Verdict
The Corsair K70 Core could have been the quiet and comfortable mechanical keyboard to beat had its integrated cable at least been offset with a USB hub . It ’s still a enceinte time value with enough cautiously deliberate design choices to digest out , but if you ’re after a clicky keyboard to incorporate into an existing Corsair iCue frame-up , this is n’t the one .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
The Corsair K70 Core keyboard is the brand ’s in vogue take on a long - running serial publication of pumped-up board , this time work as a simmer - down version of the mammothCorsair K70 Max .
Rejecting many of the expensive cutting - border features that made the Max so costly , the Corsair K70 Core go back to the drawing off dining table . Gone are the magnetic hall - sentiency MGX permutation and their adjustable actuation , but in their home is n’t just your run - of - the - manufactory play mechanical gaming keyboard .
or else , lubricated switches make for quieter sessions , and a restraint telephone dial stand to replace the unwieldy wheel of preceding loop like theCorsair K70 RGB Pro , rather reference something like the beloved work - orientedLogitech Craft wireless keyboard . gratefully , the generously large and magnetised wrist quietus has n’t gone away .
Design
Available in two different colour from the get - go – a standard black affair and a somewhat more retro - inspired steel grey look – the pitch shot - black Corsair K70 Core looks disconsolate on my desk . normally , I ’d debate that a bad thing , but the bright RGB lighting beaming up both between the Florida key and through the lettering only stands to benefit from the difference in line .
There are a few keys where the illumination is n’t quite as uniform , though ; typically when a alphabetic character is printed low enough on the keycap to uncover the central credit card stem underneath . It ’s not closely enough to stand out without purposefully look for it . It wo n’t upend any RGB sequencing drive that far exceed my own .
It ’s a spectacular piece of kit . The pattern , non - textured space bar reflect some of the light , and the whole build is whole , resisting any twists and the push that comes with fooling typewriting . There is a small minute of flex if you push down real hard , but not closely enough to be of any concern . Slamming your hands ( or head word ) down here wo n’t phase it . You might just see a key pop out .
And that ’s because the Corsair K70 Core is n’t just a one - and - done typing and gaming solution . It ’s whole customisable . Though you wo n’t be able to change from that black or grey pack of cards , you’re able to spend another third of the request price to individualise your board with doubled - shooting keycaps after the fact .
trusted , the task of individually swap out the keys of a full - sized card is a task , but at least you’re able to break up away from the black and white spirit with blue , white , green , ruby-red , black , and pink double - shot keycap options . Get two or more and you’re able to really mix things up . Will it jump to run you close to the price of a hobbyist board ? Sure . But if you require a quick and simple root with iCue support for the rest of your equipment , it ’s a not bad blessing to Corsair ’s catalogue .
Being a full - sized board , the Corsair K70 Core can take up a lot of room . I lean to opt for 70 % or TKL boards personally . With a numpad on myCorsair Scimitar Elite Wirelessmouse , it just makes sense to cut that from the board to give my Spanish pointer more room to rest . Even still , more keyboard means more RGB in this case . If that ’s what you want , it ’s a get .
It ’s worth noting that this is an wholly wired keyboard . The rubber telegram stem from the top - left corner can not be removed , which means it can not be replaced should it transgress or you demand it agree in with the rest of your setup . Likewise , while you ’ll detect leg for adjustable height on the back , they only lock into place at full lean , make moment adjustments difficult .
uncommitted both with and without the generously large , well-off , and wonderfully textured charismatic articulatio radiocarpea rest found in a few other K70 table , it ’s deserving springing for if you do n’t already have a solution in intellect . The magnetic adherence method acting is easy , true , and immeasurably more durable than the flimsy plastic clutches that maledict the original . It ’s even slight enough to posture a small further from the board , detached , while still serving its intention .
Performance
The Corsair K70 Core rocks custom Corsair MLX Red linear permutation . They ’re not too far from the keys used in the original K70 board all those yr ago . The foundations are there , but the feel is totally different . My biggest complaint with the original was that it felt almost like a toy . Thin , flimsy , and needlessly noisy .
The K70 Core ’s lubricated switches slide down with petty force , actuating when you ’d expect , and with very little noise next to something like the instantaneously recognisable , unapologetically extremist - clicky unripe switch of theRazer Blackwidowline . It ’s not always what people require from a mechanical keyboard . More racket is synonymously attributed to a more tactual clap . But if you want to game well into the night or simply do n’t want those on voice coms know precisely when you ’re move over it your all , the tradeoff here could very well be deserving it .
Where it wo n’t make a monumental amount of sense , however , is if you ’re an avid typist . The fluid movement of the Corsair K70 Core ’s keys can feel a little dull at times , like you ’re pushing them through a little number of mud . Again , they actuate just okay , and I had no issue experience up to f number while enlist this review or bashing out a few frenetic peer of Overwatch 2 .
But if you do need that tactile bulge as you rattle out your words , you may start to second - guess your touch - typing endowment with this one . It ’s not the best typewriting experience out there , nor does it claim to be .
Again , this is n’t the gravelly clack experience of the onetime K70 boards . Unless you ’re quite weighed down with the keys , you wo n’t get that audible bump as the keys bottom out . If you do postulate tactile feedback as you make for , you ’ll probably desire to look at something like theRazer Huntsman V2instead . For a smaller version with handy analogue alternative , there ’s theRazer Huntsman Mini Analog .
sustain all the major keyboard failsafes you ’d carry , like anti - ghosting key rollover and IN Lock , there ’s also only 1000Hz polling on offer here . You may intend that could view as you back if you ’re run a 2000Hz shiner like the Corsair M75 Air or even the 8,000HzRazer Viper V3 Hyperspeed , but you ’d be wrong .
With every single minute movement picked up by a black eye , it ’s wholly necessary there . On a keyboard , you ’re not iron those buttons tight or often enough to call for anything more .
Software and lighting
With well over a hundred picayune RGB LEDs stuffed into the deck , it is n’t surprising to see that the Corsair K70 Core is well - equipped to blast the colours of the rainbow into your gaming place .
Powered by Corsair ’s complicated iCUE software , you ’re devoid to prepare endless profiles on your machine of choice that you could cycle through with consecrated purpose headstone . As for when it ’s wrench off , onboard profile countenance the K70 Core to show off its clobber regardless .
On top of the usual presets you bear from most addressable RGB peripherals these days , Corsair goes above the standard set with what it calls Mosaics . These are more elaborate , thoughtfully planned and themed lighting patterns you’re able to activate with a mouse click . There ’s even a depot for picking out more , created by the community of interests and curated by Corsair . They ’re a welcome change from the usual batch and a far sight more pleasing to look at as well .
Outside of that , there is n’t a massive amount to pertain fundament on here . Unlike a mouse , there is n’t a whole lot to be tweaked when it comes to a keyboard ’s raw carrying into action . What will lure some tinkering , however , is the adjustable propulsion scene that can command exactly when a pressed key sends its crucial sign .
If you ’re not the sort to half - press a Florida key in fleet expectancy , you ’ll see the welfare of having your cause register before you ’ve even full slammed down on a key . move keys are n’t a great choice for this unless you ’re hyper - disciplined , but for the likes of reload , melee , grenade , and crouch , the min alteration can theoretically make a huge difference . It ’s a tangible thingmabob that might really entail a lot to the correct person .
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Should you buy it?
With coloured keycap choice to entice casual tinkerers and swathes of RGB options , this hushed keyboard is a expectant choice .
The smooth and lubricated red switches , while fast , are n’t virtually as clicky as many other options out there , which can lead to a less satisfying gambling and typing experience .
Final Thoughts
The Corsair K70 Core keeps enough of its great feature film - lot to put up out on today ’s busy shop shelf , despite a lowered price . Mesmerising RGB bread and butter through iCUE is a major marketing point for many , but it ’s the still , lube Red transposition that will be the deciding factor for most .
It ’s a slap-up option for those who want the advantages of a mechanically skillful add-in without all the noise of boards like theRazer Blackwidow V4 Pro . And with keycap options enabling intemperate - handed customisation efforts , it ’s both replaceable and personable .
Despite all that , the control telephone dial is far from smooth in operation , causing a bit of a watershed between the sensory experience of using the board . It ’s also on the large side , which wo n’t suit every setup . For a cleaner frame-up , the cheaper sibling to theKeychron Q1 Proare astounding value choice . And if it ’s just the dial you ’re after , theJLab Epic Wirelesscould be a good pick , with theLogitech Wave Keysbeing a well all - round typewriting experience for the price . tally out ourBest Gaming Keyboardguide for more choice .
Trusted Score
How we test
We utilize every keyboard we test for at least a week . During that time , we ’ll fit it for ease of use and put it through its paces by playing a assortment of different genres , include FPS , scheme and MOBAs .
We also check out each keyboard ’s software program to see how well-heeled it is to customise and determine up .
FAQs
Corsair sells compatible keycap kits that allow you to vary the K70 Core keys to various colours .
No , the Corsair K70 Core does n’t have any extra USB ports for you to habituate .
No , the Corsair K70 does not let in any consecrated macro instruction key , but most can be transfer to beseem a given purpose .
Full Specs
