Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Review

Corsair’s K95 RGB Platinum XT is an upgraded and promising mechanical keyboard that comes with a comfortable wrist rest, great hardware and compatible with Elgato Stream Deck. The only downside is the overpricing that keeps it on expensive side.

Corsair is prominent well-known for introducing new upgrades and innovations in its accessories. The newly released K95 RGB Platinum XT (Check Price) is a no exception in this regard. The keyboard has gained a lot of upgrades and improvements as compared to its original version. As you know any improvement comes at a hefty price which can be seen in this new improved version putting it in the list of the best gaming keyboards for the intensive gaming experience.

Moving out from the classic version, Corsair’s K95 RGB Platinum XT is equipped with an appealing RGB lighting at the top and a decent addition of Cherry MX Speed switches as well as options for MX Brown and Blue. The keyboard features Elgato Stream Desk software to be used for six macro keys, high-end double shot keycaps and a most comfortable wrist rest.

Reasons to Buy

  • Dedicated keycaps and media controls
  • Comfortable wrist rest
  • Compatible with Elgato Stream Deck

Reasons to Avoid

  • Bulky
  • Expensive

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT – Specifications

ManufacturerCorsair
ModelK95 RGB Platinum XT (See at Corsair’s Official Website)
ConstructionAluminum top plate
SwitchesCherry MX Blue (MX Brown and MX Speed also included)
Game ModeYes
Media KeysYes (4 keys)
Onboard MemoryYes (3 profiles)
Cable6 feet, non-removable
Macros Six
Ports1x USB 2.0 passthrough port
KeycapsDouble shot (PBT plastic material)
LightingRGB (Customizable)
SoftwareCorsair iCue, Elgato Stream Deck
ColorBlack
Weight2.88 pounds (1.31kg)
Dimensions18.3 x  6.7 x 1.4 inches
Warranty2 Years

K95 RGB Platinum XT – Design and Build

Looking at the design gives a crystal clear idea that the keyboard is similar to the classic high-end mechanical keyboards developed by Corsair. Equipped with the durable brushed aluminum the mainframe looks quite sturdy. On its right corner above the num-pad are the metal volume, media controls, windows key lock and lighting controls.

On its extreme left end are the six silver textured macro keys which are fully compatible with Elgato Stream Desk software. With the help of software the macro keys can best be used for streamers to manage Twitch chat, or to launch third-party software.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT sideview

Unlike the non-XT model, this XT model comes with two upgrades. First one is the addition of Double shot keycaps that feel premium and durable. The keycaps are equipped with double layered plastic under it to give more prominence to the RGB lighting and to enhance durability by resisting wear and tear.

The second upgrade, which the K95 RGB Platinum XT comes with, is its palm wrist that has leatherette material. The material is the replacement of traditional rubber wrist rest which felt cumbersome after continuous use. Though the feel isn’t as comfortable as offered by HyperX, it still is a big improvement than the previous plastic and rubber wrist rests.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT macros

The thing worth noticing is that the keyboard features additional S-key caps as a replacement of G-key caps only if you need extra buttons for Steam Desk. Aside from that the most used keys, such as WASD and spacebar also include textured keycaps to improve your gaming efficiency in MOBA and FPS titles.

The only downside we found in its design is that the rather than magnets, plastic clips were used to attach the wrist rest with the chassis. This gives a feeling that the clips are built with cheap material and may break after a few years. Also it lacks the OLED screen similar to SteelSeries Apex Pro which is quite handy in customizing apps and games

Instead of using removable USB-C cable the Corsair has maintained its tradition and used a six feet braided cable that is permanently attached to the frame. This restricts its portability and to use it for travel. Granted, you still get USB 2.0 pass-through and cable routing wells with it, making it best for gamers who do typing as well as gaming on their workstation.

K95 RGB Platinum XT – Lighting

The RGB lighting on the keyboard is the most wonderful feature that fascinates every Corsair addict. The lighting is customizable and can be set according to the taste and workstation by using Corsair’s iCue software. From flashy light show to the subtle ambient lighting the brightness is fully customizable and loaded with a whole lot fascination.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT keys

The good thing is that the individually customized keys don’t interfere with each other and smooth lighting zone is formed across the top of the keyboard, and it appears as if just one LED light is running across the entire keyboard. The only complain that we have with lighting is that the profile switching key, media keys, windows lock keys, mute and brightness keys are darker than the RGB pattern that gives an odd feeling. Ideally this should be changed, but overall this is not a big deal.

Gaming and Typing Performance 

At some points Corsair is still a bit classy in its builds and not moving forward. This is apparently clear from the fact that the company is still relying on its own mechanical Cherry MX switches instead of focusing on optical or analogue actuation tech is now gaining popularity.

The MX switches are a classical feature of Corsair’s keyboards, the company has, however, upgraded the MX Brown and MX Speed switches in this K95 XT model for greater reliability and higher key-presses of up to 100 million. On the other hand, the MX Blue switches have only 50 million keystrokes, half of the MX Brown and MX Speed. Should you plan to keep your keyboard for many years the difference in keystrokes will be visible.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT

In my opinion, the Blue switches are most appropriate for routine typing and editing tasks, while the Speed switches, due to their shorter-actuation, and Red ones, due to the linear style are perfect combinations for gaming purpose.

Overall, the keyboard looks and feels great especially for gaming as well as typing. The additional features such as, optimum force required for keystrokes and addition of a volume wheel will give a pleasant and strain-free experience in using the keyboard even after many hours of intensive gaming.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT – Software

The keyboard runs parallel with two most popular softwares. The first one is the Corsair’s iCue software. The software is loaded with powerful features and quite easy and user-friendly. From lighting customization to the coordination with other devices built by Corsair, you’ll find myriad of options especially, managing onboard storage and creating macros.

Corsair’s K95 RGB Platinum XT software

Though the software is a bit old fashioned, and not as intuitive as Logitech’s software, it still affords to offer a lot features and tweaks to do. The best part that we noticed in the software was the instant Lighting setting. The option lets you customize the color option for all the Corsair’s devices. For gaming you may select any color and while watching movie the black color with no lighting is the best to prevent RGB interfere with movie.

Aside from that the iCUE 2.0 offers unlimited keyboard profiles and allows you to store three main profiles on your keyboard. The profiles can also be exported as a file for the future use. Macros record perfectly as the software has an option to customize the macros for setting the time lag between every click, or to disable mouse clicks, movements or scrolling. The remapping of keys, customizing media controls, launching an application or profile switching is also quite easy even for a newbie.

Elgato Stream Desk is the second software which the keyboard is compatible with. The software is popular among YouTubers and Twitch Streamers, as it offers multiple quick-to-go options onboard. With this software you will be able to customize the six-macro keys located on the left side of the keyboard.

With the help of Stream Deck you can program macro keys to launch third party software, manage chats while streaming Twitch, and change in-game voice. With a press of button you can now do almost anything you want from your gaming keyboard.

Testing Results

Undoubtedly the Corsair’s K95 RGB Platinum XT is an excellent addition in gaming keyboards, but the major hurdle is its pricing. Though it comes with a lot of amazing features, the keyboard is still overpriced, provided that you are getting a mechanical keyboard.

However, the introduction of Double Shot keycaps in K95 RGB Platinum XT makes it an exceptional choice for high-end gamers who want to do the next level gaming. The media controls, and a finest volume wheel give it a premium feel, not to mention its leatherette wrist rest. In a price of $200, the keyboard comes with features, design and build which every high-end gamer would definitely love. Finally, if you are a YouTuber or a Streamer, the real deal comes into play with support of Elgato Stream Deck.

If price is a major issue and you don’t want these high-end features consider going for the affordable options, such as Alloy Origins by HyperX, which is lightweight and gives the best performance, though the wrist rest is not as comfortable as offered by K95 XT. This is why the K95 RGB Platinum XT is one of the most luxurious and premium gaming keyboards that you should consider.

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Review Score

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT

Mathew Bradford

Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT Gaming Keyboard
Corsair’s K95 RGB Platinum XT is most upgraded and promising mechanical keyboard that comes with a comfortable wrist rest, great hardware and compatible with Elgato Stream Deck.
Design
Features
Performance
Price

Summary

Corsair’s K95 RGB Platinum XT is most upgraded and promising mechanical keyboard that comes with a comfortable wrist rest, great hardware and compatible with Elgato Stream Deck. The only downside of this keyboard is that it is expensive keyboard

4.3

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Mathew Bradford

Hey! Mathew Bradford Here, A proud member of GamingExpert Team. I love playing games with new gaming gadgets. Our team is here to help you find the best gaming products, reviews of videos games and to help you decide which one is best for your. You can contact me if you need further assistance.