Corsair K70 Pro Vs Mk2: Which Mechanical Keyboard Reigns Supreme?

Corsair K70 Pro and MK2 are two renowned gaming keyboards from the Corsair family. Both offer exceptional features and capabilities, catering to the needs of discerning gamers. However, deciding which one to choose can be a perplexing task. This comprehensive comparison between the Corsair K70 Pro and MK2 will help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Keyboards

Corsair K70 Pro

The Corsair K70 Pro boasts a sleek and sturdy design with an anodized aluminum frame. Its brushed metal finish lends a touch of elegance to any gaming setup. The keyboard features a full-size layout with dedicated media keys and a volume roller for convenient control over audio. The keycaps are made of durable PBT plastic, ensuring longevity and resistance to wear and tear.

Corsair MK2

The Corsair MK2 shares a similar design philosophy with the K70 Pro, featuring a sturdy aluminum frame and a brushed metal finish. However, it has a more compact form factor, making it a suitable choice for gamers with limited desk space. The MK2 also features dedicated media keys and a volume roller but lacks the USB pass-through port found on the K70 Pro.

Switches: The Heart of the Gaming Experience

Corsair K70 Pro

The Corsair K70 Pro offers a variety of switch options to suit different preferences. You can choose from Cherry MX Red, Blue, Brown, or Speed switches. Cherry MX Red switches are linear and provide a smooth, fast actuation, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming. Cherry MX Blue switches are tactile and clicky, offering a satisfying feedback with each keypress. Cherry MX Brown switches are tactile but lack the audible click, making them a good choice for gamers who prefer a quieter typing experience. Cherry MX Speed switches are linear and have a shorter actuation distance, resulting in lightning-fast response times.

Corsair MK2

The Corsair MK2 also offers a variety of switch options, including Cherry MX Red, Blue, Brown, and Silent Red switches. Cherry MX Silent Red switches are similar to Cherry MX Red switches but with reduced noise, making them a good choice for gamers who want a quieter typing experience without sacrificing performance.

RGB Lighting: A Symphony of Colors

Corsair K70 Pro

The Corsair K70 Pro features per-key RGB lighting with customizable effects and profiles. You can create stunning lighting displays using Corsair’s iCUE software, allowing you to synchronize the lighting with other Corsair peripherals and compatible games. The K70 Pro also has a light bar at the top of the keyboard, which can be used to display custom lighting effects or system information.

Corsair MK2

The Corsair MK2 also features per-key RGB lighting, but with slightly fewer lighting zones compared to the K70 Pro. However, it still offers a wide range of customization options through Corsair’s iCUE software. You can create dynamic lighting effects, synchronize the lighting with other Corsair peripherals, and even create custom lighting profiles for specific games.

Software Support: Unleashing the Full Potential

Corsair K70 Pro

The Corsair K70 Pro is fully compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software, which provides a comprehensive suite of customization options. You can remap keys, create macros, adjust lighting effects, and monitor system performance. The iCUE software also allows you to create custom profiles for different games, ensuring optimal performance and lighting effects for each title.

Corsair MK2

The Corsair MK2 is also compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software, offering similar customization options as the K70 Pro. You can remap keys, create macros, adjust lighting effects, and monitor system performance. However, the MK2 lacks the dedicated macro keys found on the K70 Pro, which may be a consideration for gamers who rely heavily on macros.

Additional Features: The Extras That Matter

Corsair K70 Pro

The Corsair K70 Pro comes with a detachable wrist rest for added comfort during extended gaming sessions. It also features a USB pass-through port, allowing you to connect additional peripherals directly to the keyboard. The K70 Pro has dedicated media keys and a volume roller for convenient control over audio.

Corsair MK2

The Corsair MK2 does not have a detachable wrist rest but includes a textured palm rest for added comfort. It lacks a USB pass-through port and dedicated media keys, but it features a volume roller for quick and easy audio adjustments.

Takeaways: Choosing the Right Keyboard for Your Needs

The Corsair K70 Pro and MK2 are both excellent gaming keyboards with their unique strengths and features. The K70 Pro offers a more comprehensive feature set, including a detachable wrist rest, USB pass-through port, dedicated media keys, and a wider range of switch options. The MK2, on the other hand, is more compact and features a textured palm rest, making it a good choice for gamers with limited desk space. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual preferences and requirements.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. Q: Which keyboard has more customization options, the K70 Pro or MK2?
A: Both keyboards offer extensive customization options through Corsair’s iCUE software, allowing you to remap keys, create macros, adjust lighting effects, and more. However, the K70 Pro has dedicated macro keys, which may be advantageous for gamers who rely heavily on macros.

2. Q: Which keyboard is better for typing, the K70 Pro or MK2?
A: Both keyboards feature high-quality keycaps and switches, making them suitable for both gaming and typing. However, the K70 Pro has a slightly larger form factor and a detachable wrist rest, which may provide better ergonomics for extended typing sessions.

3. Q: Which keyboard has better RGB lighting, the K70 Pro or MK2?
A: Both keyboards feature per-key RGB lighting with customizable effects and profiles. However, the K70 Pro has a light bar at the top of the keyboard, which can be used to display custom lighting effects or system information.