QPAD MK-70 Review

QPAD fill the gap between the MK-50 and the MK-80 with a no frills LED backlit solution that comes tagged as the MK-70, read on for our thoughts.

Product on Review: QPAD MK-70 PRO Gaming Mechanical Keyboard
Manufacturer: QPAD
Price: MSRP 99€

The QPAD mechanical keyboard design has become fairly well established and recognisable due to being part of the vanguard of mechanical gaming keyboards a few years ago. Though the MK-70, in name, sits just below the MK-80, in reality it is closer to the MK-50 in features meaning that is does not have the integrated audio or USB ports like the MK-80/85, but unlike the MK-50, it has blue LED backlighting. As a package it does away with the extra key caps, key cap remover and wrist pad that is included with the MK-50, but as a consolation it is supplied with a USB>PS2 converter so you can access the full NKRO feature out the box.

The logic behind the MK-70 may seem strange at first, but considering it is still packing those MX-Cherry Red mechanical switches, a no fuss LED backlit gaming keyboard that will work effectively (if not better) via the mostly redundant PS2 port (freeing up a USB port) can make a fairly attractive proposition.

Overview by QPAD

QPAD MK-70 PRO GAMING MECHANICAL KEYBOARD
Unlike your average keyboard, that functions through rubber domes, forcing you to press each key all the way down in order for the stroke to register, the MK-70 features true mechanical switches with unmatched accuracy and feel. No more pressing with full-force in order to activate the keys.The QPAD keyboard will respond to your every stroke in an instant.

Other boards normally have a short life span and wear out quickly, resulting in unresponsiveness, delays and a dull, clunky feel to the keys. The key switches on the MK-70 are built to last 50 million strokes, and the QPAD mechanical key technology provides distinctive feedback and puts you in absolute control. The travel distance of the keys is set to 4mm with an actuation point at 2mm.

For gamers, it’s all about the feel and functionallity and that is where the QPAD MK-70 truly shines. With led backlight keys, mechanical key switches, media keys and full N-Key rollover, it’s the perfect gaming keyboard.

Technical Specifications

Key switch: Cherry MX red mechanical switch technology
N Key Rollover: Full N-KEY roll over via PS/2.
Key strokes: 50 million
Lighting: Individual LED backlight
Lighting features: Four levels of brightness
Connectors: Gold plated connectors
Media keys: Media keys for volume control, play, pause and skip tracks
Cable: 1.8 meter braided cable
Extras: USB to PS/2 adapter included
Dimensions:
Keyboard: 44.8 x 15 x 3.5 cm (17.6 x 5.9 x 137 inch)
Weight: 1.4 kg (3.08LBS)

Packaging & Bundle

Box front

Clean and pleasing packaging as expected from a QPAD product, clear details of the features listed as tiles as well as information about the type of mechanical switch used.

Reverse side of packaging

At the back we get some detailed specifications in various languages as well as an overview of the product.

QPAD include a USB>PS2 adaptor with the MK-70

The MK-70 mechanical keyboard

Gold plated USB connection

Closer Look

The MK-70

Despite being the same design as its siblings, the MK-70 is a slim, no fuss keyboard that looks good without being bogged down with an excess of exotic buttons and macro keys, which for some is a fairly important consideration.

A break in the flow?

As this keyboard doesn’t feature the USB pass through or audio ports, the shell of the design still has the ‘clearly visible’ entry points for features that aren’t there. It isn’t a concern that QPAD do this, the same with the MK-50, it just seems like a clear cost cutting sign screaming ‘you purchased this board and it doesn’t have these features’, which could lead to some buyers feeling cheated. It would be nice to have seen this entire area smoothed out and done away with.

Underside of the MK-70

Even underneath is identical to its siblings, feet, non slip pads, all there.

Lit up

The Blue LED backlighting is really the party trick for this no frills board, and the only reason why it could be considered over the MK-50. At the top you can see some of the F keys doubling as media keys when used in conjunction with the Fn key. In order they include controls to mute, volume down/up, a play/pause key and skip back/forward keys.

Closer to the lighting

Each key is individually lit so is bright and clear to see through the LASER engraved key caps.

Performance

The MK-70 is without software, which means that it lacks various programmable features found on many competing boards today; because of this, it is easy to set up via plug n’ play. The only drawback to this, would be, that via USB the MK-70 is only capable of 6 key roll-over, meaning a maximum of 6 simultainious key presses can be registered. While for most people this may never become a real issue, there are some gamers that may not feel comfortable with this. The saving grace is that QPAD include a USB>PS2 adaptor, allowing for full NKRO via PS2, this means every key can be pressed at the same time.

6 Key presses registered via USB

The keyboard itself is of a good quality construct and is strong without flex, though this is to be expected from QPAD. There are 4 levels of LED brightness (including off) and each key is clear and easily identified. It is a shame that there are no other customisable lighting modes available, such as zone lighting or lighting effects like that is offered by various other manufacturers, but considering that this model is a step up from no lighting at all, this is for people interested in a ‘no fuss, just game’ attitude. The cherry red keys have become synonymous with gamers, and they are a smooth linear press. This makes for very sharp accurate key presses in games. However, if you are moving from a membrane keyboard, you may find the keys too light and will take you a little while to get used to.

Conclusion

The QPAD MK-70 is a solid no fuss gaming keyboard, offering MX-Cherry Red switches and clear LED backlighting that is fixed in a sturdy foundation. Coming in at €99 (approx £80 GBP) it will sit amongst the cheapest backlit mechanical keyboards available with the MK-50 available for slightly less.

Generally speaking the MK-70 has no major flaw, though there are several considerations to be made. Firstly, it is tied to the MX Cherry Red switch, though they are one of the most popular switches, they are not for everyone and will take a little getting used to; especially if you are new to mechanical switches. If you are making a move to mechanical, it would be advisable to find a way to test out the various mechanical switches available (You can buy testers) to see which would suit you best. Another consideration is, there is no real USB support or advanced customisation options which is quickly becoming the norm within the increasingly competitive mechanical keyboard market. Though right now these are features found on products that priced a fair bit higher than the MK-70.

QPAD’s MK-70 is a great looking, no frills mechanical keyboard with LED backlighting and solid performance. One to consider, especially at this price point!

Pros
+ Sturdy build quality with rubberised texture
+ Attractive design
+ Adjustable LED Backlight
+ Price

Cons
– Only available in Blue LED
– Only available with MX Cherry Red
– No Software or Drivers
– Limited customisation