Corsair Gaming K70 RGB RapidFire keyboard review

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Final Words and conclusion

Final words and conclusion

First off, we are a little late with this review, our apologies but we received the sample extremely late. So then, realistically the Corsair gaming K70 RGB RapidFire is very little different from the regular K70 RGB, while there are some subtle differences this release is all about the fast MX switches. Other differences are the return of the single USB pass-through port, but that one still has not received an upgrade to USB 3.x yet. So while handy; it certainly isn't a fast one intended for your storage needs on your desktop. Realistically it will be used for connecting headsets and mice. The second addition is the return of the BIOS switch at the backside, you can use it to adjust the USB polling rate which makes it compatible with more motherboards. Last but not least there are some aesthetic changes to be found like the gray/black theming on the USB connectors, well that and the final new Corsair Gaming logo. Also you'll notice that the actual lighting seems a bit better than the standard K70 RGB, due to larger key font. But yeah, it's all about the Cherry MX Speed RGB switches. As explained, it is an MX red switch with the similar 45g actuation force and per-key RGB lighting. However it has a reduced actuation distance, basically the plastic riser was cut from 2mm to just 1.2mm, and that makes it a new switch. One could argue if it makes a difference at all, but the truth is, the keys do feel faster as once you press them, the distance simply is shorter. It's kinda a real-world latency thing that is being solved. So while it does make a difference, I am not sure if it makes enough of a difference for many of you though. But go to a shop, give it a try and you'll realize the tactile pressure feel seems faster. Obviously there's the RGB coloring that can make complex animation in any color you like. That requires some powah! Inside this keyboard an ARM processor is housed. That is the golden combination as alongside an overall excellent keyboard all by itself, you now get to play around with per key programmable lighting. Now first a word of warning, this keyboard seriously is a lot to digest once you connect it for the first time. The software programming is far from easy, is over engineered, is far from mainstream and there are just too many features. So simply take a step back, download a few profiles and let the product do the work for you. I've recorded a quick video that demo's some of the RGB LED animations, have a peek, in Ultra HD ya'll ! 

  

Aesthetics & functional usage

You just watched the video ... overall a pretty terrific looking product right? I like the inclusion of the extra switchable, somewhat rugged gaming keys is a thing worthy of mentioning, it's not for everybody but when used they definitely bring that priority feel to the important game WASD keys. The LED back-lighting animation system and true silent keys all are the icing on top of the cake as far as I am concerned. For the Strafe, the primary functionality and feel is just great. You really are receiving something well designed and comfortable to play games on, plus you get the added benefit of one of the coolest LED lighting systems a keyboard can ever have. In terms of aesthetics and design, I seem to really dig this RGB Strafe. But here again taste is subjective and realistically I can see some users complaining that the board only has red back-lit keys for this particular model and not white, blue or whatever your color of preference is. But me personally, I adore the design and color scheme, I really do. Don't forget that this keyboard has a nifty set of features and improvements:

  • Every key is mechanical, using (in our review) Cherry MX Speed key-switches (red actuation) – so the keyboard is 100% mechanical. 
  • Per-key adjustable back-lighting, you can customize which keys are lit.
  • Included are contoured WASD key-caps.
  • 1000Hz polling rate (configurable)
  • Full key rollover, 100% anti-ghosting.
  • And then extras like USB pass-through.

Corsair is to release the K70 RGB RapidFire at 169 USD.


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The keyboard itself

With all the RGB madness you'd almost forget that we are reviewing an actual mechanical keyboard. For the K70 RGB RapidFire again the primary functionality and feel is just great. And sure I know, this is not a cheap set of keys at 169 USD / 150 EURO price-tag. But you really are receiving something well designed and comfortable to play games on. For me the K70 RGB is a keeper as the feature-list is miles long aimed at professional gamers with specs that baffle even me. Now the RGB lighting can be busy at times to continuously have enabled. Hey, you can dim it, disable it or just have it show one color just as well, remember this puppy can be tweaked to any and all of your desires and wishes. I like this anodized black aluminum version that Corsair started with the original K70 it just just looks so nice. That's all good stuff alright. But then again, you are paying for it, so you may expect extensive features and specifications.

 

Final words

The new fast/speed MX switches do make a difference, as silly as it that riser being cut from 2mm to just 1.2mm does give this mechanical keyboard a quicker feel, that's the honest truth. Much like any mechanical keyboard, please do give yourself a few days with the keyboard to fully understand it and get a feel for it. See, using a mechy definitely is a little different compared to your run of the mill keyboard. We do have to warn you though that if you use the keyboard for productivity (typing letters etc) then noise and feel might become a factor to consider. Mechanical keyboards are simply more noisy when you type on them. Feel and mechanical functionality wise this keyboard is 99% similar to the original K70 and K90. This release is all about the faster keys and RGB LEDs of course, but the most important thing remains the actual feel and functionality, so we'll deal with that first. The Corsair CUE software is improving, but still can be a complex flurry of registers and settings that you can alter. Corsair definitely is on the right path with the new software, but it will need a few more touches to become user friendly and idiot-proof. I do miss some extra programmable profile keys though - say macro programmable G keys to the left side, but that is my only remark as the the K70 RGB RapidFire really is a truly terrific keyboard. Right, let's wrap it up. This keyboard would fit very well in a professional series gaming perhipereals, and as such it sits nicely into the Corsair Gaming segment. The K70 RGB RapidFire will sell for 169 USD, and though that is a lot of money, realistically you can immediately see where the money goes to, the insane lighting options are amazing. Remember, you can have as many lighting, or as little as you want to. Per key on/off/rgb/dimm/brightness settings are at your disposal under your control. That functionality also will make the product more difficult to understand and control. So take our advice, grab this cool sucka, download some profiles and let the downloaded profiles do the work for you. You will, be nothing short of being amazed as the RGB lighting is really fantastic. Once again the K70 receives our Guru3D Top Pick product award worthy alright. The super K70 keyboard managed to get even a notch better.

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