Corsair K70 Pro TKL Gaming keyboard
Feature
Design and Styling
Despite the smaller size of the TKL keyboard (when compared to a full-size), the Corsair K70 Pro TKL is still quite weighty. The aluminium frame ensures the keyboard has a sturdy feel. The keyboard would need to be sturdy as the switches have a rating of 150m keystrokes, although I can’t guarantee that as I'm not going to make that many key presses during my review period. However, with that many keypresses, you'll unlikely need another keyboard for a long time, ensuring value for money.
The K70 Pro provides a comfortable typing experience, especially once the cushioned palm rest is attached. The palm rest is magnetic and sits nicely against the keyboard, but sits rather loosely. This does enable users to slide it around so that they can find an optimal position. The cushioned rest is nicely textured which can attract some dust, but the leather-like material is easy to clean, just requiring a wipe over with a wet cloth.
However, the first thing most people will notice is the two buttons next to the rotary dial. One of these is (by default) used to set the keyboard into Tournament mode, whilst the other is used for media - primarily pausing media. Of course, these, like the rotary dial, can be binded to any other activity that the other keys can do via the Corsair iCue software (more on this later). The wired keyboard has a detachable USB-C cable which is positioned to the left side of the rear of the K70. Underneath, the device features a set of rubberised feet that can be raised to add a slight incline, with the rubber coating preventing slippage.
Although I have been known to enjoy the tactile and audible nature of a mechanical keyboard with the louder Cherry Blue or Brown switches, my family members (especially young ones trying to sleep) aren't as keen. The MGX Hyperdrive Magnetic switches (which employ Hall Effect sensors) and the sound dampening layers ensure that the K70 Pro TKL is much quieter. The switches and the use of the Hall Effect Sensors allow for a precise typing experience, as well as enabling rapid trigger and adjustable actuation functionality.
Functionality and Performance
With the dual actuation, gamers are able to assign two discrete actions to one keypress. This can be great for both gaming and non-gaming functions. It took me some time to work out how to do so, but the dual actuation means that typists can set the alphabet keys to produce both the lowercase and uppercase letters depending on the depth of the key press. Of course, it can take a bit of playing around with the actuation settings to get this right for each key. The actuations settings are adjustable from a supersensitive 0.1mm to 4mm, so there is plenty of tinkering available. Within the gaming function, players can set up the same key to be used for both walking and running,,having a character walking when a key is lightly pressed and then running when pressed firmly.
Despite the initial issue of struggling to assign uppercase and lowercase to alphabet keys, the Corsair iCue software remains the most user friendly of all the various peripheral software that I have experienced. The keyboard features DoubleShot Keycaps, enabling the RGB functionality. Gamers can quickly customise their RGB setup and assign macros to particular keys within the simple to use software. Whether you want to use one of the included RGB schemes or configure each key in your own styling, the iCue software allows you to do so in a simple manner.
Verdict
The Corsair K70 Pro TKL looks very much like many other keyboards on the market, apart from the Game Mode and Corsair iCue buttons situated near the rotary knob. The Rotary dial does have a stainless steel elegance about it, and combined with the reasonably hefty weight of the keyboard gives the impression of a sturdy build. However, much of the functionality comes from below the DoubleShot keycaps and within the iCue software. The keyboard features full RGB customisation, and if you have other Corsair devices, they can be synced together. The dual actuation and the ability to assign two functions to one key is quite impressive. And the easy to use iCue software makes creating and assigning macros a breeze.
In the Box:
● Corsair K70 Pro TKL keyboard
● Palm Rest
● Detachable USB-C cable
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