CORSAIR K70 PRO TKL (2024) Review – Speed Demon with Customisable Actuation per Key

When you see a gaming keyboard with “PRO” in its name, it’s natural to have high expectations. After all, this is being marketed as the premium version compared to the standard models. The K70 PRO TKL aims to justify that “Pro” designation by packing the latest technology designed to give you competitive advantages in gaming.

And I like what I’ve seen. In short, it’s equipped with all the latest technology that gives you advantage in speed and all kinds of responses in game to give you more chance in winning.

CORSAIR K70 PRO TKL REVIEW – UNBOXING AND PACKAGING CONTENTS

CORSAIR K70 PRO TKL REVIEW – DESIGN AND FEATURES

At its core, the K70 PRO TKL comes equipped with cutting-edge features focused on speed and responsiveness. The standout feature is its impressive 8,000Hz polling rate – currently the highest available in gaming keyboards. This means the keyboard reports keypresses to your computer 8,000 times per second, or in other words, can register keypresses in just one-eighth of a millisecond. While this requires substantial computing power, you can adjust the polling rate based on your system capabilities and upgrade it later when you have more powerful hardware.

The keyboard combines CORSAIR’s FlashTap technology with RapidTrigger, which dynamically adjusts each key’s actuation point. This is particularly beneficial for competitive FPS games, enabling more responsive counter-strafing and jiggle peeking with the A-D keys. And you can register two actions with a single keypress (Dual actuation feature), great when you have to press two keys for a single action (like equipping and throwing a grenade).

One of the most impressive “features” is the pre-lubricated CORSAIR MGX Hyperdrive Adjustable switches with Hall-effect sensors. These switches not only provide smooth and responsive keypresses (for both typing and gaming) but also allow you to adjust the actuation point of each key from 0.1mm to 4mm in 0.1mm increments. While CORSAIR recommends a range of 0.4-3.6mm for optimal accuracy, you have complete freedom to customise based on your preferences. Your keyboard, your choice.

This level of customisation proves invaluable in real-world gaming scenarios. For instance, you can set WASD keys to be ultra-responsive with a 0.1mm actuation point while configuring other critical keys, like the ultimate ability in Overwatch 2 (Q), to require more deliberate presses. This prevents costly accidental activations during intense gaming moments – which happened to me when I set the key too sensitive.

Setting the keys too sensitive (with 0.1mm actuation point for example), may also be too sensitive for general typing but this again depends on your preference and typing behaviour. The good thing is that you can adjust these through iCUE per key.

The typing experience with these pre-lubricated switches is remarkably satisfying, offering a unique blend between chiclet and mechanical switch feel. The keys provide soft yet tactile feedback, supported by a double-rail structure that ensures consistent, wobble-free keypresses. While the sound profile is relatively subtle, it might not satisfy users who prefer the loud feedback of Cherry MX Blue switches. This experience itself makes it worthy to make the K70 PRO my primary gaming keyboard now (unless they release a K70 PRO TKL Wireless version in the future)

The keyboard includes a dedicated Game Mode button that enables quick optimisation of settings, such as disabling the Windows key and switching to static RGB lighting to minimise distractions (these can be toggled in iCUE). There is also a And boy I love that Control Dial on the keyboard. It looks premium and rotating the dial feels premium as well. There are also options to change the behaviour of this dial so if you are zooming in and out often (like an artist), you’ll love the customisation here.

CORSAIR backs the keyboard with a two-year warranty for added peace of mind.

CORSAIR K70 PRO TKL REVIEW CONCLUSION

The CORSAIR K70 PRO TKL successfully delivers on its “Pro” promises by offering unprecedented levels of customisation and responsiveness. The combination of ultra-high polling rates, adjustable actuation points, Rapid Trigger, FlashTap, and smooth pre-lubricated switches creates a premium gaming experience that competitive players will appreciate. The MGX Hyperdrive magnetic switches are out of this world and offers everything you want from a gaming keyboard switch: performance and satisfying experience.

While the high-performance features might be overkill for casual users, the keyboard’s build quality and typing experience make it a solid choice for anyone seeking a premium TKL keyboard. I mean, you probably don’t want to get the PRO version of a gaming keyboard if you are not serious with your gaming.

The only significant consideration is whether you need a wireless option, as this model is wired-only. However, the performance benefits might outweigh the convenience of wireless connectivity for competitive gamers.

If you want the best of the best gaming keyboards out there in terms of performance, responsiveness, and switch experience, the CORSAIR K70 PRO (TKL or other variants) is definitely it. It’s also very fairly priced in my opinion, at just A$299 RRP over at Amazon Australia (or Amazon.com).