Gaming keyboards are an essential tool for any serious gamer, providing the competitive edge needed to dominate the virtual battlefield. Among the myriad of options available, Corsair and SteelSeries have cemented their reputation as leading manufacturers of high-quality gaming peripherals. In this blog post, we’ll compare two of their flagship models: the Corsair K70 Vs SteelSeries Apex 7. Both keyboards boast advanced features, durable construction, and exceptional performance, but each offers unique qualities that cater to different gaming preferences. Let’s delve into a detailed comparison to help you decide which gaming keyboard suits your needs best.
Design and Build Quality
The Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 each exhibit a sleek, professional appearance that will complement any gaming setup. The K70 features Corsair’s signature brushed aluminum chassis, which not only imparts a premium feel but also ensures longevity. On the other hand, the Apex 7 showcases a sturdy aircraft-grade aluminum frame, emphasizing durability and structural integrity.
Both keyboards are available in various configurations, including full-sized and tenkeyless versions, to accommodate individual preferences. The K70 is known for its customizable RGB lighting, with each key individually lit, while the Apex 7 utilizes SteelSeries’ PrismSync technology, offering dynamic lighting effects across multiple devices.
Switches and Key Feel
A vital aspect of any gaming keyboard is the type of switches used. The Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 provide users with different options.
The Corsair K70 comes equipped with Cherry MX switches, offering a variety of choices like Red, Brown, Blue, and Speed variants. Cherry MX Red switches are favored by gamers for their linear action and low actuation force, allowing for swift key presses.
In contrast, the SteelSeries Apex 7 features SteelSeries’ own mechanical switches, available in Red, Brown, and Blue options. SteelSeries switches aim to provide a similar tactile feel to Cherry MX switches, with actuation points optimized for gaming responsiveness.
Ultimately, the choice between these two gaming keyboards may boil down to individual preference for the key feel and response of the switches.
Customization and Software
Both the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 come with advanced software suites that allow gamers to customize their keyboard settings and create personalized profiles.
Corsair’s iCUE software provides a comprehensive platform for modifying RGB lighting, assigning macros, and adjusting key functions. It also integrates with other Corsair peripherals, enabling synchronized lighting effects.
Meanwhile, the SteelSeries Engine software complements the Apex 7, offering robust customization options for RGB lighting and programmable macros. SteelSeries’ software is known for its user-friendly interface and seamless integration with other SteelSeries devices.
Additional Features
In addition to the core functionalities, both keyboards offer some unique features to cater to gamers’ diverse needs.
The Corsair K70 includes a USB pass-through port, conveniently allowing users to connect their mouse or other peripherals directly to the keyboard. It also comes with dedicated media keys, providing quick access to volume and playback controls.
The SteelSeries Apex 7 offers an OLED Smart Display, a small screen located at the top right corner of the keyboard. This display can show in-game stats, Discord messages, or even function as a customizable app launcher, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
Here’s a side-by-side comparison of the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 gaming keyboards:
| Feature | Corsair K70 | SteelSeries Apex 7 |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Build Quality | – Chassis Material: Brushed aluminum frame | – Chassis Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum frame |
| – Premium and durable build quality | – Sturdy and robust construction | |
| – Sleek and professional design | – Elegant and modern appearance | |
| – Available Versions: Full-sized and TKL options | – Available Versions: Full-sized and TKL models | |
| RGB Lighting | – Per-key RGB lighting with extensive customization via iCUE software | – SteelSeries PrismSync technology offers dynamic RGB lighting effects |
| – Vivid and customizable lighting effects | – Allows for synchronization with other SteelSeries devices | |
| Switch Options | – Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, and Speed switches | – SteelSeries Red, Brown, and Blue switches |
| – Linear, tactile, and clicky key options | – Different tactile experiences tailored for gamers | |
| Customization and Software | – Corsair iCUE software | – SteelSeries Engine software |
| – Robust software for extensive customization | – Intuitive interface for easy customization | |
| – Assign macros, rebind keys, and set profiles | – Create macros, adjust lighting, and configure profiles | |
| – Synchronization with other Corsair peripherals | – Seamlessly works with other SteelSeries devices | |
| Additional Features | – USB pass-through port | – OLED Smart Display (some models) |
| – Convenient connectivity for other peripherals | – Display in-game stats, messages, and act as an app launcher | |
| – Dedicated media keys for volume and playback control | – Enhance gaming experience with OLED screen | |
| – Detachable magnetic wrist rest (select models) | – Magnetic wrist rest for added comfort (select models) |
Let’s delve deeper into a side-by-side comparison of the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7, highlighting their key features and specifications.
1. Design and Build Quality:
- Corsair K70:
- Chassis Material: Brushed aluminum frame for a premium and durable feel.
- Available Versions: Full-sized and tenkeyless (TKL) options to suit your preferences and desk space.
- RGB Lighting: Per-key RGB lighting with extensive customization options through Corsair’s iCUE software.
- SteelSeries Apex 7:
- Chassis Material: Aircraft-grade aluminum frame for excellent build quality and structural integrity.
- Available Versions: Full-sized and TKL models catering to different user needs.
- RGB Lighting: SteelSeries PrismSync technology offers vivid RGB lighting effects across the keyboard.
2. Switches and Key Feel:
- Corsair K70:
- Switch Options: Available with Cherry MX Red (linear), Brown (tactile), Blue (clicky), and Speed (fast actuation) switches.
- Key Feel: Cherry MX Red switches are known for their smooth, linear action and low actuation force, ideal for quick key presses during gaming.
- SteelSeries Apex 7:
- Switch Options: Equipped with SteelSeries mechanical switches available in Red (linear), Brown (tactile), and Blue (clicky).
- Key Feel: SteelSeries switches aim to provide a similar tactile experience to Cherry MX switches, with optimized actuation points for gaming responsiveness.
3. Customization and Software:
- Corsair K70:
- Software: Corsair iCUE software offers in-depth customization of RGB lighting, macros, and key functions.
- Integration: iCUE integrates with other Corsair peripherals for synchronized lighting effects.
- SteelSeries Apex 7:
- Software: SteelSeries Engine software provides an intuitive platform to customize RGB lighting, macros, and profiles.
- Integration: SteelSeries Engine works seamlessly with other SteelSeries devices for unified configurations.
4. Additional Features:
- Corsair K70:
- USB Passthrough: Comes with a USB pass-through port on the back, allowing convenient connectivity of a mouse or other peripherals.
- Dedicated Media Keys: Quick access buttons for volume control, media playback, and other multimedia functions.
- SteelSeries Apex 7:
- OLED Smart Display: Features an OLED screen at the top right corner of the keyboard that can show in-game stats, Discord messages, or function as an app launcher.
- Magnetic Wrist Rest (Select Models): Some versions of the Apex 7 come with a detachable magnetic wrist rest for added comfort during long gaming sessions.
FAQs about Corsair K70 vs. SteelSeries Apex 7:
Q1. Which keyboard has better build quality, the Corsair K70 or the SteelSeries Apex 7?
Ans: Both keyboards have excellent build quality, but they use different materials. The Corsair K70 features a brushed aluminum chassis, providing a premium and durable feel. On the other hand, the SteelSeries Apex 7 boasts an aircraft-grade aluminum frame, ensuring a sturdy and robust construction. Both keyboards are designed to withstand the rigors of intense gaming sessions.
Q2. Can I customize the RGB lighting on both keyboards?
Ans: Yes, both the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 offer customizable RGB lighting. The Corsair K70 allows per-key RGB lighting customization through Corsair’s iCUE software, while the SteelSeries Apex 7 utilizes SteelSeries PrismSync technology, offering dynamic RGB lighting effects across the keyboard. Users can adjust colors, lighting patterns, and synchronization with other compatible devices to create a personalized gaming setup.
Q3. Which switches are available for the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7?
Ans: The Corsair K70 offers a variety of Cherry MX switches, including Red (linear), Brown (tactile), Blue (clicky), and Speed (fast actuation) options. On the other hand, the SteelSeries Apex 7 comes with SteelSeries mechanical switches, available in Red (linear), Brown (tactile), and Blue (clicky) variants. The choice of switches will depend on your preference for key feel and responsiveness.
Q4. Does the SteelSeries Apex 7 have any unique features not found in the Corsair K70?
Ans: Yes, the SteelSeries Apex 7 has some unique features not present in the Corsair K70. One of the standout features of the Apex 7 is the OLED Smart Display located at the top right corner of the keyboard. This display can show in-game stats, messages, and even function as an app launcher, enhancing the overall gaming experience. Additionally, some versions of the SteelSeries Apex 7 come with a detachable magnetic wrist rest, providing added comfort during extended gaming sessions.
Q5. Is software customization available for both keyboards?
Ans: Yes, both the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 come with dedicated software suites that allow for extensive customization. The Corsair K70 utilizes Corsair’s iCUE software, which provides a robust platform to create macros, rebind keys, adjust RGB lighting, and set profiles. The SteelSeries Apex 7 utilizes SteelSeries Engine software, which offers an intuitive interface for easy customization of lighting effects, macros, and profiles. The software for both keyboards is user-friendly and supports seamless integration with other compatible devices.
Q6. Are there different sizes available for these keyboards?
Ans: Yes, both the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 are available in different sizes to cater to different user preferences. They come in full-sized versions, which include a numeric keypad, and tenkeyless (TKL) versions, which omit the numeric keypad for a more compact design. The availability of different sizes allows gamers to choose the keyboard that best fits their workspace and gaming setup.
Q7. Which keyboard is better for competitive gaming?
Ans: Both the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 are excellent choices for competitive gaming. Their mechanical switches offer quick and responsive key presses, providing an advantage in fast-paced gaming scenarios. The choice between the two will largely depend on your preference for key feel, additional features like the OLED display, and software integration with other gaming peripherals.
These FAQs aim to provide you with essential information about the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7, helping you make an informed decision based on your gaming needs and preferences.
Q8. Can I use the Corsair K70 and SteelSeries Apex 7 with gaming consoles, like PlayStation or Xbox?
Ans: Yes, both the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 are compatible with gaming consoles that support USB keyboards. You can connect these keyboards to gaming consoles like PlayStation or Xbox to enjoy a comfortable and responsive gaming experience. However, note that some advanced features, such as RGB lighting customization and specific software functionalities, may require a PC to set up and configure.
Q9. Are the keycaps on the Corsair K70 and SteelSeries Apex 7 replaceable?
Ans: Yes, both keyboards feature standard-sized keycaps, making them compatible with a wide range of aftermarket keycap sets. If you wish to customize the look and feel of your keyboard, you can easily swap out the keycaps with various designs, colors, and materials available in the market.
Q10. Do the keyboards come with multimedia controls for music and volume adjustment?
Ans: Yes, both the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 come with multimedia controls. The Corsair K70 features dedicated media keys for volume control, media playback, and other multimedia functions, allowing quick and convenient adjustments without leaving your game. The SteelSeries Apex 7 may have similar multimedia controls depending on the model, and these controls enhance the overall gaming experience by providing easy access to audio adjustments.
Q11. Which keyboard offers better software support and regular updates?
Ans: Both Corsair and SteelSeries are well-known for providing regular software updates and support for their gaming peripherals. Both the Corsair iCUE software and the SteelSeries Engine software receive regular updates to add new features, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility. Ultimately, the choice between the two will depend on your preference for the software interface and the specific features offered by each software suite.
Q12. Are there any special editions or limited editions of these keyboards available?
Ans: Both Corsair and SteelSeries occasionally release special editions or limited editions of their gaming keyboards. These editions may feature unique color schemes, different switch options, or exclusive accessories. It’s worth checking with official retailers or the manufacturers’ websites for any special or limited edition releases.
Q13. How do the pricing and warranty of the Corsair K70 and SteelSeries Apex 7 compare?
Ans: The pricing of both keyboards can vary based on the specific model, switch type, and additional features offered. Generally, the cost of the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 is competitive within the premium gaming keyboard category.
Regarding warranty, Corsair and SteelSeries typically offer a limited warranty period for their keyboards, covering manufacturing defects and hardware failures. Warranty lengths may vary, so it’s essential to check the specific warranty terms for each model.
Q14. Can I use custom macros on both keyboards for gaming shortcuts?
Ans: Yes, both the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 allow you to create custom macros for gaming shortcuts. The respective software suites, iCUE and SteelSeries Engine, enable users to program macros and bind them to specific keys, making it convenient to execute complex actions or sequences with a single press.
Q15. Which keyboard offers a more compact and portable design for gaming on the go?
Ans: In terms of compactness and portability, the SteelSeries Apex 7 in its tenkeyless (TKL) version may be more suitable for gaming on the go. Without the numeric keypad, the TKL design reduces the keyboard’s footprint, making it easier to carry and fit into smaller spaces during travel or gaming events. However, both the Corsair K70 and SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL versions provide a portable option for gamers who prioritize space-saving setups.
These additional FAQs aim to provide further insights into the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 gaming keyboards. With these details, you can better evaluate which keyboard aligns with your gaming requirements, preferences, and budget.
Final Thought
In the end, choosing between the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 depends on your specific gaming preferences. The K70 excels with its premium build quality, versatile switch options, and extensive RGB lighting customization. On the other hand, the Apex 7 stands out with its durable aluminum frame, proprietary switches, and innovative OLED Smart Display.
Before making your decision, consider factors like switch preference, design aesthetics, additional features, and software functionalities that align with your gaming style. Whichever keyboard you choose, both the Corsair K70 and the SteelSeries Apex 7 promise to deliver the performance and durability required to elevate your gaming prowess to new heights.
We hope this guide helped you to choose one of Corsair K70 Vs SteelSeries Apex 7. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
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