K70 Keyboard, Eleven (11) dead LEDs

[R_Gtx]

... I think there is a perception that 1% is 1:10000...

 

Actually, it would appear that you are misperceiving the argument of several contributors to this thread. What they are saying, is that the probability of both first keyboard and first rma keyboard failing is 1:10,000; and subsequently the probability of first keyboard, first and second rma keyboards failing is 1:1,000,000, ie, over 100,000 units this latter event should not really be occurring, but it clearly is.

 

... Every keyboard manufacturer that I know of has had LED issues...

 

Either the failing LED problem does not afflict Corsairs' range of keyboards with red Led backlighting, or it not being reported.

The mtbf of blue/white LEDs is usually reported to be 100,000 hours, sounds good? It's not, there are circa 140 LEDs in the K95, and using one of the common metrics, we should expect our first failure after (100,000/140) = 715 hrs.

Taking my own keyboard, 16 months (~11700 hrs) since purchase, shown below, with 35 failed LEDS we find an actual mtbf of (11700 x 140)/35 = 46,800 hrs. So no matter how you look at it, these LEDs are failing prematurely!

 

 

One final point, if the cost of international return postage is not enough to deter the RMAing of these keyboards, I've been assured that replacements are now branded with the abhorrent "tramp stamp".

[jbr]

Got a link to where he said that?

 

How about we just stick to dealing with the dead LED issue.

 

Suggestion #1, Get you off the topic.

Your arrogant and smug attitude sucks.

[Technobeard]

How about we just stick to dealing with the dead LED issue.

 

Suggestion #1, Get you off the topic.

Your arrogant and smug attitude sucks.

I'm only trying to look into something that you mentioned. I am not an arrogant / smug person, nor am I trying to be one.

[Dochogan557]

My son had to return 3 Xbox ones to microsoft because they either died or were doa. I spend hours on the phone on hold waiting to talk to someone to get the process going to return and get a new one. What are the odds that 3 would be dead in a row. It happens, it sucked, but eventually it was made right. Corsair provides a forum where you get help and offered a solution. Not many companies do this in my experience. I think the attacks are unwarranted, they are taking time to try and offer help. This is one of the reasons I decided to purchase their keyboard. Take a deep breath and relax. Believe me their are bigger issues in life than a led on a keyboard.

 

To the Corsair staff who help on this forum thank you. I have learned more in the last two weeks than I have in a long time not only about your keyboard and software but how BIOS works and the components in a modern day pc.

[R_Gtx]

@Dochogan557, Yes, the xbox one had a plethora of problems on launch, as do many of MSofts offerings, but they were soon rectified, ditto for Apple, etc.

 

Where Corsair differ, from practically every other manufacture of repute (or should that be of "former repute"), is that they redesign as necessary, correcting any deficiencies in a timely manner.

Corsairs' answer, slap a 5 cent logo on, and change the model number, fooling the gullible into believing that an entirely new, updated product has been released.

[Dochogan557]

We could tit for tat a thousand different examples of companies with product issues. I don't think the keyboards are an entirely new product. They are RGB lighting and software, just like Razer or whomever is coming out with RGB lighting. I don't and never will understand the issue about a logo... This is a capitalistic nation, your free to purchase or not purchase whatever product you like. I listed my reasons in the above post I made. My keyboard works... Could it be better? Of course but for me its the best choice. Oh and by the way the whole XBOX one thing that was over the last 3 months not launch. 4 times to get one that worked, 4.

[bkgraham33]

We could tit for tat a thousand different examples of companies with product issues. I don't think the keyboards are an entirely new product. They are RGB lighting and software, just like Razer or whomever is coming out with RGB lighting. I don't and never will understand the issue about a logo... This is a capitalistic nation, your free to purchase or not purchase whatever product you like. I listed my reasons in the above post I made. My keyboard works... Could it be better? Of course but for me its the best choice. Oh and by the way the whole XBOX one thing that was over the last 3 months not launch. 4 times to get one that worked, 4.

 

But is Microsoft's policy to charge you for returning each of those defective Xbox One's? Heck no, they replace them with no fanfare and no cost to you (except for your time of course). They didn't require you call and politely ask to not be charged a shipping fee, right? There's the difference.

 

That said, I do credit Corsair for having this forum, as it's certainly not something they have to do. HOWEVER, I have little respect for a company that allows their employees to take the position and attitude that Technobeard has taken. Playing the role of a d-bag is easy to do, and shouldn't be something somebody gets paid to do by a company that cares about it's reputation. That's no way to win potential customers or keep existing ones.

[Technobeard]

That said, I do credit Corsair for having this forum, as it's certainly not something they have to do. HOWEVER, I have little respect for a company that allows their employees to take the position and attitude that Technobeard has taken. Playing the role of a d-bag is easy to do, and shouldn't be something somebody gets paid to do by a company that cares about it's reputation. That's no way to win potential customers or keep existing ones.

What exactly did I say that has upset you?

[Skinlo]

What exactly did I say that has upset you?

 

I feel sorry for you, I'm not sure why everyone is attacking you suddenly. You've been quite reasonable in my view.

[Dogen]

This is how many LEDs are still lit on my blue/silver early make K70. Maybe it's time to finally get a replacement...?

http://i.imgur.com/6HLJroLl.jpg

[Dochogan557]

But is Microsoft's policy to charge you for returning each of those defective Xbox One's? Heck no, they replace them with no fanfare and no cost to you (except for your time of course). They didn't require you call and politely ask to not be charged a shipping fee, right? There's the difference.

 

That said, I do credit Corsair for having this forum, as it's certainly not something they have to do. HOWEVER, I have little respect for a company that allows their employees to take the position and attitude that Technobeard has taken. Playing the role of a d-bag is easy to do, and shouldn't be something somebody gets paid to do by a company that cares about it's reputation. That's no way to win potential customers or keep existing ones.

 

Wrong, They charged 15 for each shipped xbox. Said it was a policy they had with fed ex. $45 in shipping to get working unit. And I spend hours many hours on hold.

[mutant_matt]

I just registered to say some things. I read the reviews on this keyboard, and was planning on visiting a local shop who stock the K70 to double check the feel before purchasing one (feel is a very subject and personal thing). I came across the many forums reporting problems and came here, looking for answers.

 

It seems that really, there aren't any. Technobeard, I have to say, I agree with bkgraham33. I too think that you have handled yourself badly, and have been in many cases, curt, and not particularly helpful.

 

I feel sorry for those who's consumer laws apparently are weak enough that you need to rely on Corsair for your RMA. I am lucky enough to live in a country where I don't have much fear and of having the law behind me (a full refund within 6 months for any defect, a full refund within 2 years if you can prove that it was a manufacture defect (easy enough in this case), up to 6 years restitution of some sort, if it can be proved that the product should last that length of time (type of product and cost are taken into account in the courts)). The contract here is with the retailer, the manufacturer getting involved is a bonus (or not).

 

With all that said, I am now not going to take a chance on a K70, even though I have comprehensive consumer protection laws behind me, as it seems that the model I wanted (Silver/Blue LEDs) is no longer made, but this thread has made me realise why, and I will now not go for the red LED alternative, as I believe in "putting my money where my mouth is". Cosair frankly, based on what I have read, don't deserve the business.

 

Corsair, I have many of your products, which was why I was happy to consider the vast (for a keyboard) price of the K70, I thought I would be "getting what I paid for".

 

The fact that you continue to state "we have no upgrade program", that you have not addressed why you EOL'd the blue LED line, that you apparently don't automatically offer people a free RMA return shipping and why you haven't explained how it is that many people have had their second, third and even fourth RMAs returned, shows that I don't think you're not doing enough.

 

I think you should man up, and explain what went wrong, why so many apparently blue LED keyboards went wrong (compared to the red), why you shut down the product line, and how many you sold (actual numbers), vs how many have been returned. It might hurt, but it might win back some respect, and some paying customers.

 

Right now, I have little for you, and won't be a customer in the future, as things stand. One person is little loss to you, but hopefully, for everyone one letting you know about the lost business you have brought upon yourself, there are many more, silent people who feel the same.

 

We have little power as the customer/consumer, but we can at least deny you our money, where we think you don't deserve it. I would be embarrassed about this whole episode, if I were you, and would be offering people *free* upgrades to the K90/K70 RGB, to try and offer some kind of customer satisfaction. As it is, you come across as being in damage limitation mode, when really, you should hold your hands up and apologise.

 

Just some thoughts, hopefully, they are (mostly) constructive criticism.

[Dochogan557]

Here is a flip side to your argument.... Rarely do you see posts about things working perfectly. I too spent a lot of time researching this keyboard and its functionality before purchasing it. I went through the logitech, Razer and several non mechanical keyboards before this one (K65rgb). Mine is working wonderfully, a few profile issues but nothing a press of a key doesn't fix. I can say that this is the BEST keyboard for me and I love the macro software and the flexibility with different profiles and modes.

 

I also disagree with your interpretation of Technobeard. Text does not often inflict tone or attitude. However it shows the willingness of he and others to try and help other people who are having difficulties and shows they are standing behind the products. I have seen many posts where they are trying to help people with their issues including ones that are not from their products.

 

How many computer companies offer upgrade programs?

 

You have all the power as a consumer. This is a capitalistic market and if the product was that bad no one would purchase it. This site would have hundreds of posts a day with problems. I think Corsair goes out of their way to help in a manner that supports their business. Razer never offered "Free" replacements for their mice dying. Microsoft never offered a "Free" replacement for several dead Xbox ones and not only charged me shipping for each replacement, but sent my son refurbished units... My choice was to buy a PS4.

 

Your obviously entitled to your opinion. I hope you find what your looking for. I know I have.