Corsair K70 RGB PRO Keyboard Review

by

If you’ve been on the hunt for a gaming keyboard that combines style, performance, and durability, you might have stumbled upon the Corsair K70 RGB PRO. This beast of a keyboard promises a lot, but does it deliver? Let’s dive into my hands-on experience with the Corsair K70 RGB PRO Keyboard and see if it lives up to the hype.

See Price On Amazon

Unboxing and First Impressions

The first thing you notice about the Corsair K70 RGB PRO is the packaging. It’s sleek, professional, and gives you a taste of the premium product inside. Once you crack it open, you’re greeted by the keyboard itself, nestled snugly in protective foam. There’s something about peeling off that protective plastic that’s just so satisfying. The keyboard looks and feels robust right out of the box. The aluminum frame is solid, giving it a sturdy feel that promises longevity.

Design and Build Quality

The Corsair K70 RGB PRO isn’t just a keyboard; it’s a statement. The full-size layout means you have all the keys you need, including a numpad, without feeling cramped. However, it does take up a fair bit of desk space, especially when you attach the wrist rest. Speaking of the wrist rest, it’s a godsend for long gaming sessions. It attaches easily and provides just the right amount of support to keep your wrists from feeling strained.

The doubleshot PBT keycaps are another highlight. They feel great under your fingers, and the legends are clear and crisp. No more worrying about your keys fading over time, even if you’re a heavy gamer. The overall build quality is top-notch, and the keyboard feels like it can take a beating, which is great for those intense gaming moments where you might get a bit too enthusiastic with your keypresses.

Performance and Features

Cherry MX Red Switches

Let’s talk about the heart of the Corsair K70 RGB PRO – the switches. My unit came with Cherry MX Red switches, known for their linear travel and smooth keypress. They’re perfect for gaming, providing a light and responsive typing experience without the tactile bump that some other switches have. If you prefer a different type of switch, Corsair offers this keyboard with a variety of Cherry MX switch options, so you can choose the one that best suits your typing style.

8000Hz Polling Rate

One of the standout features of the Corsair K70 RGB PRO is the 8000Hz maximum polling rate. For the uninitiated, the polling rate is how often the keyboard reports its status to your computer. Most keyboards have a 1000Hz polling rate, which is already pretty fast. But the Corsair K70 RGB PRO cranks it up to 8000Hz. This means your keypresses are registered almost instantaneously, which can give you a slight edge in competitive gaming.

Tournament Switch

Another unique feature is the Tournament Switch. Located at the top of the keyboard, this switch locks the RGB backlighting to a single static color and disables macros. The idea is to minimize distractions during competitive play. It’s a nice touch, especially if you’re the type who easily gets distracted by flashy lights or accidentally hits a macro key at the worst possible moment.

Customization and Software

The Corsair K70 RGB PRO is highly customizable, thanks to the iCUE software. This software allows you to tweak the RGB lighting, set up macros, and adjust the polling rate. The RGB lighting is fully customizable per key, so you can create some pretty wild lighting effects if that’s your thing. The iCUE software is powerful, but it does have a bit of a learning curve. Once you get the hang of it, though, you can really make the keyboard your own.

Gaming Experience

Low Latency

In terms of gaming performance, the Corsair K70 RGB PRO excels. The low latency and smooth Cherry MX Red switches make for a seamless gaming experience. Whether you’re playing fast-paced shooters or methodical strategy games, this keyboard can keep up. The 8000Hz polling rate is a bit overkill for most systems, but if you have a high-end rig, you might notice a slight improvement in responsiveness.

Comfortable for Long Sessions

Comfort is key when it comes to long gaming sessions, and the Corsair K70 RGB PRO delivers. The wrist rest helps reduce fatigue, and the overall layout is comfortable to use. The keyboard is a bit on the larger side, so make sure you have enough desk space to accommodate it.

Everyday Use

Typing Experience

While the Corsair K70 RGB PRO is designed with gaming in mind, it’s also great for everyday use. Typing on it feels smooth and satisfying, thanks to the Cherry MX Red switches. There’s no tactile bump, which might take some getting used to if you’re coming from a different type of switch, but once you adjust, it’s a joy to type on.

Build Quality

The build quality also means it’s a great option for general use. The sturdy aluminum frame and durable keycaps mean this keyboard can handle whatever you throw at it. Whether you’re writing an essay, coding, or just browsing the web, the Corsair K70 RGB PRO won’t let you down.

Connectivity

The Corsair K70 RGB PRO is a wired keyboard, which might be a dealbreaker for some. However, the wired connection ensures you get the lowest possible latency, which is crucial for gaming. The cable is braided and feels durable, so you don’t have to worry about it fraying over time.

Unfortunately, this model doesn’t include a USB passthrough, which is a bit of a letdown. It’s always handy to have an extra USB port on your keyboard for things like flash drives or charging your phone. If this is a crucial feature for you, you might want to look at other models in the K70 lineup.

Aesthetics

RGB Lighting

One of the most striking features of the Corsair K70 RGB PRO is its RGB lighting. It’s fully customizable per key, allowing you to create any lighting pattern you can imagine. The colors are vibrant and the transitions are smooth, making this keyboard a real eye-catcher. Whether you want a subtle glow or a full-on light show, the K70 RGB PRO has you covered.

Sleek Design

The overall design of the keyboard is sleek and modern. The brushed aluminum frame gives it a premium look and feel, and the black color scheme is both stylish and versatile. It looks great on any desk, whether you’re going for a minimalist setup or something a bit more flashy.

Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Incredibly low latency: The 8000Hz polling rate ensures your keypresses are registered almost instantaneously.
  • Customizable RGB lighting: The per-key RGB lighting allows for endless customization possibilities.
  • Sturdy build quality: The aluminum frame and doubleshot PBT keycaps are built to last.
  • Tournament Switch: This feature minimizes distractions during competitive play.
  • Comfortable for long sessions: The wrist rest and overall design make it comfortable to use for extended periods.

Cons

  • Takes up a lot of desk space: The full-size layout and wrist rest require a fair bit of room.
  • No USB passthrough: This feature is missing, which could be a downside for some users.
  • Learning curve for iCUE software: The software is powerful but can be a bit tricky to master at first.

Final Thoughts

The Corsair K70 RGB PRO is an outstanding keyboard that excels in both gaming and everyday use. Its low latency, customizable RGB lighting, and sturdy build quality make it a top choice for gamers. The Cherry MX Red switches provide a smooth and responsive typing experience, and the Tournament Switch is a nice touch for competitive play. While it does take up a lot of desk space and lacks a USB passthrough, these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise excellent product.

Recommendation

If you’re in the market for a high-performance gaming keyboard that looks great and feels even better, the Corsair K70 RGB PRO should be at the top of your list. It’s a bit of an investment, but considering the quality and features you’re getting, it’s well worth it. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just someone who appreciates a good keyboard, the Corsair K70 RGB PRO won’t disappoint.

In conclusion, this Corsair K70 RGB PRO Keyboard Review highlights a product that is built to impress. Its combination of performance, aesthetics, and durability makes it a standout in the crowded gaming keyboard market. So, go ahead, treat yourself to the Corsair K70 RGB PRO – your fingers will thank you!

See Price On Amazon