Rgb Strafe Vs Rgb K70: Which Mechanical Keyboard Is The Best For You?

In the realm of gaming peripherals, few brands command as much respect as Corsair. Their keyboards, in particular, have earned a reputation for excellence, with the RGB Strafe and RGB K70 standing as two of their most popular offerings. Both keyboards boast stunning RGB lighting, advanced macro capabilities, and exceptional build quality. But which one is the better choice for gamers? In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll pit the RGB Strafe against the RGB K70, examining their features, performance, and overall value to help you make an informed decision.

Build Quality and Design

Both the RGB Strafe and RGB K70 are constructed with high-quality materials and exhibit solid build quality. The Strafe features a durable plastic chassis, while the K70 boasts a more premium aluminum frame. Both keyboards have a full-size layout with dedicated macro keys and media controls. The Strafe’s macro keys are located on the left side of the keyboard, while the K70’s are positioned above the function keys. Both keyboards also feature dedicated volume and playback controls, making it easy to adjust audio on the fly.

RGB Lighting

One of the standout features of both the RGB Strafe and RGB K70 is their RGB lighting. Both keyboards offer customizable per-key RGB lighting, allowing you to create stunning lighting effects and match your keyboard to your gaming setup. The Strafe features 16.8 million color options, while the K70 offers a slightly wider range of 18 million colors. Both keyboards also support various lighting effects, including static, wave, and ripple effects.

Switches and Typing Experience

The RGB Strafe and RGB K70 offer different switch options to cater to various typing preferences. The Strafe is available with Cherry MX Red, Brown, Silent, and Speed switches, while the K70 comes with Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, and Speed switches. Cherry MX Red switches are known for their linear actuation and light actuation force, making them ideal for gaming and typing. Cherry MX Brown switches offer a tactile bump for feedback without being too loud, making them a good choice for both gaming and everyday use. Cherry MX Blue switches have a more pronounced tactile bump and a clicky sound, making them popular among typists who prefer a more responsive feel. Cherry MX Speed switches have a shorter actuation distance than other Cherry MX switches, making them ideal for fast-paced gaming.

Software

Both the RGB Strafe and RGB K70 are compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software, a powerful and user-friendly software suite that allows you to customize your keyboard’s lighting, macros, and performance settings. With iCUE, you can create custom lighting profiles, assign macros to keys, and adjust the keyboard’s polling rate and Windows key lock. The software also allows you to sync your keyboard’s lighting with other Corsair peripherals, creating a cohesive and immersive gaming experience.

Performance

In terms of performance, both the RGB Strafe and RGB K70 deliver exceptional responsiveness and accuracy. Both keyboards feature 100% anti-ghosting and full N-key rollover, ensuring that every keypress is registered accurately, even during intense gaming sessions. The Strafe and K70 also have a fast polling rate of 1000Hz, which means they can communicate with your computer up to 1000 times per second, resulting in near-instantaneous response times.

Price and Value

The RGB Strafe and RGB K70 are both premium gaming keyboards with a price tag to match. The Strafe typically retails for around $150, while the K70 can cost anywhere from $180 to $200, depending on the switch type. Both keyboards offer excellent value for money, considering their build quality, features, and performance. However, the K70’s more premium construction and wider range of switch options may justify its slightly higher price tag for some users.

The Verdict: Which Keyboard is Right for You?

Ultimately, the choice between the RGB Strafe and RGB K70 depends on your individual preferences and budget. If you’re looking for a durable and feature-rich gaming keyboard with customizable RGB lighting and a variety of switch options, both the Strafe and K70 are excellent choices. The Strafe is a more affordable option with a solid plastic chassis, while the K70 offers a more premium aluminum construction and a wider range of switch options. Both keyboards deliver exceptional performance, so you can’t go wrong with either choice.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Factors

Aesthetics

Both the RGB Strafe and RGB K70 feature sleek and stylish designs that complement any gaming setup. However, the K70’s aluminum chassis and more refined aesthetics may appeal to users who prefer a more premium look.

Wrist Rest

The RGB Strafe includes a detachable wrist rest that provides additional comfort during extended gaming sessions. The K70 does not come with a wrist rest, but users can purchase one separately if desired.

Media Controls

Both keyboards feature dedicated media controls for easy adjustment of audio volume and playback. However, the K70’s media controls are more conveniently located above the function keys, making them easier to access during gameplay.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q1: Which keyboard is better for gaming, the RGB Strafe or RGB K70?

A1: Both keyboards offer excellent gaming performance, with 100% anti-ghosting, full N-key rollover, and a fast 1000Hz polling rate. However, some gamers may prefer the K70’s wider range of switch options, including Cherry MX Blue switches for a more tactile and clicky typing experience.

Q2: Which keyboard has better RGB lighting?

A2: Both keyboards offer customizable per-key RGB lighting with a wide range of color options and lighting effects. However, the K70 has a slightly wider range of color options (18 million vs. 16.8 million) and may offer more vibrant lighting due to its aluminum chassis.

Q3: Which keyboard is more comfortable to use for extended periods?

A3: Both keyboards offer a comfortable typing experience, but the K70’s aluminum chassis and included wrist rest may provide slightly better ergonomics for extended use.