CORSAIR K100 RGB vs K70 MAX: What’s the difference?

In August, we launched the K70 MAX, a new flagship, full-size gaming keyboard. We already had the K100 RGB, though, which means we have two full-size gaming keyboards, at very close price points. On the face of it, they’re very similar, but there’s more at play here. It's time we pitched them against each other—CORSAIR K100 RGB vs K70 MAX. Let’s take a look under the figurative hood to highlight the differences and find out which one suits you the best.

Now, we said that both the K100 RGB and the K70 MAX were full-size keyboards, which is true, but you’ve probably noticed that K100 has a column of additional keys on the left-hand side. These are extra macro keys that come blank by default, but by using iCUE, you can bind them to anything you want.

You can set them to open a certain application, run a command, or a complex keyboard shortcut. Of course, with iCUE and the Elgato Stream deck software, you can do this to literally any key, so you can still use macros on the K70 MAX, but the K100 RGB offers 6 dedicated keys for this. So, if you’re a Macro-King or Queen, the K100 is the better option, but what about gaming? Well, for gaming, we need to talk about switches.

Key switches define the feel of a keyboard, which is part of the reason why switching to a new keyboard can be so jarring. Additionally, those who are super into mechanical keyboards usually have dogmatic allegiances to certain switches, and equally dramatic aversions to others. Here are the options for the K100 RGB and the K70 MAX:

• CORSAIR K100 RGB: CORSAIR OPX switches or Cherry MX Speed
• CORSAIR K70 MAX: CORSAIR MGX switches

CORSAIR OPX switches are our very own optical switch, with a light actuation force of 45g, an actuation point of 1.00mm, and a very short total travel of 3.2mm as opposed to the standard 4.0mm. They also use optical actuation technology, which means no debounce delay and a more responsive experience overall. You can read more about them in our OPX switches article.

Cherry MX Speed switches are the go-to gaming switch from OG key switch manufacturer Cherry. They have the same 45g actuation force, a slightly longer actuation at 1.2mm, and a longer total travel of 3.4mm. Such similar specs might make these sound all-but identical to our OPX switches, but there is noticeable difference in terms of tactility, with the faster characteristics of the OPX switches resulting in a more performance-oriented switch. However, given that key switches are mostly subjective, we’ll let you draw your own conclusions.

So, those are the two options for the K100 RGB (These options can vary depending on region). The K70 MAX, by comparison, only has one option for the key switches, but it’s a rather special option.

The K70 MAX uses CORSAIR MGX magnetic mechanical switches. These switches don’t rely on copper contacts like the Cherry MX Speed or lasers like the OPX. Instead, they use a sensor that always knows exactly how far down the key is pressed, which leads to some awesome features.

Firstly, you can set the actuation point for each key between 0.4mm and 3.6mm, adjustable in 0.1mm increments. Additionally, any keyboard using MGX switches will be receiving an update allowing for a feature called Rapid Trigger. This will allow each key to actuate again as soon as it begins to lift back up, so the input can be registered again, without the key needing to reach a certain reset point. A more detailed explanation can be found in our Rapid Trigger article.

So, the K70 MAX certainly has more versatile key switches, with features that aren’t possible on the K100 RGB, but the K100 might have it beat on sheer multifunctionality. Let’s talk about that.

A big feature on keyboards these days is the implementation of additional controls. Things like volume knobs, media controls, and WinLock keys have become very popular. These features reduce or eliminate the need to tab out or use the mouse to click around into settings, helping keep you in the game.

When it comes to this additional functionality, the K70 MAX is no slouch, featuring dedicated keys for WinLock, brightness, profile switching, mute, and a volume roller. This makes for a powerful centrepiece of your gaming setup, however, the K100 RGB takes it a step further.

In addition to the same set of features on the K70 MAX, the K100 RGB has an additional multifunctional wheel near the top left. This can be used to control a multitude of things: Music, video, brightness, even zoom. The wheel is backlit, too, so you can see what spinning it will do at a glance.

Another feature of the K100 RGB that some find to be essential is the USB passthrough. Just to the right of the main cable (From the perspective of the person using the keyboard), is a USB 2.0 Type-A port. You can use this for a wireless dongle, USB flash storage, or pretty much any USB accessory. However, it’s worth mentioning that you’ll need two vacant USB ports for this function. As the K100 RGB has a split cable with two USB connectors on it. Of course, if you have no need of the USB passthrough, you can leave the now extraneous cable dangling.

Here at Corsair, we love all our children equally. However, like all children, some are better than others for specific use cases. Such is the result of pitting the CORSAIR K100 RGB vs the K70 MAX.

For gaming, the CORSAIR K70 MAX is the correct option. The MGX key switches allow for a lot of competitive advantages and the slightly smaller footprint creates a little more mouse room, too. Mouse room being a valuable commodity, especially for the FPS players that will get the most out of the adjustable MGX switches.

The CORSAIR K100 RGB, by comparison, is far better suited for use as a general-purpose keyboard. The extra macro keys are invaluable for those who produce video or music, and the multi-function dial provides comprehensive control within arm’s reach.

Regardless of your preference, you can find both the K100 RGB and the K70 MAX at our retail site, in addition to a broad variety of other keyboards, if neither of these options tickle your tactile fancy.