Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE review

Gaming Devices 123 Page 9 of 9 Published by

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Final Words and conclusion

Final words and conclusion

Some will agree with me, others will think the opposite and say it's more of the same, I quite like K70 series update. The K70 RGB MK.2 is a non-complicated no fuzz keyboard that functions well, you plug it in and immediately you'll enjoy it. That said, I am turning away from all the RGB stuff a bit for a keyboard really. All the animations and such, it can be busy on the eyes. However, once you configure a static color to all keys, say red, and throw white led lit keys at WASD, that's where RGB makes so much sense for me. So it's not that I cannot appreciate the default rainbow of colors fired off at me, it's the fact that I get to decide what color I prefer on my keys, how bright they are and what keys I want to give another color. And let's be honest about that, that's good stuff. >Now I do wish that Corsair whoever would release versions with PBT keycaps *Corsair - hint hint*. The new MK.2 might seem more of the same, but with improved looks, a nicer wrist rest, some cable routing options on the bottom side and of course the iCUE functionality. You also get a choice in four latest MX Cherry switch options. Is it worth to upgrade from an older model K70? Well, probably not. But if you are in the market making a move to a mechanical keyboard, there where the new MK.2 makes a lot of sense. The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 RapidFire as we tested thus has subtle differences. You'll like the single USB pass-through port, I personally would like to see a few more USB ports here for some HUB functionality.  Inside this keyboard, an ARM processor is housed paired with 8MB of storage for your profiles. 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. A bit of an advice - take your time - this keyboard seriously is a lot to digest once you connect it for the first time. The software features and programming is pretty nice, but not easy for the avid end-users. Simply take a step back, check out some lighting profiles and let the product do the work for you.


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Aesthetics

The MK.2 has received an aesthetic upgrade over the older K70 models. The aluminum base is much more streamlined, the Corsair logo now embedded and RGB lit. It's sleek looking dawg alright. The inclusion of the extra swappable, 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 icings on top of the cake as far as I am concerned. Much like nearly any other Corsair keyboard, the primary functionality and feel are 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. But here again taste is subjective and realistically, the competition is steep and diverse. But me personally, I adore the design and color scheme, but that remains to be a subjective observation on my behalf.


 

Final words

I think Corsair hit the nail by adding a suffix to the new K70 RGB, with MK.2, as in mark II. It's an update to that classic design with well-worth it tweaks. The aesthetics have been improved with a new cover and embedded Corsair logo (RGB lit). The base has some routing options as well as improved rubber grips so that the keyboard will sit like an elephant on your mouse, with that mouse being a euphemism for your desk. The MK.2 will become available in a selection of Cherry MX switches, choose what fits you best is all I can say. I can recommend the Speed switches with are close to MX Red in feel, yet faster. The overall feel and mechanical functionality is 99% similar to the original and existing K70 and K90 series. This release is all about aesthetics, a few new features, iCUE compatibility. All that brings the K70 RGB MK.2 into the year 2018. For the anti-RGB reader base, remember, you can have as many lighting or as little as you want to. Per-key on/off/RGB/dimm/brightness settings is at your disposal under your control. That functionality also will make the product more difficult to understand and control. The advantaged of the new iCUE software is that all things Corsair are now unified and synced, so with your Corsair mouse, headset, LCD cooler and RGB fans you can theme up your gear in the same style, all from thing one piece of software, and that is a lovely development. At the time of writing, I have not received final prices just yet, I expect something in the € 169 range combined with a 2-year warranty. Admittedly, that's certainly not the cheapest in keyboards/hardware, but yes, this is an enthusiast class ultrafast rapid-fire RGB keyboard with aluminum elements. There is very little we can complain about as the K70 RGB MK.2 is a rock steady breathtaking keyboard. And going on its tradition, still worthy of our Guru3D Top Pick product award.

Update: We've confirmed that the keyboard is priced as expected at $169.99 for this rapidfire model.

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