The Corsair K70 Pro TKL is a compact gaming keyboard designed to offer high-end performance in a streamlined form. It brings together premium components and customisation features that aim to elevate both competitive gameplay and everyday typing. While clearly tailored for gaming, it doesn’t lose sight of general usability, offering a well-rounded experience for a wide range of users.
By incorporating magnetic switches into a tenkeyless layout, Corsair has managed to squeeze serious technology into a more desk-friendly design. The keyboard’s sleek appearance is matched by the technical depth under the hood, with advanced switch tuning and multiple input settings providing versatility. Its low-profile build and quality materials strike a balance between practicality and visual appeal.
What sets the K70 Pro TKL apart is its emphasis on precision and control, particularly through its adjustable actuation and gaming-centric enhancements. These additions create a tailored feel that adapts to individual preferences, whether you’re navigating a high-stakes match or powering through a long work session.
Design and Functionality
The Corsair K70 Pro TKL presents a refined look with a strong mix of aluminium and plastic, giving it a durable frame without looking overly industrial. Its black and grey colour palette fits seamlessly into a variety of environments, from gaming battlestations to professional desks.
Its compact tenkeyless form factor makes it an appealing option for those looking to save space or prefer a minimalist layout. While you lose the number pad, the keyboard retains all essential functions through smart key combinations and shortcuts.
An angled edge where the aluminium and plastic meet provides a subtle design flourish that adds to its premium aesthetic. This edge also makes the keyboard feel slimmer and more approachable, visually softening its otherwise sturdy build.
Despite its small footprint, the K70 Pro TKL doesn’t skimp on ergonomics. Its low-profile design encourages a natural wrist angle, reducing fatigue during long typing or gaming sessions. It also eliminates any overly sharp or raised surfaces that might get in the way.
Corsair has included a textured volume roller, replacing older designs with a more tactile and precise interface. The knob clicks smoothly with each turn, providing not only accurate audio control but a surprisingly satisfying interaction.
Every detail feels like it has been carefully thought out, from the slightly concave keycaps to the responsive feedback of each press. The result is a keyboard that feels engineered to support speed and accuracy, without compromising comfort or style.
Key Features
At the heart of the K70 Pro TKL are its Hall Effect switches, which rely on magnetic fields rather than traditional mechanical actuation. This technology allows for customisable key response, enabling users to fine-tune when a keystroke registers based on pressure.
With actuation adjustable down to just 0.1mm, these switches offer a level of responsiveness that gives players a distinct edge. Whether you’re looking for rapid inputs or a more deliberate press, the keyboard adapts effortlessly to your preference.
Dual actuation adds another layer of functionality by allowing two commands to be assigned to a single key, depending on how far it’s pressed. This can be incredibly useful in games where nuanced movement or input variation makes all the difference.
Corsair has also included its Flash Tap feature, a type of SOCD (Simultaneous Opposing Cardinal Directions) resolution. This ensures smoother transitions when pressing conflicting keys, such as moving left and right in a first-person shooter.
Rapid Trigger is another standout feature that resets key input the moment pressure is released. This allows for ultra-fast key repeats, which can be especially useful in competitive gaming where reaction time is critical.
The Game Mode button is far more than a simple toggle; it enables tournament-ready settings that prioritise performance. When activated, it disables distractions like RGB lighting and ramps up the polling rate to an impressive 8,000Hz.
Corsair’s onboard memory stores up to 50 profiles, giving you the flexibility to switch between customised setups with ease. This feature is particularly helpful for users who share the keyboard or switch between games and applications frequently.
Software integration with iCUE allows for deeper customisation, though it’s not strictly necessary thanks to robust onboard controls. Basic functions like adjusting actuation points or toggling features can be handled directly on the board, streamlining the experience.
Experience Using the Product and Performance
Using the K70 Pro TKL day-to-day reveals just how much precision the magnetic switches can bring to both gaming and productivity. Adjusting the actuation point to suit different tasks felt intuitive, allowing for a tailored typing and gaming experience.
Lowering the actuation to around 0.4mm made a noticeable impact during fast-paced gameplay. Movements and commands were incredibly responsive, which gave me greater control during competitive matches.
Rapid Trigger proved invaluable during action-heavy sessions, letting me repeat key inputs almost instantly. This meant I could maintain constant movement or actions without worrying about key reset delays.
Games like Valorant showcased the keyboard’s strengths particularly well, where quick reactions and precise movement are vital. The ability to hold angles and shift directions fluidly improved my performance noticeably.
Dual actuation was a highlight when experimenting with movement inputs, especially in situations requiring speed variations. Mapping full presses and lighter taps to different functions on a single key felt both futuristic and functional.
Typing on the K70 Pro TKL was equally enjoyable, with the shape and texture of the keycaps offering just the right amount of grip. Even extended writing sessions felt smooth, with minimal fatigue over time.
The Game Mode button offered far more than expected, transforming the keyboard’s profile to suit intense gaming sessions. The instant switch to higher polling rates and reduced distractions really enhanced focus and responsiveness.
Onboard adjustments using the function keys worked well for quick changes, particularly when switching actuation distances on the fly. It’s a great alternative to diving into software mid-session.
Although Corsair’s iCUE software has room for improvement, the ability to bypass it using onboard controls softens the blow. Key customisation can still be achieved easily without needing to rely on the sometimes glitchy app.
The keyboard delivers a fast, responsive experience across all use cases, maintaining a professional feel even in demanding environments. Whether gaming or typing, the K70 Pro TKL adapts with ease to the task at hand.
Conclusion
The Corsair K70 Pro TKL stands out as a thoughtfully engineered keyboard that delivers high performance in a compact design. Its magnetic switches and customisable actuation offer a level of control rarely seen in keyboards of this size.
From competitive gaming to daily typing tasks, it adapts smoothly to different needs without compromising on comfort or speed. Features like Rapid Trigger and Flash Tap make a meaningful difference in high-pressure situations.
Despite minor software hiccups, the robust onboard controls ensure a hassle-free experience for most users. The ability to store profiles and adjust key functions without opening an app adds a layer of practicality.
For those looking for a compact yet powerful gaming keyboard, the K70 Pro TKL is an excellent choice. It combines innovation, versatility, and precision in a sleek package that’s built to perform.
