Published: November 12, 2018 | Source: Corsair | Author: Bryan Waters

Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 Low Profile Keyboard Review

Conclusion

Since their inception the Corsair K series of keyboards have provided some of the finest combinations of typing experience and feature set available.

The K70 RGB Mk.2 Low Profile is a revision of their supremely popular K70 keyboard, with all the positive attributes that the K70 had, with a change in switches which add their own benefits.

Elements common to all the K series of keyboards which are retained on this Low Profile model are; Extremely good build quality. The Low Profile might be a centimetre shorter than the regular K70, but the rigidity of the chassis hasn’t been compromised. There is no flex at all, even if you’re quite abusive to it. It doesn’t creak or bend, and even the media keys which aren’t Cherry MX equipped still feel good to the touch, rather than the slightly squishy feel that a lot of extra keys can have. The metal volume control scrolls smoothly and quickly and the whole keyboard has a nice weight to it without being heavy. The key caps are an underrated element of any keyboard and the font choice can go a long way to the overall aesthetic. The Corsair font is modern and crisp, with a heavy enough weight to really let the RGB lighting shine through as you’ve seen on the previous page and at the top of all the pages of today’s review. All colours are well represented and the hardware that controls the lighting is powerful enough to allow for some seriously complicated lighting effects if you’re willing to put in the time and effort necessary. Equally just because it’s powerful doesn’t mean that it’s hard to use if you just want to change the keyboard to your favourite colour and move on with your life. Lastly the cable is lengthy enough to support wherever you have placed your tower – within sane limits obviously – and the sturdy braiding will easily last the lifetime of the K70 RGB Mk.2 Low Profile.

So what is specific to this particular keyboard?

Our review sample was equipped with the Rapidfire Cherry Low Profile switches which are 35% lower than their regular MX keys and this affects the actuation distance, now a mere 1mm instead of the 2mm of the regular switches. With the switches being lower, the stalk that attaches the keycap being lower, and the keycaps themselves also being reduced in height the net result is a keyboard which has all the feel and feedback that you have come to expect from a mechanical switch, whilst being as fast to type upon as a scissor or laptop style key. The combination of light actuation pressure and a short throw greatly reduces the gap between you pressing a key and the end result. This might be enough to save your hide in an online fight, or simply allows you to vent your spleen on a forum with even greater rapidity. Furthermore the keys are quieter than the already pretty quiet Cherry MX Red switches, and remind us of the old Corsair Silent switched keyboards.

All in all the Corsair K70 RGB Mk.2 Low Profile combines fantastic looks and a wonderful typing experience to a high level of build quality and glorious lighting and wins our OC3D Enthusiast Award.