Introduction
The Corsair K100 RGB Optical is a high-end gaming keyboard with advanced features to enhance your gaming and typing experience. With its customizable RGB lighting, optical-mechanical switches, and ergonomic design, the K100 is a worthy investment for any serious gamer or power user. This article will deeply dive into the key features, performance, pros and cons, and frequently asked questions about this impressive keyboard.
Key Features
Optical-Mechanical Switches
The Corsair K100 RGB Optical boasts state-of-the-art optical-mechanical switches, providing rapid response times and superior durability to conventional mechanical switches. Using a light beam to determine when you hit a key, these switches work fast and can handle 100 million keystrokes. Crazy, right?
Customizable RGB Lighting
A proper gaming keyboard would only be complete with customizable RGB lighting. The K100 comes with per-key RGB backlighting, allowing you to create a personalized light show or match the lighting with your gaming setup. You can choose from various preset lighting effects or create your own using the iCUE Software.
PBT Double-shot Keycaps
The K100 features PBT double-shot keycaps, known for their durability and resistance to wear, ensuring that your keyboard will look new for years. In addition, these keycaps provide a textured surface, giving you a superior grip and feel during intense gaming sessions.
Macro and Media Keys
For added convenience, the Corsair K100 RGB Optical includes six dedicated macro keys and dedicated media controls. The macro keys can be customized using the iCUE Software, allowing you to create powerful macros and shortcuts to improve your gameplay and productivity.
iCUE Software
Corsair’s iCUE Software is a powerful tool that allows you to customize and control your K100’s RGB lighting, macro keys, and other settings. With the iCUE Software, you can easily create complex lighting effects, sync your keyboard with other Corsair RGB devices, and fine-tune your macros.
USB Passthrough
The K100 also includes a convenient USB passthrough port, allowing you to connect peripherals, such as a mouse or headset, directly to your keyboard. This feature reduces cable clutter and frees up valuable USB ports on your computer.
Detachable Wrist Rest
The Corsair K100 RGB Optical comes with a detachable wrist rest to ensure maximum comfort during long gaming sessions. This plush, cushioned wrist rest provides excellent support and can be easily removed.
Performance
Gaming Experience
The Corsair K100 RGB Optical offers an exceptional gaming experience thanks to its optical-mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting, and dedicated macro keys. The fast actuation and responsiveness of the controls provide an edge in competitive gaming, allowing you to execute commands quickly and accurately. The customizable macro keys are also valuable for gamers who want to create custom shortcuts and in-game macros.
Typing Experience
When typing, the K100 delivers a satisfying and comfortable experience. The PBT double-shot keycaps offer a textured surface that enhances grip and reduces finger fatigue during extended typing sessions. The tactile feedback from the optical-mechanical switches is also pleasant, balancing a crisp typing feel and a quiet operation. The detachable wrist rest improves the typing experience by providing additional support and comfort.
Pros and Cons
Conclusion
The Corsair K100 RGB Optical is a premier gaming keyboard, boasting many features and exceptional performance. Equipped with optical-mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting, PBT double-shot keycaps, and dedicated macro keys, the K100 caters to dedicated gamers and power users. Despite the steep price and potentially challenging iCUE Software, the keyboard’s stellar performance and build quality justify it as a valuable investment.
FAQs
What type of switches does the Corsair K100 RGB Optical use?
The Corsair K100 RGB Optical uses optical-mechanical switches, which offer faster actuation and improved durability compared to traditional mechanical switches.
Can I customize the RGB lighting on the Corsair K100?
Yes, the Corsair K100 features customizable per-key RGB backlighting. You can use the iCUE Software to choose from preset lighting effects or create your custom effects.
Does the Corsair K100 have dedicated macro keys?
Yes, the Corsair K100 includes six dedicated macro keys that can be customized using the iCUE Software.
Is the wrist rest on the Corsair K100 detachable?
Yes, the Corsair K100 has a detachable wrist rest that provides comfort and support during long gaming or typing sessions.
Is the Corsair K100 compatible with other Corsair RGB devices?
Yes, the Corsair K100 is compatible with other Corsair RGB devices, allowing you to sync your keyboard’s lighting with your other RGB peripherals using the iCUE Software.
