The release of the flagship CORSAIR K100 introduced new features that were bound to eventually trickle down the product segment. Adopting a new keycap mold for PBT doubleshot keycaps using the more standard bottom-row spacing also meant it would happen soon, so an overhaul of their keyboards was due sooner rather than later. I expected the K70 to get an update first, but CORSAIR surprised with the 60% form factor K65 and a new K70 TKL entry before updating the popular full-size K70 lineup. The all-new CORSAIR K70 RGB PRO is the latest iteration of the same, and plenty is retained from what is clearly a working formula, including the brushed aluminium frame and dedicated volume wheel and media controls, on top of a few other handy buttons discussed in detail on page 3, with subtle ID changes to keep this fresh and in line with other CORSAIR peripherals in 2022.

When it comes to taking features from the K100, we see the same excellent stock keycaps and bottom-row spacing that will interest those into custom keycap sets. CORSAIR's AXON hyper-processing technology makes a return as well, making for not only enhanced hardware playback, but a whopping 8000 Hz polling rate I have no idea what to do with myself. But looking at the other features complementing it, it is obvious that the K70 RGB PRO is not meant for the everyday user. CORSAIR has strong ties with some eSports teams as well as the sponsorship of professional gamers, and this keyboard with the detachable cable, five switch options, including the fast MX Speed (Silver), and of course AXON is intended for the prosumer. It also brings with it better onboard controls and hardware customization beyond the usual volume and media controls, with up to fifty profiles, each with up to twenty lighting layers, and key assignments which may be saved onboard, as well as a handy profile-switch button. The idea is that you configure the keyboard as you would like and then have your customized profiles and settings with you on the go. It is a shame that the keyboard is not the most portable thus.

Ultimately, the K70 RGB PRO feels like a step CORSAIR had to take for parity with the K70 RGB TKL itself, with a feature set that feels as though it has been lifted from it. There are some rearrangements of the physical layout, and I don't understand why both could not get the accessory set of replacement keycaps, keycap puller, and wrist rest. Perhaps it is because the K100 necessitated further segmentation now that the K70 isn't second to the top in the CORSAIR keyboard lineup. Even the included wrist rest feels like a compromise. Having had other recent mainstream keyboard offerings from competitors cross my desk, I am not sure iCUE is enough to justify the price tag, either! CORSAIR has a few challenges to overcome to catch the interest of consumers, at least those who weren't already going to buy it for the CORSAIR logo and support, and the K70 RGB PRO is still a very good keyboard. The PBT doubleshot keycaps with standard spacing and extensive onboard customization certainly help, but I now want to see more switch options beyond just Cherry MX, as well as perhaps hot-swappable switch sockets. For most end users, the Tournament Mode switch is a neat thing to chuckle at, not really a feature that will sway purchase making decisions at the $160–170 in the US, or even more elsewhere.