Always managing to impress with durability and build quality, Corsair once again comes out strong with a new entry in the TKL (tenkeyless, meaning no number pad) keyboard form factor. As part of its new Champion Series line, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series gaming keyboard is a strong, yet compact set of keys that offers a subtle but effective style. Similar to the K65 and K63 models before it, the K70 RGB TKL offers the performance of a gaming keyboard in a smaller form factor that doesn't compromise switch quality or competitive ergonomics.
Reaching a near-perfect middle ground between a mini-keyboard layout and a full-size, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series offers a space-saving design that still matches the layout and quality of a full-size gaming keyboard. The K70 is just as much a tournament-ready peripheral for FPS and MOBA gaming compared to full-size keyboards, but offers a ton of convenience and competition-focused features that do genuinely make a difference.
Compared to previous Cherry MX mechanical keyboards from Corsair, the K70 RGB TKL keycaps see the most immediately noticeable upgrade. Where previous Corsair Cherry MX keyboards had keycaps with a glossy yet smooth texture, these new "PBT Double-Shot" keycaps offer a much better thickness and feel. Other than texture, the key layout feels basically identical to a full-size keyboard, without the same amount of real estate. Switch feedback is responsive and tactile when moving through FPS games, and takes very little time to get used to for those perhaps accustomed to full-size gaming keyboards.
One interesting feature of the K70 RGB TKL is the dedicated tournament switch, which swaps the keyboard in to a dedicated gaming mode. This disables keyboard macros, and swaps any lighting effects to a static color, all with one dedicated toggle on the keyboard itself. This is a pre-programmed functionality that doesn't require any on-board software prior, which is convenient and useful for any players in a competitive setting. Pair that with the keyboard's detachable USB-C cable, and the K70 RGB TKL Champion Series lives up to the product line's namesake, meaning this keyboard is a workhorse ready to compete at a moment's notice.
As well as a dedicated tournament mode, the K70 RGB TKL also utilizes Corsair's new AXON hyper-processing technology, which utilizes 8,000Hz hyper-polling to reduce latency. This on-board technology doesn't require any PC software optimization, which essentially leads to keystrokes with low latency (<0.25ms). However, the keyboard can also be integrated with the iCUE software, Corsair's peripheral interface, to add any further customization as needed. Other than the usual bells and whistles with RGB and lighting effects, players can use iCUE to set up all sorts of customizations: macros, key assignments, hardware key assignments, lock functions, profiles, and more.
Of course, for everyday use, the K70 RGB TKL also has all the usual modern conveniences of a mechanical keyboard, minus the obvious lack of Numpad. N-key rollover and full anti-ghosting mean no dead keys or missed inputs when typing in general or gaming. Corsair's volume roller and dedicated media keys are also available like usual, though unusually placed on opposite ends of the keyboard. In terms of keyboard noise, it's a bit of a strange medium between typical mechanical keyboards and quieter chiclet style keyboards. The K70 TKL is never too quiet where it's unnoticeable under normal typing conditions, but isn't overtly loud like other keyboards either.
Overall, for those looking for a compact yet capable gaming keyboard, the Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series meets many expectations without compromising much. The smaller form factor doesn't make the key layout any more cramped, and the new keycaps have a much more tactile and durable feel compared to previous Corsair keyboards. Paired with the tournament-ready features and versatility, this TKL keyboard doesn't compromise its competitive viability with its efforts to increase convenience and portability.
The Corsair K70 RGB TKL Champion Series is available now for $139.99. Game Rant was provided a K70 RGB TKL Champion Series unit for review purposes.