What Switches Does the Corsair K95 Have? You Won’t Believe What We Found!

The Corsair K95 is a renowned mechanical keyboard known for its premium build quality and feature-rich design. But one question often arises: what switches does the Corsair K95 have? This is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a keyboard, as it directly impacts typing feel, responsiveness, and overall performance.

A Dive into Switch Options

The Corsair K95 has been available in various iterations, each offering a distinct switch option to cater to different preferences. Let’s explore the most popular switch choices:

1. Cherry MX Switches: The Classic Choice

Cherry MX switches are considered the gold standard in mechanical keyboard switches. The K95 has been offered with several Cherry MX variants:

• Cherry MX Red: Known for their linear actuation, offering a smooth and effortless typing experience with no tactile bump. Ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness.
• Cherry MX Blue: These tactile and clicky switches provide a distinct audible click and tactile bump, offering a satisfying feedback for each keystroke. Popular among typists who appreciate the tactile feedback.
• Cherry MX Brown: Similar to MX Blues, these switches offer a tactile bump but lack the audible click, providing a quieter typing experience. A good compromise between tactile feedback and noise reduction.
• Cherry MX Speed: These linear switches feature a shorter actuation point and a lighter spring, making them incredibly fast and responsive. Primarily aimed at competitive gamers who prioritize rapid keystrokes.

2. Corsair OPX Switches: A New Era of Typing Experience

Corsair introduced their own proprietary OPX switches in the K95 RGB Ultra model. These switches offer a unique typing experience:

• Corsair OPX: These linear switches feature a shorter actuation point and a slightly heavier spring than MX Speed switches, offering a balance between speed and tactile feedback. They are designed for both gaming and typing, delivering a smooth and responsive feel.

Understanding Switch Terminology

To fully appreciate the differences between the switch options, it’s essential to understand some key terminology:

• Actuation Point: The distance a key needs to be pressed down before it registers a keystroke.
• Tactile Bump: A noticeable bump felt when pressing a key down, providing feedback that the keystroke has been registered.
• Click: A distinct audible sound produced when a key is pressed down.
• Linear: Switches with a smooth, consistent feel throughout the keystroke without any tactile bump or click.
• Tactile: Switches with a noticeable bump when pressed down, providing tactile feedback.
• Clicky: Switches that produce a distinct audible click when pressed down.

Choosing the Right Switches for You

The best switch for you depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider these factors:

• Typing Style: If you prefer a smooth and fast typing experience, linear switches like MX Red or OPX are ideal. If you enjoy tactile feedback, MX Brown or MX Blue are good options.
• Gaming Style: For competitive gaming, MX Speed or OPX switches provide the fastest response times. For casual gaming, MX Red or MX Brown are suitable.
• Noise Level: If you prefer a quiet typing experience, MX Brown or OPX switches are good choices. MX Blue switches are the loudest option.

The K95: More Than Just Switches

The Corsair K95 is known for its exceptional features beyond its switch options:

• Full-Size Layout: The K95 offers a standard full-size layout with dedicated media keys and macro keys, making it suitable for both gaming and productivity.
• RGB Lighting: The K95 features per-key RGB lighting, allowing for extensive customization and personalization.
• Durable Construction: The K95 is built with high-quality materials, including an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, ensuring long-lasting durability.
• Ergonomic Design: The K95 features a comfortable ergonomic design with a detachable palm rest, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.

Beyond the K95: Exploring Other Corsair Mechanical Keyboards

While the K95 is a flagship model, Corsair offers a diverse range of mechanical keyboards to suit various needs and budgets:

• Corsair K70: A popular mid-range option with a compact tenkeyless design.
• Corsair K65: A compact 60% keyboard ideal for portability and minimal desk space.
• Corsair Strafe: A budget-friendly option with a focus on gaming performance.

The Final Verdict: Finding Your Perfect Typing Experience

Ultimately, the best switch for you depends on your individual preferences and how you use your keyboard. The Corsair K95 offers a variety of switch options to accommodate diverse typing styles and gaming needs. Whether you prefer the classic feel of Cherry MX switches or the innovative design of Corsair OPX switches, the K95 is a keyboard that can elevate your typing experience.

What You Need to Know

Q1: Can I replace the switches on a Corsair K95?
A: Yes, you can replace the switches on a Corsair K95. However, it requires some technical knowledge and soldering skills. Many online resources and tutorials can guide you through the process.
Q2: Which Corsair K95 model is best for gaming?
A: The K95 RGB Ultra with Corsair OPX switches is often recommended for gaming due to its fast response times and responsive feel. However, the K95 with Cherry MX Speed switches is also a popular choice among competitive gamers.
Q3: Are Corsair OPX switches better than Cherry MX switches?
A: Corsair OPX and Cherry MX switches are both excellent options with their unique strengths. OPX switches offer a slightly heavier spring and shorter actuation point for faster response times, while Cherry MX switches are known for their durability and wide range of options. The best choice depends on your individual preferences and needs.
Q4: What is the difference between the K95 and the K95 RGB?
A: The K95 RGB model features per-key RGB lighting, while the original K95 model has only static lighting. The RGB model also offers advanced customization options for lighting effects and profiles.