Corsair K70 Core keyboard review

Gaming Devices 127 Page 4 of 6 Published by

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Mechanical Cherry Keys

Product overview

In the vast and dynamic universe of gaming peripherals, mechanical switches have emerged as the gold standard in keyboard technology. They dominate a significant portion of the market, accounting for a staggering 90%. The CORE keyboard stands as a testament to this dominance. At the heart of the popularity of mechanical switches lies their promise: tactile and responsive feedback during key presses. This tactile nature contrasts sharply with the mundane feel of the traditional rubber membrane present in most budget-friendly keyboards. Yet, mechanical switches ensure that the experience is not just about feel – they also guarantee swift performance.

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In recent years, there has been a noticeable tidal wave of enthusiasm for mechanical keyboards. Gamers, in particular, have exhibited a discernible preference for them, often sidelining the dome-based keys which once held sway in the market. Amidst this evolving landscape, Corsair unveiled the K70 Core, a magnificent blend of aesthetics and performance, incorporating the pre-lubricated red linear mechanical switches.

The K70 CORE isn't just another mechanical keyboard, it really has been engineered for precision. The pre-lubricated linear red switches are celebrated for their exactitude and longevity. These switches require a 45g actuation force, and they have a travel distance of 1.9mm, ensuring fluid keystrokes that extend up to 4mm. It promises impressive durability with a lifespan that withstands up to 70 million key presses. Aesthetically, it's a sight to behold. A sleek dark top panel gives it a contemporary look, complemented by dual-colored ABS keycaps that add a touch of elegance.  You can control the keyboard both in  hardware and software modus operandus, below are the tables for the hardware mode (key clicks). We'll look at iCUE as well.

SHORTCUTS

Key Function Description Indication Remarks
FN + F1

Win Lock

Press & release to toggle Win Lock on and off Win Lock Indicator (B) turns on and off  
FN + F2

Profile

HW mode: Cycles through onboard profiles

SW mode: Cycles through iCUE profiles

F2 key

HW Profile #1: White
HW Profile #2: Red
HW Profile #3: Green
HW Profile #4: Blue
HW Profile #5: Amber

HW Profile #1 Lighting Effect: Water Color
HW Profile #2 Lighting Effect: Spiral Rainbow
HW Profile #3 Lighting Effect: Rain
HW Profile #4 Lighting Effect: Rainbow Wave
HW Profile #5 Lighting Effect: Color Wave


Profile color/lighting effect subject to iCUE settings

FN + F3

Decrease Brightness

Press to decrease through brightness levels Key matrix brightness
is adjusted
20% per trigger
(5 scales total)
FN + F4

Increase Brightness

Press to increase through brightness levels Key matrix brightness
is adjusted
20% per trigger
(5 scales total)
FN + F5

Stop Playback

Stops currently playing media N/A  
FN + F6

Last Track

Skips back to last played track in playlist N/A  
FN + F7

Play / Pause

Toggles playing and pausing media N/A  
FN + F8

Next Track

Skips forward to next track in playlist N/A  
FN + F12

Dial Mode*

Cycles through dial modes F12 key  

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*Dial Mode (C) Functions Indicator Color Hardware / iCUE
Volume Control (Default)

When enabled via FN + F12 shortcut

Clockwise: Volume up 2%

Counterclockwise: Volume down 2%

Press: Mute / Unmute

Solid White Default on
Backlight Control

When enabled via FN + F12 shortcut

Clockwise: Brightness up 20%

Counterclockwise: Brightness down 20%

Press: Turn On (100%) / Off (0%)

Solid Red Default on
Scroll Control (Vertical)

When enabled via FN + F12 shortcut

Clockwise: Scroll down

Counterclockwise: Scroll up

Press: End of page

Solid Green Default on
Scroll Control (Horizontal)

When enabled via FN + F12 shortcut

Clockwise: Scroll right

Counterclockwise: Scroll left

Press: End of page

Solid Yellow Default off
Zoom Control

When enabled via FN + F12 shortcut

Clockwise: Zoom in

Counterclockwise: Zoom out

Press: Restore to default zoom action

Solid Blue Default off


ONBOARD LIGHTING

Shortcut Lighting Effect Remarks
FN + ` Back to current HW profile lighting Can be customized in iCUE
FN + 1 Water Color  
FN + 2 Spiral Rainbow  
FN + 3 Rain  
FN + 4 Rainbow Wave  
FN + 5 Type Lighting Key (random color)  
FN + 6 Type Lighting Ripple (random color)  
FN + 7 Color Shift (random color order)  
FN + 8 Color Pulse (random color order)  
FN + 9 Color Wave (random color order)  
FN + 0

Static Color (press to cycle colors)

Press to cycle through in order: Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, Capri, Purple, Amber, White
FN + - Reduce Effect Speed  
FN + = Increase Effect Speed  
FN + [ Rotate Effect Left  
FN + ] Rotate Effect Right  
 

FN SHORTCUTS LIGHTING INDICATOR

When pressing FN key, all lighting will momentarily turn OFF except for keys that have secondary functions and macros assigned to them will have backlighting turned ON.

  • Default color will be WHITE.
  • Users can customize the color indication in iCUE.
  • Color indication for profile currently in-use will take priority over FN Shortcuts lighting.

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