What To Know
- The K57 exudes a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, featuring a brushed aluminum top plate that lends it a premium feel.
- The K63 also features RGB lighting, but it is limited to four lighting zones, which reduces the level of customization compared to the K57.
- The K63, on the other hand, boasts a full-size layout, dedicated media controls, and a more durable construction.
In the realm of gaming peripherals, Corsair stands tall as a renowned manufacturer, offering an array of keyboards designed to elevate your gaming experience. Among their esteemed lineup, the Corsair K57 and K63 emerge as two formidable contenders, each boasting unique features and capabilities. This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of these keyboards, providing you with a thorough understanding of their strengths and differences to aid your informed decision-making.
Design and Build Quality
Corsair K57: The K57 exudes a sleek and minimalist aesthetic, featuring a brushed aluminum top plate that lends it a premium feel. Its compact tenkeyless design allows for ample desk space, making it ideal for setups with limited space.
Corsair K63: The K63, on the other hand, sports a more robust and substantial design. Its full-size layout accommodates a dedicated number pad, which can be particularly useful for productivity tasks. The brushed aluminum frame provides durability and a touch of elegance.
Key Switches
Corsair K57: The K57 utilizes Cherry MX Red key switches, renowned for their linear actuation and low actuation force. These switches offer a smooth and consistent typing experience, with a light tactile feel.
Corsair K63: In contrast, the K63 employs Cherry MX Silent Red key switches. These switches share the same linear actuation as the MX Reds but feature dampeners to reduce keystroke noise significantly, making them an excellent choice for quieter environments.
RGB Lighting
Corsair K57: The K57 boasts vibrant RGB lighting with customizable per-key illumination. You can create stunning lighting effects using Corsair’s iCUE software, allowing for a personalized and immersive gaming experience.
Corsair K63: The K63 also features RGB lighting, but it is limited to four lighting zones, which reduces the level of customization compared to the K57.
Media Controls
Corsair K57: The K57 features dedicated media keys conveniently located on the top right corner of the keyboard. These keys provide quick access to volume control, playback, and track skipping.
Corsair K63: Similarly, the K63 offers dedicated media controls, which are integrated into the function keys. This design provides a more compact layout but may require some adjustment for users accustomed to traditional media key placement.
Software and Customization
Corsair K57: Corsair’s iCUE software unlocks a wealth of customization options for the K57. You can remap keys, create macros, and adjust lighting effects to tailor the keyboard to your specific preferences.
Corsair K63: The K63 also supports iCUE software, allowing you to customize key assignments, lighting effects, and performance settings. However, due to its limited lighting zones, the customization options are somewhat more constrained compared to the K57.
Performance
Corsair K57: The K57 delivers exceptional performance with its Cherry MX Red key switches, offering responsive and precise actuation. The 1000Hz polling rate ensures minimal latency, making it suitable for fast-paced gaming and competitive environments.
Corsair K63: The K63 performs equally well, thanks to its Cherry MX Silent Red key switches. The dampeners provide a quiet typing experience without compromising responsiveness or accuracy. The 1000Hz polling rate ensures that your inputs are registered with minimal delay.
Value for Money
Corsair K57: The Corsair K57 offers excellent value for its price point. Its tenkeyless design, customizable RGB lighting, and reliable performance make it a compelling choice for gamers on a budget.
Corsair K63: The Corsair K63 is slightly more expensive than the K57, but it justifies its premium price with its full-size layout, dedicated media controls, and more durable construction.
Which Keyboard is Right for You?
Choose the Corsair K57 if:
- You prefer a compact tenkeyless design
- You prioritize customizable RGB lighting
- You are on a budget
Choose the Corsair K63 if:
- You need a full-size keyboard with a dedicated number pad
- You prefer quieter keystrokes
- You value durability and a premium build quality
The Decisive Verdict: Corsair K57 vs K63
Both the Corsair K57 and K63 are exceptional gaming keyboards that offer distinct advantages depending on your specific needs and preferences. The K57 excels with its compact design, customizable RGB lighting, and budget-friendly price point. The K63, on the other hand, boasts a full-size layout, dedicated media controls, and a more durable construction.
Ultimately, the best choice for you hinges on your individual requirements and budget. If you prioritize space-saving and customization, the K57 is an excellent pick. If you prefer a full-size keyboard with quieter keystrokes and premium build quality, the K63 is the optimal choice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Which keyboard has better keycaps?
A: Both the K57 and K63 feature durable ABS keycaps with laser-etched legends.
Q: Can I use the keyboards with a Mac?
A: Yes, both keyboards are compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems.
Q: Do the keyboards come with a wrist rest?
A: No, neither the K57 nor the K63 includes a wrist rest in the package.
Q: Can I adjust the polling rate on both keyboards?
A: Yes, you can adjust the polling rate to 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, or 1000Hz using Corsair’s iCUE software.
Q: Which keyboard has a longer lifespan?
A: Both the K57 and K63 have a rated lifespan of up to 50 million keystrokes.
