Used Corsair K70 Pro Mini Gaming Keyboards - Worth Buying Secondhand?

Examining the Corsair K70 Pro Mini Gaming Keyboard

The Corsair K70 Pro Mini is a 60% form factor mechanical gaming keyboard known for its compact size while retaining essential keys for gaming. As one of Corsair's newest keyboards aimed at esports players, it has generated significant interest among gaming enthusiasts. However, a common question arises - if someone removed all the keycaps, could they put them back on properly from memory?

Keycap Removal on the K70 Pro Mini

Removing keycaps from any mechanical keyboard is generally straightforward. The K70 Pro Mini uses Cherry MX Red key switches, which have a cross-shaped stem that allows each keycap to slide on or off with some controlled force. Gamers may choose to remove keycaps to clean their keyboard or to replace worn-out keycaps with custom ones.

The process seems simple enough - pop each key off the switch then snap them back on later. But carefully noting the position of each tiny keycap as its removed takes concentration. For gamers swapping multiple keycaps or doing a deep cleaning, relying solely on memory becomes increasingly difficult.

Challenges of Keycap Placement

The K70 Pro Mini has 61 keys compared to around 104 on a full-sized keyboard. But don't let the smaller form factor fool you. Memorizing the exact location of every system key, letter, number, Function key, and additional gaming keys is tougher than it seems.

For example, the bottom row of keys isn't uniform in size. Control, Function, Windows, and Alt keys differ in width from letter keys like C and V. The shifted angle of the number row also makes relying on spatial memory tricky during keycap replacement.

Tips for Keycap Removal and Placement

To make putting dozens of keycaps back onto the Corsair gaming keyboard easier, consider these tips:

• Remove keycaps methodically in sections - don't jumble them all together
• Take a photo of the naked keyboard plate before keycap removal
• Place removed gaming keycaps for each row in labeled piles
• Use the keyboard's FR-Function Row lettering as a guide
• Refer to printed 60% keyboard diagrams as needed

With some organization and references on hand, meticulously returning all K70 Pro Mini keycaps to their correct spots doesn't have to be a memory test. Patience and checking work is key.

Purchasing a Used Corsair K70 Pro Mini

Due to its premium quality construction yet competitive pricing, the Corsair K70 Pro Mini has become a staple 60% form factor mechanical gaming keyboard since its release.

Primary Market Value Factors

On the primary resale market, excellent condition used models commonly sell for around $100 to $120 USD. Several factors primarily influence resale pricing on keyboards like the K70:

• Age, visible wear & usage levels
• Inclusions - extra keycaps, accessories
• Original packaging condition

Ideally, sub-one year old models with like-new condition command the highest resale value. Inclusions boost value for collectors while gift-givers may prioritize new-in box condition.

Where To Buy Secondhand

Popular online marketplaces to buy a pre-owned K70 Pro Mini include:

• eBay - models internationally available
• Facebook Marketplace - good for local sellers
• r/mechmarket - mechanical keyboard specialty sales
• Craigslist - regional availability in US/Canada

Each resale platform has pros and cons. Marketplace communities like Reddit focus on keyboard enthusiasts more open to modding while local sellers allow hands-on inspection. Review seller ratings and check keyboard functionality prior to purchasing.

Key Considerations When Buying Used

Since keyboards have wear items like keycaps and switches, used models bring unique considerations versus buying new-in box. Beyond assessing physical condition, ask sellers questions prior to purchasing any secondhand K70 Pro Mini.

Switch Health

Cherry MX Red switches used in the K70 Pro Mini have a 50 million click lifecycle rating. Heavily used models with unresponsive, "sticky" key presses indicate worn switch contacts due to frequent gaming and typing.

Keycap Condition

Inspect each keycap for shine or roughness indicating abrasion of the ABS plastic legends and contoured surfaces. Replacing worn gaming keycaps can be costly.

Cable and Accessories

A detachable USB-C cable makes travel convenient but also raises concerns of availability. Confirm the original coiled cable is included along with any extra keycaps. Missing accessories reduce value.

Internal Cleanliness

Dust, pet hair, and crumbs commonly accumulate under keycaps and inside the aluminum keyboard chassis. Ask the seller about recent cleaning or be prepared to disassemble and properly clean a used model yourself.

While pre-owned keyboards like the feature-packed K70 Pro Mini can make excellent buys, carefully inspect condition and function before purchasing to avoid unwanted surprises down the road.

FAQs

Can you easily remove all keycaps from a Corsair K70 Mini Pro?

Yes, each Cherry MX Red key switch under the keycaps has a cross-shaped stem that allows keycaps to slide on or off with some controlled force. But while getting them off is simple, remembering the precise location of each small keycap when putting them back on poses a challenge.

What are some tips for replacing removed K70 Mini Pro keycaps?

Helpful tips include removing and replacing keys methodically in sections instead of jumbling them, taking photos of the naked keyboard plate for reference, grouping removed gaming keycaps into labeled piles per row, double checking placement with the keyboard's printed function row letters, and using 60% keyboard layout diagrams.

What factors most impact the cost of a used K70 Mini Pro?

For secondhand models, the primary value factors are age/visible wear levels, if extra keycaps or original accessories are included, and whether it comes in the original box. Condition correlates directly with pricing in the secondary keyboard market.

What should you inspect on a used K70 Mini Pro before buying?

Check for switch stickiness indicating wear, shine or roughness on keycaps from abrasion, accessory completeness like the detachable cable, and ask the seller about recent internal cleaning. Assess both condition and functionality to determine if it’s worth the asking price.