Corsair K70 RGB TKL review

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is a fantastic gaming keyboard. The Cherry MX Speed switches on our unit are very easy to operate and have minimal travel. Latency is also very low for a responsive gaming experience.

We think we have finally come to appreciate ten-keyless keyboards thanks to the Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series. Although we have reviewed 65 percent of keyboards cases and appreciated the novelty, it turns out that we actually prefer having a few extra keys. Additionally, TKL boards represent the sensible compromise between cumbersome 65 percenters and full-size keyboards.

But first, let’s discuss what makes Corsair’s Champion Series mechanical gaming keyboards different from other top-tier gaming keyboards: The Tournament Switch. A little switch on the keyboard’s rear turns off macros and returns it to its original factory settings.

An official, referee, or gaming constable in a tournament situation should be able to see right away that you aren’t engaging in any macro-based mischief. Although I wish it had a keyboard cover like the ROG Falchion, the braided USB Type-C cable is detachable, making it convenient to travel with. There are no surprises in its design since Corsair has essentially been producing the same keyboard since 2013; it resembles the full-size K70 RGB Mk.2.

The PBT double-shot backlight compatible keycaps are there, as well as the black matte finish and metal frame. The biggest difference is the removal of ten number keys on the right, which, contrary to what I had anticipated, didn’t upset me as much.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL review: Design

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series keyboard has a vibrant and robust design in a compact form factor that is tournament-ready. As a TKL keyboard, it does away with the numpad to free up more desk space, making it ideal for those who frequently travel or don’t have much work space.

The Razer BlackWidow V3 Tenkeyless (14.3 x 6.1 x 1.6 inches) and smaller Roccat Vulcan TKL Pro are similar to but taller than other TKL keyboards like the K70 RGB TKL at 14.2 x 6.5 x 1.9 inches (14.2 x 5.3 x 1.3 inches). Weight is another drawback for travel with the K70 RGB TKL. It weighs 2.1 pounds versus 1.9 for the Razer and 1.5 for the Roccat.

However, the luxury media keys found on the K70 RGB TKL are partially responsible for that slightly bigger design. Five dedicated hotkeys and an aluminium, textured volume roller are present, which is a respectable effort for a TKL. All of those keys had a solid feel to them, especially when compared to the cheap plastic substitutes found on keyboards with smaller price tags.

This brings up the keyboard’s general durability. Compared to the $250 (opens in new tab) Logitech G915 Lightspeed full-sized wireless gaming keyboard I frequently use, the K70 RGB TKL feels more robust and durable (which has an identical design to its TKL counterpart, the Logitech G915 TKL). The Logitech is conveniently small (0.9 inches) and lightweight (2.3 pounds), but it seems fragile. The $140 price tag on the K70 RGB TKL starts to make more sense. A polycarbonate chassis with a matte black finish and an aluminium frame houses the K70 RGB TKL.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL review: Keys

Since it often insists on genuine Cherry MX key switches in its gaming keyboards, Corsair has an advantage over most of its rivals in this area. Cherry MX Red and Cherry MX Speed switches are options for the Corsair K70 RGB TKL. This has both advantages and disadvantages. On the one hand, Cherry MX Reds and Speeds are great switches even though they are very similar. The fundamental distinction between them is that Speeds have a faster actuation and less key travel than Reds, even though they are both linear, silent types.

The absence of Cherry MX Brown or Blue, as offered by the Mk.2, is, of course, a drawback. Fans of the keyboard who desire both a tactile sensation and a lower peripheral profile are, for the time being, out of luck. Nevertheless, Cherry MX Red switches, which were included with our review mode, are cosy and effective for both gaming and typing.

On a typing test at Typing.com, I achieved a speed of 123 words per minute with 99% accuracy using the K70 RGB TKL, as opposed to 117 words per minute with 97% accuracy using my regular Logitech G915. It seems impossible to defeat a Cherry.

The Axon hyper-processing technology in the keys has also received notice from Corsair. In a nutshell, Axon reduces the latency of a keyboard to recognise keystrokes and transfer keystroke information (theoretically) significantly faster than rival versions. Axon technology, according to Corsair, can send keystrokes at a rate of 8,000 Hz and detect keystrokes at a rate of 4,000 Hz, which is much faster than the typical 1,000 Hz offered by most gaming keyboards.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL review: Features

The media controls were already mentioned, but the K70 TKL Champion Series keyboard also includes several additional entertaining features. I myself won’t ever be critical of the addition of features that are directly applicable in real-world settings, but I don’t like the idea of including gimmicky features solely for the purpose of marketing.

However, you can turn off macros and solidify all of the keyboard’s lights by flicking a switch located next to the USB-C cable entry slot. I’m not sure if anyone really cried out for that one, but it’s supposed to help you “concentrate” on the game. On the keyboard, you may also change the polling rates. It can be raised all the way to an enormous 8000Hz.

Given that the Sabre Pro mouse I previously noted has the same high polling rate restriction, it appears that there is a trend with Corsair gaming equipment. Like that one, I think if your PC does not satisfy the minimum spec requirements you might not be able to take full advantage of the maximum 8000Hz limit.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL review: Performance

With this keyboard, Corsair guarantees you 100 million keystrokes, and each one comes with a satisfyingly loud click. Because the keys on the Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series seem very hollow, typing on it throughout the workday feels less natural, but you quickly grow used to it.

The degree of customization that you receive through iCue is definitely worth highlighting. You can adjust your lighting effects, build profiles for specific games and apps, and re-program any key using the extensive software.

With up to 20 lighting levels, the colour customization in particular seems to have virtually endless options. It’s amazing how each key has its own illumination, allowing you to change it individually, in groups, or even as a whole. You can either choose from pre-made lighting patterns or design your own. Additionally, you can sync all of your iCue-compatible gaming equipment to a custom RGB profile. After pairing the keyboard and mouse from Corsair’s Sabre RGB Pro Champion Series, my desk has never looked better.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL review: Price and Availability

The Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is now on sale for $139.99 in the US, £132.62 in the UK, and $209 in Australia. It can be purchased directly from Corsair’s official website or on Amazon. By no means would I call this a cheap gaming keyboard.

Final Words

A great cheap gaming keyboard is the Corsair K70 RGB TKL. Our device has Cherry MX Speed switches, which need very little pressure and have a short pre-travel distance. It also has very low latency, making for a responsive gaming experience. It is really well-made, has complete RGB lighting, and all keys can be macro-programmed. Sadly, there is no wrist rest included for those extended gaming sessions.

Dian Erwin
Dian Erwin
Dian Erwin is a review writer for Bollyinside, covering topics related to computing, such as laptops, tablets, phones, and other hardware. Dian spends much too much of his free time on Twitter, reading speculative fiction novels, playing video games, and reading comic books. He also enjoys reading video game manuals.

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A very affordable gaming keyboard is the Corsair K70 RGB TKL. Our unit features Cherry MX Speed switches that require very little pressure and have a short advance travel. It also has very low latency, which makes for a responsive gaming experience.Corsair K70 RGB TKL review