Corsair MAKR 75 Review: Promising Design, Limited Upgrade Options
The Corsair MAKR 75 arrives with the bold ambition of blending a custom mechanical keyboard’s ethos with the capabilities expected from a high-end gaming keyboard. While the keyboard impresses with its robust build quality, solid typing experience, and well-thought-out software, its modular upgrade structure falls short of delivering a truly customizable journey for enthusiasts.
Introduction: A New Contender in Custom Gaming Keyboards
Enthusiasts and gamers alike have increasingly gravitated toward hot-swappable mechanical keyboards that allow personalization of switches and keycaps without soldering. The Corsair MAKR 75 initially caught attention due to Corsair’s heritage and the promise of modular add-ons such as a wireless upgrade and an LED display module. However, the reality of the product reveals challenges in accessibility and upgrade flexibility.
Key Features of the Corsair MAKR 75
- Mechanical Hot-Swappable Design: Allows users to easily change switches without soldering, supporting a variety of Corsair MLX switches including Plasma (linear), Fusion (tactile), and Quantum (speed).
- Sturdy Build Quality: Constructed with an aluminum chassis, providing durability and a premium feel with a dense, reassuring weight.
- Upgradeable Modular Elements: Options include a wireless module supporting 2.4GHz Slipstream and Bluetooth connectivity, a high-performance FR4 switch plate, and an LED system display to replace the default rotary dial.
- Streamlined Customization Software: Corsair’s new web-based customization hub replaces the traditional iCue software with a lightweight, intuitive interface for lighting, key mapping, and device control.
- Typing Experience: Features well-textured PBT doubleshot keycaps with a satisfying ‘thocky’ sound profile, enhanced by the option to swap to an FR4 switch plate for a crisper feedback.
Design and Build Quality
The MAKR 75’s design is a refreshing departure from some gaming keyboards, favoring a dense aluminum chassis with minimal branding, available in both black and silver. This solid foundation feels durable enough for frequent switch swaps and keycap changes, appealing to users who view their keyboard as a long-term investment. During testing, the keyboard withstood heavy use and even moving conditions without compromising integrity.
Keycaps and Switches
Corsair offers a range of keycap sets compatible with the MAKR 75, from economical ABS doubleshot sets to premium PBT doubleshot and dye-sublimated options. The review unit’s PBT doubleshot “Eclipse” keycaps offered excellent texture and durability, though some minor factory defects were observed.
The MLX switches available at checkout include several mechanical options, but lack analog or magnetic technologies that many high-end gaming keyboards now offer. The Pulses switch, described as “thocky,” delivers a satisfying auditory and tactile feel, though with a slight resinous rattle not present in competitors’ offerings such as Asus or Keychron.
Software and Customization
Corsair has transitioned away from bulky, often criticized desktop software in favor of a browser-based customization hub. This tool makes the process of remapping keys, adjusting lighting, and managing firmware straightforward and accessible. Notably, users can customize SOCD cleaning (FlashTap) and display options for the rotary dial or LED module if installed.
Modular Upgrade Challenges
What most defines the MAKR 75’s identity is its modular concept. It offers the ability to add a wireless 2.4GHz Slipstream and Bluetooth module, a different switch plate, and an LED display upgrade. However, a significant limitation arises from how these modules are sold: they are only available when ordering the keyboard initially and are not offered separately for later purchase.
For a community deeply invested in modular customization, this approach limits the keyboard’s flexibility and value over time. This contrasts with other popular hot-swappable keyboards like the Glorious GMMK 3, which charges less upfront and allows standalone purchase of upgrades, encouraging ongoing modding.
At the time of review, separate sales of the wireless and LED display modules were not available through Corsair or major retailers, creating a barrier to realizing the full potential of the MAKR 75’s modular promises.
Wireless Module and Battery Performance
The wireless module transforms the wired MAKR 75 into a fully wireless device using 2.4GHz Slipstream and Bluetooth connection options, with the Bluetooth polling rate maxing out at 2000Hz. Despite the upgrade being more involved to install (with limited instructions included), it maintains a stable, low-latency connection essential for gaming.
Battery life is impressive for a mechanical keyboard with full RGB lighting, lasting about two full days in use and extending to three and a half days without lighting. However, competitive models like the Keychron V6 Max and Alienware Pro Wireless offer better battery efficiency.
Typing and Gaming Experience
The MAKR 75 delivers a clean and tactile typing feel, enhanced by the option to swap in an FR4 switch plate that adds a snappier feedback with slightly reduced key flex. The keyboard employs SOCD cleaning technology (named FlashTap by Corsair) to maintain precise directional inputs, a valuable feature in competitive gaming.
Nonetheless, with an initial price of $179.99 for the barebones kit and nearly double that when fully configured with wireless and display upgrades, gamers might expect more cutting-edge features such as magnetic or analog switches, per-key actuation adjustment, and customizable macros that rival boards like the Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid or Corsair K70 Pro TKL offer at similar or lower prices.
Comparison with Competitors
Compared to the Corsair MAKR 75:
- Glorious GMMK 3: Priced similarly but offers easier upgradeability and a flexible modular upgrade marketplace.
- Asus ROG Azoth X: A premium hot-swappable wireless keyboard at $299.99 with a comprehensive feature set.
- Lemokey P1 Pro: A budget-friendly hot-swappable keyboard at around $129.99.
- Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid: More gaming-focused features with adjustable actuation at competitive prices.
Testing Methodology
The Corsair MAKR 75 was evaluated as a daily driver over two weeks. The tested unit included Corsair MLX Pulse switches and the Corsair Eclipse keycap set, with wireless and LED modules installed. The switch plate was swapped once during testing. This approach reflects real-world usage combining daily productivity and gaming.
Summary: Potential Held Back by Upgrade Limitations
The Corsair MAKR 75 stands out for its sturdy construction, comfortable typing, and streamlined software experience. However, despite its aspirations, it falls short as a true customizable mechanical keyboard due to unavailable modular upgrades post-purchase and a relatively high cost for the complete package.
While it offers a solid typing and gaming experience for those prioritizing build quality and brand reputation, enthusiasts seeking a truly modular keyboard with flexible upgrade paths and competitive gaming features might find better value and options from other hot-swappable mechanical keyboards in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Pros: Durable aluminum build, variety of switch and keycap options, intuitive web-based customization, and good typing feel.
- Cons: Modular wireless and display upgrades not sold separately, additional features considerably increase total cost, minor key rattling, and less advanced gaming features than rivals.
Conclusion
In the evolving market of hot-swappable gaming keyboards, the Corsair MAKR 75 represents an ambitious step towards hybrid custom/gaming keyboards. Nevertheless, key barriers in upgrade flexibility currently limit its appeal for custom keyboard enthusiasts. Its future success depends on Corsair enabling aftermarket access to modular components, aligning actual usability with the initial promise.
For users primarily seeking a sturdy, reliable, and customizable keyboard with robust software support, the MAKR 75 offers a competent experience. However, the modular upgrade limitations and premium pricing highlight the importance of flexible customization options in this segment.
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