Final words and conclusion
Final words and conclusion
The new K65 RGB Pro Mini is a good upgrade from K65 RGB Mini. It’s not a revolution but a good evolution. Tenkeyless keyboards have become even more popular than when the predecessor was checked two years ago. The reviewed product uses the 65% form factor this time (not 60%). It doesn’t make a huge difference (still - arrow keys and G1-G4 are now available), but it’s worth mentioning. Still, it fits well even on a small desk. If you want, you can have it in your backpack, and thanks to the detachable USB cable (Type-C), it’s even easier. It would help to remember that many actions must be accessed using the Fn and related media keys. The Corsair K65 RGB Pro Mini uses Corsair OPX key switches, which should be a safe choice for mech-keyboard newbies. There’s no other option available (the predecessor with MX Reds, which had similar characteristics, the Silent and Speed were also available). It would be nice to have something like MX Browns. The reviewed keyboard comes with PBT keycaps (that’s good, they’re more reliable) but no palm rest. Granted, anything that increases the size defeats the purpose of this form factor. Of course, there’s iCUE. Speaking of this software, the keyboard has dynamic per-key RGB backlighting. The quality is excellent (also thanks to the usage of aluminum chassis, not the plastic one like in the K65 RGB Mini), so there is no reason to complain here. The feet are foldable this time (a good change) and have a rubbery base, so the K65 RGB Pro Mini stays as it should. There's no keycap puller in the bundle.
Aesthetics
The K65 RGB Pro MINI is a nice addition to the range of Corsair keyboards. Thanks to the 65% form factor, it looks subtle and attractive. There are no bold design choices here from the aesthetic point of view, but that makes sense. The LED lighting system works very well (vivid and crisp colors). If you want, you can individually adjust each key to your preference. Even anti-RGB guys should be satisfied, as you can make the backlighting, e.g., all-white, or use it only on some of the keys.
Final words
The mechanical keyboard market was already crowded two years ago (and now it’s even more). Corsair wanted to improve the already good product (K65 RGB Mini earned the Recommended award) to make an impact. We think they succeeded, as the K65 RGB Pro Mini makes nice improvements without raising the prices, at 129.99 USD. Now it’s not a 60% but a 65% form factor, this time without a choice of keycaps (well, that’s not good). There are arrow keys and G1-G4, so the 65% format makes it more useful than the predecessor. This time Corsair used their OPX key switches, which are similar in characteristics to the Cherry MX Red used earlier, but subjectively – overall better performing. Again you get the PBT keycaps, 8.000 Hz polling rate, full NKRO, and 100% anti-ghosting. It’s a great choice for gamers looking for something different. This time it again deserves the “Recommended” award. The quality is good, the keyboard is very rigid (and stable, thanks to the rubbery feet), iCUE works well, and it allows synchronization with other Corsair stuff and per-key lighting adjustment. Corsair OPX switches work great, but that shouldn’t be a surprise, as they are similar in characteristics to the Cherry MX Red and are a safe choice. Speaking of choice, why Corsair decided not to offer any other key switches is hard to understand. Not everyone likes the Fast Linear key switches; some would like something similar to MX Brown or Silent Red. Last but not least – it’s the thing that I had a problem with also the previous time. It was hard for me to get used to hitting the Fn key, accessing the media keys, etc. It has to be done like that, but I make it a hard choice for the daily keyboard (but, for example, my daughter uses the K65 RGB Mini, and she loves it).
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