Corsair Gaming Keyboard (Raptor K30)

I have a 17.3" HP Elitebook that I use for gaming. (I know, for gaming)Using a keyboard vs the keypad that's on the laptop is so much better. I'm further away from my screen and I my elbows can relax much easier.I will say this about the shipping. I don't know why but FedEx has been sending packages to the USPS instead of shipping it themselves. So it was a day delayed and that's not the vender's fault. I will fault the venders for the box they shipped the keyboard in, way oversized for the keyboard. Enough about that.Pros:Very sturdyThe keys are not very clicky, but they are responsive.Keyboard length is smaller than I imagined which is perfect for long gaming sessions (my arms are not very far apart nor are they too close, it's a very comfortable fit)3 levels of brightness settingsBrightness settings are solidThe lower keys are at an angle (it feels like less work when using my thumb for the space bar)Dedicated media keysDedicated light toggle switchDedicated "Windows Lock" keyOn board memory (for the different macro settings) which allows you to use this keyboard on multiple setups without having to redownload and reinput the macro key functionsCons:The light toggle switch adjusts the lights throughout the keyboard. Meaning the white lights get brighter as well. It may or may not bother some people.The keys are a little squeaky when you run your fingers lightly on them, it might bother some people.If you are used to a chiclet keyboard, you may or may not have some difficultly getting used to raising your fingers slightly to reach keys and press down on them. (it wasn't an issue with me but for some it might be)This keyboard, Corsair Raptor K30, is a 2 year model (manufactured in 2013). You don't get many of the bells and whistles that the newer gaming keyboards have.This model does not come with some kind of keyring remover. I wish it did in case I need to replace a key.I don't believe this model can add a wrist rest.Software and driver do not work with Windows 10. There is a work around to get drivers working again with Windows 10. You have to do some looking around.Overall I would suggest this keyboard for those who are looking to get a serious gaming keyboard. It isn't mechanical. But for those who are on a budget and wish to get a good product I would suggest getting this keyboard or something of this caliber.I plan on adding more to this review after a month of owning this and some serious gameplay.

I mulled over the decision for many days, reading dozens upon dozens of reviews on keyboards. I looked into many of the issues that have plagued some of the higher end named boards, and I wanted a set a features within a price that I could justify spending on a keyboard with my budget.What I was looking for: Solid keys that were responsive and high profile. I can't stand low profile boards. I want my keys to feel distinctive and be able to tell where my fingers are easily. I also like the sound of the keys. Not too soft, not too loud. The keys needed to be spaced out well for my large fingers. I found alot of boards compress their keys down to make room for added features, this Corsair board sizes them just right for me. The only oddity that took a little adjusting was the difference in size/shape/position of the backspace and \ key as other reviews have mentioned, but if you're concerned about that, it didn't take me long to adjust at all.Illumination: I game in the living room at night, mostly with the lights off. The lights aren't super bright on their highest setting, but just enough to see without being distracting.Windows key lock: Works like charm, and was a feature that was a necessity for me.Volume/music controls: For some reason, alot of gaming boards drop these features for space for other things. I like to be able to adjust my music while I'm playing without having to tab out. Works fine.I haven't actually installed the software or set up the macro buttons, as I have plenty of extra buttons on my mouse. All the features I've used work fine out of the box, just plugging it in and windows detecting it.My one minor gripe about the board is the cable. It feels just a bit too short for my taste and it isn't braided like most gaming peripherals are these days. The braid helps protect from accidental damage or a curious cat.

I've been looking for a replacement keyboard for my Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition. I got very tired very quickly of the Cherry MX Blue switches that they had on it (they're noisy and very low-quality switches) and I need a number pad for some of the games I play. I saw this keyboard and noticed that it had everything that I was looking for:It's quiet;It's a full keyboard;It lights up.The media buttons and programmable keys are a bonus to those features, however there is one issue that brought this down on my list of recommendations.I have a Bluetooth adapter from ASUS for my speakers and a few other things, and for some reason, Corsair's WIRED keyboard does not play nice with it. The first time I plugged it in, it worked fine. No problems whatsoever. I turn on my computer the next morning and all of a sudden my keyboard freezes and decides that it does not want to cooperate. After an hour of booting in safe mode and disabling boot services and programs, I managed to find that it was the adapter causing the issue. Not only was it frustrating, it was disappointing. $60 (I got it for $49.99 on sale) for a wired keyboard that does not cooperate with Bluetooth is problematic.Nevertheless, it is still a good upgrade from anything Razer-related. It lights up a dull red color, which is nice because it is not overpoweringly bright and makes it easy on the eyes to see the keys in the dark. It's quiet, which is a step up from Razer's loud, noisy Cherry MX Blues on everything they have (I have not used their new brand-specific switches, but I do not imagine much of a difference). The keys do not have any double-key problems (Razer is bad with this--one press occasionally translates to two presses or even still being activated when the key is not pushed) and feel smooth with each press; there is still a tactile feel to the rubber dome keys. It is cheap, affordable, and works as a decent looking gaming-grade keyboard. I would recommend it, despite my problems.

I built my first PC last year and bought this for $54. Still works and all but I'll say maybe it's a tad overpriced for what it is. One great thing about this is the anti-ghosting, meaning I can press most combinations of 10 keys together and they'll all register; never had a problem with that while gaming like I've had with other keyboards. Beware of the backlighting though; it's pretty dull and won't blow you away unless you are in a completely dark room looking at it from 90 degree angle. It definitely helps in the dark, no question but pretty meh in terms of aesthetics.

Good

Rollover is adequate. Stays clean. Why doesn't every keyboard have an open case like this?

This thing is sweet. really like using it. feels sturdy, no ghosting.

I've purchased this Keyboard for the Marco keys and use it with MS Visual Studio as programming keyboard.But keyboard is way to tick, it break the wrist terribly. Macro Keys are badly place, my finger was always miss placed.I returned it to sender.