[section_title title=”Closer Look”]
So here it is, the K70 RGB mechanical gaming keyboard, full ISO 105 key (+ media keys) UK layout. First off, comparing it to the K70, there are a few minor changes, such as the logo and one less media key along the top (more on this later). Other than that, the appearance of the keyboard is very similar to its predecessor. The whole keyboard is in black, with translucent painted key caps to allow the backlighting to shine through.
The included palm rest simply clicks into the bottom edge of the keyboard, adding somewhat to the depth. It has a nice textured soft touch coating, which not only looks great, but feels great too.
The underside of the keyboard is slightly unusual to most keyboards out there, this is because it features two sets of feet. Other than that it is relatively plain, except for the standard product sticker in the middle.
Along the back edge of the keyboard there are two rubber pads and fold out feet. Rather than open outwards, they fold open to the sides, which means it is less likely to fold in on itself if you push the keyboard backwards. These raise the rear profile of the keyboard, which is more comfortable to some .
I don’t often see feet along the front edge, which either raises the height of the keyboard, or tilts it backwards if the rear fit are down.
Something I really like about the K70 is the lack of a plastic surround. Instead the switches are plate mounted to a brushed aluminium plate, so the key caps looks like they are almost hovering.
Along the top edge of the keyboard is the polling switch and the BIOS and reset button (the small hole). By flicking this switch you can change the polling rate from 1ms up to 8ms. The BIOS setting makes it compatible with all but the most ancient machines that have USB ports. This does result in a lack of features that can operate, but it does mean you can still use the keyboard.
Rather annoyingly Corsair Gaming have gone with a non-standard bottom row, which means it will be more difficult for users to swap out the key caps for 3rd party ones.
What is nice to see on the K70 RGB is dedicated media keys which will function even when in game – meaning you don’t have to alt-tab out of your game to change/pause the track. The volume wheel is made from aluminium and has a smooth scroll to it, which is great. To the left, you have the LED brightness button and windows lock – useful for those serious gaming sessions. What makes these button great, is that you can also reprogram them using the software – more on this later though.
The K70 RGB requires two USB 2.0 connectors to full function – most likely due to the additional power required for the LEDs. Corsair Gaming have opted to not just use a single USB 3.0 connector as this could have some compatibility issues.
At last! The cherry on the cake! (no pun intended). These are the infamous RGB switches from Cherry of the MX red flavour (brown and blue will be available at a later date). These only require 45cN of force to actuate, making them ideal for gaming. These RGB switches feature a clear ABS shell, which has been configured using computer modelling to act as a lens for the Surface Mounted (SMD) LED. Overall the characteristics of the switch has not been affected.
So that’s the keyboard, now let’s take a look at the software that is required to make full use of the RGB lighting.
