The mechanics
We've mentioned that the Vengeance K60 is a mechanical keyboard, but it's worth expanding on that for readers who are new to the term.
Many of today's keyboards utilise dome- or scissor-switch mechanisms that consist of multiple membrane layers. When squeezed, the layers touch to complete an electrical circuit and the key press is registered. It's an effective technique, and it's relatively cheap to manufacture - hence why similar methods are used in remote controls.
In contrast, mechanical keyboards utilise independent spring-based mechanisms for each key, resulting in an intricate design that's costly but of higher quality. Each key will typically travel up to 5mm and will actuate before bottoming out, so the user needn't fully depress the key in order for it to register.
The short actuation point is said to minimise fatigue and there are other benefits to mechanical keyboards, too. The keys spring back up to their normal position consistently, and the typist can feel the resistance. Perhaps most importantly, the movement of the keys results in audible and tactile feedback - allowing the user, in theory, to touch type at greater speed.
Mechanical switches, then, are a good thing, but they too come in various shapes and sizes. For the Vengeance K60, Corsair has opted to use linear MX Red switches from German manufacturer Cherry.
Cherry switches can be found in various gaming keyboards, but the MX Red variety has become something of a rarity - and with good reason, too, as it is Cherry's premium gaming solution.
This particular brand of switch allows each key to travel 2mm to actuation and 4mm to bottom, and requires just 45g of force to actuate. That's 15g less than the more common Cherry MX Black, and it makes the MX Red keys feel notably light and responsive.
Like the MX Black, Cherry's MX Red switches offer a linear key press with no tactile feedback. Having a light bump at the actuation point can be useful when typing, but Corsair has decided that the smooth action of the MX Reds is the best bet for enthusiast gamers.
And there are other gamer-specific benefits, too. By using individual switches and an integrated keyboard micro-controller, the K60 is 100 per cent ghost-free so you needn't worry about specific key combinations. And there's little reason to fret over simultaneous key presses, too, as Corsair's implemented a custom device driver that allows the K60 to register up to 20 simultaneous key presses over USB.
What's interesting, though, is that the entire keyboard isn't strictly mechanical. The K60's top row (Escape through F12) and centre block (PrtScn to Page Down) are in fact equipped with silicon-dome key switches. Corsair claims this is a design decision, and not a cost-cutting measure, as quick double taps are "undesirable on those keys". Instead, these 22 keys have been tweaked in force and linearity to provide extra damping that helps prevents accidental actuation.
What's it like to use?
The fact that mechanical switches come in various forms suggests that the Cherry MX Red configuration of the Vengeance K60 won't be for everyone.
We initially found the keys to be a little too light for our liking, and the low actuation force led to a few accidental key presses. But after a few days of acclimatising, the consistency of the mechanical switches began to feel like second nature, and the keyboard became seriously enjoyable while gaming.
There's something about the Vengeance K60 that feels right in a first-person shooter. It's comfortable in use, the contoured keys feel fantastic, and it's ultimately a great tool for FPS gaming.
Yet herein lies the dilemma; Corsair's paid so much attention to the first-person shooter, that other considerations have fallen by the wayside. With no tactile feedback, the Vengeance K60 isn't great for everyday typing, and with no backlight, it isn't particularly useful in the dark. But this is an FPS gaming keyboard first and foremost and it excels in catering for this market.
Bottom line: the Vengeance K60 is an excellent tool for extreme FPS gamers, but our advice would be to try before you buy as mechanical keyboards aren't for everyone.
The Good
MX Red switches
Sturdy aluminium top plate
Contoured keys are excellent
20-key rollover and ghost-free
Integrated USB port for mouse
The Bad
No backlit keys
Not suited to everyday typing
HEXUS Where2Buy
The Corsair Vengeance K60 gaming keyboard is available to purchase from scan.co.uk*.
*As always, UK-based HEXUS.community forum members will benefit from the SCAN2HEXUS Free Shipping initiative, which will save you a further few pounds plus also top-notch, priority customer service and technical support backed up by the SCANcare@HEXUSforum.
