Corsair K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE MK.2 vs Original/Previous MK.1 model
update on 7/17/2018: Keys on original 2017 version has a softer press to them, and does not require them to be broken into when receiving one new out of the box. I prefer the original, it has the "TRUE" RAPIDFIRE genuineness behind it that made it the flagship for 'extremely fast' ... the MK.2 RAPIDFIRE feels like an original Cherry MX switch and I would not recommend its purchase - Either get the original RAPIDFIRE (2017) or just get another keyboard, unless you really like white, aesthetically, the MK.2 SE is difficult to beat among other white keyboards.
The MK.2 SE is something most people would probably be more comfortable typing on, like writing e-mails or browsing or surfing the web, or just typing in general. But we're talking about spending $170 for 'extreme gaming', and not trying to get a good, balanced, typing experience.
Very disappointing.
Gamers, unite!
We're talking about the MSRP $170 version.
Just picked this up, but the keyboard feels physically lighter, the keystrokes don't feel as loose/fluid/speedy as the previous generation model. The keys are much stiffer than usual, requiring a heavier press to activate, and is far less comfortable.
I'm going crazy here! Has Corsair really downgraded from the previous version of the RAPIDFIRE model?
I'm extremely competitive in RTS gaming, and know the exact feel of the original K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE.
And yes, the BIOS is set to 1000hz. And no, the keyboard doesn't have to be broken in, it should be ready out of the box. Had the previous generation model before the MK.2 debuted, since January 2018, so both keyboards are still relatively new as of this writing. Many website reviews are saying both keyboards are exactly identical in feel, I have to disagree. Going to need to try another MK.2 and test the original K70 even closer, a brand new one.
Old one:
CORSAIR - RAPIDFIRE K70 Wired Gaming Mechanical Cherry MX Speed Switch Keyboard with RGB Backlighting - Black
New one:
CORSAIR - Gaming K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE Mechanical Wired CHERRY MX Speed Switch Keyboard with RGB Back Lighting - Black
-does not have physical BIOS switches on the back of the keyboard (bad)
Someone please help me understand this. And if there's anything faster than RAPIDFIRE, please let me know, also. Thanks in advance!
iCUE software is terrible. Website reviews are praising its stability and 'smooth' functionality, I say otherwise, it's just horrible software and cluttered-crappy GUI and should just be torn down and rebuilt completely.
It's very buggy, and to say the least, not user friendly at all.
update: just placed an order for a brand new MK.1 model, and will be testing against a replacement MK.2 model.
Will uninstall the Corsair software entirely and attempt to see if there are any differences with two entirely brand new products, the upgraded model, and the previous generation. I'll update as soon as the replacement products arrive!
update: Acquired MK.2 SE (silver/ghost white) as a replacement, this is truly a beautiful keyboard... the colors are amazing. The surface layers have a more rough "matte" surface layer on the keys. Compared to the original MK.1, the rubber feet are larger in area, not necessarily taller, the kick out stands are roughly the same. For whatever reason, the feet closer to the bottom side of the keyboard were missing, as the original MK.1 allows to prop four legs out of the box. Didn't bother connecting the wrist rest, as generally speaking, typing and gaming with the wrists level-raised may be a better practice anyway for speed and physical wrist health.
update: Acquired a brand new in box, CORSAIR - RAPIDFIRE K70 original edition, untouched. the keys are much far, far easier to push in. Actuation force for pressure sensitivity being pushed downwards, is not as rigid or tough. Yes, the new version(s) and the original keyboards ARE NOT THE EXACT SAME. I can activate the keys on the original much, much quicker. On legacy systems, I can allow the keyboard to boot with a lower timing, as the physical switch is available without the need of installing the Corsair software to change the timing.
A default color profile can be modified burnt into the memory of the original version of the RAPIDFIRE, so that when the computer boots, the keyboard key colors can remain static and not flash glow, whereas on the MK.2, it's much harder to navigate or impossible to store a color profile onto the keyboard.
update on 7/17/2018: Keys on original 2017 version has a softer press to them, and does not require them to be broken into when receiving one new out of the box. I prefer the original, it has the "TRUE" RAPIDFIRE genuineness behind it that made it the flagship for 'extremely fast' ... the MK.2 RAPIDFIRE feels like an original Cherry MX switch and I would not recommend its purchase - Either get the original RAPIDFIRE (2017) or just get another keyboard, unless you really like white, aesthetically, the MK.2 SE is difficult to beat among other white keyboards.
The MK.2 SE is something most people would probably be more comfortable typing on, like writing e-mails or browsing or surfing the web, or just typing in general. But we're talking about spending $170 for 'extreme gaming', and not trying to get a good, balanced, typing experience.
Very disappointing.
Gamers, unite!
We're talking about the MSRP $170 version.
Just picked this up, but the keyboard feels physically lighter, the keystrokes don't feel as loose/fluid/speedy as the previous generation model. The keys are much stiffer than usual, requiring a heavier press to activate, and is far less comfortable.
I'm going crazy here! Has Corsair really downgraded from the previous version of the RAPIDFIRE model?
I'm extremely competitive in RTS gaming, and know the exact feel of the original K70 RGB RAPIDFIRE.
And yes, the BIOS is set to 1000hz. And no, the keyboard doesn't have to be broken in, it should be ready out of the box. Had the previous generation model before the MK.2 debuted, since January 2018, so both keyboards are still relatively new as of this writing. Many website reviews are saying both keyboards are exactly identical in feel, I have to disagree. Going to need to try another MK.2 and test the original K70 even closer, a brand new one.
Old one:
CORSAIR - RAPIDFIRE K70 Wired Gaming Mechanical Cherry MX Speed Switch Keyboard with RGB Backlighting - Black
New one:
CORSAIR - Gaming K70 RGB MK.2 RAPIDFIRE Mechanical Wired CHERRY MX Speed Switch Keyboard with RGB Back Lighting - Black
-does not have physical BIOS switches on the back of the keyboard (bad)
Someone please help me understand this. And if there's anything faster than RAPIDFIRE, please let me know, also. Thanks in advance!
iCUE software is terrible. Website reviews are praising its stability and 'smooth' functionality, I say otherwise, it's just horrible software and cluttered-crappy GUI and should just be torn down and rebuilt completely.
It's very buggy, and to say the least, not user friendly at all.
update: just placed an order for a brand new MK.1 model, and will be testing against a replacement MK.2 model.
Will uninstall the Corsair software entirely and attempt to see if there are any differences with two entirely brand new products, the upgraded model, and the previous generation. I'll update as soon as the replacement products arrive!
update: Acquired MK.2 SE (silver/ghost white) as a replacement, this is truly a beautiful keyboard... the colors are amazing. The surface layers have a more rough "matte" surface layer on the keys. Compared to the original MK.1, the rubber feet are larger in area, not necessarily taller, the kick out stands are roughly the same. For whatever reason, the feet closer to the bottom side of the keyboard were missing, as the original MK.1 allows to prop four legs out of the box. Didn't bother connecting the wrist rest, as generally speaking, typing and gaming with the wrists level-raised may be a better practice anyway for speed and physical wrist health.
update: Acquired a brand new in box, CORSAIR - RAPIDFIRE K70 original edition, untouched. the keys are much far, far easier to push in. Actuation force for pressure sensitivity being pushed downwards, is not as rigid or tough. Yes, the new version(s) and the original keyboards ARE NOT THE EXACT SAME. I can activate the keys on the original much, much quicker. On legacy systems, I can allow the keyboard to boot with a lower timing, as the physical switch is available without the need of installing the Corsair software to change the timing.
A default color profile can be modified burnt into the memory of the original version of the RAPIDFIRE, so that when the computer boots, the keyboard key colors can remain static and not flash glow, whereas on the MK.2, it's much harder to navigate or impossible to store a color profile onto the keyboard.
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