Performance

The CORSAIR K95 RGB Platinum XT supports N-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either.

When first connected with iCUE installed and running, the keyboard lights up in a spiral rainbow lighting effect, which is the default option for the software profiles. The transition animation is smooth, and the effect is a good demo to also ensure the keyboard is powered on and working properly.


In a separate test via one of the preset multi-color options, I tested for light bleed, and it was definitely present at the common edges because of the floating keycaps, but not to where it is distracting. Indeed, the light show from all the RGB LEDs underneath the keys and the light bar makes for a bigger attention grab anyway. I then manually set all the keys to white using the software driver to test for color fidelity since RGB LEDs have a hard time depicting white, and it was a white with a light pink hue in this case. Note also that at the time of testing, there was a bug wherein some of the keys in the alphanumeric section lit up differently to what is set, especially when iCUE first starts up, which is why some of the keys above look a lot pinker than the others. CORSAIR is aware of this, and there should be a fix by the time the keyboard releases.

Here are some more of the lighting effects demonstrated, including a rainbow wave, rain (drop), and color pulse, making full use of the hardware and software alike.

The onboard functionality with hardware playback is very handy for those who prefer not to use the software drivers a lot. There are dedicated buttons for media playback, a volume mute toggle button, volume scroll wheel, lighting on/off button, Win lock button, and profile switching between the five hardware profiles saved on the device itself, which have their own default lighting as well to make them more readily distinguishable. So while you will need iCUE and Stream Deck to make the most of the keyboard, especially to set up the hardware profiles and use the Stream Deck functions, there is definitely scope to then use the keyboard as is. The ability to have a keyboard-integrated mini Stream Deck is a fascinating trend in the future of gaming, with more and more gamers wanting to share their gameplay sessions with friends and followers alike—CORSAIR can truly call this a gaming keyboard.



The key-assignment options in iCUE allow for users to also go with layouts other than QWERTY, and here, I used the source code from an older keyboard review in a layout tester (courtesy of Patrick Gillespie). The results above indicate that QWERTY is not even close to the most efficient layout for me, and very likely you as well. If you are willing, try out Colemak or Dvorak as they will result in lower finger travel and fatigue overall. As such, the driver offers a significant functional tool if you are willing to devote some time to adopting either Colemak or Dvorak. Here is the link to the full results if you are interested, including a detailed analysis on key presses and distances moved.


As always, the sound of a keyboard is based on more than just the switch type. So when comparing sound clips, consider the keyboard as a whole. In this case, I have provided above an example sound clip of me typing on the CORSAIR K95 RGB Platinum XT sample at ~110 WPM as it comes out of the box. For context, you can find sound clips from other keyboards here, including those with tactile and clicky switches. I did bottom out more often than not, but it is easier to train yourself not to with these Cherry MX Blue switches if you go the same route I did. The thicker PBT keycaps definitely affect the sound signature even compared to the more-standard Kxx series keyboards from CORSAIR which retain the metal frame but use thinner ABS keycaps. Finally, there is not much to add about the switches themselves since the MX Blue is one of the most established mechanical switches available today, and there was no discernible difference in the switches on this sample when used.