Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT Review

The Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT is a feature-rich budget gaming keyboard with a spill-resistant design, customizable RGB lighting, and dedicated macro keys. Some users may prefer mechanical switches and dislike the clip-in palm rest. Nonetheless, it's a great choice for gaming enthusiasts.

Performance Comparison

Lighting Customization

The Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT gaming keyboard takes lighting customization to a whole new level. Seamlessly utilizing the iCUE software, customization becomes a breeze, making it an enjoyable experience for users. With an array of options available, the level of customization is truly remarkable. You can choose random colors or alternate between two colors for lighting effects, and even adjust the speed, direction, and starting/stopping points.

The keyboard boasts per-key customization and a splendid selection of presets –- ten in total -– that cater to every taste. With an abundance of color options, you can layer multiple effects to create a mesmerizing visual display. The "Quick Lighting Zone" is a nifty feature that simplifies the process while also allowing users to craft their own zones for a truly personalized experience.

Delving deeper into the realm of personalization, the Corsair iCUE software enables users to design their own vibrant RGB lighting patterns. Let your creativity run wild as you bring your keyboard to life with a multitude of colors dancing at your fingertips.

The RGB lighting doesn't stop at the letters; it envelops the entire key, enhancing the ambiance of your gaming setup. Moreover, the keyboard allows you to create color themes even without the use of software -– just select the presets through the Function keys (Fn + 0-9). You can also adjust the speed and rotation of the effects to your liking, providing an extra layer of customization.

Performance

As far as performance goes, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT gaming keyboard performs fairly well for a budget keyboard, but there are some notable shortfalls.

N-Key-rollover/anti-ghosting is a standout feature, boasting a 12-key selective system. Compared to competitors, the Pro XT excelled in executing various key combinations, even outperforming them in common gaming maneuvers. This exceptional anti-ghosting functionality ensures that every key press is accurately detected, providing a seamless and responsive gaming experience.

Regarding latency, the keyboard utilizes Rubber Dome technology, and while mechanical switches are generally considered superior for gaming, the latency scored moderately with this consideration in mind. While this difference in technology may impact the responsiveness slightly, it does not significantly affect the overall gaming experience.

Ease of Programming and Macros

For this metric, the Pro XT scored perfectly across the board, and rightfully so. This unit is very easy to use, intuitive, and feature-rich. The macro window allows viewing more than seven events at a time, enhancing convenience and control. The programmable buttons proved to be a valuable asset, with the ability to customize what events the macros record, be it delays, keyboard events, mouse clicks, scroll wheel movements, or mouse movement. The option to record macros at your own pace, without the need for quick delays, added to the keyboard's user-friendliness.

On-the-fly macro-making was a breeze, with intuitive steps to record and save macros. Holding the designated macro key initiated the recording process, followed by simple key presses and ending with saving the macro to one of the six dedicated macro keys. The process is straightforward and time-efficient, ensuring quick access to your customized macros during intense gaming sessions.

The presence of six additional 'Macro' buttons proved to be a significant advantage, providing users with ample opportunities to gain in-game advantages by recording macros onboard or programming more complex macros through iCUE. The automatic mouse-clicking feature further enhanced the keyboard's capabilities, while the ability to edit individual events provided even more customization options.

Convenience

In terms of convenience, the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT gaming keyboard proves to be a user-friendly and feature-rich option. We do not fault the Pro XT for being a rubber-dome keyboard, but it does hurt its score in terms of switch type availability. While these switches may not match the customization options of mechanical switches, they still provide a comfortable typing experience for extended gaming sessions.

Keycap swapping is not supported due to the unique design of the rubber dome switches. Although keycap swapping is unlikely for this keyboard, its overall functionality and performance make up for this limitation.

Dedicated media is a highlight of convenience on the Pro XT. Individual keys for essential media controls, such as volume adjustment, playback, and track navigation, enhance the overall ease of use during gaming and media consumption.

USB passthrough is not available on this keyboard. However, the multitude of other user-friendly features ensures that this absence does not hinder its overall convenience.

Palm Rest

The palm rest on the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT gaming keyboard gets the job done but leaves no notable impressions. We noticed a couple of key points during our evaluation. The palm rest has a textured surface that some found slightly irritating on the skin, especially during extended use. However, with a bit of sweat, the grip improved, making it more comfortable. The curved and sharp angle design of the palm rest, along with its shorter length, caused some users to feel like their hands were sliding down, reducing the overall support. It was noted that the texture might also make it challenging to clean thoroughly. On the positive side, the absence of padding prevented additional pressure on the wrist.

While the palm rest had its drawbacks, we found a workaround by placing something under it to reduce the angle, which improved the experience. Overall, the palm rests comfort depends on individual preferences and the level of perspiration on one's hands during use. Consumers seeking a gaming keyboard may find this information valuable in determining whether the palm rest design of the Pro XT suits their needs and preferences.

Should You Buy the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT?

For a budget gaming keyboard, the Pro XT can hold its own with some of the more expensive options on the market. Corsair proves that its products offer a wide variety of customizable options coupled with seamless macro configurations. You won't likely find a better keyboard in its price range.

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