Introduction
Corsair K65 RGB Pro Mini review
A K65 that is so mini-mini and so pro-pro
The Corsair K65 RGB Pro Mini is a successor to the K65 RGB Mini that we had a chance to check over two years ago. Again it’s a small-factor, mechanical keyboard with per-key RGB backlighting (customizable via Corsair’s ICUE software). There’s an 8 MB of onboard storage, which allows you to save up to 50 (depending on complexity) onboard profiles with custom macros, and your own uniquely vibrant RGB lighting effects, with up to 20 lighting effects (with Corsair Axon), which is possible. You also get 100% anti-ghosting technology and full n-key rollover. The keycaps are (depending on the regional layout SKU):
- PBT double-shot keycap set, 1.5mm thick, backlight compatible
- Polycarbonate keycap set, backlight compatible
PBT should bring more durability than ABS. Wear, fading, and shine should be much less significant, and with the 1.5 mm thickness, stability will be improved as well. The Corsair K65 RGB Pro Mini is powered by Corsair AXON Hyper-Processing Technology, which should allow transmission of inputs to your PC up to 8x faster than in conventional gaming keyboards with 8,000 Hz hyper-polling. There’s also 4,000 Hz key scanning.
So, what’s different here vs the predecessor? First – it’s a 65% format now, not the 60% (so you get the arrows and del/pg up/pg down, also used as G1-G4). Then - it’s not the Cherry MX (Red in a previous review, Silent, and Speed were also available) but the Corsair OPX optical switches. They are Fast Linear – with 45g actuation force, 1.0mm actuation, and 3.2mm travel, and guaranteed 150 million keystrokes. So, in general, their characteristics are similar to the Reds, but with lower actuation (1, not 2 mm) and total travel (3.2, not 4 mm). The K65 RGB Pro Mini uses a strong, sturdy aluminum frame in anodized black with a brushed finish, so that’s another change vs the plastic used in the K65 RGB Mini. The dimensions are 315(L) x 105.4(W) x 35.8(H) mm / 12.4(L) x 4.15(W) x 1.41(H) in, and the weight is 0.6 kg / 1.32 lbs. The provided USB cable is 1.82m / 6ft long, USB Type-C to Type-A, detachable, using the black, braided fiber.
