Closer Examination

We can see that the K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE looks very similar to other K70 models. The font used is very easy to read, and without plugging it in or taking any keycaps off, there aren't very many differences at all, other than with the spacebar.


Looking at the keyboard from the side, we can see that the keycaps are sculpted to give the keyboard that curved profile we are used to. This keyboard, like its predecessors, has no shroud, which results in keys that seem to be floating; this is what makes Corsair keyboards look so good in my opinion. Most importantly, we get our first glimpse of the new Cherry MX Speed switches and the clear surround that will allow the RGB LEDs to be diffused easily.


These are the brand new Cherry MX Speed switches that have been designed in partnership with Corsair. The Corsair K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE is the first to utilize these switches, and they have been designed to give gamers an edge by decreasing the point of actuation. These switches actuate at just 1.2mm and an operating force of 45 g. We will look at what this means in a bit.


To many, media keys are a very important part of a keyboard. Corsair stuck to their usual setup of five buttons plus a roller for volume control on the Corsair K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE. These keys are very easy to use and work well. In the top-right corner, their location is out of the way, so you can't accidentally hit them while gaming. Next to these media key buttons are a Windows lock key and a button that dims the LEDs; there are three levels of brightness and the LEDs can also be turned off. Next to these two buttons, we have the num, scroll, and caps lock indicators.


The spacebar on the Corsair K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE has been given a texture to make it less slippery, which is more an aesthetic than a functional feature to me since I have never had my fingers slip off a spacebar, and I don't find this one to have any more grip than any other spacebar.


Talking of keycaps, we can see that they include some extras, WASD for FPS games and QWER DF for MOBAs. These key caps are contoured to ensure that your fingers don't accidentally lose their position and are very nice to use while gaming; however, typing on them doesn't feel very natural, certainly not for longer articles. These keys have a soft, rubbery coat that feels very nice, keeps fingers from slipping off, and ensures that you feel where the keys are, meaning you can keep your eyes on the screen. One thing I will also mention is for those keyboard enthusiasts who like to swap all the keycaps on their keyboard out: notice that some keys that are usually size 1x1.25 keys are size 1x1 keys instead. This means that most keycap sets won't fit; you will need to get a custom keycap set. This isn't a huge problem as it only applies to a very small number of users and the original keycaps are perfectly fine. They are also easily removable since Corsair includes a keycap puller.


The features for user comfort don't stop at the keycaps. Corsair also includes a wrist rest with the K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE; it has a soft-touch feel to it and stretches across the whole length of the board. It is easily attached or removed due to simple clips on the underside.


Whilst looking at the board's underside, we spot two sets of feet; it isn't often we see a keyboard with both front and back feet, but these allow users to get the keyboard into a very comfortable position.


The non-removable cable for the Corsair K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE is 1.8m long and has a soft braiding covering its entire length. The cable splits close to the end, which makes plugging the two reinforced USB connectors in very easy. The K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE can be used with just one USB connector, but you lose some features, such as the USB 2.0 pass-through on the back of the keyboard. This USB port is very useful since it allows for your mouse, headset, USB drive, or even phone to be plugged in.


Next to the USB pass-through is the report-rate switch, the most important part of which is its "BIOS" mode. Switching to it ensures that your keyboard will work in the BIOS since some keyboards simply won't work there, which can be very annoying; you shouldn't have any such problems with the Corsair K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE.