Corsair’s latest release today is the all-new K65 Pro Mini gaming keyboard. This is a 65% format keyboard. In other words, it includes the navigation arrows but loses its numeric keypad. Corsair also offers PBT keys and optical switches.
So, what’s this K65 Pro Mini worth? Answer in our test!
Technical specifications :
Unlike the K65 RGB Mini version, this K65 Pro Mini (yes, sorry, it’s really not easy to tell the difference) is a 65% format model. In fact, the previous model was a 60% keyboard, i.e. without the navigation arrows. Otherwise, we’re only going to keep the minimum on this keyboard. Gone are the function keys and the numeric keypad. Once again, Corsair offers us a keyboard with double-injected PBT keys. A welcome change from conventional ABS keys, which quickly become “shiny” and smooth with use.
As we said, this is a small keyboard measuring 315 x 105 x 37 mm and weighing just 0.58 kg. Of course, the K65 Pro Mini comes with 8 MB of internal memory, so you can save up to 50 different profiles. In addition, the keyboard is equipped with Corsair OPX optical mechanical switches . These are linear, with an actuation distance of 1 mm and a force of 45 g.
The K65 Pro Mini also features the classic rollover and 100% Anti-Ghosting options. What’s more, as usual with Corsair references, we’re entitled to 8 Ghz polling rate.
Recommended system:
To use Corsair’s latest keyboard, you’ll need an Internet connection to download the iCUE software. In addition, you’ll need at least a USB 2.0 port to plug it in. As for the operating system, Corsair recommends Windows 10/11 or macOS version 10.15 .
[nextpage title=”Unpacking”]
The box:
Our keyboard of the day arrives in a small yellow and black box, the Corsair colors. On the front, we have a representation of the K65 Pro Mini illuminated by its RGB LEDs. Alongside it, Corsair tells us a little more about what we need to know about its keyboard. We’re reminded of the keyboard’s format (65%), its optical switches and its compatibility with PC, Mac, Xbox or Playstation.
Turning to the rear, we learn more about the keyboard’s capabilities. The brand highlights its optical switches and the keyboard’s two layers of soundproofing, aluminum chassis and double-injection PBT keys.
When the box is opened, the keyboard is well protected by cardboard protectors and a paper bag. In any case, this has served its purpose well, as the sample arrived in excellent condition.
The bundle:
In the box, in addition to the keyboard, we’ll find two manuals, an extra ABS key and the USB-C to USB-A cable.
The Corsair K65 Pro Mini:
Let’s take the K65 Pro Mini out of the box. Its first impression is clearly one of quality. Indeed, it’s quite solid, and the texture of the keys only adds to its quality. This keyboard is straight to the point. The keys are fairly high and thick. Otherwise, there’s no creaking when you handle it. So it looks well-made. What’s more, this model has an aluminum construction that guarantees its quality over time. Unlike its predecessor, the K65 RGB Mini, the K65 Pro Mini retains its directional keys for greater practicality.
What does the back look like?
On the back, a classic rear panel. There are a few rubber pads to help hold this reference in place. We’re also treated to two elevating feet, not forgetting the label in the center with serial numbers and recycling information.
[nextpage title=”Test”]
Let’s move on to testing the K65 Pro Mini. We put it to the test in just about every scenario: video games, office automation, etc….
Handling:
With its brand-new keyboard, Corsair offers us a reference in 65% format. In other words, the numeric keypad and function keys have disappeared. When you’re used to a 104-key keyboard, it’s hard to get used to this small format. Even more so if you’re used to using the numeric keypad a lot. Nevertheless, if you’re a fan of this type of keyboard, it’s easy enough to switch to the K65 Pro Mini. However, with the K65 Pro Mini, we have a number of shortcuts available all over the keyboard. All in all, it’s a new habit to get used to, nothing more. But as humans tend to form little routines, it may be difficult to get used to this new way of working.
On the other hand, if you move around a lot with your PC, it might be worth having a small keyboard in this format. It won’t take up much room in your briefcase. What’s more, its detachable cable makes it even easier to carry. It’s also ideal for use on a small desk. Given its format, you’ll be able to orientate your keyboard as you like on the desk: offset, upright, right next to the mouse… In any case, whatever its position, it won’t get in the way. Not to mention that it’s not very heavy, weighing in at just 580 g.
Here, unlike the K65 RGB Mini, the directional keys reappear at the bottom right-hand corner of the keyboard, and this is much appreciated. As a reminder, on the previous model, you had to use a shortcut and they were located on the “U, H, J and K” keys. Nevertheless, there are also a few macro keys on the right-hand side of the keyboard, which is pretty handy for this format!
As for multimedia shortcuts, you’ll find them on the right-hand side of the keyboard. They are quite accessible, even with one hand. There are also a few combinations on the left of the K65 Pro Mini for changing lighting effects on the fly. There’s also a shortcut to lock the windows key. This is great, as it allows users not to install Corsair’s management software if they don’t want to.
The big news with Corsair’s new keyboard is the space bar, which is much quieter than on most keyboards. It clearly doesn’t click. We don’t know whether this is due to extra lubrication of the switches or to the double layer of soundproofing, but in any case, it works very well!
K65 Pro Mini design:
Corsair’s K65 Pro Mini is very simple, very classic, but still aesthetically pleasing. We personally think it looks great. What’s more, its additional keycaps add a certain charm to the keyboard. For example, the space key is half-transparent with its pattern, allowing the RGB LEDs to shine through. What’s more, this is a reference with an aluminum structure. It exudes quality!
On the other hand, we’ve lost all the little markings we had with the K65 RGB Mini. The logos on the sides and rear, for example, no longer exist here.
On this model, Corsair once again offers double-injection PBT keys. In use, this material is much more pleasant to the touch. The keys will also be much less smooth than in conventional ABS. What’s more, they will also limit the shiny effect found on most keyboards. Over time, they’ll also last longer because PBT is double-injected, i.e. the lettering is molded directly into the key. This means it will virtually never fade, in addition to allowing the backlight to pass through.
Switches:
Here, Corsair equips its K65 Pro Mini with ultra-sensitive optical linear switches (Corsair OPX) with a 1 mm accent point in 45g. And let’s face it, keystroke errors will be commonplace. We’ll spend our time coming back to what we’ve written previously. This is a far cry from the Gateron Ink Silent Black switches of the NZXT Function MiniTKL.
In use, when you press the switch, you feel that the stroke is fluid. Here, we feel a little more friction compared to the optical switches on Steelseries’ Apex Pro. The stroke is very short (1 mm) and light (45 g). In other words, you won’t need to press hard to activate the key.
In gaming, Corsair’s optical switches are highly responsive, making them ideal for FPS-type games where the slightest movement is sometimes vital.
What’s more, Corsair boasts a speed 8 times faster than other references on the market, thanks to its 8 GHz polling rate and 4 GHz keystroke analysis. The delay between keystroke and signal transmission to the PC is 0.25 ms with the K100, compared with 2 ms for high-performance gaming keyboards and 8 ms for other market references.
Noise :
Thanks to its double layer of soundproofing, this new Corsair keyboard is truly silent. Even the space bar, which tends to click on most mechanical keyboards, goes unnoticed here. The brand has put a lot of work into making their keyboards silent, and it’s very much appreciated.
RGB:
Unlike the K65 RGB Mini, which had a white reflector under the keyboard, this model doesn’t, so the RGB is more discreet than its predecessor. However, the lights still stand out well on the keyboard keys. Even more so, if you opt for the bundled space bar. Overall, the light is intense and well-dosed. What’s more, thanks to keyboard shortcuts or the iCUE software, you can set numerous effects, even key by key. Just great.
[nextpage title=”Conclusion”]
It’s high time we came to a conclusion about Corsair’s K65 Pro Mini. So, what did we think?
Flawless?
In the end, Corsair’s new keyboard corrects most of the shortcomings of the previous model (K65 RGB Mini). For example, the directional keys reappear at the bottom right of the keyboard. What’s more, they are permanent, so there’s no need to use a shortcut key. In use, I find this very practical. On top of that, the look is uncluttered, the RGB stands out well and can be customized with iCUE software.
With the K65 Pro Mini, the brand has added aluminum to the construction and an extra layer of soundproofing to make the keyboard very quiet. That’s great, especially if, like me, you tend to make a monster noise when typing. Despite all this, the K65 Pro Mini retains its detachable cable, double-injected PBT keys, reduced weight and space-saving format. We might simply quibble with the fact that the extra space button in the bundle is made of ABS rather than PBT. But, in the end, it’s nothing to write home about! Nonetheless, on the right-hand side of the keyboard, you’ll find a few macro keys that will come in handy on a daily basis.
How much does the K65 Pro Mini cost?
Corsair offers its K65 Pro Mini for 150 euros. Compared to the K65 RGB Mini, this means a saving of almost 20 euros. After all, the original model lacked the brand’s OPX switches and aluminum construction, and still features double-injected PBT keys. So it’s time to weigh up the pros and cons, and see if these additions are worth the extra 20 euros. For us, the pricing remains coherent for the time being.
Corsair K65 Pro Mini
We liked:
- Its sleek look
- Top-notch RGB
- Premium materials (aluminum)
- ICUE software as functional as ever
- Detachable cable
- Double-injection PBT keys
- Low weight
- Space-saving format saves desktop space
- Additional keys in a bundle
- Quiet keystrokes thanks to additional soundproofing layer
- Consistent pricing
We didn’t like :
- That the extra space key is made of PBT
Today, as is often the case with Corsair, the brand offers us a very good mechanical keyboard in 65% format. This keyboard also corrects most of the “shortcomings” of the K65 RGB Mini. Here, we find quality aluminum construction, directional keys with no shortcuts, a clean, simple look, PBT keys, light weight and a space-saving format. In short, the K65 Pro Mini has everything going for it. Even so, the price is only 20 euros for a lot of extra features! For us, it’s gold!
Thank you Corsair!
