A Corsair K70 CORE RGB keyboard with a black finish, top-down view showing the keycaps and wrist rest.

Corsair K70 CORE RGB: pre-lubed switches win critics

Reviewers praised pre-lubed MLX Red switches and solid build, while complaining about missing USB passthrough and complex software.

1 min read

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Specifications

Switches
CORSAIR MLX Red
Key Rollover
Full NKRO
Report Rate
1,000 Hz
Connectivity
Wired USB Type‑A
Cable Material
Tangle‑free rubber
Wrist Rest Included
Yes
Media Keys
FN Shortcuts
WIN Lock
FN Shortcut
Onboard Memory
Yes (max 5 profiles)
Keyboard Matrix
104 keys
Keyboard Type Size
K70 (Full‑size)
Adjustable Height
Yes
Key Layout
NA (North American layout)
Warranty
2 years
Compatible OS – Windows
Windows 10 or later with USB 3.0/3.1 Type‑A port
Compatible OS – macOS
macOS 10.15 or later with USB 3.0/3.1 Type‑A port
Internet Connection
Required for iCUE software download
Weight
0.934 kg
Keyboard CUE Software
Supported in iCUE
Media and Volume Controls
Yes (via FN shortcuts)
Adjustable Height Feature
Yes
Key Switch Type
Linear (pre‑lubricated)
Sound Dampening Layers
2 layers
Aluminum Top Plate
Premium aluminum
Magnetic Wrist Rest
Included, detachable
Multi‑function Dial
Controls volume, RGB brightness, zoom, scroll
iCUE Customization
Per‑key RGB, macros, key remapping
FlashTap Feature
Enabled via FN + Right Shift (requires firmware update)
Key Switch Version
MLX Red v2
USB Version
USB 3.0/3.1 Type‑A
Keyboard Size
Full‑size (104 keys)
Warranty Period
2 years
Key Switch Pre‑lubricated
Yes

Photos

A Corsair K70 CORE RGB keyboard is shown in a top-down view on a desk with a mouse and wrist rest.
The keyboard is shown from a top-down angle on a desk, with a black wrist rest and a cable extending to the side.
The keyboard is shown from a top-down angle with RGB lighting on the keys and a textured palm rest.
A side profile of a Corsair K70 CORE RGB keyboard on a desk, showing its black finish and illuminated keys.

What reviewers say

  • The review praises the Corsair K70 RGB PRO as an outstanding gaming keyboard, highlighting its extremely low latency, high polling rate (up to 8000 Hz), individually backlit keys, solid build quality, and useful features such as a Tournament Switch that disables macros. The reviewer notes the keyboard’s large size with wrist rest as a drawback.

    www.rtings.com ↗
  • Tom’s Hardware praises the Corsair K70 Core RGB as a highly affordable full‑size gaming keyboard that delivers smooth pre‑lubed Corsair Red switches, excellent sound dampening, and solid build quality. The review highlights its per‑key RGB, onboard profile storage, and especially the customizable rotary dial for horizontal scrolling. Minor drawbacks noted are the non‑detachable rubber USB cable and lack of a wrist rest.

    www.tomshardware.com ↗
  • PCMag’s review praises the Corsair K70 RGB for its solid build, versatile Cherry MX Brown switches, extensive per‑key RGB lighting, and comprehensive macro programmability, while noting a few drawbacks such as the high price, lack of USB pass‑through, and absence of dedicated macro buttons.

    www.pcmag.com ↗
  • The review praises the Corsair K70 RGB Core for its excellent typing feel thanks to pre‑lubed MLX linear red switches, good acoustics from dual sound‑dampening layers, and per‑key RGB lighting. It highlights solid build quality with a lightweight plastic/aluminium chassis, rounded edges, and a comfortable keycap grip layer. The reviewer notes some drawbacks: the fixed rubber cable, the harsh texture of the bundled wrist rest, and the lack of a detachable USB connector.

    www.club386.com ↗
  • IGN’s review praises the Corsair K70 RGB for its solid build quality, high‑profile keys that keep it clean, removable wrist rest, and dedicated media controls. The standout feature is its highly customizable lighting, though the software can be complex to master. The main drawback noted is the absence of USB passthrough, which was present on the non‑RGB K70.

    in.ign.com ↗

Our take

Based on 5 reviews

All five reviews agree the Corsair K70 CORE RGB delivers solid build quality and strong typing feel, with Tom’s Hardware and Club386 specifically praising its pre-lubed switches and sound dampening. RTINGS highlights its low latency and high polling rate, while PCMag and IGN note its extensive per-key RGB and macro programmability. Based on their tests, we conclude this keyboard suits gamers and typists who prioritize responsiveness, tactile feedback, and lighting customization.

However, reviewers split on the wrist rest—IGN calls it removable and comfortable, while Club386 finds its texture harsh—and Tom’s Hardware and Club386 both criticize the fixed rubber cable. IGN and PCMag note the lack of USB passthrough. Buyers wanting a detachable cable or USB hub should look elsewhere, but those valuing build, switches, and lighting will find it compelling.

Pros

  • Solid build quality
  • Pre-lubed switches
  • Per-key RGB lighting
  • High polling rate

Cons

  • Fixed rubber cable
  • No USB passthrough
  • Harsh wrist rest texture

Best for: Gamers and typists seeking responsive switches and customizable lighting; avoid if you need USB passthrough or a detachable cable.

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