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Corsair K100 RGB Review

A fully-featured and customizable keyboard for those who want the most out of their gaming setup
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Corsair K100 RGB Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $250 List
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Manufacturer:   Corsair
By Austin Palmer and Jared Eastlick  ⋅  Aug 22, 2023
93
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#2 of 17
  • Lighting Customization - 35% 10.0
  • Performance - 25% 9.6
  • Convenience - 20% 8.0
  • Key Assignment and Macros - 15% 10.0
  • Palm Rest - 5% 6.0

Our Verdict

The Corsair K100 RGB gaming keyboard stands out as one of the best keyboards, boasting supreme performance and exceptional versatility. With dedicated macro keys and a customizable control wheel, it offers unparalleled convenience and adaptability for gamers. The K100's sleek design and stunning RGB lighting enhance the overall gaming experience, while the comfortable key switches ensure prolonged gaming sessions without fatigue. Its cutting-edge Corsair Axon Hyper-Processing Technology enables this keyboard to deliver 8,000Hz hyper-polling and 4,000Hz key scanning, enabling lightning-fast responsiveness for precise control in games. However, it falls short in on-the-fly macro capabilities, which might disappoint some users seeking quick customization.
REASONS TO BUY
Dedicated macro keys
Customizable control wheel
REASONS TO AVOID
No on-the-fly macros
No tactile switch option

Compare to Similar Products

 
corsair k100 rgb
This Product
Corsair K100 RGB
Awards Editors' Choice Award
Best Overall Gaming Keyboard
Editors' Choice Award
Best for Razer Enthusiasts
Editors' Choice Award
Best for Adjustable Actuation
Best Buy Award
Best on a Budget
Best Buy Award
Best on a Tight Budget
Price $250 List
$207.99 at Amazon
$230 List
$229.99 at Amazon
$210 List
$124.99 at Amazon
$80 List
$74.49 at Amazon
$45 List
$35.99 at Amazon
Overall Score Sort Icon
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62
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Bottom Line A keyboard with a comprehensive range of features and customizable optionsThis keyboard has a wonderful layout that is highly customizableAn affordable keyboard that falls short when it comes to specific gaming key combinationsA budget option that is feature packed for those who still seek more from their gaming keyboardAn uncomplicated yet efficient mechanical keyboard suited for budget-conscious users
Rating Categories Corsair K100 RGB Razer BlackWidow V4... SteelSeries Apex Pro Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT Redragon K552
Lighting Customization (35%)
10.0
9.5
9.5
10.0
6.0
Performance (25%)
9.6
9.6
9.6
7.6
9.6
Convenience (20%)
8.0
8.8
8.8
7.2
7.6
Key Assignment and Macros (15%)
10.0
9.5
8.1
10.0
1
Palm Rest (5%)
6.0
7.0
8.5
6.0
1
Specs Corsair K100 RGB Razer BlackWidow V4... SteelSeries Apex Pro Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT Redragon K552
Measured Dimensions (L x W X H) 18-1/2" x 7-1/2" x 1-3/8"
(with palm rest 9-5/16" wide)
18-5/16" x 6" x 1-11/16" (with palm rest 8-13/16" wide) 17-3/8" x 5-1/2" x 1-1/2"
(with palm rest 8-1/4" wide)
18-7/8" x 6-1/2" x 1-5/16"
(with palm rest 9-1/16" wide)
13-7/8" x 4-7/8" x 1-1/2"
Measured Cable Length 70" 76-1/4" 75" 72-5/8" 72"
Size Options Full-size Full-size TKL
Full-size (tested)
Full-size TKL
Switch Type Corsair OPX (tested)
Cherry MX Speed
Razer Green (clicky)
Razer Yellow (Linear) [tested]
OmniPoint Rubber Dome Brown (tested)
Blue
Red
Lighting Type Per-Key Per-Key Per-Key Per-Key Individual
Underside Cable Routing No No Left, Center, or Right No No
Cable Location Center Left Left/Center Center Center
USB Passthrough Yes Yes Yes No No
Extra Keycaps Included Yes, 10 No No No No
Key Rollover N-key rollover
100% Anti-Ghosting
N-key rollover
Anti-Ghosting
104-key rollover
100% Anti-ghosting
12-key rollover
Selective with Anti-Ghosting
N-key rollover
Anti-Ghosting
Proprietary Software Available Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Dedicated Macro Keys Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Included Palm Rest? Yes, magnetic Yes, magnetic, RGB Yes, magnetic Yes, clip-in No
Media Keys Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated Dedicated Through Function (Fn)
Number of Presets 10 11 Yes 10 18

Our Analysis and Test Results

The Corsair K100 RGB gaming keyboard excels with supreme performance, customizable controls, stunning RGB lighting, and advanced technology for lightning-fast responsiveness. Although, limited on-the-fly macro capabilities may be a drawback for some users.

Performance Comparison


The K100 performed well in terms of latency and N-Key rollover.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Lighting Customization


The lighting customization on the Corsair K100 RGB gaming keyboard is an absolute standout, offering an exceptional level of personalization that caters to every gamer's taste.


The level of customization is truly impressive, allowing users to tweak various lighting selections. Whether selecting random colors or having the lighting effects alternate between two colors, the options are vast. Furthermore, users can adjust the speed, direction, and starting/stopping points of different lighting effects.

One of the highlights is the per-key customization, enabling gamers to individually light-up keys to match their preferences. The Corsair K100 offers a generous selection of 10 presets, including captivating options like watercolor, color pulse, color shift, and color wave. The diverse color options offer a unique palette of visual effects for an elevated aesthetic experience.

The color options on this keyboard are truly mesmerizing.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The keyboard predominantly illuminates the letters, accompanied by a subtle underglow and perimeter lighting along the sides and back, adding a touch of elegance to any gaming setup.

The Corsair's lighting customization sets a new standard in gaming keyboards, empowering users to create their own personalized gaming environment.

Performance


The Corsair K100 RGB gaming keyboard truly shines when it comes to performance, delivering exceptional results in two crucial areas.


First, the N-Key-rollover and anti-ghosting features proved to be outstanding during our tests. With the ability to handle over 40 keys pressed simultaneously, the K100 ensures flawless and precise input for even the most complex gaming maneuvers, giving players a competitive edge.

The keyboard's latency performance was equally impressive. Thanks to the exclusive Corsair OPX optical-mechanical keyswitches, it offers hyper-fast input speeds with just a 1.0mm actuation distance and smooth linear travel. Partnered with the renowned CHERRY MX keyswitches, the K100 delivers reliable key registration and consistent responsiveness, ensuring top-tier gaming performance.

corsair k100 rgb - the corsair k100 rgb has full key rollover and excellent input speeds.
The Corsair K100 RGB has full key rollover and excellent input speeds.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Convenience


When it comes to convenience, the Corsair K100 RGB gaming keyboard stands out in various aspects, achieving impressive scores in each submetric.


The availability of switch types is a crucial factor for gamers seeking the perfect tactile experience. The K100 offers two excellent options: the mechanical Corsair OPX and Cherry MX Speed switches, both being linear switches. This variety allows users to choose their preferred switch type for a more personalized gaming feel.

The keyboard comes with extra keycaps, specifically designed for movement (W, A, S, D), as well as F, Q, E, R, and an additional W and D, all in a textured grey. This thoughtful inclusion allows gamers to customize and replace commonly used keys for a more comfortable and functional gaming experience.

corsair k100 rgb - the k100 offers the option of corsair opx and cherry mx speed...
The K100 offers the option of Corsair OPX and Cherry MX Speed switches, both of which are excellent choices for high-level gaming.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The dedicated media controls add a layer of convenience for seamless control during gameplay and media consumption. Located on the left side above the number pad, the K100 boasts stop, pause/play, forward and back track buttons, as well as a mute option and a volume roller. The roller is impressively smooth with minimal resistance, providing precise volume adjustments, while the buttons offer a satisfying firmness when pressed.

The presence of USB passthrough is another valuable convenience feature, and the K100 does not disappoint with its shared cable setup. This passthrough is located near the center, allowing users to easily connect devices without reaching behind the PC.

corsair k100 rgb - the dedicated media keys add a level of simplicity to the k100.
The dedicated media keys add a level of simplicity to the K100.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Key Assignment and Macros


The Corsair K100 RGB excels in ease of programming and macros, offering users macro customization that is intuitive and comprehensive.


Our testers were highly impressed by the user-friendly interface, finding the Corsair K100 easy to navigate and harnessing its powerful programming capabilities. With dedicated programmable buttons, gamers can customize their macros to their specific needs. The macro recording process is seamless and flexible, allowing the inclusion of various event types like delays, keyboard events, mouse clicks, scroll wheel, and mouse movement.

corsair k100 rgb - the k100 performed the best in terms of macro programmability.
The K100 performed the best in terms of macro programmability.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

The iCUE wheel enables on-the-fly macro creation, granting gamers the ability to record macros in the midst of gameplay without any disruption. The process is intuitive, empowering users to gain a competitive advantage with swift and personalized macros.

Additionally, the six extra macro buttons provide ample opportunities for users to program special commands or complex macros tailored to different games and tasks. The list view macro layout ensures organized and convenient access to all programmed macros.

Macro recording, editing, and specific macro keys are important considerations in gaming keyboards.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Corsair's thoughtful design extends to the individual event edit feature, offering precise fine-tuning of macros for optimal performance. The pop-out macro window further streamlines the editing experience, displaying a comprehensive view of events for advanced customization. The inclusion of automatic mouse clicking adds an extra layer of convenience for tasks requiring swift and repetitive actions.

Palm Rest


In terms of convenience, the Corsair K100 RGB gaming keyboard excels across multiple aspects, earning high scores in each submetric.


One notable advantage is its magnetic attachment, providing a secure connection to the keyboard. However, we found the palm rest to be too short. Our testers felt their wrists hanging from the edge, unable to fully rest their palms. While the rest is adjustable, the default positioning did not work well for certain individuals, leading to discomfort and a feeling of cramped hands during extended usage. Additionally, the level of padding in the palm rest raised concerns for some users. When adjusted to a comfortable position, the excess padding added pressure to their wrists, resulting in fatigue.

The positioning of the palm rest also had an impact on typing and gaming performance. Testers noted that accessing keys in the ZXC area or even reaching for the left Ctrl key became challenging due to the palm rest's dimensions. This issue was exacerbated when the palm rest was not attached, as it tended to move around during intense gaming or typing, requiring constant readjustment. Even experimenting with various angles did not alleviate the issue for some users. Comparatively, the palm rest's length was slightly shorter than other models, which may affect comfort for those accustomed to a larger rest.

corsair k100 rgb - the k100 rgb comes with an excellent palm rest.
The K100 RGB comes with an excellent palm rest.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Corsair K100 RGB?


Although the Corsair K100 RGB gaming keyboard has an imposing price tag; it makes up for this by providing users with supreme performance, customizable controls, stunning RGB lighting, and advanced technology for lightning-fast responsiveness.

What Other Gaming Keyboards Should You Consider?


Even though this keyboard ranked at the top of our metrics, we realize that preference in gaming keyboards is subject to differing tastes. If you prefer Razor and want a product of similar quality, we recommend checking out the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. Of course, not everyone wants to stretch the wallet and it may be prudent for those on a budget to check out the Corsair K55 RGB Pro XT.

Austin Palmer and Jared Eastlick
 

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