Compare be quiet! Dark Mount vs Corsair K70 Core

Acoustics were exceptional in the reviews that discussed them directly, with reviewers saying the silent operation was nailed.

Acoustics were a clear strength for most reviewers thanks to a deeper, quieter sound, though one negative review found the sound unpleasant.

Actuation was described as smooth, consistent, and accurate, though reviewers also noted the board lacks adjustable actuation controls.

Evidence is split: one review said actuation behaved as expected, while another reported severe switch chatter on multiple keys.

Analog input support was criticized as absent, with reviewers noting the switches are not analog, optical, or hall effect.

Backlight brightness feedback was mixed: reviewers liked brightness controls, but one noted the display-key brightness could not be adjusted.

Backlight brightness earned positive remarks, with reviewers calling the lighting impressively bright or noting strong shine.

Build quality was broadly strong, especially for the core board, with reviewers praising rigidity, premium feel, and robust construction.

Build quality was generally solid, especially for the price, but opinions were pulled down by plastic construction and one strongly negative durability critique.

Cable quality received limited but positive-to-mixed feedback, with reviewers noting useful length and toughness but missing older routing or extension conveniences.

Cable quality was the most repeated hardware complaint: reviewers disliked the fixed, rubber, non-braided, non-detachable cable.

Compatibility was a strength because reviewers praised the web-based software for Mac, Linux, browser use, and situations where installing software is not allowed.

Compatibility evidence was positive, with reviewers reporting Windows/Mac support and console testing without issues.

Connectivity was mixed: wired and modular connections could be sturdy and easy, but reviewers also criticized play, no wireless, or wired-only limitations.

Connectivity was judged positively when discussed, mainly because the wired connection avoided disconnects and wireless-interference concerns.

Customization options were a defining strength, with reviewers highlighting modular layouts, remapping, display keys, RGB, macros, and flexible setup choices.

Customization options were broadly strong, covering key remaps, RGB, dial behavior, and iCUE controls, though dial programmability was limited.

Design aesthetics were mostly praised for mature, premium, clean, or elegant styling, though some reviewers felt it looked dated or plain.

Design aesthetics were mixed to positive, with praise for striking or sleek styling offset by comments that it was basic or even unattractive.

Desk space efficiency was praised because the detachable or left-mounted numpad frees mouse space without giving up full-size functionality.

Desk space opinions depended on layout: the TKL Wireless was efficient, while the full-size Core was called large and space-hungry.

Durability was supported by praise for PBT keycaps, sturdy construction, long-term feel, and robust materials.

Durability evidence was mixed, with positive bend-test comments offset by concerns about the fixed cable and one review calling the keycaps non-durable.

Ease of switch replacement was positively supported by the hot-swap design and included tools, making switch and keycap replacement straightforward.

Ease of switch replacement scored poorly because the negative review stressed difficult serviceability without hot-swap or easy disassembly.

Ergonomics were generally positive thanks to angle adjustment, wrist rests, modular positioning, and reduced reach, though magnetic feet had some robustness caveats.

Ergonomics were mixed, with positive comments on height, palm support, and hand comfort but complaints about tall chassis positioning.

Extra gaming features were a repeated weakness, with reviewers missing hall effect switches, higher polling, SOCD, analog features, and adjustable actuation.

Extra gaming features were adequate but not standout; reviewers liked useful basics but criticized limited or delayed advanced features.

Frame rigidity was repeatedly praised, with reviewers describing the board as solid, planted, robust, and difficult to flex.

Frame rigidity was usually praised, with reviewers citing low flex, good rigidity, and torsional stiffness.

Gaming performance was judged good for general play, but not exceptional for competitive users because advanced esports features are missing.

Gaming performance was consistently solid to excellent, with reviewers reporting responsive play and no major speed or registration issues in games.

Hot-swappable switches were consistently praised for making switches and keycaps easy to replace or customize.

Hot-swappable switch support was consistently negative because reviewers emphasized that the board is not hot-swappable.

Keycap quality was mostly praised for PBT durability, texture, and legend longevity, with one reviewer finding the caps slipperier than a competitor.

Keycap quality drew mixed reactions: some liked the ABS texture and feel, while others disliked slickness, shine risk, thinness, or durability concerns.

Key response was generally described as sharp, precise, and dependable across typing and gaming, with repeated praise for accurate registration.

Gaming and general input responsiveness were mostly praised, with reviewers describing presses as snappy, responsive, or quick enough in actual play.

Key stability was strong in the main board, with reviewers highlighting little wobble, consistent stabilized keys, and planted feel.

Key stability was viewed positively overall, with limited wobble noted across keycaps and stabilizer-supported keys.

Latency-related feedback was positive where discussed, with reviewers saying response time felt sharp and quick during fast or complex input.

One reviewer judged latency and speed solid overall, aided by the wired design and mainstream 1,000Hz behavior.

Layout options were a major strength, with praise for the TKL/full-size modular design, ambidextrous numpad, and many possible configurations.

Layout option criticism came from a reviewer who wanted a TKL version of the model they tested.

Legend visibility was mixed: shine-through legends and alternative assignments were praised, while stealth lock icons were criticized as hard to see.

Legend visibility was mostly usable, but not perfect; one review noted uneven illumination while another found legends clear and easy to see.

Macro customization was broadly praised for display keys, programmable functions, and Windows macro features, though some reviewers found the scope less advanced or less useful than expected.

Macro customization was praised, especially through iCUE, with reviewers noting useful shortcuts, remapping, and macro recording.

Materials quality was mixed: reviewers liked aluminum, PBT, and premium materials, but several criticized plastic or ABS elements at this price.

Materials quality was mixed: reviewers liked the metal or aluminum elements but repeatedly noted budget plastic and less premium construction.

Media controls were mixed: reviewers liked the dock concept and utility, but many criticized shallow buttons, mushy feel, confusing navigation, or limited flexibility.

Media controls were mixed: reviewers liked the multifunction dial, but criticized registration issues, limited programmability, and lack of dedicated media keys.

Noise level was the strongest consensus point: reviewers repeatedly called the board extremely quiet, whisper-like, or among the quietest mechanical keyboards they had used.

Noise level was generally considered low for a mechanical board, with reviewers praising subdued, quiet, or less annoying operation.

Onboard memory was praised where discussed, especially for saving settings or using board-level controls without constant software dependence.

Onboard memory was mostly valued for portable profiles, though one review wanted stronger onboard behavior and another noted software-profile limitations.

Passthrough features were a weakness, with reviewers criticizing the lack of USB passthrough or the wired-only connection limitations.

Passthrough features scored low because a reviewer explicitly wanted a USB hub but noted it was absent.

Per-key lighting control was positively noted where discussed, especially for custom areas, individual keys, and multi-layer lighting control.

Per-key lighting control was praised where discussed, with reviewers noting individual key color control and granular lighting customization.

The 1,000Hz polling rate was considered fine or a reasonable tradeoff, but reviewers noted it does not compete with faster 8,000Hz gaming boards.

Most reviewers found the 1,000Hz polling rate sufficient or excellent for this class, even if it lacks higher-end AXON-style rates.

Portability was limited but not wholly negative: one reviewer found it more portable than a daily driver, though the broader design remains a modular desk keyboard.

Portability was mixed: the board is reasonably light, but full-size dimensions and the fixed cable limit easy travel.

Profile management was useful but imperfect, with onboard/browser profile handling praised and profile switching or web limitations criticized.

Profile management was a weakness in the cited reviews, mainly because software and onboard profiles could be awkward or disconnected.

Rapid trigger support was a repeated weakness: several reviewers explicitly missed Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation, SOCD, or similar modern gaming functions.

Reliability was mixed, with several reviewers reporting bugs, wake issues, profile resets, media desync, loose feet, or port-cover issues.

Reliability evidence was split between positive long-term/no-issue impressions and one severe switch-chatter complaint.

RGB customization was widely praised for deep software control, per-key effects, layers, presets, and web or app configuration.

RGB customization was a major positive, with reviewers highlighting deep iCUE control, effects, per-zone options, and ecosystem integration.

RGB lighting quality was generally strong, with praise for vivid, uniform, attractive light bars and ambiance; minor complaints included distracting edge lighting or weak purple tones.

RGB lighting quality was widely praised as bright, uniform, crisp, or attractive, though one reviewer noticed inconsistent shine-through on some keys.

Size and form factor drew mixed reactions: one reviewer found the look dated, while another called it big with all modules attached.

The full-size form factor pleased some users but was also criticized for taking up desk space and not fitting every setup.

Software quality was good overall but inconsistent: reviewers praised the interface and web option, while others reported bugs, missing refinements, or basic functionality.

Software quality was mixed: iCUE was powerful and sometimes easy, but several reviewers called it convoluted, complicated, or difficult for newcomers.

Sound dampening was one of the clearest strengths, with reviewers praising the multi-layer foam/silicone system for reducing echo, vibration, and typing noise.

Sound dampening was one of the most consistently praised attributes, with foam layers credited for lower ping, quieter typing, and better acoustics.

Stabilizer quality was a standout, with reviewers repeatedly praising lubrication, reduced rattle, and quiet large keys.

Stabilizers and the spacebar were mostly praised for reduced rattle and good tuning, though one reviewer still wanted more lube.

Reviewers consistently praised the Dark Mount switches as smooth, quiet, and pleasing to type on, with only minor caveats about personal preference or lack of a thocky feel.

Reviewers generally liked the pre-lubed linear switch feel, often calling it smooth or buttery, though a few criticized gumminess, sluggishness, stiffness, or reliability.

Switch choice was seen as adequate but somewhat limited: reviewers liked the silent linear and tactile options, while one wanted a wider default selection.

Switch choice is limited: reviewers noted buyers effectively get Corsair Red linear switches, with no tactile or clicky options for different preferences.

Typing comfort was strongly positive, with reviewers calling the board soft, cushioned, comfortable, and suitable for long writing sessions.

Typing comfort was strongly positive where discussed, with reviewers describing the board as comfortable or useful for long work sessions.

Typing feel was one of the strongest areas, repeatedly described as excellent, smooth, cushioned, fast, and satisfying.

Typing feel is the strongest consensus win, with most reviewers praising smooth, quiet, satisfying typing despite a few reservations about sluggishness or stiffness.

Value for money split reviewers: some saw strong value in the modules and quiet design, while others felt the high price was hard to justify.

Value for money was widely praised around the $100/£90 class, though a few reviewers felt feature cuts or market competition weakened the deal.

Volume control was mixed, with praise for feel and grip offset by criticism that the roller was imprecise or awkward.

Volume control was generally useful through the dial, though some reviewers found the dial resistive or unreliable at fast scrolling.

Wireless performance was a weakness because reviewers explicitly noted the lack of 2.4GHz or Bluetooth as a drawback for cable-free users.

Wireless performance evidence came from the TKL Wireless review, which noted the wireless mode could exceed wired polling, though the gain was small.

Wrist rest quality was mixed but mostly positive: many reviewers found the rests comfortable and secure, while a few criticized alignment, height, or security.

Wrist rest quality was the most divided comfort issue: some found it supportive or comfortable, while many disliked the hard, rough texture.