I just hauled the ridiculously heavy keyboard across Singapore's amazing transport network, got back to the hotel room and tried it... It is awesome.
This is just a mini-review, as Tom has already reviewed the Keyboard, I will be focusing on the aspects of moving from a Rubber Dome keyboard to a mechanical one.
Background
I have used a rubber dome keyboard since I started gaming a lot, around 4 years ago now. I actually used the same keyboard for those 4 years, the Logitech Classic 200, which I can say has aged quite well. But, for the last 6 months I was thinking about getting a mechanical keyboard, after hearing all the hype about them around review sites and forums. So, I started a long process of debating which one to get and whether it would be worth my ~100 quid. During that search I was astounded by the lack of documentation on switching from a Rubber dome to a mechanical keyboard.
Why I got the K70
I got the K70 because Corsair has a very good track record as a company, and the keyboard seems to have generally very good reviews. Also I liked the design of the keyboard, mainly the metal looks. A nice feature is the volume wheel, and it has a good backlight.
...Which is not GREEN
I have read about some people having issues with the backlighting reliability, but as I have only been using it for 20 minutes I can not confirm nor deny these claims. So far the keyboard has worked fine.
EDIT: AS OF March 4, 2014 no backlight issues, keyboard is still functioning after tea spill.
Why I chose MX Blue keys
Rubber dome keys seem to have some level of feedback when you press them, Red keys don't. In the shop I bought my K70 I had the choice between Reds and Blues, sadly not the Browns. I did play around with one of the keyboards they had which used Brown switches, they felt similar to the Blues, maybe a tad softer, but didn't have the click to them. The click seemed to be the only major difference.
Basically the MX Blue keys, in my opinion feel most like the rubber dome switches I left behind. Also, when I tested the Red switches I hit the keys accidentally more often, as I do sometimes rest on the keyboard somewhat.
Specific Tips for People Moving From Rubber Dome to Mechanical
That's pretty much it, there is really no other way to find if you like the keys other than using them. If you were forced to get one online without getting your hands on it before buying it, I would suggest Blues or Browns as they feel most like Rubber Domes.
A Couple of Important Observations
The Good Stuff:
Problems:
I'm asking too much now...
I will add info/comments to this as I use the keyboard.
Tom has pics in his review, I can upload some of mine on request, mine is the new gunmetal grey with blue lights.
This is just a mini-review, as Tom has already reviewed the Keyboard, I will be focusing on the aspects of moving from a Rubber Dome keyboard to a mechanical one.
Background
I have used a rubber dome keyboard since I started gaming a lot, around 4 years ago now. I actually used the same keyboard for those 4 years, the Logitech Classic 200, which I can say has aged quite well. But, for the last 6 months I was thinking about getting a mechanical keyboard, after hearing all the hype about them around review sites and forums. So, I started a long process of debating which one to get and whether it would be worth my ~100 quid. During that search I was astounded by the lack of documentation on switching from a Rubber dome to a mechanical keyboard.
Why I got the K70
I got the K70 because Corsair has a very good track record as a company, and the keyboard seems to have generally very good reviews. Also I liked the design of the keyboard, mainly the metal looks. A nice feature is the volume wheel, and it has a good backlight.
...Which is not GREEN
I have read about some people having issues with the backlighting reliability, but as I have only been using it for 20 minutes I can not confirm nor deny these claims. So far the keyboard has worked fine.
EDIT: AS OF March 4, 2014 no backlight issues, keyboard is still functioning after tea spill.
Why I chose MX Blue keys
Rubber dome keys seem to have some level of feedback when you press them, Red keys don't. In the shop I bought my K70 I had the choice between Reds and Blues, sadly not the Browns. I did play around with one of the keyboards they had which used Brown switches, they felt similar to the Blues, maybe a tad softer, but didn't have the click to them. The click seemed to be the only major difference.
Basically the MX Blue keys, in my opinion feel most like the rubber dome switches I left behind. Also, when I tested the Red switches I hit the keys accidentally more often, as I do sometimes rest on the keyboard somewhat.
Specific Tips for People Moving From Rubber Dome to Mechanical
Try to go to a shop where you can test the keyboard with your own hands, to me the keys felt much more resistant than I expected (I expected them to be pressed by feathers)
That's pretty much it, there is really no other way to find if you like the keys other than using them. If you were forced to get one online without getting your hands on it before buying it, I would suggest Blues or Browns as they feel most like Rubber Domes.
A Couple of Important Observations
The Good Stuff:
Pretty much everything good in Tom's review.
The blacklight is very nice for night usage, might be a little on the bright side.
Problems:
When replacing the keys, the switches feel like they bend a bit, I don't really feel comfortable doing this often in fear of breaking the switches.
The cable is VERY thick, it can be quite hard to bend, especially twist.
The lighting is somewhat inconsistent on some of the keys, the lower parts of the keys are much less bright than the top. For example the @ above the 2 is a lot brigher.
The keyboard can slide when on the legs/risers as these don't have any rubber under them.
The media keys (stop/rev/play/fdw) are very low compared to the number pad. (they can be hard to reach)
I'm asking too much now...
Backlights for the caps/num/scroll lock markings and the volume wheel.
I will add info/comments to this as I use the keyboard.
Tom has pics in his review, I can upload some of mine on request, mine is the new gunmetal grey with blue lights.
Last edited:
