The Corsair Gaming K100 RGB Keyboard Review: Optical-Mechanical Masterpiece
by E. Fylladitakis on November 19, 2020 8:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Peripherals
- Corsair
- Mechanical Keyboards
- RGB
Conclusion
The K100 RGB is the keyboard that Corsair developed as the successor to their highly successful K95 RGB Platinum. Even though most companies would be content with releasing a new product with just one additional feature or a subtle design change, Corsair overhauled several key components of the keyboard. Thus, the K100 RGB ditches traditional mechanical keys entirely, and is instead based around new optical-mechanical switches. Coupled with that is a much more powerful processor, a second rotary wheel, more iCUE configuration options and support for the Elgato software, and even a better wrist rest to round out Corsair's premium keyboard package.
The switch to optical-mechanical switche is a significant and beneficial one, but it does come with a learning curve. In order to maximize the potential of the K100 RGB, users need to press the keys softly, so that the keycap will move only a little more than a millimeter below its resting point. It takes quite a bit of time for someone who is used to a typical mechanical or, worse, membrane keyboard to acclimate to the delicate OPX switches. However, once that happens, I find that the OPX switches are more comfortable and feel more responsive than any mechanical switch available today.
The quality of the K100 RGB is, as we expected, fantastic. Overall, the keyboard is made of very high quality materials, with a very rigid frame and an excellent assembly job inside and around it. The new OPX switches also are naturally more reliable because of the replacement of mechanical parts (contacts) with electronics (optical sensors). Our only concern lies with the softness of the wrist rest, as it can be damaged with relative ease.
Aesthetics are a subjective matter, yet we believe that the Corsair K100 RGB has something to offer to nearly everyone. Its design and lighting configurability allow for the end user to decide whether they want to keep things traditional or go for an extravagant, colorful scheme. No matter what direction one decides to go, the impeccable craftsmanship of the K100 RGB is always going to be evident.
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. Nevertheless, the $230 retail price is is truly a premium price, and most users can probably get the job done with a good keyboard that costs significantly less. If, however, what you want is one of the most versatile keyboards available, then the Corsair K100 RGB should definitely be on your shortlist.
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lilkwarrior - Thursday, November 19, 2020 - link
Stuff like a Kinesis Advantage 2 cost way more. This price of this keyboard is more than fair.Showtime - Monday, November 23, 2020 - link
I'd say is it worth the premium over other kb's. People don't buy new cars just because they are new. They usually buy it because it does something better than their old car. Sometimes it's simplly a better/lower payment lol.I'm curious if this would be as bullet proof as those old IBM Model M. Indestructible due to them using optical switches. Could be worth it if the feel is great, and it's the last kb you'll ever need.
werpu - Tuesday, December 1, 2020 - link
Well even if money is no issue quality is, and that is where 2 of 3 hardware items I bought from corsair in the recent past failed on me. A keyboard which had lousy keycaps, a headset which developed weird issues after the warranty period and some ram which fortunately still works. With the money Corsair asks for their keyboards you can expect quality, but not that you can expect quality after shelling out another bunch of dozends of bucks for their overpriced double shot caps which should have been integrated in the first place!Monty_Python - Friday, November 20, 2020 - link
No worse than dropping $1500+ on a GPU.grant3 - Friday, November 20, 2020 - link
Is your problem with THIS keyboard costing $230, or do you simply refuse to spend that much for ANY keyboard?If the latter, then you are blessed to be satisfied with cheaper alternatives. Let the rest of us enjoy our niche keyboard purchases in peace.
YB1064 - Saturday, November 21, 2020 - link
I refuse to spend $230 on any freaking keyboard. You can get a decent keyboard for less than forty bucks. I can't tell the difference. Let me enjoy my proletarian choices.sonny73n - Monday, November 23, 2020 - link
"Let the rest of us enjoy our niche keyboard..."No, I'm not one of you irresponsible imbecile.
Azethoth - Monday, December 14, 2020 - link
No, you are an inconsequential prole. Trolling the comments with dumb nonsense, hoping to get a hit of adrenaline and recognition.Beaver M. - Monday, November 23, 2020 - link
I would be fine spending this much on a keyboard if it was worth it. You know, reliable and robust for many many years, so that you dont even have to buy it as often as a new monitor, as it was not too long ago. But it isnt. Its as much a trash-bin product as the cheaper ones. They even claim their mechanical crap lasts longer than rubber domes, yet they dont.Paying that much for a product like this is just pure and utter stupidity. And not only for yourself.
Azethoth - Monday, December 14, 2020 - link
The original Corsair Kxx keyboards had quality issues. All the LEDs died, rapidly, but the keys kept working. The ones I got since then have been fine. There has not been enough time to see if they will physically break down yet so I have no way to evaluate your claims.