With the K70 RGB MK.2 ($159.99), Corsair isn't reinventing the wheel.
Instead, it includes modest upgrades to an already-excellent gaming keyboard.
The K70 RGB MK.2 embodies the exceptional quality we've come to expect from Corsair, with a robust aluminum frame that uses resilient, Cherry-branded switches.
It doesn't have the extensive RGB lighting customization options or row of macro keys you'll find on the Editors' Choice Corsair K95 RGB Platinum, but it'll appeal to gamers who don't want to shell out the $200 for that high-end model.
Something Old, Something New
There are abundant similarities between the K70 MK.2 and it's older sibling, the K70 LUX RGB($179.99 at Amazon).
Both feature a durable aluminum chassis, and radiant, per-key RGB lighting.
The two generations come packaged with a detachable rubberized wrist rest and a set of gray textured keycaps for FPS or MOBA players.
They also share the same dimensions, measuring 1.5 by 17 by 7 inches (HWD), and weigh the same at 2.75 pounds.
Both of these models even have an identical price tag, with the only discernible differences coming from the K70 MK.2's new dedicated media playback buttons and some minor aesthetic changes.
The K70 MK.2 maintains the rock-solid keycap design of Corsair's other mechanical keyboards, with the media control keys retaining their position just above the numerical keypad.
However, the MK.2's are considerably more elevated, making them easier to reach if your right hand rests on the numpad.
The Corsair branding is more pronounced on this model, with a prominent translucent faceplate placed front and center rather than the minimalist logo relegated to the upper-right periphery on the K70 LUX.
Another new addition to the MK.2's design is an X-shaped channel that runs underneath the body of the keyboard, allowing you to route cables underneath without cluttering up your desk.
The layout of the K70 MK.2 is an unobtrusive, standard 104-key design.
Unlike the more affordable Razer Cynosa Chroma($47.99 at Amazon), the keys on the K70 MK.2 are raised, leaving a generous margin between the keycap and the frame itself.
This has the dual benefit of allowing for a more prominent display of the RGB lighting and allowing you to easily remove any debris that might collect underneath the keycaps.
The entire frame is tethered to your desktop via a generous length of braided cable, terminating with two USB-A inputs for the keyboard and providing power to the K70 MK.2's USB passthrough.
Just like its predecessor, the K70 MK.2 also features physical buttons on the upper left of the keyboard that can be used to switch profiles and adjust backlight brightness.
These settings can also be managed through the Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) software, which continues to serve as a reliable peripheral management platform.
The CUE software is still a solid hub to manage the various options for all of your Corsair devices, allowing you to easily record and manage macros, as well as adjust the MK.2's extensive lighting options.
However, more modern utility software, such as the Razer Chroma Workshop, enables users to share lighting apps and profiles.
While we may see Corsair implement similar ideas in future versions of CUE, there is currently no simple way to implement this type of functionality.
Variety Is the Spice of Life
Possibly the most distinct update on the MK.2 is the additional option for Cherry's new Speed Silver switches, which previously made their debut with Corsair's K95 RGB Platinum($170.96 at Amazon).
These new switches feature a shorter actuation distance and require less force than the standard Red, Blue, Brown, or Silent switches that are also offered with this model.
Being able to personalize your switches is nice, but I would like to see Corsair build on this idea by allowing customization of other individual components as well.
Small aesthetic changes like the color or font on your keycaps could make a big difference in setting apart Corsair keyboards from the crowd.
We've already seen Razer set this example with pink and white versions of its BlackWidow keyboards.
The new Speed Silver switches offer an increased level of speed and responsiveness and incorporate a slight tactile bump compared with other switches.
The feel is similar to a Brown switch that requires a little less exertion.
The shorter actuation distance makes this switch ideal for gaming, putting the least possible resistance between your inputs and seeing them translated on screen.
Formerly a fan of Red switches, I've come to favor the Silver variety for their whip-smart response time in FPS games like Overwatch($40.00 at Amazon).
Just like Corsair's other mechanical keyboards, the K70 MK.2 features full N-key rollover capability and anti-ghosting.
Staying on the Beaten Path
The K70 MK.2 is a soft iteration on an already excellent keyboard.
The small tweaks in this generation, including the option for the new Speed Silver switches and minor aesthetic updates, make the K70 MK.2 a strong competitor on the gaming keyboard field.
If you're looking to make a more significant, you may want to spend an additional $30 for the Editors' Choice K95 Platinum, which includes all of the upgrades present in the K70 MK.2 as well as more extensive RGB lighting and a row of dedicated macro keys.
Otherwise, the K70 MK.2 is a reliable choice for gamers.
The Bottom Line
The Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 may not possess a litany of substantial upgrades on the previous generation, but it does offer small improvements on Corsair's steadfast and functional design.
