When it comes to waterproofing gadgets, it's usually
for the ones you tend to take outside like a smartphone or camera. You wouldn't
expect (or believe) that a mechanical keyboard can be protected against water
or other liquids, but Corsair says otherwise with its new K68 keyboard launched
in India at a price of Rs. 12,599 and available from mid June. In the US, it
has been priced at US$ 99.
The Corsair K68 mechanical keyboard is a ruggedly
designed keyboard that's aimed at gamers and promises to handle accidental
spills. It comes with an IP32 rating that makes it dust resistant and can
handle water spray, which may not seem like much but is definitely a welcome
feature for those who find themselves accidentally spilling a glass of water
kept right next to the keyboard. The inner circuitry of the keyboard is
protected by a layer of silicone rubber under each key and can be easily
cleaned by removing the tiles.
The keyboard switches come in a choice of Cherry MX
Red or Cherry MX Blue with matching LED lights depending on the colour you
choose. However, you'll only get the Cherry MX Red version in India. The LED
backlighting on the K68 can also be configured for each individual key through
Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) software, where you can choose from a wide range
of pre-set lighting effects, or download hundreds of user-made profiles. The
software also lets you remap any key to the command or multi-function macro of
your choice.
You notice a patterned 'Space' key and media
shortcut keys for volume and multi-media controls like play, pause and skip
that can be adjusted without having to interrupt your game. The company also
says that the Corsair K68 comes with 100 percent anti-ghosting with full key
rollover to accurately and consistently register key presses. A Windows Key
Lock mode further prevents accidental Windows and context menu key presses.
Corsair believes that the K68 keyboard will be
particularly useful for gamers who may sometimes "reach for a drink or
snack, only for an unseen threat to suddenly appear on screen. As you
instinctively reach for your WASD keys to respond, it's already too late to
stop your falling snack or spilling beverage and the loss is often much greater
than just a round, quest or mission."
