ReviewFinder Gaming Keyboards

Corsair K100 Air

TLDR: The Corsair K100 Air Wireless keyboard is a durable and versatile option for gamers and professionals who prioritize a fast and responsive typing and gaming experience with a low profile design, featuring Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting, and stable connectivity options.
Ranking:  
Consumer sentiment:
In comparison:
Corsair K100 Air rank #45 out of 132. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.3
Amazing

The product receives amazing reviews on average (consumer score 9.3). This is slightly above the median gaming keyboard score of 9.1.

About consumer score

Price:
The lowest price we found for Corsair K100 Air is $243.75, available here. This is above the median gaming keyboard price of $109.99.
  • Lowest price: $33.59
  • Median price: $109.99
  • Highest price: $499.95
  • Corsair K100 Air price: $243.75
Shop now
Expand
ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.

Expert consensus

The Corsair K100 Air Wireless keyboard is a durable and versatile option for gamers and professionals who prioritize a fast and responsive typing and gaming experience with a low profile design, featuring Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile mechanical switches, customizable RGB lighting, and stable connectivity options.

The Corsair K100 Air Wireless keyboard is a well-designed and durable keyboard that is ideal for gamers and professionals who prioritize a fast and responsive typing and gaming experience with a low profile design. It features Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile mechanical switches that provide a satisfying mechanical switch feel, and customizable RGB lighting with extensive customization options available through Corsair's iCUE software.

The keyboard offers stable connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Corsair's Slipstream USB receiver, and USB-C for wired means, and is compatible with various operating systems and gaming platforms. The Corsair K100 Air Wireless keyboard is a versatile and compatible option for users who require a high-performance keyboard with extensive customization and control.

Design

The Corsair K100 Air is a wireless keyboard with a sturdy aluminum frame, customizable RGB lighting, and dedicated media controls, making it a great option for gamers and professionals.

The Corsair K100 Air is a well-designed keyboard with a minimalistic aesthetic and a sturdy aluminum frame that contributes to its premium look and feel. Its low-profile design and ultra-low profile keys make it comfortable to type on for extended periods of time. The keyboard also features customizable RGB lighting, with pre-built profiles and advanced customization options available through Corsair's iCUE software.

The lighting is generally described as good, with bright colors from across the spectrum. The K100 Air also has dedicated media controls and a volume roller on the top of the frame for quick adjustments during gaming or day-to-day tasks. It is a wireless keyboard with both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz Slipstream technology available, making it a great choice for anyone that frequently travels.

What are the design and aesthetics features of Corsair K100 Air?

According to product experts in ReviewFinder database, the Corsair K100 Air has a minimalistic aesthetic with a brushed aluminum frame, a low-profile design, and keycaps that sit barely above the board itself, making it a beautiful and elegant keyboard. Its RGB lighting is flexible, and its basic functions can be adjusted even without resorting to dedicated software. The keyboard's design is well-made and rigid, with no real discernable flexing despite being really thin. It has a sturdy aluminum frame, with a brushed metal surface that contributes to the premium aesthetic. There is also a range of dedicated media controls on the top of the frame for quick adjustments during intense gaming sessions, as well as general quality-of-life improvements during day-to-day tasks.
Based on 13 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

What materials are used in the construction of Corsair K100 Air, and how do they affect its build quality and durability?

The Corsair K100 Air features a sturdy aluminum frame with a brushed metal surface, which contributes to its premium aesthetic and build quality. According to product experts on geekawhat.com and Digital Trends, the keyboard is well-made and rigid, with no real discernible flexing despite being really thin. This inspires confidence that it will last for thousands of gaming sessions and workdays. The aluminum frame also ensures that the keyboard can survive any bumps and bashes it may take during transit, making it a great choice for anyone that frequently travels.
Based on 12 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

What are the distinctive design features or elements of Corsair K100 Air?

The Corsair K100 Air has a distinctive low-profile design, with a brushed aluminum frame that gives it a premium look. The keys are ultra-low profile, similar to those found on some laptops, and sit just a smidge above the board itself. The keyboard also features RGB lighting, which can be customized with the iCUE software, and there are dedicated media keys and a volume roller on the top of the frame for quick adjustments during gaming. Additionally, the K100 Air is a wireless keyboard, with both Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz Slipstream technology available.
Based on 15 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

How does the size and weight of Corsair K100 Air impact its overall design and usability?

According to product experts, the Corsair K100 Air has a low-profile design and is only 17mm thick, making it much thinner than traditional mechanical keyboards. Despite its thinness, it has an important weight due to its elegant and robust body made of brushed aluminum, which adds to its overall durability and stability. The keyboard is also full-sized but doesn't take up more space than necessary. These features make it comfortable to type on and easy to use for extended periods of time.
Based on 16 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Corsair K100 Air keyboard offer customizable lighting options, and if so, how does it perform in terms of brightness, color accuracy, and ease of use?

Yes, the Corsair K100 Air keyboard offers customizable lighting options, including per-key RGB lighting. According to reviews from PCMag, Trusted Reviews, Review Geek, and Tom's Hardware, the lighting options are plentiful and can be customized for color and animation speed. The keyboard also has pre-built RGB lighting profiles, and Corsair's iCUE software allows for advanced customization, including the ability to create complex light designs with up to 20 layers and sync the keyboard with other Corsair products. As for performance, the brightness of the RGB lighting is generally described as good, but not as bright or shiny as some alternatives. However, according to Trusted Reviews, the RGB lighting on the K100 Air looks fantastic with bright colors from across the spectrum. In terms of color accuracy, there is no specific information available in the reviews. Ease of use is generally described as relatively easy, with key assignments, performance, and lighting effects all able to be adjusted with relative ease according to the PCMag review. The K100 Air also has onboard storage, which allows for 50 profiles to be created and saved directly to the keyboard.
Based on 8 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Switches

The Corsair K100 Air keyboard features Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile mechanical switches that provide a fast and satisfying typing and gaming experience with a low profile design.

The Corsair K100 Air keyboard uses Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile mechanical switches that provide a fast, familiar, and satisfying mechanical switch feel. The actuation force of the switches is 65g, and the pre-travel is 0.8mm, registering key presses long before the full travel of 1.8mm.

The switches are durable and long-lasting, rated for up to 50 million keystrokes with no loss of quality. The typing and gaming experience is comparable to the best mechanical keyboards on the market, despite the switches and keycaps being as thin as those found on some laptops. The reduction in travel distance and overall profile of the keyboard makes typing and gaming more comfortable and efficient, especially for those who prefer a linear switch.

However, some reviewers have noted that it may take some time to adjust to the thinner design, and the scissor switches may not be ideal for some gamers.

What type of switches are used in the Corsair K100 Air keyboard?

The Corsair K100 Air keyboard uses Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile Tactile mechanical switches. These switches are low profile and provide a fast, familiar, and satisfying mechanical switch feel according to reviews on Tom's Hardware, Creative Bloq, Trusted Reviews, and prress.com.
Based on 6 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the actuation force of the switches in Corsair K100 Air?

According to reviews on ReviewFinder, the Corsair K100 Air uses Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile switches with an actuation force of 65g.
Based on 7 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

What is the response time of the switches used in Corsair K100 Air?

The K100 Air uses Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile (ULP) Tactiles switches, and according to TechRadar, the pre-travel is 0.8mm, so key presses are registering long before the full travel of 1.8mm. The keyboard is also bundled with Corsair’s Axon hyper-processing tech, which means it features a much higher polling rate than more standard keyboards, offering an exceptionally fast and responsive connection. The wired 8,000Hz polling rate is cutting edge (although largely overkill since no human can press 8,000 keys a second). Wireless isn’t quite as fast at 2,000Hz, but doubles the polling rate of most wired gaming keyboards available today.
Based on 10 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are the switches in the Corsair K100 Air durable and long-lasting?

Yes, the Corsair K100 Air uses high-quality switches that are rated for up to 50 million keystrokes with no loss of quality, according to hwbusters.com's review. The switches also have a tactile feedback which provides acoustic feedback and the total travel of the switch is relatively high, given the ultra-thin profile, at 1.8 mm.
Based on 2 quotes from 2 sources [show quotes and sources]

How do the switches in the Corsair K100 Air keyboard affect the overall typing and gaming experience?

According to various product reviews in ReviewFinder database, the Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile scissor switches used in the Corsair K100 Air keyboard provide a tactile response and a short response time per press. The key actuation distance is 0.8mm and travel distance is 1.8mm. The typing experience is comparable to the best mechanical keyboards on the market despite the switches and keycaps being as thin as those found on some laptops. The reduction in travel distance and overall profile of the keyboard makes typing and gaming more comfortable and efficient, especially for those who prefer a linear switch. However, some reviewers have noted that it may take some time to adjust to the thinner design, and the scissor switches may not be ideal for some gamers.
Based on 15 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

Customization

The Corsair K100 Air keyboard offers extensive customization options for both RGB lighting and programmable keys, making it ideal for gamers and power users who require a high level of customization and control over their keyboard.

The Corsair K100 Air keyboard offers extensive customization options for both RGB lighting and programmable keys. The per-key RGB lighting can be customized with up to 20 layers of programmable lighting, and there are 11 preset RGB effects that can be customized for color and animation speed.

The keyboard also has six programmable macro keys and allows for every key to be programmed and remapped, including the volume wheel. The Corsair iCUE software enables users to assign macros, key strings, launch programs, change profiles, and even control the mouse by assigning those functions. The software also allows users to create complex lighting designs with up to 20 layers, set key macros, and sync the K100 up with other Corsair products.

The keyboard has 50 profiles that can be created and saved thanks to the 8MB of onboard storage. While the software may take some time to get used to, the customization options for the Corsair K100 Air keyboard seem to be extensive, with no major limitations or difficulties reported. This keyboard is ideal for gamers and power users who require a high level of customization and control over their keyboard.

What level of RGB lighting customization is available on the Corsair K100 Air?

The Corsair K100 Air offers per-key RGB lighting with up to 20 layers of programmable lighting, which can be customized using Corsair's iCUE software. There are 11 preset RGB effects that can be customized for color and animation speed, including rainbow, breathe, and reactive lighting. There are also five custom options: Gradient, Ripple, Solid, Static Color, and Wave. These can be completely tailored with personalized gradients, lighting tails, loop modes, and velocity settings. You can also adjust the lighting on a per-key basis, and set up custom lighting profiles. According to some product reviews, the RGB lighting looks fantastic, with bright colors from right across the spectrum.
Based on 11 quotes from 10 sources [show quotes and sources]

How many programmable keys does the Corsair K100 Air have and to what extent can they be customized?

The Corsair K100 Air has six programmable macro keys located on the left side of the keyboard, which can be programmed to perform custom key combinations, launch applications, or execute complex macros. Additionally, the keyboard allows for every key to be programmed and remapped, including the volume wheel. The Corsair iCUE software enables users to assign macros, key strings, launch programs, change profiles, and even control the mouse by assigning those functions. According to PCMag, the key assignments, performance, and lighting effects can be adjusted with relative ease, and the K100 Air features 50 profiles that can be created and saved directly to the keyboard, thanks to the 8MB of onboard storage.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Can the RGB lighting and programmable keys on the Corsair K100 Air be synced and controlled through software?

Yes, the RGB lighting and programmable keys on the Corsair K100 Air can be synced and controlled through the iCUE software. According to several product reviews in our database, the iCUE software allows users to adjust multiple settings, including per-key RGB lighting, custom macros, and save custom profiles directly onto the device. The iCUE software even enables you to sync the RGB lighting effects with other iCUE compatible devices, providing some uniformity to your gaming setup.
Based on 14 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Are there any unique customization features that are exclusive to Corsair K100 Air?

Yes, the Corsair K100 Air has several unique customization features that are exclusive to it. For instance, the keyboard has 6 programmable macro keys that can be customized to perform various functions. Additionally, the K100 Air has per-key RGB lighting that can be customized using Corsair's iCUE software. The software also allows users to create complex lighting designs with up to 20 layers, set key macros, and sync the K100 up with other Corsair products right from your Mac or Windows PC.
Based on 3 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

How easy is it to customize the RGB lighting and programmable keys on the Corsair K100 Air keyboard, and are there any limitations or difficulties in doing so?

According to product experts, the Corsair K100 Air keyboard is highly customizable, and the iCUE software allows users to adjust multiple settings, including lighting, performance, and custom profiles. The per-key RGB lighting can be adjusted, and custom profiles can be saved directly onto the device. Additionally, the keyboard has 50 profiles that can be created and saved thanks to the 8MB of onboard storage. Users can also create complex light designs with up to 20 layers using iCUE. However, some reviewers note that the software can be involved and may take some time to get used to. Overall, the customization options for the Corsair K100 Air keyboard seem to be extensive, with no major limitations or difficulties reported.
Based on 13 quotes from 11 sources [show quotes and sources]

Connectivity

The Corsair K100 Air keyboard offers multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Corsair's Slipstream USB receiver, and USB-C for wired means, making it a versatile keyboard for various use cases.

The Corsair K100 Air keyboard offers multiple connectivity options, including Bluetooth, Corsair's Slipstream USB receiver, and USB-C for wired means. It can connect with up to five devices wirelessly and change between them on the fly, making it perfect for users who need to switch between multiple devices quickly.

The Slipstream wireless technology provides a low-latency wireless connectivity option with sub-1ms response times, making it ideal for gaming. The keyboard is also compatible with PS5 and Xbox gaming consoles. Users can plug it in with the USB-C cable and turn on the 8,000Hz polling rate in Corsair iCue for the best performance.

What are the connectivity options available for Corsair K100 Air?

Corsair K100 Air offers multiple connectivity options such as Bluetooth, Corsair's Slipstream USB receiver, and USB-C for wired means. It also supports connections over either 2.4GHz with the Slipstream wireless dongle or via Bluetooth 4.2. The keyboard can connect with up to five devices wirelessly and change between them on the fly. Additionally, it is compatible with PS5 and Xbox gaming consoles. According to some reviews, if you want the best performance, you can plug it in with the USB-C cable and turn on the 8,000Hz polling rate in Corsair iCue.
Based on 9 quotes from 7 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Corsair K100 Air keyboard wireless or wired?

The Corsair K100 Air keyboard is both wireless and wired. It features three ways to connect to up to five different devices – Via sub-1ms SLIPSTREAM WIRELESS on PC or Mac, low-latency Bluetooth on up to three host devices, or USB wired with AXON 8,000Hz hyper-polling, for hyper-fast wireless versatility.
Based on 5 quotes from 4 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Corsair K100 Air have USB connectivity?

Yes, the Corsair K100 Air has USB connectivity. It can be connected via USB-C for wired means.
Based on 10 quotes from 8 sources [show quotes and sources]

How is the stability of the connectivity options of Corsair K100 Air?

According to product reviews on Review Geek, Trusted Reviews, Pocket-lint, PCWorld, and Tom's Hardware, the Corsair K100 Air offers stable connectivity options, including Slipstream wireless via a USB dongle, Bluetooth, and USB-C for wired means. The Slipstream wireless technology provides a low-latency wireless connectivity option with sub-1ms response times, making it perfect for gaming. Additionally, the keyboard can connect to up to 5 devices at once, making it easy to switch between devices in seconds. Users can also use the keyboard via Bluetooth or the bundled USB-C cable for charging. Overall, the Corsair K100 Air has various connectivity options to allow for stable connections.
Based on 13 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Compatibility

The Corsair K100 Air Wireless keyboard is compatible with various operating systems and gaming platforms, and requires Corsair's iCUE software for full customization and control.

The Corsair K100 Air Wireless keyboard is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iPadOS, Android, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. It can also work with ChromeOS and Linux, although the experience may vary. The keyboard is designed to work with different gaming platforms, such as PCs, Macs, mobile devices, Xbox, and PlayStation consoles.

To unlock its full functionality, the Corsair K100 Air requires Corsair's iCUE software, which offers a wide range of options and gaming features. While the software is not necessary for basic use, it provides full customization and control over the keyboard. The iCUE software is quite large, over a gigabyte to download, but it is a feature-rich program that enhances the keyboard's performance and features.

Overall, the Corsair K100 Air Wireless keyboard is a versatile and compatible option for gamers and users who require a high-performance keyboard.

Which operating systems are compatible with the Corsair K100 Air?

According to reviewed.usatoday.com, the Corsair K100 Air Wireless has built-in support for Windows and Apple platforms (macOS, iPadOS), Android, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. ChromeOS and Linux are also unofficially supported, though your experience may vary.
Based on 7 quotes from 6 sources [show quotes and sources]

Is the Corsair K100 Air designed to work with any specific gaming platforms?

The Corsair K100 Air Wireless keyboard is designed to work with various gaming platforms, including PCs, Macs, mobile devices, as well as Xbox and PlayStation consoles, according to a product review on Creative Bloq.
Based on 4 quotes from 3 sources [show quotes and sources]

Does the Corsair K100 Air require any additional software or drivers for full compatibility?

According to reviews, the Corsair K100 Air uses Corsair's iCUE software to unlock its full functionality. While it's technically not required for basic use, you would be leaving performance and features on the table if you don't use it. The software offers a huge array of options and gaming features. It's also worth noting that the iCUE software is quite large, over a gigabyte to download. However, it's a feature-rich program that provides full customization and control over the keyboard.
Based on 12 quotes from 9 sources [show quotes and sources]

Expert Reviews

There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Below are their opinions.

ReviewFinder database has 18 expert reviews of Corsair K100 Air.

Expert reviews [18]

80
Total expert reviews: 18
  • with a score: 12
  • without a score: 6
Highest score by Creative Bloq
96
Average score based on 18 reviews
80
Lowest score by Digital Trends
60

Score distribution:

80-100
60-80
40-60
20-40
0-20

Best Alternatives

3 best gaming keyboards in the same price range as Corsair K100 Air

Scroll to see all options. Click on the gaming keyboard for more details.
Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro Corsair K70 Max Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro
Reviews
In comparison:
Corsair K70 Max rank #13 out of 179. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.7
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro rank #19 out of 179.
Go to rankings
7.7
Good
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro is a customizable and durable mechanical gaming keyboard with two switch options and extensive RGB lighting and programmable key options.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro keyboard is a customizable and well-built option for gamers and professionals, with per-key RGB lighting, low-profile optical switches, and stable connectivity options.
More product details More product details More product details
Gaming Keyboards above are offered because they are in the same price range as Corsair K100 Air. To browse more budget and premium gaming keyboards go to our gaming keyboard ranking .

Position in ranking

We maintain a monthly ranking that sums up expert recommendations for all gaming keyboards.

Rank Change Price Gaming Keyboard
Digital Trends
Laptop Mag
Tom's Hardware
PC Gamer
TechRadar
PCMag
GamesRadar+
T3
Rtings.com
Tom's Guide
1
- $190
Asus ROG Azoth
The Asus ROG Azoth gaming keyboard is a highly customizable and durable keyboard with hot-swappable ROG NX mechanical switches, extensive RGB lighting, and multiple connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for gamers who prioritize a solid and stable typing experience.
6
-
7
6
11
11
1
-
-
-
2
- $150
Corsair K70 RGB TKL
The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is a highly customizable and versatile gaming keyboard with per-key addressable RGB lighting, a compact size, and extensive customization options through Corsair's iCUE software, making it suitable for gamers, programmers, and content creators who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and personalization.
4
-
-
-
-
-
9
4
3
6
3
+19 $190
Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
-
1
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
5
4
- $179
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is a high-quality gaming keyboard with customizable OLED display, RGB lighting, and SteelSeries' new and improved OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches, offering extensive customization options for a personalized gaming experience.
-
-
6
-
7
-
-
-
1
-
Show all rows
Corsair K100 Air did not receive any endorsements this month.

Highest recommended gaming keyboards this month

ReviewFinder ranks based on a combination of customer reviews, expert reviews / mentions and popularity. Expert recommendations carry the highest weight in the ranking. We do not rank based on price, our commission or brand. gaming keyboards below are at the top of our ranking this April.

Scroll to see all options. Click on the gaming keyboard for more details.
Asus ROG Azoth Corsair K70 RGB TKL Razer BlackWidow V4 75% SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL
Reviews
In comparison:
Asus ROG Azoth rank #1 out of 179. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.1
Great
Reviews
In comparison:
Corsair K70 RGB TKL rank #2 out of 179. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
9.5
Amazing
Reviews
We don't yet have enough review information for Razer BlackWidow V4 75%
Reviews
In comparison:
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL rank #4 out of 179. Very high levels of customer satisfaction.
Go to rankings
8.3
Great
The Asus ROG Azoth gaming keyboard is a highly customizable and durable keyboard with hot-swappable ROG NX mechanical switches, extensive RGB lighting, and multiple connectivity options, making it a versatile choice for gamers who prioritize a solid and stable typing experience. The Corsair K70 RGB TKL is a highly customizable and versatile gaming keyboard with per-key addressable RGB lighting, a compact size, and extensive customization options through Corsair's iCUE software, making it suitable for gamers, programmers, and content creators who prioritize speed, responsiveness, and personalization.
Expert consensus not yet generated.
The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL is a high-quality gaming keyboard with customizable OLED display, RGB lighting, and SteelSeries' new and improved OmniPoint 2.0 adjustable mechanical switches, offering extensive customization options for a personalized gaming experience.
More product details More product details More product details More product details
ReviewFinder: reviews, prices and alternatives summarized by a powerful AI engine.