Corsair K100 RGB Keyboard Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
Today, we're diving deep into a piece of hardware that's been getting a lot of attention in the gaming world: the Corsair K100 RGB Optical-Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. It’s been a while since a Corsair product has been on my review desk, and after my last experience, I was a little hesitant. But, I was in the market for a top-tier keyboard to match my new black-and-white "Stormtrooper" PC build, and the K100 seemed to fit the bill. So, is it worth the premium price tag? Let's get into it.
Key Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Switches | Corsair OPX Optical-Mechanical |
| Actuation Distance | 1.0mm |
| Polling Rate | Up to 8,000Hz |
| Key Scanning | 4,000Hz |
| Frame | Brushed Aluminum |
| RGB Lighting | Per-key backlighting and 44-zone LightEdge |
| Special Features | iCUE Control Wheel, 6 Dedicated G-Keys, USB Passthrough |
| Wrist Rest | Magnetic, detachable |
| Price | Check Current Price on Amazon |
For that extra "wow" factor on a white gaming setup, I highly recommend swapping the stock caps for these HyperX Pudding Keycaps - Double Shot PBT Keycap Set. The translucent layer at the bottom allows the LEDs to shine through and really makes the RGB lighting pop.
Pros and Cons
Every product has its strengths and weaknesses, and the K100 is no exception.
Pros:
Premium Build Quality: The first thing you'll notice about the K100 is its weight. The aluminum frame feels incredibly solid and well-built, giving it a premium feel that looks great on any desk.
Insanely Fast and Responsive: The OPX optical switches are no joke. With a 1.0mm actuation distance, it takes the slightest touch to register a keystroke. This makes for an incredibly fast and responsive gaming experience.
Deep Customization: The iCUE software offers endless possibilities for customization. You can create complex lighting effects, set up macros for the G-keys, and integrate with other iCUE-compatible devices and even some games for a truly immersive experience.
Useful Media Controls: The dedicated volume rocker, mute button, and Windows lock key are all incredibly useful and well-placed for easy access.
Cons:
Software Glitches: This is a big one. A few weeks into using the keyboard, I experienced a complete freeze and crash while gaming. The keyboard became unresponsive, and I had to unplug it to get it working again. This is a major concern for a keyboard at this price point. (thankfully this eventually became a rare moment only happened handful of times)
The iCUE Control Wheel: While it sounds cool in theory, I didn't find myself using the control wheel very often. It feels a bit clunky to switch between functions, and I found it easier to just use my mouse for most tasks.
The Price: At around $200, this is not a budget-friendly keyboard. It's a significant investment, and the software issues make it a little harder to justify the cost.
Final Verdict
So, is the Corsair K100 worth the $200 price tag? I'm honestly on the fence. On one hand, it's a beautifully designed keyboard with a premium feel and incredibly fast performance. The customization options are fantastic, and it looks amazing on my desk, especially with the pudding keycaps.
On the other hand, the freezing and crashing issue is a major red flag. For a premium gaming keyboard, reliability should be a top priority. While I'm hoping it's a one-off issue with my setup, it's something to be aware of.
If you can find it on sale or have the extra cash to spare, the K100 is a fantastic-looking and performing keyboard. However, be prepared for the possibility of some software quirks.
Conclusion
That's my take on the Corsair K100 RGB keyboard. It's a product with a lot of potential, but a few issues hold it back from being a must-buy. What are your thoughts? Have you had a similar experience with Corsair products? Head over to my YouTube channel and let me know in the comments. I'll see you in the next one!
