Be sure to view the iCUE tutorials on the CORSAIR How-To channel for help on how to configure your peripherals
the K95), but by and large it does
feel better than most wrist rests I’ve
tried on a variety of keyboards.
As to what makes the wrist rest on
the K70 better, it’s primarily larger
(width from top to bottom) therefor
more comfortable to use over
extended periods. Minor differences,
but on keyboards at this price range
it all matters. I’m most certainly
partial to what is on the K70, but of
course I would much rather have
the one on the K95 RGB Platinum as
that’s even better.
So what of the actual typing and
gaming experience? Well this is
something that is determined by
the switch of choice mostly. In as
far as the depth and angling of
the keys, these keyboards are
identical. The Strafe is available with
MX-Silent and MX-Red switches
so naturally and as stated in the
original Strafe’s review, I’m partial to
the silent switches with the MX-
Speed a close second. Do keep in
mind that the MX-Speed is only
available with on the K70, which also
has the additional options of brown
and blue. So for
those buying mostly based on switch
type the K70 is going to have more
options for you between the two.
That said, whichever switch type
and keyboard you decide upon, you
should be able to appreciate the
solid design and the resilience of
the frame against hard key presses.
These keyboards are a joy to use, be
it for typing or gaming, with little to
no flexing.
Finally, I’ll talk about iCUE but
briefly as this is a key component
to the functionality and aesthetic
appeal of these offerings. With every
iteration, this software suite is either
improved in usability, features,
functionality or all three. iCUE has
come a long way and of course it’s
the best it’s ever been. That doesn’t
mean it’s intuitive though, but
thankfully Corsair has a number of
videos on their YouTube Channel,
which can familiarize you with iCUE.
They cover the basic to the more
advanced features and come highly
recommended. Simply put, they will
allow you to get the best out of either
keyboard quickly and easily without
the frustration involved
with using iCUE (if you’re using it for
the first time that is).
Overall there’s not much to choose
between these two. Keep in mind
that the pricing is not flat either as
the Strafe RGB MK.2 costs between
$139 and $149USD while the K70
RGB MK.2 is priced between $159
and $169USD depending on the
switch chosen. With ‘only’ $30
between the two and given just
how similar they are with a touch
of better quality materials on the
K70, my personal preference is the
K70 RGB MK.2 with the MX-Silent
switches. A costly combination but
one that is by all accounts near
perfect for a premium keyboard.
So there you have it, the K70 RGB
MK.2 is the winner in this versus, but
again this is pure subjective analysis
based on my preferences (yes –
that’s what subjective means in this
context). Truth is, I could happily
live with the Strafe RGB MK.2 (MX-
Silent) as well. You pay a premium
for Corsair components, but with
that you do get some of the best
peripherals money can buy.
[ The Overclocker ]
Issue 45| 2018 The OverClocker 29