Review

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO Wired Keyboard stands out as a feature-rich accessory for gamers and home computer users alike. At a competitive price point of $79.99, it delivers a wealth of features specifically tailored to improve the gaming experience, while also ensuring a solid performance for general use.

Design and Build Quality

The Corsair K55 RGB PRO boasts an imposing presence with its 120-key layout. Measuring in at approximately 2 x 20.2 x 7.2 inches, this keyboard is unapologetically large, reminiscent of the gaming keyboards of old that were a staple during the height of MMORPG popularity. Its size is a double-edged sword, providing ample key options while potentially dominating desk space. This keyboard's plastic build makes it lightweight, which some might find detrimental to the typing stability compared to heavier counterparts like mechanical keyboards (PCPer).

Included with the keyboard is a wrist rest, which attaches via two plastic clips. While it adds 2.6 inches to the keyboard’s footprint, it offers minimal comfort and can collect dust over time, requiring regular cleaning for upkeep (PCMag UK).

Key Features and Functionality

A standout feature of the Corsair K55 RGB PRO is its dynamic RGB lighting. Although it doesn't offer per-key lighting, the four-zone RGB lighting still provides an impressive visual appeal that can be customized using Corsair's iCUE software (PCMag ME).

The keyboard excels in offering six programmable macro keys (G1 to G6), ideal for quick-access commands in gaming scenarios or during live streaming sessions using Elgato software. These macros can be recorded directly on the keyboard without additional software (PCMag UK).

Diverse media controls, including play/pause, stop, next/previous track, and volume adjustments, are located on the top right. These features enhance user convenience, especially beneficial for those who integrate their gaming setup with multimedia functions (PCMag ME).

Typing Experience

The Corsair K55 employs rubber-dome switches which provide a soft and relatively quiet typing experience compared to mechanical switches. Reviewers have noted this as a double-edged feature; while it ensures quieter operation, it lacks the tactile feedback mechanical keyboards offer, which some users might miss. The keypresses are light and shallow, favoring rapid typing speeds without much pressure (PCPer).

Conclusion

In summary, the Corsair K55 RGB PRO Wired Keyboard is a robust addition to any casual gamer's setup. Its expansive feature set, extensive macro capabilities, and customizable RGB lighting offer significant value at its price point. Despite its all-plastic construction and somewhat overwhelming size, the K55 provides a competitive option for those on a budget who do not require the precision of mechanical switches (PCMag ME).

Whether you're seeking a customizable gaming experience or a keyboard that can seamlessly transition between work and play, the Corsair K55 RGB PRO is a formidable contender worthy of consideration.