corsair RGB release (info inside)

[mouse.the.lucky.dog]

Admittedly, it's not using Cherry switches (Kailhs according to the video on Newegg), but still, you'd think people would at least mention it. Anyway, with Cherry now allegedly refusing to supply switches to some manufacturers, we might have to start being more open-minded about alternatives...

Don't settle. If you wanted something with Cherry switches get that. If your happy with Kailh get that. But if you get Kailhs because Cherry is to hard to find...
I'm pretty sure Cherry is increasing production, though it is going to take time, and it may not be as much as everyone hped. When they do, if people show that they are willing to go with Kailhs the keyboard companies may never go back.

[Tempest790]

Newegg has all the Corsair RGB MX keyboards listed now.  No price, but you can sign up for the auto-notify.

K70 (All - Red, Brown, Blue)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823816022

K95 (Red)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823816023

K95 (Blue)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823816026

K95 (Brown)
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16823816027

[minho]

im consideringgetting onenof these. Are you guys saying i can't replace the keycaps? none of them or just the spacebar? id like a cherry mx brown k95 thou.

You can. It will just be difficult to get properly sized modifiers because the corsair has a mix of 1.5 and 1 unit length modifiers, while standard is 1.25


EDIT:

On a different note, is it possible to strip switches from this to make a custom RGB board? Would one need to design a special PCB for it?

[False_Dmitry_II]

im consideringgetting onenof these. Are you guys saying i can't replace the keycaps? none of them or just the spacebar? id like a cherry mx brown k95 thou.

You can. It will just be difficult to get properly sized modifiers because the corsair has a mix of 1.5 and 1 unit length modifiers, while standard is 1.25


EDIT:

On a different note, is it possible to strip switches from this to make a custom RGB board? Would one need to design a special PCB for it?

What you really need is the controller/logic to drive the lights. You could sure put them in anything with no lighting going on.

[qwack]

Also, a normal/bicolor LED has two pins, while a RGB LED has four; so yes, you'll have to use a PCB specifically designed for RBG LEDs to take advantage of that feature.

[berserkfan]

Also, a normal/bicolor LED has two pins, while a RGB LED has four; so yes, you'll have to use a PCB specifically designed for RBG LEDs to take advantage of that feature.

That's the main problem; I am holding off buying group buy PCBs now. I know eventually (aka under 1 year) they will start putting out suitable PCBs.

[mouse.the.lucky.dog]

Also, a normal/bicolor LED has two pins, while a RGB LED has four; so yes, you'll have to use a PCB specifically designed for RBG LEDs to take advantage of that feature.

Hmm. Plus if you drive each LED seperately, then you have to have seperate traces for each LED. Quite a complex PCB. I wonder what the Corsair PCB looks like.

[nubbinator]

Hmm. Plus if you drive each LED seperately, then you have to have seperate traces for each LED. Quite a complex PCB. I wonder what the Corsair PCB looks like.

Pretty simple since it uses SMD LEDs.

[qwack]

The problem is the same, most SMD RGB LEDs have between four and six pins. I'd love to see Corsair's PCB as well. That kind of board must be a bear to design, if you stick to dual-layer PCBs.

[mouse.the.lucky.dog]

Hmm. Plus if you drive each LED seperately, then you have to have seperate traces for each LED. Quite a complex PCB. I wonder what the Corsair PCB looks like.

Pretty simple since it uses SMD LEDs.

The point is not that the LED's are surface mount. The point is that since each LED is separately driven, you will have to have a individual trace running to the controller. If the LEDs were all one color you would only need three for all. I suppose there are a few tricks to reduce that but still you will need many many more traces.

[berserkfan]

Hmm. Plus if you drive each LED seperately, then you have to have seperate traces for each LED. Quite a complex PCB. I wonder what the Corsair PCB looks like.

Pretty simple since it uses SMD LEDs.

The point is not that the LED's are surface mount. The point is that since each LED is separately driven, you will have to have a individual trace running to the controller. If the LEDs were all one color you would only need three for all. I suppose there are a few tricks to reduce that but still you will need many many more traces.

Let me see if I have understood the conversation on this thread:

->corsair PCB must be super complex
->the PCB is probably very hard to design and might be filled with tiny traces which mean that modding might be very hard.
->the controller is probably also another PITA to design and Bipiphany or other modders might lose their sanity trying to do that

IE Those who want a similar RGB keyboard will probably have to bow to the inevitable and buy Corsair. And since switch changing involves desoldering many more points, it will be much more troublesome.

Conclusion: most people are not going to get RGB keyboards for quite a while. It'll take time before people come up with custom PCBs, controllers and switch housings suitable for RGB keyboard.

[BrockSamson]

Unfortunate about the keys.

I actually really like the design of the Corsair keyboards but the non-standard keys ruins it. What's the point of a $150-200 keyboard if after a few months the keys wear through and you can't even replace them or swap for a different (better) material or design.

Corsair has succeeded in earning my business... for Ducky or Max.

[Tempest790]

August half way over and still no K70 RGB. Exclusivity ticking away?

[nubbinator]

August half way over and still no K70 RGB. Exclusivity ticking away?

Hopefully.  It would be nice to see it in some cheaper boards without non-standard key cap sizes.

[FoxWolf1]

It'll take time before people come up with custom PCBs, controllers and switch housings suitable for RGB keyboard.

Actually it is already happening.