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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Jimios - Saturday, November 21, 2020 - link
https://mechanicalkeyboards.com/shop/index.php?l=p...https://candykeys.com/category:mechanical-keyboard...
https://www.reddit.com/r/MechanicalKeyboards/wiki/...
They're a little harder to find than the mainstream stuff, but worth it IMO.
mrvco - Thursday, November 19, 2020 - link
I would love to try these switches, but the aesthetic of this atrocity is straight out of my worst RGB-lit bro-mares. And then there's that wrist rest. Just sell the switches and I'll take care of the rest.Thayios - Thursday, November 19, 2020 - link
Loved this keyboard so much that I bought a second one for Christmas for my SIL.I have Rheumatoid Arthritis and normally need an ergonomic keyboard...no more.
The key travel is so fast I had to pace myself in games from leaning on the keys like I used to.
Will I ever go back to clacking mechanical after using these? NEVER
Sound wise they are very muted and not extremely loud like I anticipated. I work/game right next to my other half and she doesn't complain at all but hates Cherry Reds in the old keyboard.
balamacab - Thursday, November 19, 2020 - link
When you spend so many time of your day typing in a keyboard (or using one), been writing, programming or gaming maybe 230 USD is not that much for a better experience.I my self use a tenkeyless brown switch keyboard as my daily driver; my keyboard wasn't cheap but is durable as a rock, it can be fixed easily (exchanging switches or keycaps) and the typing experience is great. It's almost a keyboard for a lifetime.
You can decide if you prefer to spend 50 - 100 usd from now and then to buy a new keyboard or 230 for one that last an outlast more than a normal keyboard.
sonny73n - Friday, November 20, 2020 - link
I'm sure this overpriced keyboard will break long before my 9 years old Ducky will.Machinus - Thursday, November 19, 2020 - link
The switch base is completely unshielded on all sides. Ignoring decades of mechanical design best practices isn't going to lead to a lot of sales.FunBunny2 - Friday, November 20, 2020 - link
do you mean electrically or mechanically? the former shouldn't matter, and the latter isn't necessarily useful. my dasKeyboard has the usual facia covering the bottom of the keys, and it fills up with gunk in no time flat. blowing it out isn't very effective, since the gunk has to come out of the teeny, tiny spaces between the keys and the facia. the open design here is much easier to clean, like blowing leaves off a driveway.Dug - Thursday, November 19, 2020 - link
Another non ergonomic keyboard that requires a wrist rest, making this a giant monstrosity for gamerz!!I wish companies would stop with the unnecessary tall height keycaps and also make the base thinner so we don't need the unnecessary wrist rest.
Dug - Thursday, November 19, 2020 - link
And get rid of the numpad!! Another ergonomic nightmare when you have to put your mouse further right than it needs to be.drexnx - Thursday, November 19, 2020 - link
uh, no, don't do this. Anyone that has to type a lot of numbers in will be pissed. Tenkeys are so much better for number entry than the top row...