In this Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review, you will learn everything you need about the product. It is a full-sized product featuring RGBs, flip-up feet, and double-shot PBT keycaps.
The keyboard uses most of the same features as its siblings, like AXON technology, RGBs, etc.
For this Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review, we tested the product for a week to see how it performs. We also checked its design, functions, and features to see what makes it worth considering.
Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Packaging
Our keyboard ships in your typical-looking cardboard box that showcases an image of the product at the centre. You will find its name in front, the company branding, and some of its features.
The back of the package displays another image of the keyboard. These have indicators to determine the functions of each part and its keys. You will also find its features and other details related to the keyboard.
Inside the box, the K70 Max ships with the following accessories/items:
- USB-A to C braided cable
- ABS plastic Radiant Spacebar with shine-through pattern
- Wrist rest
- Alternate 1u Corsair logo ABS keycap
- Keycap puller
- User manual
Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review – Design and Functionality
We thoroughly checked its design in our Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review to compare it with the K70 Pro. Interestingly, this keyboard looks very similar to its predecessor, though Corsair added some other design aesthetics.
Corsair updated the top of the keyboard to feature their triangular-shaped pattern. The company even includes a spacebar with a triangle-shaped symbol for more RGBs. Plus, it has an escape cap with the Corsair logo.
Its keycaps are also those on the K70 Pro RGB. So, you will find durable and thick double-shot PBTs with outstanding RGB shine through.
The construction of the K70 Max is noteworthy. The lower case integrates durable plastic, complemented by a faceplate crafted from brushed aluminium. Notably, the entire keyboard deck does not feature flexing, thus proving to have a robust design.
The keycaps are top-tier doubleshot PBT plastic. However, the company did not use this material on the spacebar and its Corsair-branded 1u keycap. Instead, the two keys are of a slightly thinner ABS plastic material.
The keyboard features four flip-out feet at the base, effectively anchoring the keyboard in place while you type. The accompanying wristrest adds to its premium feel, offering a comfortable design.
Moreover, its wrist rest incorporates a plush leatherette material that attaches via magnetic connections. The setup helps improve the comfort factor while working or gaming.
Notably, this wrist rest represents a significant upgrade from the rigid plastic version on the previous Corsair K70 RGB PRO.
The keyboard has dual layers of sound-dampening foam within the casing in acoustic engineering. However, its sound and tactile impact are subtle compared to numerous keyboards incorporating additional foam layers.
Additional media controls are at the top of the number pad. These include a volume wheel and lighting/profile/Win lock buttons on a higher strip.
You can find these with Corsair’s glossy LED indicator strip for the mute, num lock, etc. We appreciate the company for making the volume wheel of this keyboard metal. It does not feature a recessed button and is not clicky.
These are linear, so do not expect clicking or abrupt movements from the upper to the lower position. Additionally, the magnetic MGX features a standard 45g spring.
The tactile experience is generally seamless and gratifying, albeit slightly more rattly. We are comparing it to conventional switches due to the absence of a fortified box-style stem. Notably, Corsair addressed the pinging issue present in the previous versions of the K70.
The brilliance of these switches lies in their magnetic actuation point, which you can adjust between .4mm and 3.6mm. Generally, this feature allows you to tailor the force required to register a keypress. It ranges from a gentle touch to a robust impact, with over 30 increments to choose from.
This customisation extends to each key, enabling you to fine-tune the response of keys to your liking. For instance, you can configure the WASD directional keys to respond to a light touch.
Then, you can choose a more substantial press on the G key, reserving it for grenade actions. You can set keys like Caps Lock or the number row to activate only with a firm 3.6mm press.
Rapid Trigger
In August, Corsair launched the K70 MAX keyboard and was dedicated to incorporating rapid trigger functionality. Following thorough firmware refinement through multiple beta releases, Corsair released the Rapid Trigger for all K70 MAX owners.
The primary element that enables Rapid Trigger is the Corsair MGX-magnetic mechanical key switches. These leverage hall effect sensors to continuously track its position. It allows the keyboard to determine the depth of each keypress.
Rapid Trigger revolutionises the keypress speed limit. It occurs by allowing simultaneous key presses as long as they have started to move upward.
This innovation is a game-changer for competitive gaming, especially in FPS titles like Counter-Strike 2, Valorant, etc. These are games that require precise movements.
Actions such as rapid strafing become significantly quicker with this feature. It optimises the speed of any input keyboard gameplay action.
Key Features of the Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard
Adjustable Magnetic-Mechanical Switches
All switches on the K70 Max are adjustable. The keyboard uses Corsair MGX, which allows setting the actuation point of each key from 0.4mm to 3.6mm. You can adjust it in 0.1mm steps and customise the keyboard for high-accuracy typing or fast keypresses.
A Single Key Press Makes Two Actions
The K70 Max has dual-point actuation, allowing you to set two discrete actions for one key press. This feature makes executing instant combos possible.
We tested its dual-point actuation and will discuss its performance later in this Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review.
Corsair AXON Hyper-Processing Technology
AXON is the technology that delivers the leading performance of the K70 Max. This keyboard can process and transmit inputs eight times faster than conventional gaming keyboards since it has 8000Hz hyper-polling
Detachable Palm Rest with Memory Foam
The detachable palm rest of the K70 Max is magnetic, making it easy to attach and remove. It also uses plush memory foam to provide adequate comfort during long gaming sessions.
Soft and Satisfying Typing Sounds
The K70 Max has two layers of sound-dampening foam, delivering satisfying typing sounds.
Stylish Etched Aluminium
This keyboard has a premium aluminium frame with a stylish etching, offering aesthetics and advanced durability.
PBT Double-shot Keycaps with Standard Bottom-row
The precision-moulded keycap set used on the K70 Max resists wear, shine, and fading. It also has a visually appealing steel grey design and 1.5mm thickness for adequate stability and durability.
Always Ready for Competition
The tournament switch lets you lock to distraction-free mode that keeps backlighting static and switches off macros. It also has a detachable USB-C cable, which you can use for zero-latency gaming.
Dedicated Media Keys and Volume Roller
One push of a button lets you control your media. The aluminium roller adjusts volume levels, and you can program it in the iCUE software.
Onboard Macro Recording and Profile Storage
The K70 Max allows on-the-fly macro recording with its convenient hotkey. This feature impressed us while testing the product for this Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review.
You can save them to the FN key combo shortcuts. The keyboard also has onboard storage that can store up to 50 profiles, including actions, custom macros, and RGB lighting.
Uniting Your PC Build With iCUE
The K70 Max, like most Corsair products, uses iCUE software. This utility suite is for customising RGB lighting, adjusting switches, mapping keys, macro programming, etc.
Specifications
- Keyboard Size: Full Size
- Keyboard Type: K70
- Layout: NA (North America)
- Key Switches: CORSAIR MGX
- Report Rate: Up to 8000Hz
- Onboard Memory: 8MB
- Keyboard Matrix: 104 Keys
- Key Rollover: Full Key (NKRO) with 100% Anti-Ghosting
- Keyboard Connectivity: Wired
- Cable Material: Braided
- Wired Connectivity: USB 3.0 or 3.1 Type-A
- Keyboard Compatibility: PC / Mac / Xbox Series X|S / Xbox One / Playstation 4 or 5 with USB 3.0 or 3.1 Type-A port / Windows 10 and 11 / macOS 10.15
- Warranty: Two years
Hands-on with the Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard
This section of our Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review will focus on details about using the product. Before discussing its performance and our user experience, let us focus on the iCUE software.
To enable and customise any of the functions mentioned above, you will need the iCUE software. It allows you to tweak various settings of the K70 Max, including macros, key assignments, and RGB lighting. Plus, you can adjust the polling rate and switch-debounce of the keyboard.
In addition to those settings, you can set actuation points, pre-travel distance, and more.
Thanks to the onboard storage of the K70 Max, you do not need to run iCUE software in the background. You can save your profiles in the onboard storage and use them even when connecting the keyboard to another computer.
This product offered impressive typing quality when we tested it for our Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review. We loved the textured PBT keycaps since these felt nice to the touch. Plus, the sound-dampening foam in the case effectively suppressed noise from key presses.
Typing on it was not loud since it has linear switches and no high-pitched clicking noise. Also, key presses have minimal wobble.
Although the keys had no tactile feedback, these were highly responsive, even with the lightest keypresses. The minimal actuation force worked on all keys, and the best thing about it is these have customisable actuation points.
Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review Summary
Although an expensive niche product, the K70 Max is an impressive gaming keyboard. It will require adequate time to tweak its settings, but customising it will allow you to maximise the product.
Aside from the unique features and functions, we love its design and build quality. It uses high-quality materials that make it durable and has excellent ergonomics. Its RGB lighting was also noticeable and vibrant when we tested it for this Corsair K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard Review.
We highly recommend this product to all gamers who want a highly customisable keyboard that delivers superior performance. Learn more about the K70 Max Magnetic-Mechanical Keyboard when visiting the official product page of Corsair.
