Syed Imran Haider 
Almost every major gaming brand is releasing its own mechanical gaming keyboard, most of which cost more than $200. Therefore, it can be easy to forget that there are still some affordable options available in the market with membrane keys. One such keyboard is the Corsair K55 Core RGB that comes with dedicated media controls, rich ten-zone RGB, quiet keys and remapping and macro capabilities.
Design and features
Considering its price tag, the Corsair K55 Core has stunning looks. The brand is known for how well it does RGB and this full-size keyboard is the perfect example. At first glance, the keyboard looks a lot like company’s more expensive keyboards. But, in reality, every single aspect of the device has been scaled back. For instance, you cannot customize the lighting for every key and is only available for ten zones.
It comes with a plastic case and soft membrane switches are used for the keys. Rather than a volume roller, there are buttons and the keycaps are on the thin side. Even with moderate use, the ABC plastic will get shiny. It comes with a non-detachable and non-braided cable, but it does allow gaming with just a millisecond of latency. None of these are a deal-breaker in the world of low-cost keyboards.
A full 104-key layout is used by the Corsair K55 Core. It boasts a full number pad, arrow keys and function row, along with the editing, navigation and lock cluster in the middle-right. The media controls are above the number pad in a circle and dedicated buttons for mute, volume and pause/play are given. There is a set of indicator lights to the left of these buttons for different lock functions and two more buttons are provided for adjusting the backlighting and brightness.
The number row also has a series of function controls. They cycle the keyboard via five different lightning presets, which are color pulse, color wave, rainbow wave, static lighting and color shift. You can adjust the lighting speed and direction with different hotkeys.
Software
While cheap mechanical and gaming keyboards often fall short in terms of software, it does not apply to the K55 Core. It has taken full advantage of Corsair’s iCUE software that gives you a deep customization suite. It allows you to record macros, remap keys and program the lighting. It has also become modular instead of just one download.
There are various options for you to explore and they are similar to the ones given for high-end keyboards. Individual keys can be tied to program launches, shortcuts can be assigned and keys can be mapped. But, the software needs to continue running in the background for the keyboard to ensure full functionality.
Performance
Even though the price tag is not much, the K55 Core turns out to be surprisingly capable. Most of this is because of the software’s macro recording and remapping capabilities. The device strikes a middle-ground between working as a regular keyboard and gaming prowess. It has tactile switches and you will make fewer typos as compared to linear switches. The keyboard is also highly responsive, but it does feel like a budget keyboard, given that it has thin keycaps and the plastic case is lightweight. Typing in the dark is easy due to the bold backlit legends that can be found in the keycaps. Plus, you definitely do not miss out on anything when it comes to programming and remapping.
The Verdict
Even though it is a budget gaming keyboard, you cannot deny that the Corsair K55 Core RGB is good value for money.
