Very active at the moment in the segment of keyboards for gamers, Corsair has sent us one of its latest “scale models”. If it has even more compact products, the K70 RGB TKL OPX is what we can call the top of the basket for a keyboard less than 38 centimeters wide… with Corsair-exclusive mechanical-optical switches as a bonus.
If there are even more ambitious with the K100, the K70 range still represents some of the most qualitative products in the Corsair catalog. The latter also declines them in several versions in order to reach as many people as possible. This is how we find full-width or TKL models, versions with RGB or single color lighting and a whole host of contactor choices to suit all tastes. In our case, it will therefore be a TKL model, capable of reproducing 16.7 million shades and equipped with the latest Corsair mechanical-optical switches. The ultimate?
TKL for who does not use the numeric keypad
Whether it’s the K100s mentioned above or the entry-level products – the K55s – the range of Corsair keyboards is based on a design that is ultimately quite similar. Of course, many details make it possible to distinguish them, but the open structure of a chassis on which the keys give the impression of being in levitation is verified every time. In the case of the K70, we note that sobriety is required with a single color, black, available for sale. From the outset, note that Corsair does not consider it useful to deliver wrist rests with its TKL products. Shame.
Remember in passing that this TKL format – relatively standard – means the “loss” of the numeric keypad. If some users can not resolve it, it obviously saves width (36 cm in this case) and therefore in place on the desk. The K70 RGB TKL OPX also remains faithful to the aluminum plate which stiffens the keyboard, but stands out for the use of double injection PBT plastic for the keys. These are therefore more resistant, more durable. Corsair reserves this treatment for these most high-end products.
Good Corsair quality
The PBT also keeps the markings of the keys longer, but it lets the light from the backlight pass less easily. This is also why Corsair adopts an open structure on this model. Note that the top of the keys is slightly textured or grainy, so that the fingers can “grip” more. Well seen. On the other hand, the 8 shortcut keys present in the upper part of the K70 are not in PBT. They are located next to the famous multifunction wheel, which is still just as practical.
Let’s end this quick tour of the owner by confirming that this is an exclusively wired keyboard: the USB-C > USB-A cable is of course delivered. It measures 1.8m and can be detached from the keyboard. Near the USB socket, there is a small switch that activates the tournament mode, which can be configured to deactivate certain keys and avoid disappointments in the middle of the game. Finally, note that no USB pass-through port is present and that the two feet under the keyboard allow only one level of inclination. Shame.
Slight “echo” effect which disturbs a little
With the K70 RGB TKL OPX, Corsair is integrating new contactors that it has had developed for its exclusive use. First, the American insists on the incredible lifespan of its so-called “mechanical-optical” contactors: impossible to verify, the figure of 150 million keystrokes is thus advanced. Linear in operation, they have an activation distance of only 1 mm for a total stroke that we estimate at 3.6 mm. The result is impeccable with ultra-fast feedback and perfect responsiveness in games as well as for kilometer input.
Some users will undoubtedly have a preference for the different versions of Cherry MX switches and this is why Corsair continues to distribute such versions of its keyboards. Still, these “mechanical-optical” seem to us perfectly recommendable. In addition, they do not cause any “click” effect when activated and their discretion is a pleasure to “see”. At this level, there is still a criticism to make: the open structure and the chassis retained by Corsair lead to a very pronounced “echo” effect which may disturb your immediate surroundings.
Corsair also insists on the integration of its Axon technology which partly justifies the name “Champion Series” found on the box of the K70 RGB TKL OPX. In absolute terms, this is a good idea: it is indeed a question of further speeding up data processing so that the keyboard is as responsive as possible. While the models are generally equipped with a polling rate of 1000 Hz, here we can go up to 8000 Hz. Problem, if some may be delighted with such an option, we estimate that the contribution remains limited, not always very noticeable.
This small downside to one of Corsair’s promises should not make us forget all the excellent qualities of a very successful model. Corsair has also decided to add the famous multifunction wheel, which is still just as practical, and to integrate 8 MB of internal memory to store up to 50 profiles. These are regulated via the iCUE software which remains a little loaded, but still very complete. Macros, commands, backlighting almost any fantasy is possible. Note in passing the remarkable effect of an effective backlight without being aggressive.
Technical sheet
- Price : about 170 euros
- Weight : approximately 930 grams
- Dimensions : 360 x 164 x 40 millimeters
- Login : wired (1.8 meter USB-A cable)
- Arrangement : QWERTY, 88 keys
- Special orders : 8 multimedia keys, a multifunction wheel
- Anti ghosting : Yes, full
- contactors : Corsair OPX
- Backlight : RGB per key
- Guarantee : 2 years