Review – Corsair K70 Max RGB

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Test

Let’s move on to testing the K70 Max RGB. We put it to the test in just about every scenario: video games, office automation, etc…

Handling:

The grip on the K70 Max RGB 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 up to 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, since it means we won’t be typing the wrong column… At least until we get used to it.

At the top left of this reference, we find the multimedia keys for changing the profile, managing keyboard brightness and blocking the Windows key. Moving to the right, there’s a mute button and, of course, the iconic volume control wheel. Just below, you can pause the music, skip to the next or previous song, and so on. On this model, there are no real shortcuts on the keys, as we’re dealing with a 100% format keyboard.

Here, once again, Corsair equips its new keyboard with double-injection PBT keys. In use, this material is much more pleasant to the touch. The keys will also be much less smooth than in conventional ABS. What’s more, they will also limit the shiny effect found on most keyboards. Over time, they’ll also last longer because PBT is double-injected, i.e. the lettering is molded directly into the key. So, unlike NZXT’s keyboard, the lettering will hardly ever fade, and the backlighting remains visible.

The K70 Max RGB also features a foam palm rest. It’s quite pleasant to use and completes the package. It’s far more aesthetic and qualitative than the one we had on the K70 RGB MK.2. As a reminder, it was made of very thin, soft, hard plastic. Nevertheless, it’s a far cry from the softness of the MSI Vigor GK71 Sonic.

On this model, the power cable is thin and sheathed. It’s a far cry from the thick, hard cable of the Vulcan II Max, which also required two USB ports for power only, without even offering a USB offset. What’s more, here we’re dealing with a detachable cable. All the same, it’s easier to transport.

K70 Max RGB design:

Once again, Corsair has pulled out all the stops with this K70 Max RGB. It looks great, and the finish is clearly impeccable. In addition to premium materials such as aluminum, we also find PBT keys. The edges of the faceplate are bevelled, giving the aluminum a shiny appearance, which is very classy. It’s reminiscent of that found on the Vulcan II previously tested. Last but not least, the top plate features engraved triangular motifs. This brings a touch of originality to earlier versions of the K70.

Here, with the K70 Max RGB, we have a real impression of quality, reinforced by its considerable weight. As a reminder, it weighs 1.17 kg, so once set down, it won’t move so easily.

Switches:Corsair K70 Max RGB

With the K70 Max RGB, Corsair equips its keyboard with fully customizable switches, and that’s the real advantage of this new reference! Thanks to the iCUE software, you can set the switches to adjust the height of the accent point, the height at which the keystroke is taken into account. The advantage of this system, in addition to being able to customize your keyboard, is that this adjustment is made key by key. There’s nothing to stop you from setting the digits, or Z, Q, S and D, to a different sensitivity from the rest.

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As a reminder, Steelseries already offered an equivalent system with the Apex Pro. It’s really perfect, because if you like very reactive switches or, on the contrary, longer strokes, there’s nothing to stop you from setting them as you like, and even changing them on the fly with customized profiles beforehand!

Corsair K70 Max RGB - iCUE

If you’re looking for sensitivity, at 0.4 mm, a simple touch of the key is enough to activate it. It’s so sensitive that in use, needless to say, mistakes will be legion! On the other hand, at 3.6 mm, you’ll have to completely crush the key for it to register. Here too, mistakes will be commonplace, but more because letters or even spaces will be missing.

However, once you’ve found your ideal setting, there’s no reason to change it. What can be interesting, however, is when the PC is used by 2 or 3 people with different typing tastes.

In use, the switch travel is fluid and reminds us very much of SteelSeries Omnipoint switches. On descent, there’s no sensation of friction in the switch, which is pleasantly surprising. So much for Cherry’s switches.

On the other hand, the end of travel is really firm, with no sensation of attenuation. So we’re in stark contrast to the Gateron Ink Silent Black of our NZXT Function MiniTKL. That’s right, since its switches belong to the silent category, we have soft rubber cushioning on the downward part of the switch.

Now, beware of sensitivity, as the springs used by Corsair are quite sensitive. This is truly a gamer’s keyboard, where responsiveness is paramount. To type this text, we pressed the backspace key more than once. Fortunately, via the software, you can increase the distance of the accent point, thus limiting breakage when your fingers overflow onto the key next to you.

In spite of everything, Corsair’s 8 GHz polling rate makes this keyboard 8 times faster than any other on the market. Nevertheless, in use, we can’t really see the difference with a 1 GHz keyboard. If there is a difference, we didn’t notice it. Perhaps CS:GO players whose eyes see at 240 FPS would know the difference. Probably we’re just a bit too old.

Noise:

Thanks to its double layer of soundproofing, the base of this keyboard doesn’t act as a sounding board. Even the space bar, which tends to rattle on most mechanical keyboards, is greatly attenuated. Ironically, when typing, the space bar is even quieter than the alphabetic keys. It’s a phenomenon found on all the keyboard’s larger keys.

On the other hand, it can’t be said that the switches themselves are really quiet – in fact, the opposite is true. With a dry end of travel, believe us, those around you will hear the “clack, clack, clack”. However, we feel that this noise is clearly intended to be similar to that emitted by the K100‘s OPX switches , so listen for yourself:

RGB:

On this K70 Max RGB, the lights stand out well on the keyboard keys. Even more so if you opt for the space bar supplied in the bundle- unfortunately, it’s made of ABS. Overall, the light is intense and well-dosed. What’s more, thanks to keyboard shortcuts or the iCUE software, you can set numerous 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.

Corsair K70 Max RGB