The older, non-wireless CORSAIR K68 launched a little over 10 months ago at an MSRP of $79.99 and currently sells for $69.99. As a direct comparison, this K63 Wireless costs $40 more. The world of enthusiast gaming wireless mechanical keyboards is a small market currently, which gives the players in it more leeway with pricing due to the lower number of competitors. However, the customer base is small as well since the general wireless peripheral market is dominated by Logitech and OEMs at the sub-$30 price point, where convenience is a factor over performance. Others, such as AZIO, are targeting Apple customers who are used to paying a premium for first-party wireless peripherals, and here again performance is not as important in the decision-making process. By using a TKL form factor and, more importantly, an existing keyboard as a base to build upon, CORSAIR has introduced the K63 Wireless at a price point where it will sit prettily for some time, but there is still enough of a price bump for its wireless nature to cancel out that relative advantage as well.

So is the wireless connection worth the price? I have been using the keyboard with my desktop and in my living room alike for weeks now simply because of how convenient it is, and the TKL form factor is great in that you can use it while relaxing on the couch and gaming on a large TV, for example. There are some caveats in order to minimize response times, however, as CORSAIR strongly recommends using a USB port in line-of-sight, say a front panel USB port. The provided adapter and cable will help get the dongle closer to you, but this has not been an issue for me. The issue I have had is that the 2950 mAh battery used does not quite suffice, at least for me, since it has to both provide for the short response time and LEDs, though I am sure regulations from country to country are a factor CORSAIR has to deal with here as well.

If you do not plan to use the LEDs much, or sparingly use the keyboard with periods of inactivity wherein they can be turned off automatically, then a 6-7 day usage cycle can be had by turning off the keyboard at night. Note that I tend to use keyboards a lot more than most people too, so you may see better battery life as well. This, combined with the rest of the CORSAIR peripheral experience, tips things in favor of the keyboard overall. The software driver continues to be excellent, although the limitations of the wireless connectivity options mean that there are no per-key lighting options here. Key assignment is still complete, so if you fancied trying out a layout other than QWERTY, you can do so here while reclining back in a chair without worrying about the keyboard cable. The keyboard and lapboard combo has been my favorite way to use this keyboard thus far, and that combination has enough to merit an entire other article on its own. As it stands by itself, people interested in wireless mechanical keyboards that are fast to respond have precious few options to choose from, which makes the CORSAIR K63 Wireless more than worth looking into.