In gaming, the keyboard is a crucial component that often defines your overall experience. The K100 AIR WIRELESS RGB Ultra-Thin Mechanical Gaming Keyboard by Corsair promises innovation with its design and advanced features. Featuring CHERRY MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile switches, this keyboard aims to deliver top-notch performance in an ultra-thin, aesthetically pleasing package. But does it live up to the hype? In this review, we’ll explore its design, performance, and overall value to see if it truly stands out in the crowded market of gaming keyboards.
Specifications
Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Switch Type | CHERRY MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile |
| Dimensions | 11mm thick |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Lighting | RGB, customizable via iCUE software |
| Connectivity | 2.4GHz Wireless, Bluetooth, USB-C Wired |
| Battery Life | Up to 200 hours (RGB off), up to 50 hours (RGB on) |
| Key Rollover | N-key rollover, anti-ghosting |
| Software | Corsair iCUE |
Design and Build Quality
Design and Build Quality
The Corsair K100 Air is impressively thin. At its slimmest point, it measures just 0.43 inches (11mm) and only reaches 0.67 inches (17mm) at its thickest. It lies completely flat, which might initially make you think it has traditional chiclet keys. However, once you start typing, you’ll quickly realize that’s not the case.
Compared to the full-size K100 RGB, the K100 Air compromises very little. Inside its slim design, it features the same powerful AXON processor, which might seem excessive for a keyboard, yet it opens up a range of advanced features. This processor ensures the ultra-fast response times mentioned earlier and enables the creation of intricate custom lighting effects with up to 20 layers, akin to working in Photoshop. Moreover, it includes 8MB of onboard memory, allowing you to store up to 50 different profiles of key mappings and lighting effects, depending on their complexity.
The K100 Air offers more than just its ultra-thin profile. It’s also wireless, featuring full support for Corsair’s Slipstream 2.4GHz technology, which enables wireless connection speeds of up to 2,000Hz—double that of most wired gaming keyboards. Additionally, it’s compatible with both PlayStation 5 and Xbox. The keyboard also supports Bluetooth, allowing you to connect up to three devices and switch between them quickly and reliably. If you prefer a wired connection, you can boost the speed up to 8,000Hz, achieving an impressive 0.125ms of responsiveness.
Typing Experience
Typing Experience
The CHERRY MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile switches provide a satisfying typing experience, balancing responsiveness and feedback. The tactile bump is subtle yet noticeable, making it ideal for both typing and gaming. The key travel is shorter than traditional mechanical switches, which may take some getting used to but ultimately results in faster key presses.
Gaming on the K100 Air Wireless is as satisfying as typing. Features from the standard K100 are included. Choosing between them depends on your preference for the low-profile design or the larger K100’s multifunction dial.
The K100 Air delivers excellent gaming performance. Whether using USB or Slipstream wireless, the connection remains fast and responsive. The wired 8,000Hz polling rate is impressive but exceeds most gamers’ needs. Even at 2,000Hz, the wireless connection doubles the polling rate of most wired gaming keyboards. Corsair invested in top-tier gaming tech. Whether you’re a casual player or an esports pro, keyboard delay won’t cause you to lose a game.
Connectivity and Battery Life
Connectivity and Battery Life
The K100 AIR supports multiple connectivity options, including wireless via 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired mode through USB-C. Switching between devices is seamless, making it ideal for users who need to control multiple systems simultaneously.
Battery life is impressive, with Corsair claiming up to 200 hours of use with RGB lighting off and up to 50 hours with lighting on. This outperforms some competing models, making it a great choice for those who prefer wireless setups without frequent recharging.
Software and Customization
Software and Customization
If you already own other Corsair peripherals, then the K100 Air will seamlessly integrate into your setup via iCUE. It will, of course, appear in your device list, ready for configuration. While accessing its options is straightforward, navigating through them can, however, be a bit tricky. The AXON processor allows for advanced lighting effects and key mapping, though it does have some limitations. When iCUE is running, it nearly unlocks a limitless range of settings and, moreover, allows for deeper Windows integration.
This complexity is reflected in the iCUE interface, which, in fact, presents a wide array of tabs. These include Key Assignments, Hardware Key Assignments, Wireless Lighting Effects, Hardware Lighting, Performance, and Device Settings. “Hardware” settings are stored on the keyboard itself, meaning they will remain intact if you switch computers. However, custom lighting schemes do not automatically carry over between the different tabs. You’ll, therefore, need to save these settings separately and manually import or recreate them if you want them to persist when switching between computers.
Final Verdict
Final Verdict
The Corsair K100 AIR WIRELESS RGB Ultra-Thin Mechanical Gaming Keyboard is a premium product that justifies its price with exceptional build quality, a sleek design, and top-tier performance. Whether you’re a gamer looking for a competitive edge or a professional seeking a stylish and efficient keyboard, the K100 AIR is a compelling choice. Its combination of aesthetics, performance, and versatility makes it one of the best ultra-thin mechanical keyboards available today.
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