Corsair K65 RGB Mini 60% Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

A Closer Look

Taking it out of the box, this really is one funky-looking keyboard, I’m amazed at just how compact it is. I know I shouldn’t be THAT surprised, I knew it’s called the mini and it’s a 60% board, but then again, we see so few of these in the wild, and they’re even a rarity for me to review.

There’s ironically a big demand for little keyboards, they’re growing in popularity and while I don’t understand why, I don’t think I really have to; different strokes for different folks and all that. I need a full-size keyboard for my work, especially the numberpad. However, I can see the appeal. It’s extremely compact, so great for those with limited desktop space.

While it trims down the size, it looks like everything is still here though. There’s even a bloody mouse built in, sort of. You can use Fn Shift to access a second layer of functions, however, there’s even a second Fn Shift to reach yet another layer. QWER and ASDF offer a function to move the mouse cursor and even click the mouse. It’s not something I need, but I’m sure someone will find a use.

On the ZXCVB keys, you’ll find a range of profile settings, brightness, and effects for the RGB lighting. you can use the iCUE software, and I highly recommend you tinker with that too. However, the AXON processor allows for more built-in customisation, profiles and layers than ever before, so if you’re in a tournament where software isn’t allowed, or just don’t want the software loaded at all times, you still have a lot of freedom.

There are no standard arrow keys on this keyboard, which is a little confusing for me as I use them a lot while writing. However, they’re actually on the UHJK keys, you just need to use the Fn Shift button to get to them. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it’s still nice that they’re included in some way.

The list goes on, with Home, Page Up, Down, and all the usual stuff dotted around the right side of the keyboard.

What I do love is that they’ve put the volume up on O and volume down below it on L; that feels intuitive to me. Plus, you have basic multimedia controls on the second row, just above the Fn Shift, making them very easy to use with one hand while gaming.

It really is crazy how much is packed into here, and it does take some getting used to, if I’m honest. Everything is here, there’s no compromise on features, not one bit. Actually, it easily has more features here than any of the full-size Corsair keyboards, which is pretty crazy actually.

What I do love though is that it’s so small, yes I know I covered that already. However, it’s not just the keys, but also that super-slim chassis too! It really isn’t more than a few millimetres on each side.

If you need a keyboard that takes up a little space on your desk, this is it. Plus, it’ll fit in a small-ish backpack easily enough too, making it LAN party friendly; when we’re allowed to do such things again, of course (hello from the world of COVID, future readers!).

Around the back, things are kept nice and simple.

There’s a single USB-C port in the middle.

And a tidy little Corsair logo here, and that’s it.

Even the underside is kept simple and clean. Just four rubber grips and a sticker, no fuss.

In true Corsair style, they’re still sticking with Cherry MX switches, so you pretty much know what you’re going to get in terms of performance. MX Reds are the foundation of mechanical keyboards, and they’re a great match for the K65 RGB Mini.

While that’s out of the way, we could even swap in the alternative bar.

Click, done. That being said, Corsair has a standard bottom row on this keyboard, so if you wanted to use a full set of custom caps, you can! I’m sure that’ll please the enthusiast out there. Especially when you can get full sets so cheap these days.