has to be removed leaving you with aching hands should you type for lengthy periods.
Herein lies the issue with the Corsair K60 keyboard. It does some things extremely well (gaming) but there are always caveats to consider. In gaming, it is sublime of that there can be no doubt but the omission of a full mechanical switched keyboard leaves a bitter taste in the mouth – regardless of whether you would use all of the keys repeatedly or not. Cherry reds may also be perfect for typing (for some) but not including a full length wrist rest made the process of writing up this review uncomfortable. Having a USB port is good but competitors have two. Personally I am not interested in audio ports on a keyboard as this has never been done very well due to the physics involved (extra connections will always reduce audio quality) so thumbs up to Corsair for cutting this from their product. I loved the idea of the raised keys as this will ensure your keyboard looks better for longer and thanks to the 50 million keystrokes of Cherry MX reds, backed up by Corsair’s class leading warranty service (2 years) should mean you have lots of use out of this product.
You may well feel I have been overly harsh on this product because as a gaming product it does excel. It does, after all, what it is designed to do and should be congratulated on a job very well done indeed. However, I can’t help feeling that Corsair could have done that little bit better, that little bit more because what is actually a very, very good product could have so easily been one of, if not the best product on the market today. Corsair are widely known for being class leaders in whatever they put their hand to so to test a component that was not perfect in every way is unusual for a Corsair product! In fairness though, you would not buy this keyboard for general use. It is a gaming peripheral through and through. Perhaps for typing or a more rounded example you may wish to consider the K90, also from the Vengeance range which we hope to review in the near future. If gaming however, is your bag then look no further than the Corsair Vengeance K60.
I have no doubts that this product will be seen at LAN events worldwide though because if you are up for a frag-fest, be it in a major auditorium or locked away in your bedroom, this keyboard will serve you extremely well. I thought long and hard about what award to give the K60 as it was clearly deserving of one but which to give? On the one hand it falls short of being a well rounded, multi-purpose keyboard. If you intend on doing a great deal of typing I would consider looking elsewhere. On the other hand the Corsair K60 has looks and gaming performance to be the envy of it’s competitors. So were it a gaming award, it would be a clear gold winner. However, we rarely have two keyboards on our desks so it loses points for its everyday performance. Therefore, with the pluses and minus’s taken into consideration, I think a silver award on this occasion meets on the middle ground and gives a fair reflection of what is a great first keyboard from Corsair.
Pros:
+ Brushed aluminium mid-plate
+ Cherry Red MX switches
+ Sculpted spare key set
+ Ergonomic gaming wrist rest
+ Long braided cable
+ Raised Key set
Cons:
– Rubber domed Function and Paging keys
– Only 1 USB hub
– No full length wrist rest included
– No back-light
+ Brushed aluminium mid-plate
+ Cherry Red MX switches
+ Sculpted spare key set
+ Ergonomic gaming wrist rest
+ Long braided cable
+ Raised Key set
Cons:
– Rubber domed Function and Paging keys
– Only 1 USB hub
– No full length wrist rest included
– No back-light
Click here for an explanation of our awards at Vortez.net. Thanks to Corsair for providing today’s review sample.
