Corsair K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard Review

Corsair’s flagship or top-end keyboard has always been the K95, we’ve taken a look at both the K95 RGB Platinum and the K95 RGB Platinum XT. Each time we’ve seen a new K95 version Corsair has added something new, but now we have a new flagship keyboard, the K100 RGB. Corsair has added quite a lot to this keyboard so a new name (above K95) was needed to set it apart. First off the K100 RGB has Corsair’s new AXON SoC which delivers up to 4x faster throughput with native 4,000Hz hyper-polling and 4,000Hz key scanning, while simultaneously driving up to 20-layer lighting effects. There is a new iCUE Control Wheel which is fully programmable, new Corsair OPX Optical-Mechanical switches, PBT double-shot keycaps, a magnetic cushioned palm rest, and did we mention this the K100 has the most RGB lighting Corsair has ever put in a keyboard! Is the K100 the new standard when it comes to gaming keyboards? Read on as we find out!

Special thanks to Corsair for providing us with the K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard to review.

Specifications

Chassis: Aluminum, black anodized, brushed finish
Keyswitches: CORSAIR OPX, optical-mechanical, 45g actuation force, 1.0mm actuation distance
Backlight: Individually lit and per-key programmable
LED Color: RGB, 16.8 million colors
Keycaps: 104/105/108-Key PBT double-shot keycap set, 1.5mm thick, backlight compatible
Macro Keys: Yes, six dedicated keys with textured 2-piece ABS keycaps
Connectivity: 2 x USB 3.0 Type-A
USB Pass-through: 1 x USB 2.0 Type-A
USB Report Rate: Up to 4,000Hz
Matrix: Full key rollover (NKRO) with 100% anti-ghosting
On-Board Profiles: Yes, up to 200
Media Keys: Yes, five dedicated hotkeys (play/pause, stop, next track, last track, mute) and volume roller (volume up and down)
Brightness Key: Yes
Windows Lock Key: Yes
Adjustable Height: Yes, two tilt heights
Palm Rest: Full length, detachable magnetic cushioned with memory foam cushion
iCUE (Software): Supported in Windows 10 and macOS 10.15
Cable: 1.82m / 6ft, braided fiber
Dimensions: 470(L) x 166(W) x 38(H) mm / 18.51(L) x 6.54(W) x 1.5(H) in
Weight: 1.31kg / 2.89lbs
MSRP: US $229.99

Packaging

The K100 RGB comes in a nice retail box, on the front we have a large photo of the keyboard all lit up. It does let us know that our version of the K100 RGB comes with their Optical-Mechanical switches. Corsair will also offer the keyboard with Cherry MX Speed switches. There is no price difference between either version, both are $229.99.

Corsair K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard

Flipping over to the back there is another picture of the keyboard as well as the new optical-mechanical switch. A few of the main features are detailed as well.

Corsair K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard

Getting everything out of the box we have the K100 RGB gaming keyboard, palm rest, 10 textured keycaps, a keycap puller, and a user’s guide.

Corsair K100 RGB Gaming Keyboard

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