However, it features a hot-swappable circuit board, so you can swap out these basic switches for a variety of other possibilities without having to solder if you’d prefer a different switch. It works with the iCUE software, which you can use to set up macros, modify the polling rate, activate some gaming modes, and alter the RGB backlighting. Unfortunately, given that it is a small, high-profile board without a wrist rest, its ergonomics are just passable.
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless review: Design
The Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is a fairly compact gadget, as its name suggests. It’s difficult to think of a desk where this device wouldn’t fit given that it is less than 5 inches broad and less than 12 inches across. You may place the keyboard almost anyplace as it is wireless thanks to a USB dongle and Bluetooth; it is not necessary for it to be close to your computer. The device is a suitable alternative for PlayStation and Xbox consoles because to its USB wireless connectivity. The K70 Pro Tiny provides no surprises if you’ve ever used a 60% mini keyboard. But if you haven’t, you should be conscious of the keys you’re handing over. One of the tiniest keyboards you may get before moving into “keypad” zone is a 60% mini. There is no number pad, no arrow keys, no function keys, no navigation keys, and not even a separate “Delete” key. You must utilise two-key shortcuts if you want any of these functions. You can buy this keyboard from its official website.
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless review: Keys
It’s easy to tell that the Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless is a Corsair product. With the exception of its dazzling RGB lighting, it is completely black, and each of its keys is designed with a brash all-caps font. A physical on/off switch, a single USB-C port for charging and communication, and a small dock for the keyboard’s 2.4GHz USB dongle are all located on the top. There are no Mac-specific keycaps or legends, and there is no switch to transform the keyboard into a mac layout mode. Given Corsair’s emphasis on gaming, it makes sense that this keyboard is Windows-specific. If you’d prefer, you can adjust the keyboard’s angle by using the two feet on its underside. There is a good selection of connecting choices, including its USB dongle, the capacity to save up to three separate Bluetooth connections, and good old-fashioned cable connectivity. However, not all of them are as receptive as others.
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless review: RGB lighting
Just over a year ago, Corsair unveiled the K65 RGB Mini, an ultra-compact gaming keyboard. And today, the K70 Pro Mini Wireless, its successor, is finally ready to be unveiled. The two keyboards appear to be very similar at first glance. Both have a layout that saves 60% of space and a tonne of auxiliary functions that are connected to almost every key. However, this new keyboard is more than simply a name change. It has improvements both inside and out, cutting the cord with Bluetooth connectivity and Corsair’s high-speed Slipstream wireless technology, and it has the same AXON CPU as the company’s flagship K100 gaming keyboard. The keyboard is the most configurable Corsair has ever produced and is the first to include hot-swappable switches.
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless review: Connectivity
The two keyboards appear to be very similar at first glance. Both have a layout that saves 60% of space and a tonne of auxiliary functions that are connected to almost every key. However, this new keyboard is more than simply a name change. It has improvements both inside and out, cutting the cord with Bluetooth connectivity and Corsair’s high-speed Slipstream wireless technology, and it has the same AXON CPU as the company’s flagship K100 gaming keyboard. The keyboard is the most configurable Corsair has ever produced and is the first to include hot-swappable switches. All of this costs a hefty $180, which puts it beyond most of the top gaming keyboards on the market right now and just in line with the Steelseries Apex Pro Mini, minus cord. The fact that this expensive tool also has a steep learning curve and dozens of additional functions that are connected to Fn combinations that must be memorized in order to utilize them effectively may turn off productivity-minded users. The K70 Pro Mini, on the other hand, has a lot to offer in terms of gaming, workspace, and travel.
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless review: Battery life
According to Corsair’s estimates, the battery life is adequate but not outstanding (during my testing, I frequently plugged the keyboard into a computer to check the keyboard’s latency, so I wasn’t able to reliably drain the battery over my evaluation time). With the backlighting on, it offers up to 32 hours of use, increasing to 200 hours when it’s off. As a result, if you want to keep the lights on, expect to pay it every week, or about once a month otherwise. That’s nothing in comparison to Logitech’s (otherwise less feature-rich) $150 MX Mechanical Mini, which provides 15 days with backlighting on or 10 months with it off, but about comparable to the RGB variant of Keychron’s $65 K12 (up to 240 hours with backlighting off).
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless review: Performance
A simple recommendation that also offers the advantage of analogue keys is the Steelseries Apex Pro Mini. You will pay the same price for that keyboard, but it lacks wireless capabilities. The Razer Blackwidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is another fantastic choice if you long for independence from your USB masters and don’t mind adding a few extra navigation keys to boost its productive performance. The Ducky One 3 Mini(opens in new tab) is another option; it is the same size, costs $129 less, has hot-swappable plugs, but does not have software or wireless capabilities. There is no getting past the fact that the K70 Pro Mini Wireless is expensive for a compact keyboard at $179. However, you also get hot-swappable switches, wired and wireless networking, and cutting-edge lighting for that amount. The $240 Apex Pro Mini Wireless is the only other keyboard that comes close in terms of features and functionality. If you’re in the market for a compact and don’t mind a few of its cons,
Corsair K70 Pro Mini Wireless review: Conclusion
There’s no disputing how much is crammed into this tiny board, even if you’re not the greatest lover of 60% keyboards. It seems sense that the pricing is as high as the footprint is small given the feature set. Hardcore esports players, casual gamers searching for a portable device with a pleasing design, and even hobbyists looking to swap key switches and the like may find this keyboard appealing. There are several less expensive solutions available, such as the HyperX Alloy Origins 60 Gaming, but the new K70 is a considerable advance over the Corsair K65 RGB Mini Gaming Keyboard from the previous year. With no trouble, it wins our most recent Editors’ Choice prize for the best compact gaming keyboard.
