Usage & Final Thoughts
I’ve been using the K55 RGB Pro XT for the past 2 weeks or so as my main keyboard. It is always hard to move from daily driver mechanical keyboard to a different keyboard for testing reasons, but the K55 RGB Pro was not a horrible transition. The biggest difference you’ll notice is of course the rubber dome membrane switches. These are extremely different than using a mechanical key switch and they feel very different, but I do have to say the typing experience is a very good one. The keys and included wrist rest are very comfortable. Also compared to mechanical switches the membrane switches are very quiet which some people might prefer especially in an office or shared space.
Beyond not having mechanical switches this keyboard has a lot of features you just don’t find on other budget full-size keyboards. You have per-key RGB backlighting that is backed up with Corsair’s iCUE software and there is even hardware lighting so if you plug this in to a PC without iCUE it will still run your desired RGB effect. There are the six G-keys which definitely come in handy in not only gaming situations, but also with video editing and much more. You can configure these with either iCUE or Elgato Stream Deck software. You also get dedicated multimedia buttons and the included wrist rest. All of this for $59.99, you really can’t say much bad about this keyboard given the price.
I mean it does not have the high quality build, volume slider, braided USB cable, USB-pass through, or PBT keycaps like we saw on the K100 RGB, but this keyboard is $170 cheaper! Again it is really hard to fault this keyboard for much given its price. Overall ThinkComputers gives the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT Gaming Keyboard a 9 out of 10 score and our Good Value Award!
Pros:
– Price
– Per key RGB backlighting
– Six G-keys and dedicated multimedia controls
– Included wrist rest
– IP42 dust and spill rated
– Comfortable to use
Cons:
– Membrane switches
– Rubber USB cable
