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.
