Everything looks good on paper with the Corsair K70 Pro TKL, but unfortunately that doesn't apply to the keyboard itself. Too bad!
I have already tested well over 100 gaming keyboards, but when I used the Corsair K70 Pro TKL for the first time, my price estimate was wrong despite many years of experience.
This is because the keyboard looks cheaper than it is. It costs around 180 euros. The price is due to its high-end specs, which you can't tell from the keyboard.
In our short test we wanted to know whether the Corsair K70 Pro TKL can keep up with other writing boards in its price category.
Transparency notice: Corsair provided me with the K70 Pro TKL free of charge for the test. The manufacturer had no influence on the article content and was not given access to it before the test was published. There was no obligation to provide a test report.
Despite the comparatively high price, the scope of delivery of the Corsair K70 Pro TKL is manageable.
Main performance
The K70 Pro TKL is a classic shooter keyboard. The equipment with rapid triggers, adjustable trigger point and the 8,000 Hertz make them ideal for competitive games like Fortnite.
The trigger point of the linear keys can also be adjusted.
The format accommodates performance-oriented use. In the 80 percent design we save the number pad, but still have enough space for the most important keys. Anyone who not only wants to play with the device but also write fluently can do so here.
The look of the Corsair K70 Pro TKL is simple with isolated highlights such as the metal volume wheel at the top right, the grooved metal circle on the bottom or the embedded Corsair logo on the wrist rest.
In the short practical test with Counter-Strike 2, there were no complaints about the keyboard's performance. The high-end specifications are noticeable in quick reactions.
When I was typing while working, there were a few points that I didn't like, and that included the first impression:
Interesting facts about the test
This is how I tested
I used the Corsair K70 Pro TKL for a total of about three weeks. During that time I used it every day to write in the office. I also played a few short rounds of Counter-Strike 2 and Silent Hill 2 with it.
Specifications
- format: 80%
- Switch: 61 keys with Corsair MGX Hyperdrive (linear, magnetic, pre-lubricated, with rapid triggers), 23 with Corsair MLX Plasma (mechanical)
- Actuation point: Self-definable by key between 0.4 and 3.6 mm with double actuation
- Connection: USB (Type-C to Type-A)
- system: macOS 10.15+, Windows 10/11, PS4/5, Xbox (a console without software support)
- Polling rate: up to 8,000 Hz with Corsair Axon
- lighting: Yes
- software: Corsair iCUE
- Internal memory: 1 MB, 5 onboard profiles
- Housing: aluminum and plastic
- Keycaps:ABS
- Hot swap: No (here's why hot swap is important)
- Weight: 967 grams
- Scope of delivery: Keyboard, magnetic wrist rest, detachable cable
Price and availability
- Release: Already done (October 31, 2024)
- Price: Around 180 euros
The Corsair K70 Pro TKL only has smooth ABS keycaps and an unsheathed cable. At that price, PBT double shot and a little fabric around the cable would have been included.
The case is only covered on the top with a thin metal plate. The rest is made of plastic. Although two layers have been integrated under the keys, the sound is still rather loud.
The ABS keycaps are smooth and quickly look greasy. The keyboard does not offer hot swap.
The switches are pre-lubricated at the factory. This is good because the keys are quieter and glide better. However, the pre-lubrication does not feel very even. The keyboard does not offer a hot swap option to quickly replace the switches.
In general, a few corners were cut even when it came to technology. Only 61 keys are equipped with the magnetic Corsair MGX Hyperdrive switches and 23 only with mechanical Corsair MLX Plasma switches.
Magnetic switches (also called Hall effect switches) transmit signals without physical contact. This means they last significantly longer than mechanical ones.
There was no pre-greasing of the stabilizers under the larger keys, even though the stabilizers are particularly important.
Not only does this give unpleasant key feedback, these keys also sound different and are even louder. Neither is in the sense of stabilizers.
Not visible during normal use: The rubber feet on the underside attract dirt extremely strongly and are difficult to remove from it (see picture tabs). This doesn't affect functionality, but it's still unsightly.
The volume wheel could also have used some fine-tuning (literally). It feels jagged.
The factors are not dramatic on their own, but overall it doesn't make a very high-quality impression. For 180 euros you can expect more. Therefore, I would only recommend this keyboard if it is currently on offer for a significantly cheaper price.
Should you buy the Corsair K70 Pro TKL?
Corsair has sold out at this price. But if the keyboard gets cheaper, it's worth a look.
The Corsair K70 Pro TKL is worth it for you if you …
- You want high-end specs like 8,000 Hertz sampling rate, Hall effect switch and rapid trigger.
- Shooter plays at a competitive level, such as E.g. Fortnite.
- You don't mind the less high-quality look with ABS keycaps and you like the manufacturer.
The following trailer shows a related model, the Corsair K70 Core TKL:
0:30
K70 CORE TKL: Trailer for the gaming keyboard from Corsair
Alternatives to the Corsair K70 Pro TKL
- Razer Huntman V3 Pro TKLif you want a more finely adjustable trigger path, optical switches and rapid triggers with snap-tap mode.
- SteelSeries Apex Pro TKLif you want generally better workmanship.
- Wooting 80U (Test follows) if you can customize your keyboard further afterwards, e.g. B. with new keycaps.
More alternatives You can find information about the Corsair K70 Pro TKL in our large buying guide with the best gaming keyboards:
In summary, the Corsair K70 Pro TKL is a solid gaming keyboard for competitive shooters. However, there are better alternatives from the competition in all relevant categories. For the price of just under 180 euros, the keyboard has too many shortcomings. In particular, the ABS keycaps, the simple cable and the sticky rubber feet are a no-go at this price, specifications or not.
