Corsair is known for a variety of high quality computer components and accessories. Today, however, we take a closer look at the latest addition to the MK.2 series. It should be noted that the MK.2 keyboards represent the new models and should replace older models, such as the K70 and the penalty. Since mechanical keyboards are very popular, but their high keys make them look rather old-fashioned and rustic, the new low-profile switches seem to be a very good and interesting choice to combine all advantages of all keyboard variants in one.
How the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile performs and what we think of it, is explained in this test.
Scope of Delivery
As known from Corsair, the K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile also comes with an extensive scope of delivery. In addition to instructions, warranty information and a removable palm rest, the keyboard comes with alternative keycaps and a keycap remover. The WASD keys are for FPS players and the QWERDF keys for MOBA players. In addition, the packaging also looks very high-quality again and makes you smile a little when you open it.
Technical Data
| Dimensions: | 43.8 x 16.8 x 2.9 cm |
| Weight: | 1.08 kg |
| Lighting: | RGB |
| Switches: | Cherry MX Low Profile RGB Speed Actuating force: 45 g Trigger height: 1 mm (3.2 mm to the ground) |
| Lifetime: | over 50 million trips |
| Key Rollover: | Full-Key Rollover (NKRO) |
| Cable: | textile coated (1.8 m long) |
| Aluminum case, multimedia buttons, 8 MB internal memory, USB passthrough | |
| Warranty period: | two years |
| Price: | € 109.99 * |
Design & Workmanship
At first glance, the keyboard looks very high-quality. Nothing rattles or wobbles and the K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile also has a pleasant weight. It is very similar to its big brother, the K70 RGB MK.2, because both keyboards come in full-size format with NumPad and are very similar in size. What is immediately noticeable, of course, is that the keyboard is much flatter than its big brother K70 RGB MK.2, to be exact exactly one centimeter.
The surface is made of brushed aluminium, which not only looks very chic, but also provides long durability and stability. The keycaps have been laser-printed with a rather large font, which is good for the readability and permeability of the RGB lighting. For users who want a bit more grip, there are alternative keycaps for FPS and MOBA games that can be easily replaced with the help of a keycap remover.
Compared to the normal K70 RGB MK.2, the low-profile version does not have separate cable ducts where the USB cable could be hidden. Instead, the 1.8 metre long, fabric-sheathed cable must be laid normally. In addition, the keyboard is equipped with USB pass-through.
Keys & Operation
Let’s get to the special feature and eponym of this keyboard, the extremely flat and brand new Cherry MX Low Profile Switches, here in the MX-Speed version. In general, instead of the classic 18.5 millimetres, the flat pushbutton switches are only 11.9 millimetres high and additionally reduced by 0.6 millimetres in width and depth to 15 millimetres. Despite the smaller dimensions, Cherry promises the same qualities as the standard Cherry switches, which we can certainly confirm.
In general, the MX-Speed-Switches are intended primarily for players of action games and first person shooters, because extremely short response times and high switching frequencies are absolutely no problem. The release travel of these switches has also been reduced from 1.2 millimeters to one millimeter, enabling very fast button releases. The force for triggering the key remains the same at approx. 45 grams and thus prevents unintentional actuation.
In our subjective opinion, the operation of a mechanical keyboard is always pleasant to judge and quite satisfying in terms of key feedback. However, the flat design of the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile is the icing on the cake when it comes to mechanical keyboards. As is so often the case, this is also related to what the keyboard is mainly used for. If you compare it with normal high mechanical keyboards, you can write and play very well on both types. However, when felt, the flat keys can be reached more comfortably and above all faster, where the usual keys sometimes stand in the way of each other.
Of course, the K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile also offers rubberised feet and support surfaces, which means it stands absolutely securely on the table and cannot be moved an inch. If necessary, the feet can be folded so that the keyboard lies even flatter on the desk. A removable palm rest with a comfortable soft-touch surface is also on board and completes the outstanding ergonomic features of the keyboard.
At the top right is the multimedia control and at the top left the Win-Lock button as well as the RGB control for brightness and profile selection.
Lighting & Software
For all those who don’t want to overload their computer with any more software, Corsair offers the ideal partner with the K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile, which also works wonderfully via Plug & Play. The RGB lighting is set by default to a rainbow effect that can be dimmed, switched off or changed to any of the three preset profiles at the touch of a button.
For maximum customization, however, iCUE, Corsair’s utility software, must be installed to control all compatible Corsair devices from a single source. The software is of course free of charge and allows you to update the keyboard firmware. The lighting customization options are extensive and synchronization with other Corsair devices is quick and easy. The internal memory provides space for three user profiles, where various lighting effects can be stored. The selection and settings are intuitive and offer the right effect for every user.
Conclusion on the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile Gaming Keyboard Review
The conclusion of the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile is quite positive, even though we could not make a real comparison to another mechanical low-profile keyboard due to a lack of alternatives. Nevertheless, we come to the conclusion that this premiere is quite well done, which of course is mainly thanks to Corsair and Cherry. In general, the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile uses a well-known and very good basis, the excellent characteristics of which have been largely transferred to the low-profile version.
Key features include stylish RGB LED lighting, detachable palm rests, separate function and media buttons, integrated profile memory, USB pass-through and revised software. Of course, the height is also the focus, because that’s what the Low Profile variant was designed for. As we mentioned earlier in this article, the writing feel on the flatter keys is actually a bit more comfortable than on the standard keys of a mechanical keyboard. In addition, the whole design looks much more elegant and does not put on so much. The rustic look has disappeared and you can talk about an absolutely modern keyboard with extensive functions. Unfortunately, the price of 189,99 € (currently: € 109.99 *) already makes you gasp for air, because somewhere the limit of keyboards should be reached, even if the price has not changed to the normal K70 RGB.
In general we can only recommend the keyboard to everyone, no matter if you are a gamer or a typist, but the price you get really hurts and you should consider very carefully whether you will get a cheaper alternative in the near future.
Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 Low Profile
Design and Workmanship
Keys and Operation
Lighting
Software
Value for Money
An excellent and especially flat mechanical gaming keyboard with fast Cherry-MX switches and excellent usability! The price, however, can be disputed.
