Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard (CHERRY MX SPEED Keyswitches: Linear and Rapid, Leatherette Palm Rest, PBT Double-Shot Keycaps, Elgato Stream Deck Integration) QWERTY, Black

Product Information

Corsair has created something unique here. While there are still some areas for improvement (like the shine on the keycaps), it’s the thinnest mechanical gaming keyboard I’ve seen from a large gaming brand, and Corsair has nailed the execution. The biggest thing I’m left wishing for is that smaller layouts were available at launch to make it my go-to travel keyboard. As it stands, this is an excellent choice if you’re a fan of chiclet-style keys and clean mechanical typing. The bottom edge of the K100 can be bolstered by a comfortable magnetic wrist-rest, and Corsair includes a selection of replacement buttons – I found six in the box designed for MOBA gaming and four that are more suited to FPS titles. I would offer one potential caveat about the extra keys, however. While I appreciate that Corsair offered a few programmable keys, I don’t see the utility of putting them near the numpad. They’re not easily accessible during gameplay, so I never found much use for them. Perhaps they’re better suited to productivity purposes, but I wouldn’t count on putting any useful macros or shortcuts there. Corsair K100 Air Wireless review: Verdict The K100 uses an Arm processor that has multi-threading, and 8MB of on-board memory means that the K100 can have complex lighting effects and up to 200 profiles stored on the device. The CPU also means the K100 can use a 4000Hz polling rate, although it’s set to 1000Hz by default, which I found perfectly fine. This is another area where the Corsair is incredibly capable; but it will be overkill for most users. We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.

At 65 grams, the ULP switches require more force to actuate than their full-size counterpart, Cherry MX Browns. The difference is only ten grams (MX Browns require 55 grams of actuation force), but it’s noticeable. The flat design of the keycaps also makes the increased force necessary to minimize typos, but it’s not a complete solution.Typing on the keyboard is a lot like typing on a laptop, with the added benefit of that improved key feel. Since the keyboard is so thin, it can lay completely flat or have a slight tilt by flipping the built-in feet. Unlike most laptops, there’s extra space between each key, so finger positioning stays consistent with other full-size desktop keyboards. Speed isn’t the only claimed benefit. Fewer discreet parts results in improved reliability, plus you don’t suffer from debounce delay – the issue where mechanical keyboards wait for a short period before resetting because they don’t want to accidentally register a bouncing key as multiple keypresses. Playing a mix of first-person shooters, this turned out to be a good thing. I never once ran from cover or strafed in the shadows by accident. I usually game on full-size linear switches, and that little bit of pre-travel can make it difficult to know exactly when a key is going to actuate when you’re hovering, waiting for the perfect moment. The Cherry MX ULPs’ tactility (and higher actuation force) means your presses will be more intentional and precise. The Bluetooth mode also works as advertised, and lets you connect to up to three different systems. As such, you could theoretically connect the K100 Air Wireless to four different devices around your home, which is helpful if you have a desktop, a laptop, a game console and a mobile device.

The optical-mechanical keyboard uses the CORSAIR OPX optical keyswitches. These keyswitches use a beam of infrared light to register a keypress, giving the keyboard a smaller actuation distance and a faster time to register keypresses. There is zero debounce delay and rapid keypresses will still register. A word of caution: Do not try to remove these keycaps. Corsair advised us ahead of the review that removing a keycap can easily destroy the switch below. That kind of risk is worth a special call-out, but there’s really no need to remove them anyway. The mounting style of the keycaps is unique, so aftermarket keycap sets are out. But don’t let your curiosity about a new switch put your warranty at risk unless you’re confident you can do so correctly. To elevate your workflow, the K100 AIR can seamlessly switch between wireless connections on your PC, laptop, tablet, and more with the press of a key for masterful multi-tasking, protected by AES 128-bit encryption. Four fully programmable macro keys enable you to perform complex macros, actions, and application launching, while dedicated media keys and a programmable aluminum volume roller give you convenient control. When connecting the K100 AIR to other devices, 8MB of onboard storage saves up to 50 profiles to keep preset macros and lighting effects always close at hand. The Corsair K100 is the flagship wired keyboard from one of the world’s most prominent gaming hardware companies.

With an unbelievably thin frame measuring just 11mm at its slimmest point and a clean, minimalist aesthetic, the K100 AIR fits right in on any desktop or workstation. Hyper-responsive CHERRY MX Ultra Low Profile mechanical keyswitches provide the satisfying, tactile, and reliable keystrokes that users demand, without the height of a full-size keyswitch. Corsair’s switches compare well to Razer’s opto-mechanical rival, too. The Huntsman Elite’s hardware has a 3.5mm travel distance and a 1.5mm actuation point, and they also use a tactile motion with a noticeable bump as you depress the keys. On paper, the Corsair K100’s buttons are impressive, with the characteristics that should promote smooth, fast gameplay. And in use the buttons did just that when I hammered on them for gaming: they were incredibly fast and sensitive.

The Corsair K100 is a high-quality bit of kit that undoubtedly earns its flagship status. The laser-powered switches are brilliant – fast, smooth and light – and the K100 offers tremendous lighting, plenty of features and impressive build quality. Like most other Corsair gaming gear, the Corsair K100 Air Wireless runs on the Corsair Utility Engine (iCUE) software. This allows you to reprogram keys, set up lighting patterns, monitor the battery level, create profiles for individual games and apps, and so forth. During our review period, iCUE was not yet compatible with the K100 Air Wireless, however. We can say that the software works well with other Corsair gear, and that it tends to be a little complex, particularly if you want to adjust the lighting beyond the basics. None of the K100’s new features are truly must-haves. There are plenty of very good (and good-looking) gaming keyboards that cost much less, while delivering similar gaming performance. First off, the key switches are arguably not that comfortable. With 65g of actuation force, 0.8 mm of actuation distance and 1.8 mm key travel, the Ultra Low Profile Tactiles are quite a bit shallower than, say, the Cherry MX Browns, which offer 55 g actuation force, 2 mm actuation distance and 4 mm of key travel. While this does mean you could rapid-press the Tactiles quite a bit faster, they don’t feel especially satisfying. The ultra-low-profile design makes sense in a gaming laptop; on a full-size keyboard, it feels unnecessary.The Corsair K100 isn’t’ the slimmest or lightest of keyboards. The full-size layout and extra features mean that it’s 470mm wide and 166mm deep, weighing in at 1.35kg. This isn’t surprising, nor is the fact that build quality is fantastic, but you will need plenty of space on your desk. The K100 RGB keyboard comes in two different types: optical-mechanical and mechanical. This article will detail the tech specs, features, and help articles for both versions of the K100. Every key can be programmed and remapped, including the volume wheel. You can assign macros, key strings, launch programs, change profiles, and even control the mouse by assigning those functions in Corsair’s iCUE software. There are also built-in functions for changing between preset lighting effects (there are nine preset effects and eight static colors to choose from). MILPITAS, CA, September 8th, 2022 – CORSAIR® (NASDAQ: CRSR), a world leader in high-performance gear for gamers and content creators, today announced the upcoming CORSAIR K100 AIR Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, CORSAIR’s thinnest high-performance keyboard ever, releasing on October 4th. From its elegant brushed aluminum frame to its versatile connectivity options for multiple devices, the K100 AIR delivers a modern, premium experience that meets the needs of gamers and productivity focused consumers alike. Once you’re used to it, typing on the K100 Air feels almost effortless. The combination of low height, “just enough” travel, and fast actuation creates a “best of both worlds” combination that’s fast and fluid while also satisfying and intentional.

Possessing a gorgeous aesthetic, top-tier performance, and advanced connectivity, the K100 AIR gives you an undeniable competitive and stylistic edge to elevate your work and play. There's no question that the Corsair K100 RGB is a colossus of a keyboard. Weighing just under three pounds, it's heavier than most full-sized boards, and the dimensions don't make the portability any better. Still, if you plan on setting and forgetting the K100, then your biggest concern should be making desk space to fit the keyboard and its accommodating wrist rest. The review unit that I tested came with Corsair's new OPX optical-mechanical switches, but the K100 also comes in a Cherry MX Speed variant. No matter which version you buy, you'll be typing on linear-based keys. Design In terms of typing, the K100 Air Wireless holds up pretty well. In a one-minute Typing.com test, I scored 105 words per minute with 98% accuracy on the K100 Air Wireless, versus 116 words per minute with 99% accuracy on my usual G915. This is not a big difference, considering how much more familiar I am with the latter. Corsair K100 Air Wireless review: Features The feature set is rounded out by ample RGB LED lighting. Each key has its own customisable LED, and the keyboard’s edges are also illuminated. I think the lighting is superb – clear and bright. The Corsair looks fantastic overall, with a brushed aluminium top-plate and keys that stand proud of the metal to let the lights glow.The programmability of the keyboard also pays dividends if you’re a fan of macros or multiple keymaps for different games. The built-in macro keys mean that your most used custom commands won’t force you to give up other keys to assign them. These keys aren’t as convenient to press as the normal K100’s left-side macro row, however, forcing you to take your hand off the mouse to access them, which is never convenient. CORSAIR (NASDAQ:CRSR) is a leading global developer and manufacturer of high-performance gear and technology for gamers, content creators, and PC enthusiasts. From award-winning PC components and peripherals, to premium streaming equipment, smart ambient lighting, and esports coaching services, CORSAIR delivers a full ecosystem of products that work together to enable everyone, from casual gamers to committed professionals, to perform at their very best.