Verdict
The Corsair K70 Core is a solid entry level gaming keyboard option for those seeking the reliable performance of mechanical keys with a few extras such as RGB lighting and media keys. Crucially, it taps into Corsair's iCue software to offer great customization and control, all for a great price.
- Competitive price
- Highly customizable RGB backlighting
- Includes media controls and wrist rest
- Basic build quality
- Permanently attached cable
The hierarchy of mechanical gaming keyboards is stuffed full of elaborate expensive options, but the Corsair K70 Core strips things back to create a keyboard that's affordable while still packing in the essential features, and a few little extras too.
The combination ensures Corsair's latest budget mechanical option earns a spot on our best gaming keyboard guide. It's clear that many gamers will only see this board as a stepping stone to a fancier-built keyboard down the line but as an initial jump into mechanical gaming keyboards, it's a great option.
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Features
One of the more prominent features of this keyboard is that despite its low price it include media controls. The media dial can be used to control volume as well alter the brightness of the backlights, scroll vertically or horizontally, and zoom in and out. I found that each setting was genuinely useful, and the ease of switching between modes made it all that much easier.
The K70 Core also comes pre-set with nine standard shortcuts but using iCue, Corsair's software for managing its peripherals, I was able to set up as many keyboard shortcuts as I desired. It's a simple process that the software walks you through, so if this is your first time getting to grips with a modern keyboard, it makes sure you know exactly what to do.
The iCue software is also how you'll edit the RGB lighting on the Corsair K70 Core. There are endless options and even some decent pre-loaded settings if you're not overly keen to get deep with your lighting layout. It's possible to store up to five profiles on the K70 core, whereas, within iCue, there is no limit.
Design
Visually, the K70 Core is nothing too exciting. A standard black full-size keyboard with a convenient, and textured, magnetic palm rest. It's plastic, so doesn't have the premium feel of the many metal alternatives out there. However, it feels reasonably solid and the plastic is 85% recycled, which his nice to see.
Keycap removal is simple, but no tool is provided in the box which is a shame. As a wired-only keyboard, it's notable that a simple plastic cable is used for the USB 3.0 connection, rather than a braided option. It's also not removable, so a broken cable effectively means a broken keyboard.
The K70 Core uses Corsair's own Red linear MLX mechanical switches, which are standard mechanical switches with a 1.9mm actuation distance and actuation force of 45g. They feel absolutely fine as mechanical switches go, though they don't offer the analog response or adjustable actuation of optical or magnetic switches. Meanwhile you don't get the option of tactile or clicky switches for those that like that style of switch either.
Performance
Overall performance of this keyboard is solid enough, with the overall feel here being one of just a standard linear switch keyboard. It's smooth and responsive but without any of the tactile feedback of tactile of clicky switches and without the ultra-fast response of some performance-oriented switches.
Crucially for some will be the effectiveness of the noise dampening, which does a great job of quietening the keyboard. It's not the absolute quietest board we've ever tested but it really takes the edge off. There are some typers that prefer the clickier sound of certain keyboards, and you obviously don't get that here, but given this is a cheap plastic keyboard, it was never likely to have a satisfying sound in the first place.
Price
The Corsair K70 Core is available for $99.99 / £89.99 and can be purchased directly from the Corsair website as well as most retailers.
We feel this is a great price for the K70 Core, despite there being many lesser known brands offering even cheaper options. That's because the K70 Core offers great RGB control and can take advantage of Corsair's wider peripheral ecosystem via its iCue software - it's a great entry point into the Corsair gear world.
Alternatives
The K70 Core is a great entry-level keyboard, but if you need something wireless, we suggest opting for the Logitech G915. It's got fantastic performance and a beautiful design that doesn't overstimulate you thanks to muted RGB.
If you're fine with wired but are just chasing performance, the Corsair K100 RGB offers optical switches for improved responsiveness and a unique backlighting style that's easy on the eye.
Verdict
The Corsair K70 Core doesn't set the gaming keyboard world alight. However, it does deliver a really sensible, useable selection of features for a decent price.
If you're on a tight budget or aren't concerned about fancy build quality, the simple plastic build here is entirely up to the job, while the addition of RGB lighting and media controls brings this board a step above totally entry level options. More importantly, its mechanical keyswitches offer a reliable response that will last far longer than the membrane keyswitches used on even cheaper boards.
All this and this board gets you into Corsair's iCue system that makes it easy to control your whole PC's lighting setting (with other compatible gear), setup game-specific profiles, and assign all sorts of extra functions to the keyboard via macros and the like.
For under $90, there are few keyboards that offer quite such a complete package, even if it's hard to get entirely excited about the K70 Core.
For more peripheral options, be sure to check out our best gaming mouse and best gaming headset guides that are stuffed with recommendations of products we've actually tested and that suite all budgets.