Performance Part 1

The CORSAIR K100 RGB supports N-key rollover USB out of the box, which tested successfully using Aqua's test. Switch Hitter confirmed no chatter with these keys either, even at 4000 Hz.

When first connected with iCUE installed and running, the keyboard lights up in a spiral rainbow lighting effect, which is the default option for the software profiles. The transition animation is smooth, and the effect is a good demo to also ensure the keyboard is powered on and working properly.


Here is a look at the 44 RGB LED zones that make up LightEdge on the K100. It adds a near-ambient lighting experience with the keyboard that pairs well with their other ambient lighting solutions, as well as other directly lit peripherals and PC components controlled simultaneously with iCUE.


In a separate test via one of the preset multi-color options, I tested for light bleed, and it was definitely present at the common edges because of the floating keycaps, but not to where it is distracting. Indeed, the light show from all the RGB LEDs underneath the keys and the light bar makes for a bigger attention grab anyway. I then manually set all the keys to white using the software driver to test for color fidelity since RGB LEDs have a hard time depicting white, and it was a more accurate-to-color white here than in most cases, even compared to another CORSAIR RGB mechanical keyboard. There was a bug with the drivers when I reviewed the K95 RGB Platinum XT, which made white look more pinkish; it has clearly been resolved since.

Here are some more of the lighting effects demonstrated, including a spiral, rainbow wave, and color pulse, making full use of the hardware and software alike. The hardware drivers powering the keyboard are clearly a step up, with not only the ability to store as many as 200 profiles onboard the device, but also significant lighting effects associated with them. Indeed, there is onboard lighting control with ten effects and further customization options, including color, direction of effect, and speed of effect, for those who want to see what the keyboard is capable of without installing iCUE.



The key-assignment options in iCUE allow for users to also go with layouts other than QWERTY, and here, I used the source code from an older keyboard review in a layout tester (courtesy of Patrick Gillespie). The results above indicate that QWERTY is not even close to the most efficient layout for me, and very likely you as well. If you are willing, try out Colemak or Dvorak as they will result in lower finger travel and fatigue overall. As such, the driver offers a significant functional tool if you are willing to devote some time to adopting either Colemak or Dvorak. Here is the link to the full results if you are interested, including a detailed analysis on key presses and distances moved.