CORSAIR K100 RGB [INTRODUCTION]

11/2020 by PAUL GÖRNHARDT / HOLGER DASSLER - Back to overview

The K100 RGB is the new flagship keyboard of the well-known hardware and peripheral manufacturer CORSAIR. The model builds on the strengths of its popular predecessor and features a special iCUE control wheel, a magnetic palm rest and a polling rate of 4,000Hz. In this blog post, we will show you what other special features the manufacturer has included.

SPECIFICATIONS AT A GLANCE:

  • Keyboard layout: Standard
  • Switch Type: CHERRY MX RGB SPEED SILVER
  • LED Color: RGB
  • Macro Keys: All keys plus 6 additional G-keys
  • Response Rate: <1ms
  • Matrix: 100% Anti-Ghosting with N-Key Rollover
  • Software: CORSAIR iCUE & Elgato Stream Deck
  • Integrated Memory: 8 MB
  • Media Keys: Yes, including volume roller
  • Palm Rest: Magnetically removable palm rest with memory foam
  • Dimensions: 47 cm x 16,6 cm x 3,8 cm
  • Weight: 1,31 kg
  • Additional features: iCUE control wheel; 4,000Hz polling rate; PBT double-shot key caps; additional FPS-/MOBA-key caps

CORSAIR K100 RGB IN DETAIL

With the K100 RGB, CORSAIR is launching a new flagship keyboard on the market that is packed to the brim with features. A key focus of the keyboard is the wide range of input methods, from standard media keys to a volume roller and from six dedicated macro keys to the brand new iCUE control wheel. Another significant improvement over its predecessor, the K95 RGB PLATINUM, is the magnetically removable palm rest with memory foam. Last but not least, the manufacturer also improves the adaptability of the RGB lighting and divides the integrated LightEdge LED strip into 44 individually controllable segments.

DESIGN AND ERGONOMICS

The K100 RGB stands out from the crowd visually with its eye-catching RGB lighting and numerous controls in full-size layout. CORSAIR has not made any concessions on RGB lighting: even the iCUE dial at the top left corner of the K100 RGB lights up in different colors depending on the mode used. An aluminum top plate provides a high-quality feel and additional stability, while the sides stand out in RGB-illuminated honeycomb optics.

The removable palm rest is an essential part of its ergonomic design. It is attached by magnets and prevents user fatigue with memory foam and a soft leatherette cover. User comfort is rounded off by folding feet that allow ergonomic positioning.

EQUIPMENT AND SPECIAL FEATURES

In keeping with the positioning of the K100 RGB as the flagship of its lineup, CORSAIR has pulled out all the stops in terms of features. Compared to its predecessor, the volume roller and six dedicated G-macro buttons are joined by a brand new metallic iCUE control wheel. Its applications range from brightness control, macro recording and media control to zoom functionality. Pressing the center button switches between modes, while its illumination indicates the active mode. Both the iCUE control wheel and the metallic volume roller are made of materials that provide a high-quality feel. In terms of value, the double-shot PBT key caps impress with their outstanding durability. In addition, CORSAIR also includes optional MOBA and FPS key caps to highlight the relevant keys. Other media keys for pausing, fast forward, mute or even deactivating the Windows key are also included.

AN EXTRAORDINARY PIECE OF HARDWARE

The K100 RGB comes with a USB pass-through port, which is particularly suitable for connecting a mouse. Various cable guides are located on the bottom of the keyboard for optimal cable routing. Furthermore, the keyboard operates at an exceptionally high polling rate of up to 4,000 Hz thanks to Axon Hyper-Processing technology. While this will only make a noticeable difference in everyday use for very few users, it does underline CORSAIR's claim to deliver superlative performance in every category. The keyboard is connected to the PC via a braided, permanently installed, 1.82-meter-long USB cable. For use on the road, CORSAIR includes 8 MB onboard memory that can store up to 200 profiles, depending on their complexity. It goes without saying at this point that, thanks to N-Key Rollover and 100% Anti-Ghosting, an unlimited number of keystrokes can be read simultaneously without errors.

LIGHTING AND SOFTWARE

It’s not just the keys of the K100 RGB that feature RGB illumination in 16.8 million possible colors. Instead, a LightEdge LED strip with 44 controllable segments on the left, right and back of the keyboard provides harmonious ambient lighting. The segments can be customized in the associated CORSAIR iCUE software, stored in the onboard memory, and synchronized with other CORSAIR hardware. The program also provides options for defining complex macros or modifying the iCUE control wheel. Streamers can furthermore assign dedicated Stream Deck functions or community plugins to the 6 macro keys at the side via the Elgato Stream Deck software.

CHERRY MX RGB SPEED SILVER SWITCHES

Matching the other high-quality aspects of the keyboard, CHERRY MX switches are designed for maximum gaming performance. MX RGB SPEED SILVER switches are linear switches with an actuation force of 45 centinewtons. They are triggered after a particularly short pre-travel of only 1.2 millimeters and thus enable lightning-fast reactions when the situation calls for it. Combined with its numerous macro keys, this keyboard is the ideal gaming weapon!

CONCLUSION

CORSAIR is bringing out the heavy artillery for its new flagship keyboard. The K100 RGB builds upon the strengths of its already excellent predecessor with a new iCUE control wheel, a magnetic palm rest with memory foam and a stunning 4,000 Hz polling rate. With a USB pass-through port, onboard memory, CHERRY MX RGB SPEED SILVER switches, dedicated media keys and extensive RGB lighting, there really is something for everyone. This amazing bundle of features translates into a correspondingly high price of around 250 euros. However, if you are on the hunt for best-in-class inputs in an attractive gaming package with high user comfort, you will probably not find a better product.