As a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast with years of experience under my belt, I must say that the Corsair K70 Pro TKL has left an indelible impression on me. After testing numerous linear switches over the past couple of years, I can confidently assert that while Gateron’s Ink Black V2 may still reign supreme in terms of smoothness, Corsair’s offering is nothing short of brilliant when it comes to gaming keyboards.
Corsair is well-known for producing numerous gaming keyboards, and their designs were previously quite similar to those offered by Razer, SteelSeries, and Logitech. I’ve had the opportunity to try out all of their keyboards, with the K100 and K95 Platinum RGB models receiving the most frequent use from me.
Instead of continuing to buy popular keyboards, I’ve moved towards DIY designs in more recent times due to their enhanced customizability and gasket-mounted designs. Upon testing the Keychron Q6 Pro and Angry Miao’s Cyberboard R4, I have grown fond of these keyboards for the same reasons.
As a tech enthusiast, I’m excited to share that Corsair, following its acquisition of Drop, is shifting gears with its keyboard strategy. The new K70 Pro TKL model boasts several enhancements, setting it apart from the rest of the K70 series, even though it technically belongs there.
The Corsair K70 Pro TKL features magnetic switches that provide flexibility in setting the actuation point between 0.1mm to 4.0mm. It boasts robust construction, impressive RGB illumination, an included wrist rest, and a rotary knob as well. What sets it apart is Corsair’s software, particularly iCUE, which offers extensive customization options. To sum up, among all the Corsair keyboards I have tried so far, the K70 Pro TKL stands out as the best, and if you are in search of a gaming-centric keyboard with magnetic switches, this is an excellent choice to consider.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Pricing and availability
On Halloween, Corsair introduced the K70 Pro TKL, which can now be purchased worldwide. It retails for $179, and if you opt for the version with PBT double-shot keys, that’ll cost an extra $10. The keyboard is offered in both black and white versions; I went with the white one.
In Canada, it sells for CAD 249 (approximately USD 179), while in the UK, it costs £169 (around USD 218). In the Nordic regions, you can buy it for about 1,790 SEK ($165). Across most of Southeast Asia, it’s priced at roughly $190. Like other Corsair keyboards, the K70 Pro TKL comes with a standard two-year warranty.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Design
Corsair’s gaming keyboards boast an unique style, and the K70 Pro TKL preserves this vibe while presenting a more streamlined appearance. The upper part is crafted from aluminum, and the brushed metal design lends it an attractive finish – especially when paired with the white version I’m utilizing.
The K70 Pro TKL, as its name implies, adopts a tenkeyless layout, offering you 87 keys in all – the number pad is intentionally omitted. I appreciate this design because it encompasses the entire navigation and editing cluster while still occupying less space compared to a full-sized keyboard.
Instead of the previous design, there’s now a rotary knob included. By default, it adjusts the volume, but you can customize its function using iCUE software. This knob is well-built, with a button that allows for control over music playback. Overall, it’s a great addition to the design.
With this device, you’ll have a Game Mode button that allows you to set LED colors permanently (you can customize these settings in iCUE), adjust the polling rate for optimal performance, and lower the actuation point to 0.1mm. Additionally, it offers onboard memory for storing five unique configuration profiles.
At the base of the keyboard are rubber feet that can be elevated to adjust its angle, which I discovered was a comfortable position during my trials. The included wrist rest is of high quality; it boasts adequate cushioning, and unlike the K100 and K95, it attaches magnetically to the keyboard.
One concern I have regarding the K70 Pro TKL design is that its lower half is constructed from plastic material. Despite the overall construction quality being excellent, using plastic on a $179 keyboard feels bothersome. It lacks the solid feel you typically get with keyboards made entirely of metal.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Features
The Corsair K70 Pro TKL is loaded with various features, boasting a polling rate that can reach 8,000 times per second (Hz). However, it’s set at 1,000Hz initially, but you can effortlessly adjust this in the settings if needed. Similar to high-quality mechanical keyboards, the K70 Pro TKL incorporates sound-absorbing layers, significantly improving its audio performance and enhancing overall user experience.
Compared to gasket-mounted designs that I found more engaging last year in my review of the Keychron Q1 Pro, the Corsair K70 Pro TKL doesn’t quite match up, but it surpasses other Corsair keyboards I have used. This keyboard connects via a detachable USB-C cable, and the 2m cable shares the same color as the keyboard itself.
Although primarily intended for Windows, it’s possible to link the K70 Pro TKL to an Xbox and even a PlayStation 5. However, since it doesn’t have Bluetooth or 2.4GHz connectivity, you’ll need to physically connect the keyboard to each device in order to use it.
The keyboard features a convenient FlashTap function. By pressing keys in opposite directions simultaneously (such as A and D), it will prioritize movement according to the order of input. With magnetic switches, you can effortlessly modify the activation point for each key, and assign multiple actions to the same key too.
The Corsair keyboard excels in its RGB illumination; the keys feature translucent labels that offer vivid lighting. Just like other aspects of the keyboard, you have the flexibility to personalize the lighting effects or choose from any of the 16 pre-set modes through iCUE software. Apart from opting for keys with a pudding-like design, this is the finest RGB lighting you can find on a gaming keyboard.
The only feature missing is the ability to change switches; Corsair’s MGX v2 switch is soldered to the keyboard, and there isn’t any way to use another switch down the line. Also, Corsair’s iCUE software can be a bit daunting if you haven’t used it previously, but it has a ton of customizability.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Performance
The key talking point of the K70 Pro TKL is the hall effect switch, and Corsair did all the right things in this area. The MGX Hyperdrive v2 linear switch has smooth actuation, and the magnetic contacts allow you to adjust the actuation point without any hassle.
I found that Corsair’s personalized switches significantly enhance the performance of the MGX v2, making it notably superior. There’s barely any perceptible wobble during typical use, the switches are already lubricated at the factory, and you can expect a satisfying overall feel from them.
Over the past two years, I’ve put numerous linear switches through their paces, and although Corsair’s model doesn’t quite match the silky smoothness of the Gateron Ink Black V2, it performs exceptionally well within a gaming keyboard setting.
As an analyst examining this product, I find the quality of the keys satisfactory; however, it’s a minor inconvenience that I must spend an extra $10 for PBT double-shot keys, which should be included as a standard feature on a keyboard at this price point. The legends do an impressive job in diffusing RGB lighting, and swapping out keys to accommodate a custom keyset is effortless if desired.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: The alternatives
Keyboards equipped with hall effect switches are becoming increasingly popular, and there’s no shortage of excellent options to choose from. I recently evaluated the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro, and it boasts an unmatched level of customizability compared to any other keyboard currently available. While its software still requires some refinement, the GMMK 3 Pro excels in design and offers a truly exceptional feel.
For those seeking a top-notch keyboard, I strongly recommend Keychron’s Q1 HE model due to its impressive features and affordability at $219. This keyboard offers Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, a robust all-metal body, and high-quality Gateron magnetic switches that deliver an exceptional typing experience. Although it doesn’t cater specifically to gamers like some other brands might, the Q1 HE still checks many essential boxes for those in need of a superior keyboard option.
Corsair K70 Pro TKL: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if:
✅ You need a gaming keyboard with hall effect magnetic switches
✅ You want great RGB lighting
✅ You want good customizability and the ability to set custom actuation
✅ You need a bundled wrist rest
You shouldn’t buy this if:
❌ You want a keyboard with an all-metallic chassis
❌ You want a full-size keyboard
❌ You need Bluetooth connectivity
As a researcher studying mechanical keyboards, I must commend Corsair for their exceptional work with the K70 Pro TKL. The MGX v2 switch, in my experience, delivers an impressive performance during gaming sessions. Moreover, the unique feature allowing me to customize the actuation point on each key adds a level of personalization that truly sets this keyboard apart. In daily use, I’ve noticed a tangible improvement, and it appears that the quality of the switch has been significantly upgraded compared to previous models.
The design is pretty good, too, and while you don’t get an entirely metallic chassis, it doesn’t have much flex, and the build quality is great. The Game Mode button is a decent addition that lets you change several parameters in one go, and I like the rotary knob — it is highly customizable.
At this price range, you might find better keyboards, but if you’re drawn to vibrant RGB lighting and gaming-specific features that Corsair typically provides, the K70 Pro TKL is an excellent pick. The magnetic switch is a significant factor in my endorsement of this keyboard, making it the best Corsair model I’ve tried so far.
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2024-11-06 20:09