Go for a TKL (TenKeyLess) size it’s compact with F-keys and arrows. Great options under 400 AUD include the Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series, Razer BlackWidow V4 75%, or SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL all have low latency, high polling rates, and solid build quality.
For icue control, K70 PRO TKL
Web HUB, Vanguard Pro 96(96% layout)
Web HUB is Same as Device Memory Mode and Don't need to use icue.
Special features that require iCue are unavailable, and important features like lighting and macros are also limited.
While WebHub can be easily configured through a browser, it does have its drawbacks, so be aware of these.
Vanguard support in iCue is currently under development, and its release date is currently unknown.
I ended up buying the Corsair MAKR PRO 75, which was first released in Korea during CES.
I hadn't originally planned to buy one, but I wanted to try a full-aluminum keyboard. I passed on the original MAKR75 because it didn't have magnetic switches, but now that it's been upgraded with magnetic switches, it's worth the investment.
I'm currently using a Vanguard 96 Pro at work and a K70 PRO TKL at home, which I'll be keeping for the time being.
The keyboard isn't wrapped in paper like other Corsair keyboards, but in cloth packaging, making it recyclable.
Additional accessories include a switch/keycap puller, a screwdriver, additional screws, and an extra gasket.
Corsair uses silicone gaskets. I think there are about six of them. Think of them as a safeguard against loss during disassembly and reassembly.
This keyboard features a 75-key layout with a dial. The keycap set features a clean black/white combination, with yellow ESC and Enter keys. The keycaps are OEM profile PBT double-shot keycaps.
The dial has a ring, allowing you to identify its function by color. However, unlike other Corsair keyboards with dials, changing the dial function requires holding it down for about two seconds, making it somewhat inconvenient.
Because the development of the Makr75 predates the K70 PRO TKL, some of its features are less convenient than those of the PRO TKL, most notably the lack of a game mode. This upgrade simply involves the use of magnetic switches, which is a drawback.
The spacebar features additional noise reduction between the stabilizer and the switches, and the PRO model comes standard with an FR4 switch plate.
The switches are MGX HyperDrive, and other magnetic switches, such as Gateron, can be used.
The bottom case features a PC/MAC mode switch, allowing you to adjust the CMD/WIN keys and other keys for Mac and Windows OS.
Since the case is fully aluminum, the bottom case is also made of aluminum.
The height adjustment is not a lever-type like on other keyboards, but a magnetic, detachable one, eliminating the risk of damage.
Unlike the much-criticized Vanguard 96, the MAKR75 supports iCue. While WEBHUB is also supported, iCue's functionality is fully functional, so fortunately, you won't need to use WebHUB.
The dial also allows for customization, similar to the Vanguard, making it an improvement over the PRO TKL.
It also provides a magnetic switch calibration UI in icue, eliminating the need to use WebHUB when replacing magnetic switches.
Like the PRO TKL, you can individually configure the actuation points for each key. WebHUB doesn't allow this.
However, Rapid Trigger differs in functionality compared to WebHub. Currently, Continuus Rapid Trigger can be activated in WebHub, but not in the iCUE UI. The K70 PRO TKL has this feature in iCUE.
While it remains to be seen whether this feature will be implemented in iCUE, it's available in WebHub, so I expect it will eventually be implemented.
The K70 PRO TKL wasn't initially available either, but it was added with an iCUE update.
In any case, while the price is high, if you're interested in a full aluminum keyboard, it's worth checking out.
There are DIY options for customizing it to your liking, and future functionality can be expanded with a wireless keyboard (battery included) and LCD module. While the LCD module can display sensor information when connected to iCUE, it lacks touch functionality and the volume dial controls are gone, so I wouldn't recommend it.
Corsair's new Galleon 100SD is quite expensive... While the integrated Stream Deck makes it highly functional, the lack of iCUE support is definitely a factor that's holding me back from buying it. It's hard to believe that a $349 keyboard can't offer custom lighting presets, which even the cheapest Corsair keyboards offer.
Anyway, among the products introduced at CES, the MAKR PRO 75 seemed like the only one worth buying.
The Pro TKL has double-layered noise damping, and this one has eight. Naturally, the Makr75 is a bit better in this regard.
However, the Pro TKL isn't necessarily bad. It's also good. If you're more concerned about things like game mode or the positioning of the arrow keys, the Pro TKL might be a better choice. Note that the Makr75 doesn't have a right Ctrl key.
If you want an aluminum frame keyboard and want to disassemble and customize it, the Makr75 is the better choice. The Pro TKL is difficult to disassemble and has a higher risk of breakage.
i’ve always been corsair, started with a k95 platinum with mx brown switches(eventually some LEDs dimmed and i sold it), then for some reason i got a k65 mini, wasnt able to play some games with that, but then i ventured into rog, i loved scope 2 and azoth, but i missed corsair, went back to k70 pro tkl (perfect size) and i loved it (icue customization per app and lighting layers do it for me) and now the vanguard 96 pro (pretty much the same size as the k70 pro tkl but with a num pad) is like the scope ii BUT with azoth quality, the sound and feel is amazing, im just waiting for icue compatibility, no issues with the corsair web hub but it’s not as good as icue
the vanguard 96 pro is exactly what i wanted in a keyboard, i remember begging for them to make something similar to the azoth/scope2 and it finally happened
What's the general opinion on corsair refurbs? the K100 @ $100 doesn't seem too bad at first glance. My K70 from 2017 (2016 model) works fine but a few LED's have gone weird. Might be a good upgrade?
The corsair K70/90/... have their own collum(s) of macro keys. Razer has them on the BlackWidow series and even the Logitech G915 X still has them.
Basically all the major companies do have some products with dedicated macro keys.
Lonely_Tear_888
