Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard Review

Peter Donnell / 6 years ago

A Closer Look

Just like pretty much every other Corsair keyboard, the K70 MK.2 comes hard-wired. It uses a thick cable from the keyboard, with a two-way split. One cable powered the keyboard, while the other provides pass-through for the keyboards extra USB port.

The K70 has been going for years, and at first glance, this new one is pretty much identical. However, little tweaks, such as the addition of a profile button on the top row. This is combined with moving the lighting and Windows lock key over to the left side of the keyboard, rather than the right, as on the older models.

Those who loved that stunning aluminium chassis design of the K70 series will not be disappointed. The build quality is still off the charts here. Compare this to the Corsair STRAFE, which has aluminium at the top and bottom edges, but a plastic panel under the keys. The K70, on the other hand, is all aluminium. That is reflected in the price, but it really shows in this feeling like a more premium product.

The modern Corsair font is here now too, which uses much larger letters. While this isn’t just to allow you to see the letters better, it also allows for a greater amount of light to shine through from the LEDs.

Again, K70 fans will see very little change here, other than the revised keycaps and the movement of those control keys.

Old School Design New School Cool

However, that makes sense, as this is just an MK.2 upgrade, not a complete redesign. If they change too much, it’ll have to be the K80 or something like that.

Another minor tweak, but a very welcome one, is the redesigned multimedia controls. They’re in the same place, but their larger buttons rather than flat ones. This makes them higher, and much easier to control without accidentally catching your fingers on the number pad. The volume control wheel is still there, albeit in a gunmetal finish, rather than all black. I quite like it, it breaks up the flat black of the chassis a little.

Around the back, you’ll find a single USB port, allowing you to hook up your mouse, headset, flash drives, or similar.

Grippy

On the bottom, that funky X channel is perfect for routing your headset cables under the keyboard. There are four absolutely massive rubber grips too, so even if you rage at the keys, it’ll stay firmly planted.

Using this keyboard feels just like the old K70, for the most part. It features the same ergonomics, key spacing and height, as far as I can tell. The tweaks come from the new wrist rest, which is fantastic. I didn’t like how the STRAFE MK.2 wrist rest was too short, but despite looking the same the K70 MK.2 has a much deeper and more practical wrist rest, which is great!

RGB

Of course, the keyboard is fully equipped with per-key RGB lighting. The customisation options on offer are practically endless. There’s a vast community of tinkers online who’ve made some crazy profiles for your pleasure. If you lack the time or the talent, you can always download other peoples profiles to suit your taste.

Of course, there’s plenty of effects built in too, and all the usual are present. Various kinds of nauseating rainbow effects, raining letters, reactions, and fades. Personally, I set a single colour and leave it, but at least you have plenty of options. Not only that, but Corsair has some of the best colours out there, just look at that electric blue!