Get insider access
Preferred store
Your browser is not supported or outdated so some features of the site might not be available.
If you want to see more about how specific mechanical switches perform, we've recently launched reviews of keyboard switches!

Corsair K100 RGB Keyboard Review

Tested using Methodology v1.3.1
Reviewed Nov 09, 2020 at 08:19 am
Latest change: Test bench update Nov 29, 2023 at 09:32 am
Corsair K100 RGB Picture
9.0
Gaming
7.4
Office
1.0
Mobile/Tablet
8.0
Programming
4.3
Entertainment / HTPC
9.1
Raw Performance

The Corsair K100 RGB is a fantastic gaming keyboard. It's very well-built and feels comfortable to use, plus it comes with a detachable padded wrist rest. It's compatible with the Corsair iCUE software, which lets you customize the RGB backlighting and set macros to any key you want. It has many extra features like dedicated media keys, a volume control wheel, a multi-function iCUE wheel, and six dedicated macro keys. The Cherry MX Speed switches on our unit feel light and responsive to type on, and it's also available in the new Corsair OPX linear switches, which may provide a different typing experience from our unit's switches. It also has a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz and an effective update rate of 4000Hz, resulting in remarkably low latency for a responsive gaming experience.

Our Verdict

9.0 Gaming

The Corsair K100 is excellent for gaming. This very well-built keyboard is comfortable to use, and it has customizable RGB backlighting. The Cherry MX Speed switches have very short pre-travel distance, and the latency is remarkably low. It's also available in Corsair OPX switches, which are optical switches advertised as having a slightly shorter pre-travel distance and will feel a bit more responsive. All the keys are macro-programmable, and six dedicated macro keys are on the left side.

Pros
  • Customizable RGB backlighting.
  • Dedicated macro keys.
  • Includes a wrist rest.
  • Remarkably low latency.
Cons
  • Switches provide no tactile feedback.
7.4 Office

The Corsair K100 is great for office use. It's a comfortable, well-built keyboard that comes with a padded wrist rest and two incline settings. The Cherry MX Speed switches provide a light typing experience that shouldn't cause fatigue when typing for a long time, although typos might be more common due to the short pre-travel distance. They're quiet to type on, so it shouldn't be bothersome in an office setting.

Pros
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Includes a wrist rest.
  • Quiet to type on.
Cons
  • Short pre-travel distance might cause more typos.
1.0 Mobile/Tablet

The Corsair K100 isn't designed to be used with mobile devices or tablets.

8.0 Programming

The Corsair K100 is great for programming. It has excellent build quality with a padded wrist rest. Also, it has full RGB lighting that can be customized to your liking, all of its keys are macro-programmable, and it has six dedicated macro keys on the left side of the board. The Cherry MX Speed switches feel light to type on, and it's also available in Corsair OPX switches which are advertised as having a shorter pre-travel distance and should feel even more responsive.

Pros
  • Customizable RGB backlighting.
  • Excellent build quality.
  • Dedicated macro keys.
  • Includes a wrist rest.
Cons
  • Short pre-travel distance might cause more typos.
  • Switches provide no tactile feedback.
4.3 Entertainment / HTPC

The Corsair K100 is disappointing for HTPC use. It's wired-only, so you'll need to sit close to your TV to use it. It also lacks a trackpad, meaning you may need a mouse to navigate the on-screen menu. On the plus side, it has full RGB backlighting and dedicated media keys, making it easy to skip tracks or play/pause content.

Pros
  • Customizable RGB backlighting.
Cons
  • Wired-only.
  • No trackpad.
  • Rather large for a HTPC keyboard.
9.1 Raw Performance

The Corsair K100 RGB has excellent raw performance. The Cherry MX Speed switches on the unit we tested have minimal pre-travel and release-travel, producing remarkable single- and multi-key latency. While it has a maximum polling rate of 8000Hz, its effective update rate is only 4000Hz. That said, this doesn't bottleneck performance in a significant way.

Pros
  • Remarkably low latency.
Cons
  • 9.0 Gaming
  • 7.4 Office
  • 1.0 Mobile/Tablet
  • 8.0 Programming
  • 4.3 Entertainment / HTPC
  • 9.1 Raw Performance
  1. Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've concerted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
  2. Updated Nov 15, 2023: We've found that latency results are impacted by the placement of the testing solenoid, so we retested this keyboard for consistency with other reviews. This review has been updated, and you can find more information regarding this retest here.
  3. Updated Oct 17, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Corsair K70 MAX in the Switches section of this review.
  4. Updated Oct 17, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Razer BlackWidow V4 75% in the Data Transmission section of this review.
  5. Updated Aug 30, 2023: We've added text to this review for the new tests added in TBU 1.3.
  6. Updated Aug 30, 2023: 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.
  7. Updated Jun 12, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
  8. Updated Mar 22, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
  9. Updated Mar 02, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed ROCCAT Vulcan II Max/Mini in the Backlighting section of this review.
  10. Updated Oct 12, 2022: Added in a comparison to the recently reviewed ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate.
  11. Updated Nov 12, 2021: Confirmed it has a 8000Hz polling rate.
  12. Updated Jul 22, 2021: Added information about keycap material in Build Quality.
  13. Updated Feb 04, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
  14. Updated Nov 09, 2020: Review published.
  15. Updated Nov 04, 2020: Early access published.
  16. Updated Oct 23, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.
  17. Updated Oct 21, 2020: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
  18. Updated Oct 10, 2020: We've purchased the product and are waiting for it to arrive in our lab.

Differences Between Sizes And Variants

The Corsair K100 is available in two different switch types. Although we tested the Cherry MX Speed switches, this keyboard has a Corsair OPX variant called the Corsair K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, which features Corsair's new optical switches. The Corsair OPX switches are also linear, but they're advertised as having a shorter pre-travel distance than the Cherry MX Speed switches on our unit, resulting in an even more responsive feel. You can see the label of our unit here.

Compared To Other Keyboards

The Corsair K100 RGB is a fantastic full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard. However, some people may not like its linear switches due to the lack of tactile feedback, and unfortunately, it isn't available in this switch type.

For more options, check out our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards, the best mechanical keyboards, and the best keyboards for programming.

Corsair K70 RGB MK.2

The Corsair K100 RGB is better than the Corsair K70 RGB MK.2 for gaming, mainly due to its lower latency. Also, the K100 has dedicated macro keys, making it a great option for MMOs. The K100 is available with two types of linear switches, while the K70 is available in a variety of Cherry MX switches, so you can get the ones you prefer. The K100 has a multi-function wheel, and the included wrist rest is more comfortable.

Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED are both fantastic gaming keyboards with different features. The Corsair is a wired keyboard with a USB passthrough, and the Logitech is a wireless option with multi-device pairing. They each have dedicated macro keys, but you can reprogram every key on the Corsair, which you can't do with the Logitech. The Corsair is available with two types of linear switches, while the Logitech is available with either tactile, clicky, or linear low profile switches.

Corsair K95 PLATINUM

The Corsair K95 PLATINUM and the Corsair K100 RGB are both outstanding gaming keyboards with similar features. They're both full-size models with extra macro keys on the left side. The K100 feels better built because it has PBT keycaps as opposed to ABS, and the wrist rest is plushier, and typing also feels better. The units we tested use the same Cherry MX Speed switches, but you can get the K95 with Cherry MX Browns and the K100 with linear optical switches instead.

SteelSeries Apex Pro

The Corsair K100 RGB and the SteelSeries Apex Pro are both exceptional gaming keyboards. Both are excellently built and highly programmable, but the Corsair has six dedicated macro keys, whereas the SteelSeries doesn't. However, the SteelSeries has a unique feature that lets you customize the pre-travel distance for each key.

Razer Huntsman V2

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Razer Huntsman V2 are both full-size mechanical gaming keyboards. Both boards have dedicated media keys, a volume control knob, and exceptionally low latency. However, the Corsair also has a programmable multi-function wheel, a USB passthrough, and dedicated macro keys. It's available with linear Cherry MX Speed switches and Corsair OPX switches. On the other hand, the Razer is available with Razer Linear Optical and Clicky Optical switches.

Razer Huntsman V2 Analog

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog and the Corsair K100 RGB are both exceptional wired gaming keyboards; however, they're also quite different. The Razer uses Analog Optical switches that can function like an analog joystick, and you can customize the pre-travel distance to your liking. On the other hand, the Corsair uses more traditional Cherry MX Speed switches and is available with Corsair OPX switches as well. That said, the Analog Optical and the Cherry MX Speeds are both linear switches that require about the same amount of force to actuate and don't provide any tactile feedback. Feature-wise, the Corsair has an extra column of dedicated macro keys that the Razer lacks and a dial that you can customize to perform various functions.

Razer Huntsman Elite

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Razer Huntsman Elite are both outstanding gaming keyboards. They're both full-sized, come with a wrist rest, and have dedicated media keys. The Razer is available with clicky and linear optical switches, while the Corsair is available with two types of linear switches, including an optical one. The Corsair offers better typing quality because of how sensitive the linear switches are on the Razer, but that means the Razer is more responsive for gaming. 

Corsair K70 RGB PRO

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Corsair K70 RGB PRO are both wired-only mechanical gaming keyboards, but the K100 performs slightly better overall. It has better latency, and it also has USB passthrough, which the K70 lacks.

EVGA Z20

The Corsair K100 RGB and the EVGA Z20 are remarkable mechanical gaming keyboards offering similar performance and feature sets, but the Corsair is a marginally better keyboard overall. The Corsair has a sturdier-feeling build, PBT keycaps, software that's compatible with Windows and macOS, and slightly lower latency, though the difference is unlikely to be noticeable. It's available with either Cherry MX Speed switches or Corsair's linear OPX Optical switches. The EVGA is available with either clicky or Light Strike LK Optical switches. It also has a time-of-flight sensor that you can configure to perform certain functions when you approach or move away from your keyboard. Unfortunately, it has ABS keycaps that are prone to developing shine from finger oils.

Razer Huntsman

The Razer Huntsman and the Corsair K100 RGB are two fantastic gaming keyboards. They're both full-sized and have many of the same features with macro-programmable keys and RGB lighting. The Corsair is available with linear switches while the Razer is only available with clicky Razer Optical switches. The Corsair offers better typing quality and also comes with a wrist rest.

Corsair K70 MAX

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Corsair K70 MAX are full-size gaming keyboards. The K100 RGB is available with Cherry MX Speed switches or Corsair OPX optical switches. It has slightly better latency performance, and while it has a polling rate of 8000hz, it only has an effective update rate of 4000Hz. On the other hand, the Corsair K70 MAX uses Corsair's analog OPX switches, allowing you to adjust pre-travel and reset points of individual switches. Unfortunately, due to the inaccurate implementation of these analog switches, you can't set the actuation point as low as advertised, resulting in worse latency performance compared to the K100 RGB, despite the K70 MAX actually having a higher effective rate of 8000Hz.

Corsair K100 AIR

The Corsair K100 AIR and the Corsair K100 RGB are high-end gaming keyboards with similar gaming performance and feature sets. However, the K100 AIR is a wireless keyboard with a much thinner low-profile design and is only available with a butterfly-style tactile switch type. On the other hand, the K100 RGB is a wired-only model with linear, tactile, or clicky mechanical or optical switch types available. It also includes a row of macro keys on the left side of the board and a wrist rest.

ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate

The Corsair K100 RGB and the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate are both feature-loaded gaming keyboards. They perform very similarly in their RGB backlighting customization, maximum polling rate settings, and extremely low latency. However, the Corsair only comes in two switch options at checkout, whereas the ASUS has a wider variety of switch options. The ASUS has a hot-swappable circuit board, so you can change the stock switches for whatever 3-pin switch you prefer.

Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Corsair K95 RGB PLATINUM XT are similar gaming keyboards, but the K100 is much better because it has much lower click latency. The K100 is only available with two types of linear switches, but the K95 is available with clicky and tactile switches as well, so those switch types offer better tactile feedback for typing.

Corsair K70 RGB TKL

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Corsair K70 RGB TKL are both fantastic for gaming. The K100 is bigger because it's full-size, has a numpad and wrist rest, and there are also dedicated macro keys on the left side, which the K70 doesn't have. The K100 also has a USB passthrough, so you can connect your peripherals directly to the keyboard, and it has better typing quality because the Cherry MX Speed switches on our unit of the K70 feel a bit more sensitive than those on the K100. Overall, they're very similar in performance, so choosing one over the other comes down to size preference.

Razer BlackWidow V4

The Razer BlackWidow V4 and the Corsair K100 RGB are wired gaming keyboards with maximum polling rates of 8000Hz. Both keyboards have dedicated macro keys you can program on the board or in software. Both keyboards also have dedicated media controls, but the controls on the Corsair are somewhat more extensive, with a programmable 'iCUE wheel' that the Razer lacks. The Corsair has linear mechanical or linear optical switch options, while the Razer offers linear or clicky mechanical switches.

Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT

The Corsair K100 RGB is a much better gaming keyboard than the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT. The K100 is a mechanical keyboard that feels much better-built, has an additional incline setting, and has a padded wrist rest, a USB passthrough, and a wheel in the top right. It also has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys, and it's available with linear Cherry MX Speed or linear Corsair OPX switches. On the other hand, The XT is a non-mechanical keyboard with rubber dome switches, a hard plastic wrist rest. It also has full RGB backlighting with independently customizable keys, but it has fewer RGB zones overall.

HyperX Alloy Origins

The HyperX Alloy Origins and the Corsair K100 RGB are two fantastic gaming keyboards. The Corsair has dedicated media keys and a wrist rest for better comfort. It also has lower click latency, but most people won't notice a difference between the keyboards. They're each available with linear switches, and the Cherry MX Speed switches on our unit of the Corsair has a lower pre-travel distance than the HyperX Red switches.

Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro

Gaming-wise, the Corsair K100 RGB is better than the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro. The Corsair is available in two types of linear switches, which are light to press, while the Razer is available with linear and clicky switches. In terms of features, the Corsair has a USB passthrough and dedicated macro keys, which the Razer lacks. However, the Razer is a wireless keyboard, which is great if you want to keep a clean, wire-free setup, and it can be paired to multiple devices simultaneously so that you can switch between them easily.

ASUS ROG Claymore II

The ASUS ROG Claymore II and the Corsair K100 RGB are both gaming keyboards, but the ASUS is wireless, and the Corsair is wired-only. The ASUS has a modular numpad that you can place on either side of the board or remove completely, and you can use the board wirelessly via its USB receiver. The ASUS is available with linear and clicky ROG RX Optical Mechanical switches. On the other hand, the Corsair has dedicated media keys, a multi-function wheel, and a lower latency. The Corsair is available with linear switches only, and you can choose between Cherry MX Speed and Corsair OPX switches.

Ducky One 3

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Ducky One 3 are outstanding gaming keyboards. The Corsair is a full-size keyboard available with Cherry MX Speed or Linear Corsair OPX Optical switches. It also has several features the Ducky lacks, including dedicated media keys, a wrist rest, a USB passthrough, an 8000Hz polling rate, and customization software. On the other hand, the Ducky is a full-size keyboard also available in a range of other sizes and colorways. You can purchase it with a variety of stock Cherry MX switches, but it also has a hot-swappable PCB, which means you can use whichever switches you want. Both keyboards have exceptionally low latency, but it's lower on the Corsair.

Razer Pro Type Ultra

The Razer Pro Type Ultra is a wireless office board, while the Corsair K100 RGB is a wired gaming board. The Razer can pair with up to three devices via Bluetooth, and it comes with a unifying receiver that you can connect to a compatible mouse. It's available with linear Razer Yellow switches only. On the other hand, the Corsair has more gamer-centric features, like dedicated macro keys, dedicated media control keys, and a programmable multi-function wheel. Also, it has customizable RGB backlighting. Like the Razer, the Corsair is only available with linear switches, but you can choose between mechanical Cherry MX Speed switches or optical Corsair OPX switches.

ROCCAT Vulcan Pro

The Corsair K100 RGB is better than the ROCCAT Vulcan Pro. The Corsair provides a better typing experience, every key is macro-programmable, and it feels better-built. On the other hand, the ROCCAT is smaller and takes up less space on your desk.

Razer BlackWidow Elite

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Razer BlackWidow Elite are both exceptional gaming keyboards. The Corsair has a few more features, such as a column of dedicated macro keys and a multi-function wheel that you can customize to perform various functions. The Corsair is available with two different types of linear switches, which have a low operating force but don't offer any tactile feedback. On the other hand, the Razer is available with clicky, linear, and tactile switches.

Corsair K63 Wireless

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Corsair K63 Wireless are two keyboards with different designs and features. The K100 is a wired full-sized model that has full RGB lighting, while the K63 just has blue backlighting. The K100 has a unique wheel for volume control, a USB passthrough, and much lower latency. However, the K63 is a wireless model with multi-device pairing with up to two devices at once. The K100 is available with linear Cherry MX Speed and Corsair OPX switches, and the K63 is only available with linear Cherry MX Red switches.

Mountain Everest Max

The Corsair K100 RGB is better for gaming than the Mountain Everest Max, but they're different types of keyboards. The Corsair is a full-size keyboard with dedicated macro keys, and it feels better-built because it has PBT keycaps instead of ABS like on the Mountain. It's only available with linear switches, and the latency is much lower. On the other hand, the Mountain is a modular keyboard with a detachable Numpad, so you can remove it to make it TKL. It's available with different Cherry MX switches, and it's hot-swappable, so you can put whichever switches you prefer.

ROCCAT Vulcan II Max/Mini

The Corsair K100 RGB and the ROCCAT Vulcan II are wired gaming keyboards. The Corsair is available with Cherry MX Speed or OPX optical switches. It has higher-quality PBT keycaps and feels considerably sturdier overall. It also has a higher maximum polling rate of 8000Hz and lower latency. On the other hand, the ROCCAT Vulcan II keyboards are available in a full-size or compact (65%) form factor and linear Red or tactile Brown ROCCAT Titan II Optical switches.

EVGA Z15

The EVGA Z15 and the Corsair K100 RGB are both fantastic wired gaming keyboards. They both have fully customizable RGB backlighting, dedicated media keys, a volume control wheel, and all of their keys are macro-programmable. However, the Corsair keyboard has a USB passthrough and a programmable multi-function dial. It also has slightly lower latency, although the difference isn't significant enough to be noticeable. On the other hand, if you like the option of changing the switches whenever you want, the EVGA is hot-swappable.

NPET K20

The Corsair K100 RGB is much better than the NPET K20. The Corsair is a high-end gaming keyboard with more features like macro-programmable keys and full RGB backlighting. The Corsair also feels better built and has better typing quality thanks to its PBT keycaps, but it's only available with linear switches, while you can get the NPET with linear, tactile, or clicky switches. The Corsair also has much better ergonomics as it comes with a wrist rest.

Logitech POP Keys

The Corsair K100 RGB is a full-size wired gaming keyboard, while the Logitech POP Keys is a wireless 75% board. If you play games often, the Corsair is a much better choice thanks to its remarkably low latency and dedicated macro keys. Also, it has a multi-function wheel, a volume control wheel, a USB passthrough, and dedicated media keys. On the other hand, if you want a wireless and compact board, the Logitech can pair with up to three devices via Bluetooth. Also, it has dedicated emoji keys that you can reprogram to any other emojis you use the most.

Keychron Q2

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Keychron Q2 are both wired-only mechanical gaming keyboards, but the Corsair performs significantly better overall. The Corsair has much better latency, translucent keycaps, and it has incline settings and comes with a detachable wrist rest. It's a full-size keyboard and has dedicated media keys, key-locking features, and a USB passthrough. On the other hand, the Keychron is a compact board that's hot-swappable, meaning you can customize its switches and keycaps. Also, the Keychron feels slightly better built thanks to its aluminum chassis, and it's fully compatible with macOS.

Logitech G413 SE

The Corsair K100 RGB and the Logitech G413 SE are both wired-only mechanical keyboards, but the Corsair performs better overall. The Corsair has individually lit RGB backlighting, and it feels much better to type on thanks to its included wrist rest. Also, its latency is much lower, and its companion software is easy to use and allows for macro-programmability and lighting customization.

+ Show more

Video

Test Results

perceptual testing image
Design
Design
Dimensions
Size
Full-size (100%)
Height
1.6" (3.9 cm)
Width 18.5" (47.0 cm)
Depth
6.5" (16.5 cm)
Depth With Wrist Rest
9.3" (23.5 cm)
Weight
2.87 lbs (1.300 kg)

The Corsair K100 is a full-sized keyboard that takes up a significant amount of room on your desk, but you can remove the wrist rest to save space. However, if you prefer a modular keyboard where you can remove the numpad to use it in TKL mode, then look into the Mountain Everest Max.

8.5
Design
Build Quality
Keycap Material PBT

Update 07/22/2021: While the majority of the keys on the board are made of PBT, the macro keys and the extra keycaps in the box are actually ABS keycaps. We updated the text accordingly.

The Corsair K100 has excellent build quality. Its plastic base and metal top plate exhibit a slight amount of flex, but it's hardly noticeable when using it as intended. The doubleshot PBT keycaps feel solid and hardly wobble. While all the black keycaps are made of PBT, the dedicated macro keys G1-G6 and the extra FPS and MOBA keycaps included are made of ABS. The incline feet are thick and grippy, and they shouldn't collapse when moving the keyboard around. It comes with a cushiony wrist rest that attaches magnetically.

6.0
Design
Ergonomics
Curved/Angled
No
Split Keyboard
No
Key Alignment
Staggered
Minimum Incline
Medium Incline
Maximum Incline
Home Row Height
32.2 mm (1.3")

The Corsair K100 is a straight board with two incline settings and a comfortable padded wrist rest that attaches magnetically.

6.0
Design
Hardware Customizability
Replaceable Cherry Stabilizers
Yes
Stabilizer Fixation
Plate-Mounted
Spacebar Stabilizer Size
6.25u
Size Of Right Mod Keys
1.25u
Hot-Swappable Switches
No
Switch Stem Shape
Cherry MX Style
Switch PCB Socket
Soldered
North-Facing Cherry MX Interference
Yes
10
Design
Backlight Features
Backlighting Yes
RGB
Yes
Per-Key Backlighting
Yes
Effects
Yes
Software Controllable
Yes

It has full RGB backlighting with individually-lit keys. It has 44 RGB zones on the strips of lighting on the left, right, and the top-side edge of the board. You can customize the RGB effects and colors through the Corsair iCUE software. If you're interested in a similar mechanical gaming keyboard with low-profile keycaps that allow more backlight to shine out from the switch housings, check out the ROCCAT Vulcan II Max/Mini.

9.0
Design
Backlight Clarity
Design
Cable & Connector
Connectivity Wired
Detachable
No
Length 5.9 ft (1.8 m)
Connector (Keyboard side)
Not Detachable

The thick braided cable has two USB-A plugs: one to connect to your computer and the other for the USB passthrough.

0
Design
Wireless Versatility
Bluetooth
No
Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
No
Proprietary Receiver
No
Battery Type
No Batteries

The Corsair K100 is wired-only and can't be used wirelessly.

8.9
Design
Macro Keys And Programming
Dedicated Macro Keys Count 6
Onboard Macro Programming
Yes
Macro Programming With Software
Yes
Design
Extra Features
Media Keys
Dedicated
Trackpad / Trackball No
Scroll Wheel
Yes
Control Knob
Yes
USB Passthrough
Yes
Numpad Yes
Windows Key Lock
Yes
Lock Indicator Caps, Scroll & Num lock

The Corsair K100 has many extra features. All of its keys are macro-programmable, including the volume wheel, profile switching button, and media keys. It also has dedicated macro keys on the left side of the board. It features a unique iCUE wheel that lets you adjust brightness, rewind or fast forward media, scroll through applications, and zoom in or out of windows, but you can also remap all of these to other actions. The RGB lighting around the wheel changes color as you cycle through the different functions so you know exactly which one is active.

Design
In The Box

  • Corsair K100 RGB Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
  • Wrist rest
  • Extra keys (2x W, 2x D, A, S, E, R, F, Q)
  • Keycap puller
  • User manual and warranty card

Typing Experience
8.5
Typing Experience
Typing Quality
Key Spacing
19.0 mm (0.748")

The Corsair K100 has excellent typing quality. The linear switches don't require much force to actuate, but the low pre-travel distance may result in more typos. There's also no tactile feedback when a key is actuated. The doubleshot PBT keycaps feel stable and nice to type on. The switches shouldn't cause much fatigue, and the included plushy wrist rest also helps with reducing any fatigue.

7.1
Typing Experience
Typing Noise
Average Loudness
54.3 dBA
High Pitch Clicks
No

The Cherry MX Speed switches on our unit are quiet. It shouldn't bother anyone around you in a silent office. While we haven't tested it, we expect the variant with the Corsair OPX switches to be just as quiet.

Typing Experience
Switches
Switch Name
Cherry MX Speed
Switch Type
Mechanical
Feel
Linear
Analog
No

If you're interested in a similar mechanical gaming keyboard that uses Corsair's MGX switches, which let you adjust the pre-travel distance of individual switches, check out the Corsair K70 MAX.

Typing Experience
Keystrokes
Operating Force
42 gf
Actuation Force
41 gf
Pre-Travel
1.1 mm
Total Travel
3.4 mm

The Cherry MX Speed switches on our unit are linear, provide no feedback, and feel very light to type on. The pre-travel distance is very low, which results in a very responsive feel, but it may cause more unintentional strokes to be registered. The keyboard is also available with Corsair OPX switches which are advertised to have a shorter pre-travel distance. If you're interested in a similar, feature-loaded keyboard that has a hot-swappable PCB, check out the ASUS ROG Strix Flare II Animate.

Performance
9.7
Performance
Single-Key Latency
Best Connection
1.1 ms
Best Connection Std Dev ±0.1 ms
Wired
1.1 ms
Receiver
N/A
Bluetooth
N/A
PCB (Estimated)
0.0 ms

This keyboard delivers remarkable single-key latency performance that's extremely stable and consistent at the tested polling rate of 8000Hz.

9.4
Performance
Multi-Key Latency
Connection Evaluated Wired
Key Press
1.0 ms
Key Release
6.3 ms

This keyboard delivers superb multi-key latency performance that's very consistent on both key press and key release due to the high polling rate and effective update rate.

8.8
Performance
Data Transmission
Connection Evaluated Wired
USB Polling Rate
8,000 Hz
Effective Update Rate
4,000 Hz
N-Key Rollover (NKRO)
Yes
Multiple Keys Per USB Report
No

This keyboard supports a polling rate of 8000Hz from your computer, but note that the keyboard can only provide an effective update rate of 4000Hz. However, this discrepancy doesn't significantly impact the overall raw performance, which is excellent.

If you're more interested in a keyboard with an effective update rate of 8000Hz, check out the Razer BlackWidow V4 75%.

7.9
Performance
Chord Split
4 Chord Split Delay
5.8 ms
8 Chord Split Delay
10.2 ms

This keyboard has very good chord split performance with relatively low 4-chord and 8-chord split delay, meaning it can accurately report many simultaneous key presses quite quickly.

Software and Operating System
Software and Operating System
Configuration Software
Software Name iCUE
Software Windows Compatible
Yes
Software macOS Compatible
Yes
Onboard Memory
Yes
Profiles
6+

This keyboard is compatible with the Corsair iCUE software, which offers fantastic customization features. You can reprogram any key to a macro or a preset action, and you can customize the RGB with different colors and effects. Corsair claims you can save up to 200 individual profiles to the onboard memory. You can easily program the six dedicated macro keys to perform any task you want. It also has integration with the Elgato Stream Deck, allowing you to perform tasks like launching a program or recording a clip.

10
Software and Operating System
Computer Compatibility
Windows
Fully Compatible
macOS
Fully Compatible
Linux (Ubuntu 22)
Fully Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Windows, MacOS & Linux

The Corsair K100 is fully compatible with Windows. Only the Pause Break, Scroll Lock, and Print Screen buttons don't work on macOS. Since the software isn't compatible with Linux, the G1-G6 macro keys are disabled by default, but you can still program them on a Mac or PC first and save them to the onboard memory beforehand in order to use them on Linux.

0
Software and Operating System
Wireless Mobile Compatibility
Android
Not Compatible
iOS
Not Compatible
iPadOS
Not Compatible
Media Key Compatibility
Not Compatible