Corsair K70 Core Review

The Corsair K70 Core impresses with its affordable price tag and feature-packed design.

GDGTME Team  •  October 10, 2023

Editor's Choice - Corsair K70 Core Review
Corsair K70 Core Review
8.5

Corsair K70 Core

The Corsair K70 Core impresses with its affordable price tag and feature-packed design. With CORSAIR Red linear mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting, and user-friendly software, it's a solid choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike. Its sleek aluminum top plate and thoughtful extras like dedicated media control buttons add to its appeal. Whether you're into gaming or productivity tasks, the K70 Core delivers with quiet, precise keystrokes and a satisfyingly sturdy build. A winning option in its price range.

THE GOOD
  • Mechanical switches
  • Double-shot keycaps
  • Aluminium top plate
  • Save upto 5 profiles on board
  • Full Key (NKRO) with 100% Anti-Ghosting
  • Multi-functional rotary dial
  • RGB lighting (for those who like it)
THE BAD
  • Non-detachable cable
  • Wrist-rest could have been included
  • No USB passthrough

The Corsair K70 Core is a full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard designed with the everyday gamer in mind. At just $100, it’s an affordable option that doesn’t skimp on features.

The keyboard comes with CORSAIR Red linear mechanical switches. These switches offer a 45g actuation force, a 1.9mm actuation distance, and a 4mm total travel. They’re built to last, with a remarkable 70 million keystroke guarantee, and the keyboard boasts a swift 1,000Hz polling rate.

Corsair K70 Core Review
Corsair K70 Core Review

Connectivity is via a non-detachable USB-C cable. In terms of design, the keyboard’s top frame is constructed from sturdy aluminum, while the base is made of plastic. It’s equipped with Cherry MX Red switches, per-key RGB illumination, and up to five on-board profile storage. You’ll also find dedicated media controls and the flexibility to reprogram keys using the Corsair iCue software. To top it all off, a magnetic soft-touch palm rest can be purchased additionally for added comfort during those long gaming sessions.

Highlights:

  • Pre-lubricated CORSAIR MLX Red linear mechanical switches
  • Dedicated media controls
  • Aluminium top plate
  • Double-shot keycaps
  • Save upto 5 profiles on board
  • Optional magnetic soft-touch palm rest

Specifications

MaterialAluminum Plate Top Cover Plastic Base
USB Polling RateUp to 1,000Hz
Keyboard RolloverFull Key (NKRO) with 100% Anti-Ghosting
Key SwitchesCORSAIR Red linear mechanical switches 45g actuation force, 1.9mm actuation distance 4mm total travel, guaranteed for 70 million keystrokes
KeycapsABS Double Shot
LightingRGB Illumination Individually LED lit and per-key programmable
Connectivity1.8 m / 6 ft, USB Type-C to Type-A cable
On-Board Memory1MB
Number Onboard profilesUp to 5
Weight0.934kg
Dimensions448mm x 153mm x 35.4mm (L*W*H)

View full specifications here.

Packaging

The packaging comes in a newly designed stylish yellow-black packaging with photos and specifications on the sides. The box is durable and the keyboard and accessories are protected by cardboard and plastic. You have to download the Corsair iCUE software manually.

The packaging includes the below:

  • CORSAIR K70 Core Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
  • Quick start guide
  • Warranty card
Corsair K70 Core Review
Corsair K70 Core Review

Design & Performance

Sporting CORSAIR Red linear mechanical switches, this is a wired keyboard with a 1.8m non-braided, non-detachable USB-A cable for connectivity.

Corsair K70 Core Review
Corsair K70 Core Review

In terms of size, it measures 448mm x 153mm x 35.4mm (LWH), making it a compact and lightweight option at just 0.94kg for a full-sized keyboard.

The keyboard boasts a sleek brushed aluminum top plate, surrounded by a plastic case featuring the K70 lettering along the edges. Its full-sized layout incorporates dedicated profile, illumination, and media buttons, along with a programmable volume roller. N-key rollover and full anti-ghosting ensure a seamless and uninterrupted typing experience.

Corsair K70 Core Review
Corsair K70 Core Review

The pre-lubricated switches have a short 1.9mm actuation distance, ideal for everyday gaming, and a total travel distance of 4mm. Corsair promises an impressive 100 million keystrokes with these switches. The keys themselves are ABS double-shot keycaps, with vibrant RGB illumination supporting up to 16.8 million colors and offering up to 20 layers of lighting effects. Customization options abound via the user-friendly iCUE software.

Corsair K70 Core Review
Corsair K70 Core Review

Turning the back, you’ll find the non-detachable USB-A cable. The K70 Core is thoughtfully equipped with height adjusters and tilts, enhancing the typing experience, especially for productivity tasks. For added comfort, there’s an optional magnetic wrist pad available for purchase.

Corsair K70 Core Review
Corsair K70 Core Review

In terms of performance, the keyboard delivers damp and quiet keystrokes thanks to two layers of sound-dampening foam. The keys are sturdily built and well-spaced, with a quieter click sound compared to most mechanical keyboards. Gamers will appreciate the slightly curved keys, aiding precise key presses. Plus, with 1MB of onboard storage, you can store up to 5 profiles with custom macros and effects. The K70 Core impressively registers keypress inputs with a native 1,000Hz polling rate, which we found more than satisfactory in our daily usage.

Corsair K70 Core Review
Corsair K70 Core Review

Software

Adjusting the RGB lighting, recording macros, polling rate, profile settings and upgrading the firmware can be done via the iCUE software which can be downloaded from Corsair’s website. You can also sync all your iCUE supported peripherals using the same software.

Corsair K70 RGB Pro Review Verdict

The Corsair K70 Core impresses with its affordable price tag and feature-packed design. With CORSAIR Red linear mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting, and user-friendly software, it’s a solid choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike. Its sleek aluminum top plate and thoughtful extras like dedicated media control buttons add to its appeal. Whether you’re into gaming or productivity tasks, the K70 Core delivers with quiet, precise keystrokes and a satisfyingly sturdy build. A winning option in its price range.

The only downsides here are the non-detachable cable which are are for gaming keyboards and the lack of a USB passthrough.

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