CORSAIR K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE [INTRODUCTION]

05/2020 by WILLIAM ZWINGENBERGER (TEXT) / HOLGER DASSLER (PHOTOS) - Back to overview

CHERRY has introduced new MX Low Profile RGB SPEED switches, which are available for the first time ever in the brand-new K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE. This mechanical keyboard has an extremely flat design. The short travel of the new CHERRY MX Low Profile RGB SPEED ensures responsive input and makes this keyboard a perfect match for gamers and heavy writers. We’ll tell you all about the special features of the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE in this article.

Specifications at a glance

  • Keyboard Layout: Standard
  • Switch Type: CHERRY MX Low Profile RGB SPEED (optional: CHERRY MX Low Profile RGB RED)
  • LED Color: RGB
  • Macro Keys: All keys can be configured for macros
  • Response Rate: <1ms
  • Matrix: 100% Anti-Ghosting with Full-Key-Rollover
  • Software / Integrated Memory: Yes (iCUE Software) / 8 MB
  • Media Keys: Five multimedia hot-keys plus volume wheel
  • Palm Rest: Detachable, soft-touch finish
  • Dimensions: 438 mm x 168 mm x 29 mm
  • Weight: 1,08 kg 

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE in detail

With the K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE, as with the earlier versions of this keyboard, one can easily recognize many characteristics of the flagship K95 RGB PLATINUM. The K70 has a similar robust and attractive housing as the top model while the stylish, frame made of brushed and anodized aluminum contributes not only to keyboard stability, but also its classy looks.

In direct comparison to the K95 RGB PLATINUM and previous K70 models, the flatter construction with a height of only 29 millimeters results in a slimmer design, so it seamlessly fits into any modern desktop environment.

Great comfort thanks to detachable palm rest and USB-passthrough

The front of the K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE features a detachable palm rest for added comfort during extended gaming sessions or while writing long texts. Corsair has given the palm rest a pleasant feel thanks to the soft-touch finish that we already know from previous models. In addition to the palm rest Corsair has placed two feet with anti-slip rubbers on the bottom of the chassis. These increase the ergonomics and ensure that the keyboard stands firmly on the table despite its reduced weight of 1.08 kilograms. If a flat keyboard position is preferred, the two feet can be folded: in that situation, two extra-large anti-slip pads provide grip on the desk. In other words: despite a weight reduction of just under 200 grams, this keyboard will not slip faster than its previous models. Another useful feature is the USB-passthrough port on the back of the K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE. You can use this port to, for example, connect a USB headset or mouse, thus simplifying cable management on the desktop.

Dedicated multimedia keys and interchangeable keycaps

The keyboard features five dedicated multimedia keys and a convenient volume wheel above the numeric keypad. Starting or stopping media, controlling the volume, or jumping between songs is done much faster and more comfortably with these buttons than with a mouse. The best thing of all is that gamers do not even have to pause their gaming session.

In addition to multimedia control, there are three additional keys in the upper left-hand corner to activate the Windows key lock, switch between profiles, or adjust the brightness of the keyboard illumination.

In order not to lose the position of your fingers during a game session, Corsair made it possible to install an FPS/MOBA keycap set, included in the box. These consist of grey keycaps with a textured surface, well-known from the K95 RGB Platinum, which can be easily recognized without having to look at your hand.

First keyboard with CHERRY MX LOW PROFILE RGB SPEED

The highlight of this brand-new Corsair keyboard is its reliance on the just-as-new MX Low Profile RGB SPEED switches. This is the second variant of CHERRY’s extremely flat switches. In addition to a lower overall height compared to standard MX switches without changing their famous typing experience, the SPEED variant offers a shorter travel of only 1.0 millimeters compared to 1.2 millimeters for MX Low Profile RGB RED.

Combined with a low actuation force of 45 centinewton this leads to even faster actuation and higher switching frequencies. As a result, MX Low Profile RGB SPEED switches offer extremely responsive input, providing gamers with a decisive advantage in virtual battle.

Users who prefer the characteristics of CHERRY's MX RED switches, there is also a version of the K70 called the K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE. This version is equipped with CHERRY MX Low Profile RGB RED switches.

Optimized RGB lighting with full software control

Despite reducing the overall height of the switch with 35 percent, CHERRY has succeeded in enabling a luminous and uniform representation of the 16.8 million colors of the RGB spectrum, thanks to a transparent housing optimized for SMD LEDs. The well-known iCUE software from Corsair allows to user to choose from a variety of individual lighting effects or synchronize the keyboard lighting effects to other compatible RGB-products from Corsair.

These products range from mice to power supplies to memory modules and many more, all supported by the same software. iCUE also allows you to define macros that can be assigned to each key on this keyboard. Finally, keyboard settings can be saved to three different profiles which are stored in the 8 MB internal memory of the K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE.

Conclusion

Corsair's K70 is an established top model range on the keyboard market. Since the first generation, Corsair presents the K70 as an affordable alternative to the flagship K95 RGB PLATINUM to consumers that don’t want to forego the high-end materials and build quality. The keyboard still includes additional multimedia keys, the popular volume wheel, USB passthrough, and a comfortable soft-touch palm rest. Thanks to the integrated memory, different settings are now available on-the-fly, regardless of software. The key feature of the K70 RGB MK.2 LOW PROFILE RAPIDFIRE is the new low-profile MX switch from CHERRY. Thanks to the lower height of the MX Low Profile RGB SPEED, Corsair was able to evolve the K70 into a comfortable, low-profile mechanical keyboard with an even more elegant and slimmer design than before. The new switches offer full gaming performance with fast actuation and high switching frequencies.