FOR SOFTWARE TIPS, READ BELOW TO FIRST UPDATE****
This is the first mechanical keyboard I've ever owned, so take whatever cautions you deem appropriate when evaluating this review. I have searched far and wide to find the best keyboard fit for me. I decided that I would invest in a mechanical keyboard. My gaming-to-typing ratio is about 4:1, so I wanted the perfect gaming keyboard that would also be good for typing. I have spent hours researching the perfect keyboard, and settled on this one.
I have had the keyboard for approximately 30 minutes. I will update this review if I experience any significant positive or negative changes that warrant discussion.
For those who are also mechanical keyboard n00bs, understand one thing: this will be a totally different typing experience from a silicon-dome keyboard. It feels more precise, but it will take some getting used to. I can already see that I type like an elephant on these things, and I'm not particularly heavy-handed. It is incredibly easy to bottom-out on Cherry XM Reds. I did not try any Cherry XM switches prior to this purchase, mainly because I thought it was absurd to BUY a test switch, and I could not find a local retailer who had them in stock for testing. (Note: If you have a Microcenter near you, I have heard from multiple sources that they have mechanical keyboards available to test).
Even using the keyboard for a few minutes, I feel that I get enough of a satisfying "bump" that I was initially looking for in the Browns. Someone who is WAYYY more experienced with these switches may have different views, but to a mechanical keyboard n00b, I think the reds provide enough of a tactile sensation that is satisfying. I should note that the reason I did not purchase the Browns was because it would have taken several weeks to arrive and my old keyboard was broken, but I am very happy with the Reds! In addition, I can tell that these switches will take some getting used to over a silicon-dome keyboard. I think that, over time, my keystrokes will become "lighter" and that I will adapt to the linear function of the Reds. But, as another user noted, even the Reds are somewhat noisy. Not so much so that you go nuts, but it's noticeable--and that's expected for a mechanical keyboard n00b. I will likely invest in some O rings if I find myself super annoyed by it. But, right now, it's fine.
The device itself meets all expectations. It looks great, it has a nice sleek profile, and does not feel cheap. It is certainly sturdy, and the lighting looks amazing. Surprisingly, it's a bit smaller than I anticipated, but that's not a bad thing. The wrist rest is comfortable, although much different than my old one, so it will take some getting used to. It's very "slippery," but my hands seem to be resting on it quite well. I particularly enjoy the on-board media buttons and volume controls--very simple, and well done. Some people are bitching about the logo being so monstrous and annoying that it simply must go, but they need to get over themselves--it's a freakin' logo, and it's fine.
Now, on to why this gets 4 stars: As many other reviewers have commented, the software is NOT optimal. I don't find it particularly difficult to use--I went right to the online manual and was able to create a gradient color profile within the first 5 minutes of using the software. However, that's where things went wrong. The utility freezes quite frequently (I'm using Windows 7) and I've had to force close it several times. When I press the "Profile" button to actually set my gradient lighting to a specific profile, literally nothing happens. The screen on the utility just does nothing, and eventually freezes if I try to open a different tab. As someone mentioned, this seems like a "beta" problem, and the software should have been refined a bit more. I'm sure I'll be able to figure out what is wrong after I spend some time on it. However, the software itself isn't insane, as some people have posted. You need to use a little intuition of your own, but it's fairly straightforward IF you use the manual (which you should...that's why it's there).
For those complaining about the SIZE of the manual (140 pages), clearly you are just lazy. There is a table of contents that directs you exactly where to go for what you are looking for. For as many features as this keyboard has (many I will likely never use), a large manual is comforting. It shows that Corsair went through the trouble of writing everything down to give to its consumers. Further, as Corsair representatives have indicated in response to certain reviews, they will be posting "how-to" videos online demonstrating exactly how to do everything.
Overall, some important notes:
- NO on-keyboard usb ports (this should be considered in the next version!)
- Requires TWO usb slots on your computer to power
- Make sure you want a mechanical keyboard before purchasing!
Right now, I'm very satisfied. If you don't want to spend the money on this one, then go for the $129.99 version with non-RGB (multi-color) lighting. This is certainly a great keyboard and I look forward to gaming with it! I hope they fix the software soon so that I can really set up my profiles.
I will update this review from time to time. I hope this was helpful to those out there who do not own a mechanical keyboard, and who are in the market for one.
***** UPDATE 1: 10/3/2014 *******
After fooling around with the software for a bit, a bit a I figured out some tips that will help you avoid it freezing on you.
- Make sure you start out by updating the firmware to the newest edition. You can do this by clicking on the "Settings" tab, then clicking on "device"
- If you cannot click on the "profile" tab, RESTART your computer!
- Following restart, click "add new profile" on the profile tab
- DO NOT edit profiles why they are selected as "default;" this will cause your computer to hate you and freeze. Instead, create the profile, and if you want to test it out, then set the profile you are testing to "default" and test it out, then switch it back.
Hope this helps. I'm enjoying the keyboard. It's still quite a bit smaller than I was expecting. I can't imagine anyone with large hands would find this keyboard comfortable, but it suits me well :).
****** UPDATE 2: 10/3/2014 ******
From 4 to 2 stars.
I've decided to return this keyboard for two reasons. 1) After gaming for a few hours, it is incredibly uncomfortable. I understand this is not an ergonomic keyboard, but I should be able to play it for a few hours without getting horrible pains in my wrists and hands. It's small size also makes it just way too unusable for me, and I have small hands.
2) The software is far worse than expected. After gaming for two hours, the keyboard just totally quit on me for no reason. I shouldn't have to worry about this happening mid-game within my first YEAR owning it, let alone my first week. If you don't do certain things JUST right within the software, it totally bugs and freezes and doesn't allow you to change the settings until you restart your computer and unplug/replug in the keyboard. I've had to do this several times this evening just to get it to have the color setting I want. Now, it's not evening lighting up and I don't know why.
I will likely switch back to a rubber dome keyboard, possibly one of the ergo microsoft ones. They are just far more comfortable for gaming, and don't crap out in a day. I will miss the feel of these exceptional keys, but it isn't something that is going to revolutionize your gaming experience. Comfort and ease of use are FAR more important, at least to me. Overall, I highly suggest you TRY this keyboard out before buying it. And, for Corsair's sake, I hope they update this software immediately!
| Brand | Corsair |
|---|---|
| Item model number | CH-9000068-NA |
| Hardware Platform | PC |
| Item Weight | 2.73 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 17.2 x 6.4 x 0.94 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 17.2 x 6.4 x 0.94 inches |
| Color | CHERRY MX Red, RGB |
| Manufacturer | MSURTY |
| ASIN | B00N2ROO2S |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | September 22, 2014 |
