In terms of packaging, the Vengeance K95 is outwardly almost identical to that of the K70, perhaps quite unsurprisingly. Corsair are forging a strong brand with the Vengeance gaming line and a consistent look is one of the most powerful tools in a marketers arsenal. As before, Corsair highlight the features which differentiates the K95 from similar keyboards through the use of bullet points, and in this case an image focussed on the G-Keys.
As always, we appreciate the inclusion of technical specifications and system requirements on the outer packaging. Corsair haven't scrimped on this, and so the end-user should be well informed about their prospective purchase. Placing the regional layout prominently is also a plus, especially given that layout is reflected in the keyboard image shown.
Moving to the rear, Corsair have taken the opportunity to both describe the key features and show where on the keyboard some of them reside. Given how daunting the K95 could look to newcomers not used to advanced layouts it's a pretty succinct way of communicating the information. Apart from the major features mentioned - mechanical switches, anti-ghosting and key-by-key backlighting - many gamers will be particularly pleased to note that profiles can be stored onboard. This makes the keyboard broadly independent of the system software, and can be easily transferred to operate seamlessly on another PC.
Sliding the outer sleeve off, you're presented with the inner cardboard box. The two layers of packaging will of course help to protect the keyboard inside, reducing the chances that the brushed aluminium finish will be harmed in the event of a problem in shipping. Corsair being Corsair, they ensure that recycling the packaging as and when you dispose of it is as easy as possible.
Keyboard, wrist-rest and screws are of course bagged separately and securely. Interestingly, compared to the K70 the bundle is fairly sparse; there are no extra textured keycaps nor even a keycap remover. This is an indication of how Corsair kept the costs of the K95 down relative to the K70, and for those who just want the vanilla experience without value-added accoutrements nothing is really lost.
You will also receive a User Guide in the bundle, filled with information on operating the macro system and key-by-key backlighting which is not easily found on the official website. Drivers are not included - you will need to download the latest version from the website - and that's swiftly becoming an industry norm.
All told, the Vengeance K95 relies on you being blown away by the keyboard itself rather than additional optional features. That's certainly not an issue to us, especially as it appears to have kept the overall price down below the eye-watering level, but those used to a little more extravagance could be disappointed.
