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The Vengeance K90 isn’t supplied with a software CD so we have to visit the Corsair website to download the software configuration utility. The installation process is very simple, taking no more than a couple of minutes to complete, including download.
On the main page of the software we find the configuration options for the 18 macro buttons. We are able to configure these to a number of preset functions or any keystroke or combination of keystrokes. You can configure up to three hardware profiles which can be switched on the fly using the M1, M2 and M3 buttons along the top edge of the keyboard.
You can also configure software profiles which can be set to activate when a certain application launches by clicking the ‘profiles’ tab at the top of the page. Unfortunately, we are only able to configure the predefined macro buttons and not any button on the keyboard. This would be preferable for some users.
Corsair has chosen to use mechanical switches in the K90 which defines the overall dynamic of the keyboard. Mechanical keyboards are becoming more and more popular as users become aware of the performance benefits over standard membrane keyboards. The switches actually register the keypress when the key has only been depressed half way, meaning that they are registered sooner. This gives gamers a slight performance benefit in game.
Like most other mechanical keyboards on the market, the Vengeance K90 utilises Cherry MX gold-plated switches. But there are a number of different variants of these switches which offer a slightly different feel. For example, the SteelSeries 6GV2 and 7G feature Cherry MX Black switches which offer a smooth action and the Razer BlackWidow Ultimate features Cherry MX Blue switches which give tactile feedback when the keypress has been registered.
Corsair has chosen to use Cherry MX Red switches in the K90 which we haven’t actually seen being used before on a keyboard. They are, however, very similar to the Cherry MX Black switches, the only difference being the lower actuation force required to depress them. This means the Vengeance K90 has a much lighter feel than the SteelSeries keyboards we’ve tested in the past. We highly doubt this would have any noticeable effect on gaming performance but it is preferable when typing.
