We have already tested one or two peripherals from Corsair. Various models of the K70 have been at the forefront of this, as the series has been on the market for a while. Since last year, there have been two new models – K70 Core TKL and K70 Core TKL Wireless. The specifications are always similar, but the Corsair Red Switches v2 are installed. What’s new here is that they arrive oiled/lubricated. Read on to find out how the keyboard performs and what the wireless version has to offer.
Technical details
| Product name | Corsair K70 Core TKL RGB | Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless RGB |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | DE, 80 % (Tenkeyless) | DE. 80 % (Tenkeyless) |
| Keycaps | ABS, Double Shot | ABS, Double Shot |
| Lighting | RGB | RGB LIGHTING |
| Connection | USB 3.0/3.1 Type-A | USB Type-A, Bluetooth, Wireless (Slipstream) |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 366 x 135 x 39.4 mm | 366 x 135 x 39.4 mm |
| Switches | Corsair MLX Red v2 (oiled) | Corsair MLX Red v2 (oiled) |
| Rollover | Full Key (NKRO) 100% Anti-Ghosting | Full Key (NKRO) 100% Anti-Ghosting |
| Polling rate | 1,000 Hz | 1,000 Hz |
| Palm rest | no | yes, removable (magnetic) |
| Battery life | n. a. | 1,000 hours |
| Price | € 99.99 * | € 149.99 * |
Scope of delivery
There are only minor differences between the boxes of the two keyboards. As the “Core” suffix suggests, the Corsair K70 Core TKL is limited to the functions and offers many extras. We can tell the size of the TKL version from the box and the size of the image on it. We don’t find more than the keyboard and the obligatory writing utensils in the box.
The Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless is a different story. In addition to the keyboard, we also find the Slipstream receiver and a palm rest in the box. As this is the wireless version, the detachable USB-C cable is also included in the box.
Design and finish
Both keyboards, the K70 Core TKL and K70 Core TKL Wireless, are available in all black. As the TKL version is missing a few keys, meaning we only have an 87% layout, the dimensions are correspondingly small. Both keyboards have the same specifications with a width of 366 mm, a depth of 135 mm and a height of 39.4 mm. The wireless keyboard gains a little more depth thanks to the palm rest. There is hardly any difference in weight. Wired it is 973 grams, wireless 1078 grams.
Both keyboards have a rotary control at the top right, which is used to adjust the volume in the standard setting. Only the wired model is slightly different in color. The accents there are yellow. Other than that, the K70 Core TKL Wireless only has a button for the game mode that Corsair calls Game Mode.
The MLX Red v2 keys used are lubricated, which should ensure a more pleasant typing experience. At the same time, the technology is placed between two sound-absorbing layers to dampen the key noise somewhat. The finish of the construction is an aluminum cover plate. If you want to clean the keyboard or replace the keycaps, they can simply be removed. No extra tools are required – for both models.
Rubberized surfaces on the underside provide the necessary grip in hot situations. If you need some angle to work with a keyboard, two feet can also be placed here. These are also rubberized.
As always, Corsair’s good workmanship runs through the entire concept. We only have to criticize the palm rest. It is certainly comfortable, i.e. well padded, and the material on the top is also pleasant. The plastic is thin and can be twisted easily. The palm rest only creaks and cracks slightly when a little pressure is applied. A minor point compared to the rest of the product, but definitely important to mention.
Typing and typing feel
The most important feature of a keyboard is the keys used. This includes the switches used on mechanical keyboards, but the keycaps also influence the feel. It should not be forgotten that this is a purely objective evaluation. Users of clicky switches will not get their money’s worth with the Corsair MLX Red v2.
With a key life of 80 million keystrokes, improved stability and pre-lubricated switches, it is excellent to type on. This is also ensured by the well-fitting keycaps. Longer texts are easy to type and the switch noise is not unpleasant, even over longer periods of time, thanks to the double layers of insulation.
There is also another feature for gamers. The so-called FlashTap technology. It ensures that movement commands are executed directly and have priority over other buttons. By default, these are the A and D buttons, i.e. for lateral movements. This means that your game character does not stop when you change direction directly.
Corsair iCUE – the right software
All current Corsair products use the iCUE software. Of course, you can make your own settings here, such as customizing the lighting. However, an important component nowadays is also carrying out updates. If updates are available, you will be notified immediately after opening them. These can be carried out with a single click.
We cannot make any adjustments to the behavior of the switches. Once again, there are no limits to the lighting. We can assign a different color or effect to each button.
The button assignment can also be set freely. You can either store completely different buttons or macros. If desired, multimedia functions or the start of software can also be used with a defined key combination.
The FN key and F12 can be used to switch through various functions for the rotary switch. The corresponding functions are indicated by the RGB lighting. The volume control is active by default. However, we can also control the brightness of the lighting or use the rotary switch for scrolling by switching through. We use the iCUE software to switch the individual functions on and off.
We can also switch on a gaming mode for the gaming session with the Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless RGB. You can decide which functions are switched off. If you use the keyboard with a cable despite the wireless function, you can also use different polling rates.
You can also save your desired settings directly on the keyboard. Up to 5 profiles can be saved directly and taken with you wherever you go. If you need more, you need iCUE. You can then create as many profiles as you like.
Conclusion on the Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless RGB
Even though the Corsair K70 Core TKL Wireless RGB is another model in the K70 family by name, the products are constantly evolving. We tested both variants – the K70 Core TKL RGB and the K70 Core TKL Wireless RGB.
We have nothing to criticize about the workmanship. The top of the keyboard with the aluminum plate in particular gives the keyboards a good feel and makes them particularly torsion-resistant. Only the palm rest leaves a little to be desired. The padding is comfortable, but the plastic used is a little too thin. The palm rest creaks even during normal use.
We can only have positive things to say about the Corsair MLX Red v2. Those who already work with mechanical keyboards will also have their preferences when it comes to the switches. The ones from Corsair provide a very pleasant typing experience.
There are two models of the Corsair K70 Core TKL RGB. The wireless model can definitely be seen as an upgrade. In general, we can recommend the overall keyboard package. As a bonus, the K70 Core TKL Wireless RGB comes with a wireless keyboard and a palm rest. Due to the price difference, you should definitely consider investing a few euros more.
- Very good workmanship
- Pre-lubricated switches
- Pleasant typing feel
- Long battery life
- Many setting options via iCUE
- no account requirement in iCUE
- Palm rest material a little too thin
Corsair K70 Core TKL (Wireless)
Processing
Equipment
Ergonomics
Software
Price-performance ratio
90/100
Clear recommendation for the wireless model! The Corsair K70 Core TKL (Wireless) RGB is a well-rounded overall package.
