In this difficult period, many players have made a lasting commitment to the world of video games. For many, eSports or content creation has become a routine. To this end, Corsair strives to expand its catalog and open up to new possibilities. With this in mind, the brand’s first 60% mechanical keyboard, the Corsair K65 RGB Mini, was born. This consists of real Cherry MX switches with a lifespan of 100 million keystrokes.
This brand new model is a first for Corsair. The manufacturer used to offer complete keyboard models, with many functions distributed on good black aluminum support. With this new Corsair K65 RGB Mini, the brand departs from its DNA to offer a device for specific use.
- Keyboard warranty: 2 years
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Keyboard backlight: RGB
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Switches: 100% CHERRY MX
- Polling rate up to 8000Hz and key analysis of 4000Hz with CORSAIR AXON
- 100% anti-ghost with rollover of the N keys (NKRO)
- 8MB of built-in storage for up to 200 profiles
- 32-bit ARM Cortex processor
The Razer company starts the year 2021 with excellent resolutions. Players can now find the all-new Razer Huntsman V2 Analog on the official store and in stores. Under this familiar name lie real innovations for the world’s best-selling range of keyboards. Available in different models, the Huntsman now offers multifunction optical switches, which have earned this newcomer its particular designation: Analog.
- Switch type: Razer Analog optical switch
- Key touch: tactile and audible
- Sizes: large
- Lighting: Razer Chroma backlight with 16.8 million customizable colors
- Wrist rest: yes
- Integrated memory: Integrated hybrid storage – up to 5 profiles
- Multimedia keys: Dedicated multimedia controls
- Cable gland: None
- Keys: Doubleshot PBT
- USB Passthrough: 3.0
Pros and Cons
| Corsair K65 RGB Mini | Razer Huntsman V2 Analog |
| Detachable USB-C cable | Excellent build quality |
| Cherry MX key switches | Full RGB backlighting |
| Exceptionally low latency | Crisp backlighting |
| Great software | Improved wrist rest |
| No Height Adjustment | Expensive |
Specification
| Corsair K65 RGB Mini | Razer Huntsman V2 Analog | |
| $ | CHECK PRICE | CHECK PRICE |
| Dimensions | 11.57 x 4.13 x 1.73 inches | 3.55 x 17.53 x 1.2 inches |
| Size | Compact (60%) | Compact (60%) |
| Weight | 0.99 lbs (0.448 kg) | 1.25 lbs (0.568 kg) |
| Color | Classic Black, Mercury White | Black |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Mechanical | Yes | Yes |
| RGB | Yes | Yes |
| Backlighting | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | No | No |
| Numpad | No | No |
| Latency Wired | 3.5 ms | 0.1 ms |
| Software | Razer Synapse 3 | iCUE |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS | Windows, macOS |
Design
According to Corsair, its new miniature model would be 60% smaller than a regular keyboard. Once in hand, we can actually realize the tiny dimensions of the device. With its 294 x 105 x 44 mm measurements, the K65 RGB Mini fits in one hand. It is, therefore, a model specifically designed not to take up a lot of space on the desk. Goodbye typist, hello nervous gaming sessions.
To offer such small dimensions, Corsair had to challenge replacing certain essential functions on these keys with Double PBT double-shot keycaps. This is the reason why almost all the keys of this K65 RGB Mini have a dual function.
The user manual provided in the box gives an overview of the possibilities offered by the Fn key on the accessory. In addition to the numeric keypad transposed above the keyboard, all the options of a traditional keyboard have been transposed to a standard key. It is thus possible to control the profiles, the lighting, the locking of the Windows and upper case keys with specific lighting of the key in certain cases.
The small Corsair K65 RGB Mini keyboard hides its game well. It is indeed overflowing with possibilities for customization. From RGB lighting to the elaboration of complex profiles, the device is open to many possibilities. This is notably enabled thanks to the new version 4.9 of the iCUE software.
First, let’s talk about the RGB lighting available on the entire keyboard. The device can be configured on a per-key basis and even consist of several layers to give it the desired appearance. The use of the iCUE software is roughly similar to the competition, and the management of the different options will require a little adaptation time for a perfect understanding. The only downside is that everything is a bit spoiled by the white plastic plate located under the keys despite a good lighting intensity. It does indeed tarnish the colors of the keyboard a little.
This Razer Huntsman V2 Analog does not fundamentally change the appearance of the base model. It includes the media control options also seen on BlackWidow models with the special backlit volume control wheel. There is also this aluminum frame construction giving a good feeling of solidity to the whole. The keyboard does not bend under the pressure of the hands, and the rendering is compelling.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is a replica of the largest model in the range. Suddenly, players will also be entitled to the numeric keypad, which, it must be admitted, is quite useless for competitive play. But let’s say that thanks to this, it acts as an excellent keyboard for typing.
The first peculiarities that we can highlight are a USB 3.0 passthrough port on the left side. It is powered by a USB-A termination of the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog cable. This is also always reinforced with a braided coating and thus prevents unwanted twists and is harmful to the longevity of the entire keyboard.
On the other hand, the keyboard is now powered by a single USB-C plug. Previously, and as is always the case with most keyboards models from other brands, you had to provide 2 USB-A ports to get enough power for everything to work. Therefore, it is a nice improvement for the comfort of use of the player, especially since a USB-C accompanies the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog to USB-A adapter for those who do not have this new standard of connection. Be careful, however, to power the keyboard with USB 3.0. Otherwise, the RGB lighting will not work.
Typing Comfort
The Corsair K65 RGB Mini keyboard can carry up to 200 profiles, which is colossal. A number that drops to 50 when each profile includes its own macros and unique RGB lighting. Therefore, the player can assign different lighting per profile and switch between them using the Fn + W keys. Admittedly, we don’t see the point of registering so many profiles. Most players are happy with 4 or 5 profiles, and it will be easier to switch manually. However, this possibility is not negligible for the most demanding consumers.
Note the addition of a maximum transfer rate of 8000Hz, a good current trend among the various manufacturers of gaming peripherals. On paper, the reactivity at 0.125ms is rather sexy. But in practice, with normal use, these decreases in response time begin to become imperceptible. However, this Axon Hyper-processing technology will require greater resources from your PC. High-end configuration required by Corsair!
Razer goes even further in this approach. Here, the player can adjust the activation stroke on a per-key basis for stunning customization. To overcome this lack of adjustment “on the fly” like SteelSeries, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog can still embed up to 5 different game profiles. A representative of the brand has even confirmed that e-Sport champions will also be able to offer their own custom profiles in the weeks/months following the keyboard launch.
If we put aside the huge budget requested by Razer for this new model, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is quite innovative. It is the very first model to embed Analog switches that allow thousand-and-one functions and, what is more, offers an alternative to controllers for games requiring flexible movements. The intention is excellent and works quite well in practice. It is only on the point of the double activation that we will show a slight reluctance as its use will require great typing precision, which can lead to boring situations in part. But when you tame all these possibilities, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog becomes a major strategic asset in competition and a pleasant keyboard to use for more scripted games.
Backlight
The small keyboard comes with its detachable USB-C cable, further supporting the mobile use it inspires. This cable of just over a meter is wrapped in braided fabric for greater resistance. Next to it, there is also a personalized Tab key to indicate to owners of the K65 RGB Mini that there is actually a whole range of colored keycaps to personalize the keyboard. Therefore, it can be interchanged with the traditional Tab key, in the same way as the Esc key, which can be transformed with a key bearing the Corsair logo and also included.
RGB effects are fundamental for the Razer company. For years, the manufacturer has attempted to create an ecosystem that connects all its peripherals under a single lighting and a single point of control, Razer Chroma Studio. On this point, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is quite satisfactory. It actually embeds full RGB lighting, perhaps lacking brightness, but also adjustable key by key. In addition, the supplied wrist rest is housed under the keyboard with a magnetic system and incorporates the RGB lighting around its outline. So this is a good argument for fans of colored lights!
Software
Conclusion!
This small Corsair K65 RGB Mini keyboard-only extends the range of products so that everyone can find something to suit their needs. Its price, however, remains a little high because of its dimensions. Still, we quickly understand that it is quite justified because of the quality of the mechanical keys and the number of features it embeds. While it may seem insufficient in the eyes of some, it will undoubtedly be appropriate for others. It can, in any case, ensure the player gets the speed of action that he needs in games with lively gameplay.
The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is quite innovative. It is the very first model to embed Analog switches that allow thousand-and-one functions and, what is more, offers an alternative to controllers for games requiring flexible movements. The intention is excellent and works quite well in practice. It is only on the point of the double activation that we will show a slight reluctance as its use will require great typing precision, which can lead to boring situations in part. But when all these possibilities are tamed, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog becomes a major strategic asset in competition and a pleasant keyboard to use for more scripted games.
