The Corsair Gaming K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE Mechanical Keyboard Review
by E. Fylladitakis on July 1, 2016 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Peripherals
- Corsair
- Keyboard
- Cherry MX
- Mechanical Keyboards
- RGB
Per-Key Quality Testing
In order to test the quality and consistency of a keyboard, we are using a texture analyser that is programmed to measure and display the actuation force of the standard keyboard keys. By measuring the actuation force of every key, the quality and consistency of the keyboard can be quantified. It can also reveal design issues, such as the larger keys being far softer to press than the main keys of the keyboard. The actuation force is measured in Centinewton (cN). Some companies use another figure, gram-force (gf). The conversion formula is 1 cN = 1.02 gf (i.e. they are about the same). A high quality keyboard should be as consistent as possible, with an average actuation force as near to the manufacturer's specs as possible and a disparity of less than ±10%. Greater differences are likely to be perceptible by users. It is worth noting that there is typically variance among keyboards, although most keyboard companies will try and maintain consistency - as with other reviews, we're testing our sample only.
The machine we use for our testing is accurate enough to provide readings with a resolution of 0.1 cN. For wider keys (e.g. Enter, Space Bar, etc.), the measurement is taking place at the center of the key, right above the switch. Note that large keys generally have a lower actuation force even if the actuation point is at the dead center of the key. This is natural, as the size and weight of the keycap reduces the required actuation force. For this reason, we do display the force required to actuate every key but we only use the results of the typical sized keys for our consistency calculations. Still, very low figures on medium sized keys, such as the Shift and Enter keys reveal design issues and can easily be perceptible by the user.
Cherry’s MX switches are of excellent quality and they always give us excellent consistency readings. We were glad to see that the new shortened “RAPIDFIRE” switch was no exception. We measured an average actuation force of 44.9 cN, just a little higher than the 45 gram-force (44.13 cN) that the switch is rated at. The disparity is very small, at just ±2.19% across the main keys, a difference that no user will be able to discern by touch.
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Michael Bay - Sunday, July 3, 2016 - link
It was more or less a defalult with proplayer crowd because one could bind more keys around, especially in UT scene.Then some moved even further with YGHJ.
theduckofdeath - Monday, July 4, 2016 - link
WASD became "the norm" simply because it's the most convenient as you get easier access to the large keys on the edge of the keyboard. Makes it easier to use more keys without having to look where you're pressing, I mean, just because you like gaming it doesn't mean you like learning how to be a words-per.minute obsessed typist. Most people never moved to ESDF like you claimed, some did and some actually even stuck with the original arrow keys, even though the arrow keys are even more impractically located for a left handed use. But, most people use WASD today.Death666Angel - Sunday, July 3, 2016 - link
"It was never a standard to begin with" Pretty sure most games I own have it as the default key bindings for moving. So, standard.Footman36 - Sunday, July 3, 2016 - link
As an owner of this keyboard as well as a number of other Cherry switched keyboard and Logitech Romer G, I can say that I definitely prefer the feel of the Romer G key. It is quiet, smooth and fast. Unfortunately Logitech go and spoil it by placing the switch in a series of crappy keyboard chassis....I am currently using this keyboard as my number one, however I will swap back to the Logitech as I prefer TKL.
Just my opinion.
Icehawk - Sunday, July 31, 2016 - link
I have the non RGB version of this - I only sort of like it. The key spacing is just a little off from what I am used to (various MS and Logis) and I mistype way more than I used to. DO NOT get any liquids on this keyboard, even a small amount, as it will start to freak out, once dry it will work again though. It's pretty loud even with O-rings on it too. I really don't know why I haven't replaced this other than it was expensive and looks cool?cainsworth - Wednesday, January 18, 2017 - link
The arm rest that comes with the keyboard is flimsy. Unlike the keyboard itself, which has a sturdy metal body, the arm rest is made of plastic. The plastic tabs that hold it in place are poorly designed and break off easily. (An image is available at http://imgur.com/a/6YaT9)To make matters worse, Corsair refuses to replace the part under its warranty. Instead, they want $10, plus tax and shipping, to replace the armrest.