The Corsair K100 RGB was introduced on the first of October 2020 as their new flagship gaming keyboard. Its looks are somewhat similar to what we have seen from K95 keyboards, but there are quite some updates and new features that justify the keyboard‘s new name.
The Fastest Keyboard in the World
The Corsair K100 RGB is the first keyboard with AXON Hyper-Processing Technology. This is a fancy term for saying the keyboard works with a polling rate up to 4,000 Hz, so it basically scans up to 4,000 times per second for new keypresses. Common gaming keyboards work with a polling rate of 1,000 Hz or 125 Hz. The differences in numbers are big, but the step from 1,000 Hz to 4,000 Hz will hardly be noticed, since a rate of 1,000 Hz already means that keypresses are recognized every millisecond. Still, it sure has some coolness-factor to own the fastest keyboard in the world.
Corsair’s new keyboard is not only fast but also well-equipped for gaming in general. Thanks to NKRO, an arbitrary number of keys can be pressed at once and will be recognized reliably. The gaming mode disables the windows key and (if desired) other keys that could lead to accidentally minimizing a game. The RGB illumination is fantastic and even includes a 44-zone light edge that runs along the sides and the top of the keyboard. Countless lightning effects and customization options are available. Different configurations can be stored in separate profiles so that custom settings for users or applications are easily managed. There is also an on-board memory to store profiles and use them, even when on a different computer.
Debut of Corsair’s Opto-Mechanical Switches
The keyboard is also the first to feature the company’s new opto-mechanical switch type Corsair OPX. Instead of establishing a metal contact, the switches actuate by using a light signal. This removes the need of waiting for debouncing and further eliminates some possible error causes. Corsair is therefore another big company putting efforts into opto-mechanical switches. Especially the Razer Huntsman series has recently pulled a lot of attention to these new kind of switches. The new Corsair OPX switches are not the only option for the K100 RGB though, you can also buy the keyboard with Cherry MX Speed. These linear switches are known for their short actuation distance and are a popular choice in gaming.
Packed full of Features
It’s difficult to find anything that the Corsair K100 RGB doesn’t offer. The keyboard comes with a volume wheel and several media controls for typical functions such as mute, pause, stop, previous and next. Six dedicated macro keys can be used for custom commands, but also every other key can be freely reprogrammed with Corsair’s software. Just like the K95 XT, the keyboard also supports Elgato Stream Deck software. Furthermore, there is a USB passthrough to easily connect any USB device via the keyboard.
Another highlight of the Corsair K100 RGB is its new iCUE control wheel. It can serve various purposes such as zooming, switches between applications or controlling the brightness. These functions are configured via Corsair’s software (iCUE) and can be swapped by pressing the wheel.
The keyboard gets delivered with a cushioned palm rest and extra key caps for MOBA and shooter games. Also, a keycap puller to easily swap the key caps out is included.
Tech Specs for Corsair K100 RGB
Further Information on Amazon.com
(Read customer reviews)
Buy from Amazon.com
Mechanical Keyboard Score
The mechanical keyboard score is our overall score for a keyboard. The score is based on the available ratings and critics and makes an easy comparison between different mechanical keyboards possible. It is also used for our mechanical keyboard ranking.
Reviews
February 16, 2021
"The Corsair K100 RGB is one of the most capable and flashiest keyboards you can get, as long as you can get past the hurdles of iCue and the price tag."
January 28, 2021
"The Corsair K100 gaming keyboard is tremendously designed and packed with features, with laser-powered switches delivering incredible speed and quality. But it's expensive and overkill for all but the most demanding of gamers."
November 30, 2020
"The Corsair K100 RGB raises the bar, setting a new standard for gaming keyboards."
November 19, 2020
"Overall, considering how stale the commoditized keyboard market has become over the past couple of years, the Corsair K100 RGB Optical Mechanical keyboard is a refreshing addition. It offers something truly different than the now run-of-the-mill mechanical keyboards that fill the gaming keyboard market – and that difference is something we think makes for a better keyboard."
November 2, 2020
"While the K100 RGB is the new hotness for Corsair, full of features and highly customizable, the cost is the thing that will keep many customers away. While worth the cost to some extent, it is likely the one thing that will turn some away."
October 27, 2020
"The Corsair K100 RGB offers a few advantages over cheaper Corsair keyboards, but not enough to justify its hefty price bump."
October 14, 2020
"Corsair’s legendary flagship keyboard is back with a new look and more features than ever, but the price and changes aren’t for everyone."
October 14, 2020
"Corsair’s K100 RGB shifts to optical-mechanical switches, ups the polling rate to 4,000 Hz, (thanks to a multi-threaded SoC), and adds a customizable iCue control wheel. It’s a comfy, attractive, versatile tool on and off the virtual battlefield. But the price also jumps $30 over its predecessor, to $230."
October 1, 2020
"Sure it costs a small fortune, but the K100 makes you want to justify its cost. Possibly the last keyboard you'll ever need to buy."
October 1, 2020
"Corsair’s latest keyboard is absolutely its greatest. It’s not perfect, as I’ll get to, but it’s a strong premium contender and a worthy new flagship. ... Sadly, there are some design hiccups that keep it back from our most prestigious award."
October 1, 2020
"The K100 RGB is a fantastic evolution of CORSAIR’s keyboard range, and the introduction of highly durable OPX optical-mechanical switches bolsters its credentials as the new flagship design."
October 1, 2020
"As a new buyer you are not going to be disappointed in the K100 RGB, it really is an excellent keyboard. "
October 1, 2020
"Corsair have truly outdone themselves with their latest flagship, and it goes above and beyond. The AXON technology, 4,000Hz polling rate paired with their new linear OPX switches deliver a sublime gaming experience. It may be pricey, but the K100 RGB is the best keyboard of 2020."
Reviews in other languages
November 29, 2020
"Die K100 RGB kombiniert hohe Präzision mit einer sehr guten Ausstattung und eignet sich sowohl für das Spielen als auch für das Tippen sehr gut, ist aber auch sehr teuer."
October 1, 2020
"Für Spieler ist die neue Corsair K100 RGB trotz des mittlerweile marktüblichen hohen Preises eine echte Kaufempfehlung und wer mit der Premiumtastatur nicht nur Schreiben, will macht beim Kauf dieses Top-Produkts auch nichts falsch."
