Corsair has Fallen BEHIND. - Corsair K70 Pro Mini
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Promos
Get $25 off all pairs of Vessi Footwear with offer code shortcircuit at vessi.com Corsair has finally released a hotswappable keyboard, but at $180, there is some steep competition. Is this the keyboard to get, or should you start your mechanical keyboard journey somewhere else? Buy a Corsair K70 Pro Mini: geni.us Purchases made through some store links may provide some compensation to Linus Media Group. Want us to unbox something? Make a suggestion at lmg.gg ► SUBSCRIBE ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com ► GET MERCH: lttstore.com ► AFFILIATES, SPONSORS & REFERRALS: lmg.gg ► PODCAST GEAR: lmg.gg ► SUPPORT US ON FLOATPLANE: floatplane.com FOLLOW US ELSEWHERE --------------------------------------------------- Twitter: twitter.com Instagram: @shortcircuityt TikTok: @linustech Facebook: @ShortCircuitYT CHAPTERS --------------------------------------------------- 0:00 Should you care about Hotswap? 0:41 Unboxing 1:40 Sponsor - Vessi 2:13 Taking a look at the keyboard and RGB 3:08 Initial typing impressions 3:35 Thoughts on the stabilizers 4:40 Build quality impressions 5:20 Taking out a key switch 6:51 Typing Tests 7:47 Corsair has a lot of competition 9:30 Overall thoughts 9:57 Outro
Corsair has released the K70 Pro Mini with hot swap sockets, a feature Linus Tech Tips Short Circuit has awaited for a long time. The video opens with a focus on the hot swap capability and explains why the ability to swap switches without soldering matters to keyboard enthusiasts who like to experiment with different switches and layouts. The unboxing reveals the box contents, including a switch puller, a detachable USB-C cable, and a small Corsair RGB accessory, while the host evaluates what those extras mean for usability and longevity. The host notes the 60 percent layout, discusses the two available switch types (Cherry Red and Speed RGB Silver), and points out potential fit issues with some non-Cherry style pins like Outemu. Throughout the segment, the interplay between form, weight, and portability is highlighted, with the keyboard described as unusually light for a Corsair product, tipping the scale toward mobility over brute heft. The section also touches on Corsair IQ integration and the broader context of competition from other brands in the hot swap space. In later moments, the reviewer probes the build quality, stabilizers, and the overall typing experience, weighing the pros of rapid switching against the price point of 180 dollars and the premium materials used in the chassis. The analysis concludes with a practical take on whether the K70 Pro Mini offers a meaningful upgrade for enthusiasts who already own Corsair gear, or if potential buyers should consider alternatives that might deliver better foam, exposure, or value at a similar price. Finally, the host suggests looking at other options in the same price range and highlights the Zoom 65 Essential Edition as a competitor worth comparing for those seeking a similar feature set at a possibly better value.
Topics · keyboard · hardware-review · consumer-electronics · peripherals
Questions answered
- What are the two switch options included with the Corsair K70 Pro Mini and how do they differ in feel?
- The keyboard ships with Cherry Red and Speed RGB Silver switches, both linear in feel. The reviewer notes that the switches are not universally compatible with all 3-pin or 5-pin configurations, and mentions that some 5-pin switches may require modification to fit.
- Is the Corsair K70 Pro Mini truly hot-swappable and what implications does that have for customization?
- Yes, the K70 Pro Mini is hot-swappable, allowing users to swap switches without soldering. This enables experimentation with different switches and easing customization, though some pin compatibility caveats exist and lubing or stabilizer tuning may still be needed for optimal feel and sound.
- What are the main drawbacks identified for this keyboard, despite its features and design?
- Main drawbacks include the 60% layout lacking a dedicated F row, sound and wobble issues in the housing and stabilizers, and a price point of 180 dollars that may not justify the overall build quality for some buyers. The reviewer also notes the chassis is largely plastic with only a possible aluminum top plate, and questions whether the value aligns with expectations for a premium hot-swappable board.