New releases from Corsair today, with the announcement of the brand-new K70 Core gaming keyboard. This time, it’s a 100% format keyboard. Unlike the K65 Pro Mini we recently tested. Our K70 Core features red Corsair switches and, above all, comes at an attractive price: less than 100 euros.
So, what’s this K70 Core worth? Answer in our full review!
Technical specifications :
Corsair’s new K70 measures 448 x 153 x 35.4 mm without its wrist rest and weighs 934 g. This is lighter than the last K70 and the previously tested Vulcan II (1.14 kg). The K70 Core features linear Corsair switches similar to Cherry MX Red switches .
Of course, it’s also equipped with RGB LEDs that can be customized via iCUE once again. This new model features double-injected ABS keys. This keyboard from Corsair features a 1.8 m unsheathed cable. Here, unlike the last K70 Max RGB, we’re treated to a polling rate of 1 GHz versus 8.
Recommended system:
To use Corsair’s latest keyboard, you’ll need an Internet connection to download the iCUE software. In addition, you’ll need at least a USB 2.0 port to plug it in. As for the operating system, Corsair recommends Windows 10/11 or macOS version 10.15 .
[nextpage title=”Unpacking”]
The box:
Our keyboard of the day is housed in a box in Corsair’s colors, i.e. black and yellow. We also discover a representation of the K70 Core illuminated by its RGB LEDs. In addition, we learn that Corsair switches are pre-lubricated and that sound-absorbing foam is installed. Of course, everything can be managed with Corsair iCUE software for macros and lighting effects.
Let’s move on to the rear, where we’re treated to a new representation of the keyboard. The brand reminds us that the switches are pre-lubricated and that the keyboard is fitted with sound-absorbing foam. What’s new here, however, is a glimpse of the multimedia functions available via the small thumbwheel.
Like the K65 Pro Mini and K70 Max RGB, the K70 Core is protected by protective paper and cardboard covers in its original box. In any case, this has served its purpose well, as the keyboard arrived in excellent condition.
Alongside the K70 Core, we’re only entitled to two manuals.
The Corsair K70 Core:
Let’s take a look at the new K70 Core out of the box. We’re dealing with a classic keyboard with double-shot ABS plastic keys. At first glance, it looks well-made, even though it’s mostly plastic. Nevertheless, it rests on an aluminum faceplate. This model has an unsheathed cable, which we didn’t find very aesthetic when we unpacked it.
On top of this, we’re treated to a “space” touch, with motifs that are a change from the ordinary. Above the directional arrows, there’s a small Corsair logo to remind us of the brand. Moving over to the right of the keyboard, we can see a small black and yellow thumbwheel, a clear departure from the brand’s other K70s.
Finally, this K70 Core features a magnetic plastic wrist rest. It’s rather thin and its coating seems quite abrasive. It too features the Corsair logo in the center.
And how does it look from the back?
On the back of the keyboard, we find a few rubber pads for support and two elevating feet. The label with serial numbers and recycling information moves to the top of the keyboard.
[nextpage title=”Test”]
Let’s move on to testing the K70 Core. We put it to the test in just about every scenario: video games, office automation, etc…
Grip:
Handling the K70 Core is classic! In fact, it’s a 104-key keyboard, so there’ll be no change if you’re used to this type of keyboard. What’s more, if you’ve been using Corsair keyboards until now, unlike the Corsair K100 RGB, we don’t have any macro keys on the left-hand side of the keyboard. This is rather convenient, as it means we won’t be mistaken for a column when typing… At least until we get used to it.
At the top, coupled with the F.. keys, are the multimedia keys for changing the profile, managing keyboard brightness and blocking the Windows key. As you’ll see from the photos below, there are plenty of shortcuts available on the K70 Core. Moving to the far right, we discover a wheel never before used by Corsair. This allows you to increase or reduce the volume and mute the sound by “clicking” on it. This wheel is very pleasant to use, perhaps even more so than those on previous K70 and K100 models.
PBT keys are a thing of the past here, as this model is available with ABS keys. Nevertheless, given the keyboard’s price (less than 100 euros), it’s hard to hold this against the brand. ABS keys are more likely to show fingerprints and may leave a shiny effect over time. Over time, however, the lettering will last longer because they are double-injected, i.e. the lettering is molded directly into the fingerboard. So, unlike NZXT’s keyboard for example, the lettering will hardly ever fade, and the backlighting remains visible.
The K70 Core has a hard, grainy plastic palm rest. Unfortunately, it’s too flat, so I hardly ever rest my wrists on it. On top of that, it could scratch the skin a little if your wrist is placed on it. It’s a bit reminiscent of the old K70 RGB MK.2.
On this model, the power cable is thin and unsheathed. It’s not very aesthetic, visually speaking. On the other hand, it’s not rigid and clearly won’t get in the way on the desk. It’s a far cry from the double cable of the Roccat Vulcan II Max, for example, which was thick and rigid.
Switches:
Gone are the customizable switches of the K70 Max RGB. We’re still dealing with Corsair switches, but in their linear version. These are designed to be fast, precise and silent. To activate them, you’ll need 1.9 mm for a force of 45 G. Their total travel is 4 mm and they are guaranteed for 70 million keystrokes. On top of this, these switches have been pre-lubricated, making them smoother, less rough and quieter.
In terms of feel, these are fairly soft switches, since there’s no stop. Linear switches are generally quite sensitive. Indeed, with a force of 45 cN, the key will be activated quite easily, and even more so here with the lubrication. I tend to use double letters on this keyboard when writing. Typing errors are plentiful, as are inopportune movements. On the other hand, for writing, there will be less fatigue than on harder switches, that’s also the advantage.
Noise:
Corsair equips its K70 Core with a soundproofing layer to limit unpleasant noises. The keyboard base does not act as a sounding board. In use, spacebar noise is greatly reduced. Indeed, on most mechanical references, it will tend to rattle. It’s even quieter than the other keys on the keyboard.
However, this does not mean that the switches are really silent. They have a relatively dry end-of-travel, which generates a “clack, clack, clack” sound that may annoy those around you. However, this noise seems to be what the brand is aiming for.
RGB:
On this K70 Core, the lights stand out well on the keyboard keys. Overall, the light is intense and well-dosed. What’s more, thanks to keyboard shortcuts or the iCUE software, you can set a wide range of effects, even key by key, on different lighting layers. However, if you’re buying your keyboard for its RGB lighting, you might be better off with a Roccat Vulcan II or Vulcan II Max.
[nextpage title=”Conclusion”]
It’s high time we came to a conclusion about Corsair’s K70 Core. So, what did we think?
Good overall performance
With its new K70 Core, Corsair offers us a keyboard with an aluminum faceplate and overall plastic finish. Nevertheless, its construction remains solid and of high quality. What’s more, the brand has equipped this reference with a new kind of thumbwheel, aesthetically pleasing in black and yellow. It’s nicely notched and also very pleasant to use. Nevertheless, with the K70 Core, you won’t need to download Corsair’s iCUE software, since the numerous keyboard shortcuts allow you to manage a wide range of possibilities. Nevertheless, if you wish, iCUE is compatible with the K70 Core to manage all available lighting effects. As with all the brand’s latest keyboards, RGB effects are plentiful and intensity is well dosed.
However, we regret that the keyboard cable is not sheathed. Likewise, the palm rest is too flat to be really useful. What’s more, if you rest your wrists on it, it’s rough and can quickly become uncomfortable if you have sensitive skin.
Here, the brand offers its K70 Core with homemade, pre-lubricated switches. This is very rare on the keyboard market, as it limits the noise of the switches in particular. Even so, it makes them super-sensitive and will generate a lot of keystroke errors.
How much does the K70 Core cost?
Corsair’s new K70 Core is available for €99.99 in Europe. A very attractive price for a mechanical keyboard with pre-lubricated switches.
Corsair K70 Core
We liked :
- Solid construction despite the presence of a lot of plastic
- Top-notch RGB
- Aluminum faceplate
- New, easy-to-use thumbwheel
- ICUE software as functional as ever
- The number of shortcuts that save you installing the software
- Lubricated switches
- Attractive price (under €100)
We didn’t like :
- Hyper-sensitive switches that generate typing errors
- Wrist rest a little flat and rough in use
- The unsheathed cable
Corsair offers us a very good mechanical keyboard reference. It features a high-quality aluminum and plastic construction. On top of this, the K70 Core features pre-lubricated switches that improve sound and fluidity. Nevertheless, the switches are super-sensitive and typing errors will be numerous. What’s more, the wrist rest is too flat and rough to use. We also regret the presence of an unsheathed cable. However, its contained price of 100 euros is really very attractive!
Thank you Corsair!
