Corsair K70 MK.2 RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

In our detailed review, we’ve found that the Corsair K70 RGB Rapidfire MK.2 gaming keyboard is currently one of the best gaming mechanical keyboards available. It looks nice, feels nice, and has a ton of functionality for the amount.

Corsair’s K70 keyboard has been around since 2013 and has undergone several changes since then. It began as the Vengeance K70, and it has spawned versions such as the Rapidfire and LUX, both of which feature the standard RGB flair.

The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 is another such offspring, and it is the keyboard under consideration in this study.

The K70 RGB MK.2 is the most recent redesign of the iconic K70, although a more conservative one. The K70 LUX and Rapidfire received more major updates, including updated keycaps, new buttons, and the introduction of speed switches. Perhaps it’s best to think of the K70 RGB MK.2 as something of a reset.

Corsair has introduced several minor improvements to an otherwise outstanding foundation, opting not to redesign the wheel. Instead of following the “if it ain’t broke, don’t repair it” attitude, and believes the changes are worthy of the MK.2 classification.

Corsair K70 MK.2 RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

Specifications

You’ll get 2 years warranty on the product. Corsair K70 Mk2 has RGB per-key backlighting. Its polling rate is about 1000Hz. It has USB 2.0 pass-through technology.
Moreover, it has a wired connection. Its cable type is braided. Additionally, it has anti-ghosting NKRO rollover keys. It also has special keys like win lock, profile, and dedicated media keys. Furthermore, you can use iCue software with this Corsair K70 MK2.

Corsair’s packaging is ordinary fare. If you’ve ever purchased a Corsair piece, you’ll recognize the yellow and black color scheme.

It features a largely life-size image of the keyboard on the front and relevant detail around the sides and bottom edges. The keyboard, detachable wrist rest, and notes are all included in the package. The SE model, for whatever purpose, does not have the keycap puller or the FPS/MOBA keycap packs.

Design & Keys

Except for the SE variant, the K70 RGB MK.2 looks very similar to its predecessor. The SE variant sticks out the most because it deviates from the black/gunmetal paint scheme in favor of a silver hue.

White, double-shot PBT keycaps are often used. This gives the keyboard a luxurious feel and tends to validate its $180 price tag.

The aluminum frame of the K70 MK.2 gives it the familiar weight of other Corsair keyboards. The Corsair emblem at the top is one notable distinction. This was formerly only a plastic adornment, but it is now a transparent cutaway with RGB lighting.

The wrist rest is largely unchanged, but it now has a more rubberized texture and is somewhat larger. Corsair’s wrist rests aren’t as plush as Razer’s, although that’s a personal preference.

Corsair redesigned the bottom plate under the chassis with a cable routing scheme, probably to handle wired mice or headsets. Many who move their keyboards often are unlikely to find this functionality helpful, but it is a thoughtful addition.

Corsair did relocate the dedicated media buttons, moving them to the right side of the keyboard and somewhat enlarging them. Instead of the media keys on the left, a profile switch enables you to switch between profiles.

The onboard memory for profile configurations has also been expanded to 8MB. Along with the profile tab, there is a brightness adjustment button and a WIN lock key.

Corsair continues to sell only Cherry MX switches for keyboards, which we don’t mind. However, unlike the K70 Rapidfire, the K70 MK.2 offers a more diverse range.

Speed switches (Silver), Red, Brown, Blue, and Silent are all included with the K70 MK.2. The keycaps maintain the floating, elevated pattern seen on previous Corsair keyboards, which adds a touch of flair while still making cleaning easier.

Performance

Cherry MX Red, Blue, Brown, Silent, and Speed switches are eligible for the K70 MK.2. The Red unite actuates at 2mm, while the Speed switches actuate at 1.2mm, allowing for more precise key pressing. If you’re used to using the Red range, you’ll probably adjust just fine to Speed changes.

I’ve used the Speed changes for both typing and gaming, from everyday writing – such as this – to playing games like Destiny 2 and Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire.

The fast, linear presses are easily identified, and they do not favor one genre over another. The Speed switches provide a sensitive and springy experience, particularly if your fingers can be tuned to them.

The theory behind these switches is that you don’t have to bottom them out but can instead glide over them with lighter clicks. It does require some sleight of hand to get used to Speed transitions.

Software

The K70 MK.2 employs Corsair’s iCUE, a well-known application for those who use Corsair goods. iCUE comes with a steep learning curve as well as a few quirks.

Although the app might be a little more user-friendly, it provides a wide range of functionality once you get the hang of it.

Light effects such as static, ripple, and rainbow may be configured. You may also program various keys to light different colors regularly. Changing the color of the WASD keys, for example, will help you find them in the dark. If you have a Corsair mouse or headphone, you can also match the lighting effects between them.

Originally posted 2021-11-11 12:56:41.