After the release of the CORSAIR K100, it was evident that the flagship was introducing new features that would 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 sooner rather than later, so an overhaul of their keyboards was due in 2021. I expected maybe a K70 keyboard, but thus far, we already got two different keyboard lines from the company. The K65 Mini is a 60% form factor keyboard that released last week, one of several new 60% keyboards that have come up recently. The K70 RGB TKL is much more common with its tenkeyless form factor, but still new in that it takes the design scheme of the popular K70 and literally shrinks it down.

When it comes to taking features from the K100, we see the same excellent stock keycaps as well as 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 that I have no idea what to do with myself. But then you look at the other features complementing this, and it is obvious that the K70 RGB TKL 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, three linear switches, 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, 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 desired profiles and settings with you on the go. It is a shame that the keyboard is not the most portable thus. For the price, I would have rather seen a smaller case, and maybe even a carry case. Sure, the K65 Mini fits the boat better, but this keyboard is arguably more gamer-centric, too.

Take the Tournament Mode switch, for example, which is the feature that tells me the K70 RGB TKL is going to be targeting esports in a stronger way than anything before it if CORSAIR has their way. By turning off all custom macros and key assignments and even including a telltale light indicator for the mode, this is a product that ultimately is not for everyone. $140 will barely make a dent for pro gamers, but is enough to influence purchasing decisions on the mass market, which is what will ultimately decide this keyboard's fate. There are enough novel things here, especially relating to AXON, to where it gets the Innovation award. However, there is a major asterisk next to it for a purchase recommendation, which I am unable to give for the average TPU reader. Well, that is unless you like the CORSAIR ecosystem, wherein the pricing is in line with their other keyboards, and iCUE is a major selling point in itself from where I am sitting.