In this review we will look at the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT membrane gaming keyboard. A keyboard that truly offers a rich key layout, lots of features and more
By now, if we talk about a gaming keyboard, we are talking about a mechanical keyboard but there is still someone who, out of habit or necessity, wants to use a membrane keyboard. Corsair after launching an infinite series of peripherals including mice and keyboards without forgetting the case and SSD has well thought of releasing a new keyboard that can satisfy gamers who need silence or who simply do not like a mechanical keyboard.
With this Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT the American house wanted to guarantee lovers of the brand (and not) the possibility of having a membrane keyboard that boasts a very complete set of functions, which is supported by iCUE and that can guarantee its quality over time, all in pure Corsair style.
Let’s discover this mechanical gaming keyboard thanks to its technical data sheet
- Backlight: Lighting and programming by single button (thanks to iCUE)
- USB polling frequency: 1.000 MHz
- Macro keys: six dedicated G-keys with Elgato Stream Deck integration
- Integrated memory: Yup
- Colore LED: RGB, 16.8 million colors
- Connectivity: 1 USB-A 3.0 port
Packaging and design | Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT review
Very simple, but still complete, in pure Corsair style.
On the front of the package we find a photo of the keyboard, the name of the same and the classic symbol that certifies compatibility with iCUE. On the back we find a brief description of the main functions and a message that informs us of the ability to use the keyboard on PC, macOS and Xbox One.
Inside the package we obviously find the keyboard, covered with a plastic sheet to protect it from dust, the instruction manual e guarantee.
As for the design we are in front of the classic Corsair style.
The keyboard is rather bulky due to the number of optional function keys that have been inserted in the layout. The volume adjustment wheel is missing, which we appreciated so much in the other models of the brand, which is replaced by the more classic ones physical push buttons.
The upper band is in glossy black which gives a touch of elegance and fits perfectly with the rest of the opaque plastics.
We also find a palm rest that is comfortable and elegant. The typical Corsair yellow stripe in the center of it denotes the usual attention to detail. The palm rest locks through a system of easy-to-connect and secure plastic hooks.
iCUE is always a guarantee Review Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT
When you buy a product, you often forget about the free services offered with it. As they are free, we do not notice the possibilities that companies offer together with the product itself.
Corsair continually updates its management software for every peripheral on the market. Also in this case we have the possibility to exploit this software to manage the various types of lighting and manage their performance. In fact, we are given the possibility, if we do not want to do it physically by pressing a combination of keys, to better manage our K55 RGB PRO XT.
We also have the ability to enable or disable functions that are often used as shortcuts thanks to our keyboards.
obviously the software also gives us the possibility to record macros, useful in the game but also to launch a given application or set a series of pressures to perform a given action.
How does it behave in play and in writing? | Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT review
As you might expect from a membrane keyboard, the writing phases are dictated by the silence and the comfort of a soft and continuous pressure of the keys.
In the gaming phase, if I don’t feel like recommending a membrane keyboard to anyone, especially for FPS or Moba-type titles, we are in front of a good keyboard. The possibility of being able to program the layout and above all to have keys dedicated to macros is an excellent plus.
As mentioned, however, recommending a keyboard with a membrane system to play so-called competitive titles is not at all easy. In total honesty, I recommend using a keyboard of this type only if you are forced to be silent or if you just can’t stand a mechanical one.
Net of what has been said, however, if you have to choose a membrane keyboard this Corsair K55 PRO XT is one of the very few remaining valid on the market. A market now too saturated with peripherals that are not even worth the minutes it takes to order them.
Who should buy this keyboard?
In conclusion we would like to recommend this Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT to those looking for a complete and efficient keyboard but do not want for any reason to give up the silence of the membrane. As mentioned above, to play competitively, we cannot recommend this solution but if you really can’t stand a mechanical keyboard, this Corsair solution is complete.
The price is not the most affordable for this type of keyboard but if we take into account the keys dedicated to macros, the average keys, the general quality of construction and above all the support for iCUE we can say that we are not far from a competitive price.
In a nutshell, if you really have to buy a membrane keyboard at least buy a “good one” and this Corsair is certainly an appreciable choice.
A possible alternative
Points in favor
- A truly complete keyboard
- ICUE support
- Macro keys and media keys
Points against
- A membrane gaming keyboard
- Price a little high
- Designed for competitive titles but unsuitable for that