Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100

Corsair K70 Core RGB vs Keychron K2 Wireless

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Corsair K70 Core RGB comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.0). Corsair K70 Core RGB is best for: gamers who want a low-latency full-size wired board. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Corsair K70 Core RGB
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
Corsair K70 Core RGB
2 sources$79.99as of Oct 31

The Corsair K70 Core RGB is a wired full-size mechanical keyboard with pre-lubed Corsair MLX Red linear switches, a volume dial and per-key RGB lighting. RTINGS called it an excellent gaming keyboard, citing outstanding latency, good overall build quality and light switches with short pre-travel, though it found the mostly plastic body and ABS keycaps somewhat cheap feeling. PCMag found its internal foam made it noticeably quieter than boards without foam, but judged it a feature or two away from being easy to recommend, with no hot-swappable switches and a gummy feel to some keys. It suits gamers who want a low-latency full-size wired board; anyone who wants wireless, a compact layout or switch swapping should look elsewhere.

Strengths
  • — RTINGS measured outstanding latency, roughly on par with pricier K70 models
  • — Pre-lubed Corsair MLX Red linear switches are light with short pre-travel
  • — Internal foam makes typing quieter than on boards without any foam
Watch-outs
  • — Mostly plastic build and ABS keycaps feel somewhat cheap
  • — Wired only, with no hot-swappable switch sockets
  • — Linear switches only, and PCMag found some keys felt gummy
Keychron K2 Wireless
Ranked #2 in Best Mechanical Keyboards Under $100
Keychron K2 Wireless
1 source$79.99as of Oct 15

The Keychron K2 Wireless features magnetic Hall Effect switches that allow users to customize actuation points from 0.2mm to 3.8mm, offering versatility for both typing and gaming. Hardware Canucks reviewer Eber Anthony noted its compact 75% design and dual connectivity options, though he found the keyboard's thickness caused wrist strain and recommended using a wrist rest. The keyboard supports both Windows and Mac with included OS-specific keycaps and uses USB-C for charging and connection. RTINGS.com praised its budget-friendly price point and mechanical switch quality, while YouTube reviewer Eber Anthony highlighted the advanced configurability of the magnetic switches. This keyboard is ideal for users seeking a customizable mechanical keyboard but may not suit those prioritizing ultra-thin profiles or extended comfort without additional accessories.

Strengths
  • — Uses magnetic Hall Effect switches allowing actuation point adjustment from 0.2mm to 3.8mm
  • — Supports both Windows and Mac operating systems with appropriate key caps included
  • — Compact 75% layout that saves desk space while maintaining full functionality
Watch-outs
  • — Significantly thicker design causes wrist strain and discomfort without wrist rest
  • — Charging/USB-C port placement on the side rather than back reduces aesthetic appeal

How they stack up

Corsair K70 Core RGB

The Corsair K70 Core RGB is a wired-only full-size board, while the Keychron K2 Wireless and Epomaker TH80 Pro are 75% layouts that also connect wirelessly. It keeps the number pad that the tenkeyless Redragon K552 Kumara leaves off, and it uses linear switches where the K552 ships with clicky blue ones.

Keychron K2 Wireless

The Keychron K2 Wireless's magnetic Hall Effect switches, which allow actuation point adjustment, are unique among these keyboards, unlike the Redragon K552 Kumara or Royal Kludge RK61. While the Epomaker TH80 Pro offers a color LCD screen, the Keychron K2 provides more customizable mechanical switches and dual OS support.

Specs side-by-side

SpecCorsair K70 Core RGBKeychron K2 Wireless
LayoutFull-size (100%)75%
Switch TypeCorsair MLX Red linear (pre-lubed)Hall Effect Magnetic
ConnectivityWired USBWireless (Bluetooth), Wired (USB-C)
KeycapsDouble-shot ABSDouble-shot PBT
LightingPer-key RGB18 Backlit: Adjustable 4-level RGB backlit
Polling Rate1,000Hz—
Onboard Profiles5—
HotswapNot hot-swappablehot-swappable
Dimensions—12.32"L x 4.84"W x 1.52"H
Battery—4000 mAh
Weight—663g
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