Introduction

The average TechPowerUp reader is undoubtedly familiar with CORSAIR and has probably had a product or two, if not more over the years, from the US-based brand. In particular, CORSAIR's peripherals have been quite popular, with the likes of the K70 mechanical keyboard ranking high in many wishlists/reviewer recommendations since launch. Indeed, you will notice we have ourselves reviewed seven different CORSAIR K70 keyboards over the years with another on the way soon for its recently released K70 MAX. However, this has not stopped CORSAIR from putting out yet another K70 keyboard at the other end of the pricing scale.


Those who think there are simply too many smaller form factor keyboards coming out lately will rejoice at the sight of a standard full size unit. The all-new CORSAIR K70 CORE doesn't go far down the bells and whistles road in favor of providing, well, a core keyboard experience. Indeed, this also means there isn't a detachable cable and you might as well forget about hot-swappable switches or wireless connectivity right now. Instead, what you get is a keyboard in multiple different layouts/languages as well as four different color schemes including the K70 CORE SE White seen above which is probably the one I'd go for out of the various options. I'll also direct your attention to the top right corner where there is more going on than meets the eye courtesy a multi-functional control dial. Let's thank CORSAIR for providing a review sample to TechPowerUp and begin with a look at the product specifications in the table below.

Specifications

Packaging and Accessories

CORSAIR is sticking with its bright yellow packaging for the K70 CORE which comes in a narrower box than I expected. On the front is the company logo and product, a large render of the keyboard lit up, and salient marketing features for those who perhaps come across the product in a retail store. The switch type used as well as the layout/language are also specified here to remove potential confusion. We see more renders on the back along with other features now listed in multiple languages. I am not sure if the different color versions will get a different box since I have the default black color version here. There are two seals and a double flap on the side helping keep the contents in place on their way to you. Open the box to see a paper wrap over the keyboard and more underneath for the accompanying wrist rest. I appreciate it over the usual plastic that ends up in a dump somewhere.


There's not a lot going on when it comes to provided accessories with CORSAIR going light to try and hit a lower price point. As such, we only get the mandatory paperwork required in most countries—a warranty guide and safety compliance documentation. Those looking for a manual will find it online on the product page which is not up yet as of the time I write this review for obvious reasons. I do like that CORSAIR still provides a wrist/palm rest with the K70 CORE though since it's an accessory most keyboards no longer come with and many newcomers to mechanical keyboards are better off with one while they get used to touch typing—if ever. This is a soft touch plastic wrist rest with the CORSAIR logo on the top of a textured surface that feels fairly resistant to sweat and dust/liquid spills alike. On the back are six large rubber pads for added grip as well as magnets on the side facing the keyboard to help easily attach the wrist rest in place.