The Quick Verdict: Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Review
Gamers seeking a robust, full-size mechanical keyboard with responsive switches should look closely at the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2. This wired workhorse excels in fast-paced games and daily office tasks. Those needing a wireless setup or dedicated macro keys should look elsewhere, perhaps at a K95 model. Its main trade-off is relying on a cord in a wireless world, but its proven performance makes up for that. We score the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 an impressive 8.6 out of 10.
Design, Build & Physical Fit
Running your fingers across the top plate reveals a robust aluminum frame. This aluminum chassis feels durable and gives the keyboard significant rigidity. While some edges of the metal plate feel a bit sharp, it is largely a premium build.
The keyboard weighs 2.75 pounds. This weight helps it sit firmly on your desk. Without the wrist rest, its footprint is about 17 by 6 inches. With the rest attached, it extends to 17 by 9 inches. This full-size layout includes all 104 keys.
The K70 RGB MK.2 uses white, double-shot PBT keycaps. These caps offer a luxurious feel under the fingers. They help justify the mid-range price. An X-shaped channel runs under the body. This helps route cables for a cleaner desk setup. The Corsair emblem on top is now a transparent cutout. It features RGB lighting, a nice touch.
Core Performance & Typing Feel
This keyboard offers authentic Cherry MX switches. You can choose from Speed, Red, Brown, Silent, and Blue types. My tested unit had Cherry MX Brown switches. They were light to press and felt great for typing. These switches offer minimal pre-travel distance.
Speed Silver switches have a shorter 1.2 mm actuation distance. This makes them fast and responsive. They also have a slight tactile bump, feeling like a lighter Brown switch. Cherry MX Red switches actuate at 2 mm. Speed switches let you glide over keys with lighter clicks. This avoids bottoming out. It takes some practice to get used to the lighter touch, however. The keyboard has a 1000 Hz polling rate. This ensures quick response times for all inputs. The overall typing quality is good, though key spacing might need some adjustment time. The spacebar can feel a bit wobbly at times.
Power, Connectivity & Easy Setup
This is a wired-only keyboard. It connects via a braided cable. This cable ends in two USB-A inputs. One input powers the keyboard. The other provides power to the USB 2.0 pass-through port. This allows you to connect another peripheral directly to the keyboard.
The wired connection makes it unsuitable for certain setups. For example, a home theater PC often needs a long cable. There is also no built-in trackpad here. For a desktop, the cord offers reliable, lag-free performance. Plug-and-play works for basic functions. For full features, you'll need the iCUE software.
Controls, Software & Daily Maintenance
On the upper left, you'll find physical buttons. These let you switch profiles and adjust key light brightness. A WIN lock key is also present. This prevents accidental Windows key presses during intense gaming. Dedicated media keys are on the keyboard. These include integrated Fn shortcuts for media and navigation. LED indicator lights show lock states.
The Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) software, now iCUE, handles settings. It's a reliable platform for macros and adjusting lighting. iCUE allows many light effects. You can program specific key colors. It also matches lighting across other Corsair gear. The software has a steep learning curve. It could be more user-friendly. Once learned, it offers wide functionality. Cleaning is easy due to the floating keycap design. This elevated pattern makes wiping dust simple. Check any specific spill-resistance rating before exposing it to liquids, to be sure.
How the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Compares
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 sits in a competitive space. It offers solid performance but some rivals push features further.
- Vs. SteelSeries Apex Pro: The Apex Pro allows customizing pre-travel on a per-key basis. This offers quicker response times. The K70 counters with a wider range of standard Cherry MX switch options. If ultimate customization is key, Apex Pro wins. For switch variety, the K70 is better.
- Vs. SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL: The Apex 7 TKL is a smaller keyboard. It features an OLED screen and onboard memory. The K70 RGB MK.2 is a full-size board. It relies more on its Windows/macOS software for deep settings. It also has more switch variants. If desk space is tight, consider the TKL. If full size and switch choice matter, the K70 is good.
- Vs. Corsair K100 RGB: Corsair's own K100 RGB offers lower gaming latency. It has dedicated macro keys and a multi-function wheel. Its wrist rest is also more comfortable. The K70 offers a wider variety of Cherry MX switches. For competitive gaming and more controls, the K100 is a step up. If you just need core performance and switch options, the K70 saves you money.
- Vs. Corsair K60 RGB PRO Low Profile: The K70 provides better typing quality. It has tactile feedback and more pre-travel distance. This leads to fewer typos. The K60 features better build quality and low-profile comfort. For serious typing, the K70 has the edge. For pure low-profile comfort, the K60 might be preferred.
What I Like & What Could Be Better
After extended testing, several aspects of the K70 RGB MK.2 stand out. The Cherry MX Brown switches on my unit offered excellent typing quality. They were light and responsive. The detachable rubberized wrist rest adds comfort during long use. This helps reduce fatigue. Dedicated media keys, brightness controls, and a Win lock button are very handy. The iCUE software, while complex, allows extensive RGB lighting and macro settings. It works well once you learn it. The durable aluminum chassis gives a premium feel. It handles daily knocks easily. Cleaning is also made easier by the floating keycap design.
There are definite areas for improvement. The key spacing can take some time to get used to. The spacebar feels a bit wobbly. The software's learning curve is steep. Sharing lighting profiles with others is not easy. It lacks dedicated macro buttons. Unlike some rivals, this board doesn't have extensive RGB customization options. This makes it less unique compared to others. Also, the SE model misses out on the keycap puller and FPS/MOBA keycap packs. That's a small but annoying omission.
Who Should Skip the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2
This board is not for everyone. If you need a wireless keyboard, skip the K70 RGB MK.2. Its wired-only design is a dealbreaker for mobile setups or home theater PCs. For HTPC use, you need a long cable from the couch to the computer. Also, it lacks a built-in trackpad. Folks who need dedicated macro keys should also look elsewhere. The K70 RGB MK.2 does not offer them. Consider the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum XT instead. That model has plenty of dedicated macro buttons.
Linux users should also pass on this keyboard. The dedicated software for the K70 is not available on Linux. This means limited customization. If you want deep RGB lighting options, the K70 RGB MK.2 might disappoint. Its options are not as extensive as some high-end competitors. If you want maximum per-key lighting effects, explore other options.