Mechanical keyboards are ubiquitous, particularly in gaming communities. Consequently, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for companies to distinguish themselves, which is why some resort to incorporating every conceivable feature and gimmick. In contrast, Corsair takes a more refined approach with the Corsair K70 Max RGB gaming keyboard. This keyboard introduces Corsair’s “magnetic MGX” switches, enabling variable actuation points and dual assigned functions for each key press.
This innovation alone makes the K70 Max worth considering, if not an automatic recommendation. However, Corsair goes further by integrating several gamer-friendly, high-end features. These include a full 100% layout, PBT keycaps, a newly dampened body, an ultra-comfortable wrist rest, and intuitive media controls. Impressively, it offers all these features without being overpriced relative to the competition—although in this highly specialized niche, competition is relatively sparse.
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Specifications
| Switches | Corsair MGX |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Addressable |
| Onboard Storage | Yes, 50 profiles |
| Media Keys | Yes |
| Connectivity | USB Type-A to Type-C |
| Cable | 6-feet braided |
| Keycaps | Double-shot PBT |
| Dimensions (LxWxH) | 17.4 x 6.54 x 1.54 inches / 442 x 166 x 39mm |
| Weight | 3.06 pounds / 1388g |
Design and Build Quality
The K70 Max RGB features the quintessential gamer keyboard aesthetic. Notably, it is full-sized, so it will occupy a significant portion of your desktop; even more so if you use the included wrist rest. Above the number pad, you’ll find additional media controls, a volume wheel, and profile/lighting/Win lock buttons on a higher strip, which also hosts Corsair’s glossy LED indicator strip for num lock, mute, etc. Furthermore, the volume wheel is made of metal, is smooth (non-clicky), and lacks a recessed button. A nice detail is the hexagon printing on the raised metal shelf.
Transitioning to the sides of the keyboard, beneath the sandblasted aluminum deck, you’ll find they are plain, while the top includes a “tournament mode” toggle next to the removable USB-C cable. This switch disables and locks any user customizations or macros (including lighting) and secures it with a small plastic bracket. Although I haven’t attended any PC gaming tournaments recently, I can’t confirm if this feature meets strict tournament regulations.
Additionally, the underside of the keyboard showcases thoughtful design elements. It has sturdy dual-stage feet, essential for this three-pound behemoth, and angled grooves for rerouting the USB-C cable, similar to the K70 Pro. Moreover, the switch LEDs shining through the translucent plastic on the bottom look impressive, even though it’s not visible during use. This design feature evokes nostalgic memories of an Atomic Purple Game Boy Color.
Magnetic Switches
The magic of these switches lies in their magnetically adjustable actuation points, ranging from 0.4mm to 3.6mm. In simple terms, this means you can choose how lightly or firmly you need to press a key for it to register. You can adjust it from a delicate touch to a forceful press, with over 30 incremental settings. Moreover, this customization is available for each individual switch on the keyboard. For instance, if you want your WASD keys to respond to a gentle tap but prefer a firm press for the “G” key when throwing a grenade, that’s easily achievable. More practically, you can set the Caps Lock or number row to activate only with a full 3.6mm press.
Customization and Software
All of the K70 Max’s standout features are customizable via Corsair’s iCue software. It is available for Windows 10 and 11, as well as macOS 10.15 and later. I tested the K70 Max on a Windows 11 PC. Once iCue is installed, most of the K70’s new features are found under “Key Actuations” in the settings. Specifically, this section allows you to group keys under different presets. Furthermore, each preset lets you define a reset point and multiple actions per key press.
However, the software could improve in making multi-key selection clearer. Instead of clicking a single key, you need to drag a selection box. Alternatively, you can hold down Shift or Ctrl to select multiple keys. Consequently, creating multiple profiles and setting actuation presets can be tedious. Nonetheless, it is well worth the effort to fully utilize the K70 Max’s MGX switches.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Adjustable Magnetic Switches: Allows customization of actuation points.
- Durable Keycaps: High-quality double-shot PBT keycaps.
- Extensive Customization: Stores up to 50 profiles and 20 lighting profiles.
- High Performance: 8000 Hz polling rate and AXON technology.
- Quiet Operation: Sound-dampening materials reduce noise.
Cons:
- Price: At $230 it’s a significant investment.
- Wrist Rest: Could be more comfortable for long-term use.
Conclusion
While the Corsair K70 Max RGB switches can become overwhelming over time, they are remarkably smooth and represent a significant upgrade from the MX Silvers. Moreover, the sound-dampening feature adds to its appeal. When you combine these factors with its adjustability and user-friendly interface, it’s clear that this keyboard is not only fantastic but also highly recommendable.
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