Capsule Review: Corsair's Vengeance K60 and K90 Keyboards
by Dustin Sklavos on February 18, 2012 9:22 PM EST- Posted in
- Keyboard
- Peripherals
- Corsair
- Cherry MX
- Input Devices
Conclusion: Strong Out of the Gate
I'll come right out and say that I've been looking for a new keyboard to replace my aging and decrepit Microsoft Reclusa for a long time, and for me, the Corsair Vengeance K90 is it. The backlighting, the wrist rest, the mechanical switches, the recessed configurable keys, the USB 2.0 port built into the top using a passthrough...the K90 is definitely an excellent piece of kit, and it feels like it was designed by people who used other gaming keyboards and felt like those products just weren't cutting the mustard. With all that in mind, I think there are still some reservations.
I have concerns about the paint and treatment used for the keycaps on the K90 being able to hold up over time, and I feel like the software definitely does need a little bit more work and fine tuning. The USB passthrough is appreciated, but with a dedicated connection wouldn't it have been just as easy to offer more than one USB port on the keyboard itself? Right now I'm using the single port for the Vengeance mice I'm testing, but it would be nice to have a second port: one for the mouse, and one for flash drive and other USB peripherals.
The price difference between the K90 and K60 is also a little too small; in my opinion the K90 is just more preferable to the K60 and absolutely worth the extra $20 for the substantially improved functionality, comfort, and aesthetics. If anything the K60 just seems to exist to make the K90 look like a better deal, which is impressive when you're talking about keyboards that cost north of $100.
With all that in mind, it's pretty clear that despite these nitpicks Corsair has once again entered a brand new market with some very strong products. For first attempts, the Vengeance K60 and K90 both get an awful lot right, and the typing and user experiences on both of these keyboards are definitely a step above what you'll get from a garden variety membrane keyboard.
It's up to you to decide if they're worth the investment; I think the $109 and $129 price tags are both a little too steep and the keyboards would both be more compelling at $89 and $119 respectively, if not $79 and $109. If you're willing to shell out for one, the K90 is pretty much directly superior to its less expensive sibling and worth the extra $20. But really, I wouldn't fault anyone for buying either one despite the prices: these are excellent keyboards and, in my opinion, a cut above any gaming keyboards anyone else is producing.
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Guspaz - Monday, February 20, 2012 - link
I've used mechanical keyboards. I even owned an IBM model M style keyboard.I currently use a $15 Microsoft ComfortCurve 2000. I prefer it to all others, including the IBM style mechanical; I find the extra travel distance on mechanical keyboards annoying. Mechanicals sound nice, but don't feel as nice.
mattlach - Tuesday, February 21, 2012 - link
Agreed.If you are happy with your membrane keyboard, and are not willing to spend more on keyboards, then I highly recommend never trying them.
Once you get used to a mechanical switch keyboard, there is no going back.
My problem is that I am used to IBM buckling spring type keyboards, and now switching to even mechanical cherry or topre type switches feels not good enough.
Sabresiberian - Sunday, February 19, 2012 - link
I'm thrilled for you.Lemure - Sunday, February 19, 2012 - link
As are most people, but after using a mechanical keyboard such as the IBM model M or any preference of cherry switch for like a month, they realize that rubber domes actually feel like crap and are uncomfortable.$100 is not much if you sit in front of a computer for hours everyday and it's not going to break for 5-10 years which actually makes it a cheap investment. Hell I still have a second hand model M from the 90's that works fine. It's like sitting in a $10 folding chair for 8 hours a day or having a good office chair.
Exodite - Sunday, February 19, 2012 - link
It's a matter of personal preference, not objective superiority.I loathe mechanical keyboards personally, due to the long travel, noise and usually clicky feel.
If you, like me, prefer minimal key travel, minimal noise and soft touch rather than clickyness you shouldn't use mechanical keyboards.
I'd say this much though, a good mechanical keyboard lasts a lot longer than conventional dome ones. On the other hand it's not like buying a new doem keyboard every 5 years will kill your budget.
Mygaffer - Sunday, February 19, 2012 - link
No, objective superiority belongs to the mechanical!Exodite - Monday, February 20, 2012 - link
On longevity, yes.On anything else, no.
Tetracycloide - Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - link
Also price over time and consistency over time.Tetracycloide - Wednesday, February 22, 2012 - link
Shouldn't use conventional domes if you prefer minimal key travel, minimal noise, and soft touch either. For that you want a scissor switch keyboard which is hardly the convention when it comes to desktop keyboards.malazan - Monday, March 26, 2012 - link
With my $7 dollar USB keyboard.All that means is, is that you're a peasant with no idea what quality is....