Test
Now let’s test this Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless. We put it to the test in almost all scenarios: video games, office automation, etc…
The K70 Pro Mini Wireless grip
In the end, what we’re going to say here doesn’t differ much from what we could say about the K65 RGB Mini, SK622 or other CK721. Since a lot of keys are missing in order to improve the compactness, as you can imagine, a lot of functions are doubled. Thus, whether it is multimedia functions, navigation functions or other, it will always be necessary to use a FN + something shortcut. Once again, it is a trick to take and surprisingly, you get used to it quite quickly.
However, the more traditional layout of Corsair ‘s keyboard can be harmful when compared to the SK622 which has kept its directional arrows. Honestly, I find it more practical for writing tasks. The same goes for the Delete key on the Cooler Master keyboard, which remains present. Here, on this K70 Pro Mini Wireless, we find ourselves having to make a combo based on FN + backspace.
Being wireless, this model includes a battery, but also an indicator of the charge of the latter. The witness in question is available via a shortcut FN + input that will flash this or that color depending on its charge level. Thus, a persistent green: full charge, then it will flash for a high charge. When the battery reaches an average autonomy, the diode will turn orange. Finally, in case of low charge, it will flash red to become pulsating red in case of critical charge.
Of course, this 60% size makes it easy to move around since the keyboard will easily fit in a laptop bag for example. The USB Type C cable makes the maneuver easier since you just have to detach it to take the keyboard. Just be careful with the cable sleeve as not all cords are compatible. With the original cable, no worries, my NZXT USB C cable does not allow to plug it in, the sleeve being too big..
Also be careful when you grab the keyboard since its beveled back edge does not facilitate the grip, the keyboard tends to slide easily… Especially with the raised legs folded down.
No need for software?
The other interesting aspect of this little keyboard is that it can totally do without software to function. Like Cooler Master’s models, you’ll be able to record macros on the fly. But that’s not all, since it will also be possible to change the lighting mode, etc. However, via iCUE, we will be able to go deeper and manage more profiles, without software, we will have to be satisfied with the profiles known as “Hardware”.
Bluetooth: easy to use!
Unlike the SK622 from Cooler Master, this little K70 Pro Mini Wireless is willing to connect to my main PC via Bluetooth. To do this, the handling is simple since it is necessary to put itself in pairing mode on one of the three profiles of the keyboard. To do this, we will hold the FN + T/Y/G combo for a few seconds until the key starts flashing blue. Then, via the Bluetooth settings of the PC, we will add the device, a small code to type and here is the keyboard connected. Note that this model signed Corsair allows a connection with three different devices. And if you want to switch back to 2.4 GHz, just press FN + TAB.
By the way, since we are here, let’s talk quickly about the autonomy of this keyboard which is very good. On our side, we measured a life of 26h30 with RGB lighting in fixed yellow by switching to the 2.4 GHz receiver. That makes us almost a week of work without having to plug in his keyboard, rather interesting!
The switches :
The choice of switches remains very classic since Corsair continues to supply from Cherry. Thus, our version arrives with the MX Red of the German brand and thus offer a linear typing sensation. As for the characteristics, they require a force of 45 g for the activation knowing that the point of accentuation is located at 2 mm on a total stroke of 4 mm.
Compared to the Gateron, which we particularly appreciated on the Function MiniTKL of NZXT, they are a little bit rougher on the way down. As for the noise, we can easily perceive the resonance linked to the spring, which we didn’t have with the NZXT keyboard.
However, if you don’t like the linear typing feel, you can always change the switches. To do this, we use the keyswitch puller and replace them with switches that suit us better. Be careful though, you’ll have to opt for three-pin switches and not five like the Gateron for example. At this level, we thank Corsair for opting for removable switches, it allows us to customize the keyboard to our liking. Personally, I would replace the MX Red with the MX Black, which are much harder and less sensitive.
Noise:
As far as noise is concerned, we have something quite controlled with a rather mellow sound. In any case, the noise is softer than what we could have had with the Function MiniTKL from NZXT, the non-custom version , equipped with Gateron Red switches.
However, one thing annoys quite quickly, but this is not Corsair ‘s fault since it comes from the switches themselves. Indeed, if you strain your ear a little, you will hear a metallic resonance. Yes, it’s the springs of the switches that emit this shrill sound. This noise is much less present than on the XTRFY K4 in Kailh Red, but more than on the NZXT keyboard equipped with similar switches.
The RGB:
The lighting part is rather convincing although it doesn’t stand out much. The keyboard’s faceplate being black, as well as the keys, the latter will not particularly bring out the lighting. However, since the keycaps are made of PBT double injection, the lettering will be illuminated unlike the NZXT custom keyboard.
Nevertheless, we can notice a little extra that takes the form of a small lighted border surrounding the base of the keyboard. This will project a soft glow on the desk or your mouse pad.
