The Ultimate Showdown: Corsair K55 Pro Vs Xt – Which One Reigns Supreme?
What To Know
- Both the Corsair K55 Pro and XT sport a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black plastic chassis with a brushed metal finish.
- However, if you prefer the tactile feedback and faster response times of mechanical switches, along with the versatility of programmable macro keys, the K55 XT is the way to go.
- Both the Corsair K55 Pro and XT offer customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to match the look of your keyboard to your personal style or gaming setup.
The Corsair K55 Pro and XT are two budget-friendly gaming keyboards that offer a wealth of features and solid performance. But how do they compare, and which one is the better choice for you? In this in-depth comparison, we’ll delve into the key differences between the Corsair K55 Pro and XT, helping you make an informed decision.
Design and Build Quality: A Close Contest
Both the Corsair K55 Pro and XT sport a sleek and minimalist design, featuring a black plastic chassis with a brushed metal finish. The keyboards have a sturdy build quality, with no noticeable flex or creaking. The keys are well-spaced, providing ample room for comfortable typing and gaming.
Key Switches: A Matter of Personal Preference
The Corsair K55 Pro and XT offer different key switch options, catering to various preferences. The K55 Pro comes with membrane switches, which are known for their quiet operation and soft, tactile feel. On the other hand, the K55 XT features mechanical switches, specifically the Cherry MX Red switches, renowned for their linear actuation and fast response times.
RGB Lighting: A Visual Feast
Both the Corsair K55 Pro and XT boast vibrant RGB lighting, allowing you to customize the look of your keyboard to match your setup or personal style. The K55 Pro features three-zone RGB lighting, while the K55 XT takes it up a notch with per-key RGB illumination.
Additional Features: Enhancing Your Gaming Experience
The Corsair K55 Pro and XT come equipped with a handful of additional features to enhance your gaming experience. Both keyboards have dedicated media keys for convenient control over audio playback. The K55 XT goes a step further by including six programmable macro keys, allowing you to assign complex commands and macros for faster in-game actions.
Software Support: Unleashing Customization Potential
Corsair’s iCUE software is a powerful tool that unlocks a wide range of customization options for both the K55 Pro and XT. You can create custom lighting profiles, adjust macro settings, and fine-tune performance parameters. The software also allows you to sync your keyboard’s lighting with other Corsair peripherals, creating a cohesive and immersive gaming environment.
Price and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Corsair K55 Pro and XT are both budget-friendly options, with the K55 Pro typically priced lower than the K55 XT. The K55 Pro offers excellent value for money, providing a solid typing and gaming experience at an affordable price. The K55 XT, while slightly more expensive, justifies its premium with its mechanical key switches, per-key RGB lighting, and programmable macro keys.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Keyboard for You
Ultimately, the choice between the Corsair K55 Pro and XT depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you prioritize a quiet and comfortable typing experience, coupled with vibrant RGB lighting, the K55 Pro is an excellent choice. However, if you prefer the tactile feedback and faster response times of mechanical switches, along with the versatility of programmable macro keys, the K55 XT is the way to go.
Beyond the Comparison: Other Factors to Consider
Apart from the direct comparison between the Corsair K55 Pro and XT, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind when making your purchase decision:
- Your Typing Habits: Consider your typing style and preferences. If you spend a lot of time typing, you may want to prioritize a keyboard with comfortable key switches and a good typing experience.
- Gaming Needs: If gaming is your primary focus, consider the type of games you play and the features that are important to you. Some games may benefit from programmable macro keys, while others may not require them.
- Personal Aesthetics: Both the Corsair K55 Pro and XT offer customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to match the look of your keyboard to your personal style or gaming setup.
What You Need to Know
1. Q: Which keyboard has a quieter typing experience, the K55 Pro or XT?
A: The K55 Pro, with its membrane switches, offers a quieter typing experience compared to the K55 XT’s mechanical switches.
2. Q: Does the K55 Pro have programmable macro keys?
A: No, the K55 Pro does not have programmable macro keys.
3. Q: Can I adjust the brightness of the RGB lighting on both keyboards?
A: Yes, both the K55 Pro and XT allow you to adjust the brightness of the RGB lighting through the Corsair iCUE software.
4. Q: Is the K55 XT compatible with Mac computers?
A: Yes, the K55 XT is compatible with Mac computers, but you may need to use third-party software to customize its features and lighting.
5. Q: Which keyboard has a longer lifespan, the K55 Pro or XT?
A: The K55 XT, with its mechanical switches, generally has a longer lifespan compared to the K55 Pro’s membrane switches.
