2022 is shaping as much as be the yr of the low profile mechanical keyboards. Earlier this yr, Razer refreshed its Deathstalker lineup with the low profile DeathStalker V2 Pro. The Nuphy Air75 (opens in new tab) and Air60 (opens in new tab) have been making waves throughout Instagram. Logitech launched its slim MX Mechanical Keyboard, and now Corsair is again within the sport with the Corsair K100 Air Wireless. The K100 Air is an ultra-thin gaming keyboard that makes few sacrifices in comparison with the very best gaming keyboards, that are sometimes a lot taller. In truth, it provides options with Slipstream wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity with as much as three units, an 8,000Hz (0.125ms) polling fee over USB, and Cherry’s newest Ultra Low Profile Tactile switches. Add in battery life that stretches as much as 200 hours and this may occasionally simply be among the finest wi-fi keyboards too. It doesn’t come low-cost at $279.99, however it is a distinctive keyboard with quite a bit to supply avid gamers and typists alike. Corsair K100 Air Wireless Specs
Switches Cherry MX Ultra Low ProfileLightingPer-key RGB (as much as 20 layers)Onboard Storage Up to 50 profilesMedia Keys Yes (Dedicated)Connectivity USB Type-C, Bluetooth, Slipstream WirelessPolling Rate8,000HzBattery LifeUp to 50 hours with RGB backlighting, 200 hours with backlighting turned offAdditional Ports NoneKeycaps Laser-etched ABSConstructionAluminum high plate, plastic shellSoftware Corsair iCUEDimensions (LxWxH) 17.3 x 6.15 x 0.67 inchesWeight 1.72 kilos
Design of the Corsair K100 Air WirelessThe Corsair K100 Air is shockingly skinny. At its thinnest level, it’s solely 0.43 inches (11mm) and will get to a mere 0.67 inches (17mm) at its thickest. It lays utterly flat, and at first glace you could possibly be forgiven for considering it was outfitted with quaint chiclet keys. Type on it, although, and also you’ll rapidly notice you had been mistaken.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)The K100 Air is the primary keyboard we’ve reviewed to function Cherry’s new Ultra Low Profile (ULP) Tactile switches. They’re an enormous departure from conventional MX switches, using a spring and pair of metallic wings to connect to the keycap, however handle to supply almost 2mm of journey and satisfying tactilty. At solely 3.5mm in whole peak, they’re the proper selection for a keyboard like this and permit the keycaps to take a seat a lot nearer to the plate than another low profile mechanical keyboard we’ve seen.Image 1 of two(Image credit score: Corsair)(Image credit score: Corsair)The keyboard affords extra tips than simply its thinness. It’s additionally wi-fi, with full help for Corsair’s Slipstream 2.4GHz tech, permitting for wi-fi connections speeds as much as 2,000 Hz — twice that of most wired gaming keyboards, and is suitable with each PlayStation 5 and Xbox. It helps Bluetooth with as much as three units that may swapped between connections on the fly (rapidly and reliably, I’d add). And if you happen to select to maintain the wire, you may push the connection velocity all the way in which as much as 8,000 Hz, unlocking 0.125ms of responsiveness. Compared to the full-size K100 RGB, the Air lacks nearly nothing. Inside of its svelte chassis, it makes use of the identical AXON processor. It’s an overkill keyboard CPU if ever there was one, however opens the door to numerous performance. This processor unlocks these quick response occasions described above and permits you create customized lighting results with as much as 20 Photoshop-like layers. It additionally comes with 8MB of onboard storage to avoid wasting as much as 50 separate profiles of keymaps and results (relying on their complexity). The K100 Air is beneficiant with battery life. With RGB enabled, Corsair quotes as much as 50 hours of runtime. Turn RGB off and that jumps as much as 200 hours. Lighting is a selected deal with with this keyboard, and I made full use of it: most brightness, a number of layers of results, the entire time. After every week of each day use, I’m solely now arising on my first recharge. When it does run dry, it may be replenished in 3-5 hours relying on if you happen to’re additionally utilizing it whereas it’s charging.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)Remove the low profile design, and the keyboard is instantly recognizable as a Corsair flagship. It options the identical brushed aluminum high plate we’ve seen on its prior keyboards (it’s simply as onerous to wash right here), in addition to devoted media buttons and an aluminum quantity wheel above the quantity pad. There’s a shiny panel within the heart that showcases a backlit emblem and hides its totally different indicator LEDs once they’re not in use. To the left are three extra buttons for altering profiles, adjusting the brightness of the backlighting, and turning on Windows Lock for when it’s time to sport. Along the again fringe of the keyboard is an on/off change (which must be ON when typing, even when related over USB), a USB Type-C port to attach the braided USB cable, and a cutout to retailer the two.4GHz dongle when it’s not in use. There are not any extra ports or connections for headsets, which is a disgrace. But if you happen to’re utilizing a number of Corsair peripherals, its Multipoint performance will will let you use that very same dongle to connect with a headset and mouse and save on USB ports, so it pays to maintain it within the household.The backside of the keyboard is made from plastic however is sturdy and trimmed with eye-catching shiny triangles. I’m truly shocked at how little flex this keyboard has for its skinny body, even when pressed from the again. There’s a pair of two-stage tilt toes to set the keyboard up at shorter or greater angles, however even the best remains to be very slight. I want a little bit of tilt, so I appreciated even this minor angle adjustment. Combined with the general slimness of the design, utilizing a palm relaxation wasn’t vital.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)Returning to the entrance, the keycaps do a great job of exhibiting the per-key RGB backlighting evenly by way of the legends. The lights aren’t as vibrant because the full-size K100, however they nonetheless look excellent, particularly in low gentle. The keycaps are customary laser-etched ABS, however really feel good to make use of and sound nice on the Cherry MX ULP switches. Corsair didn’t describe any particular coating or remedy getting used on these, so they may present indicators of wear and tear and tear (shine) over prolonged use. A phrase of warning: Do not attempt to take away these keycaps. Corsair suggested us forward of the evaluation that eradicating a keycap can simply destroy the change under. That type of threat is price a particular call-out, however there’s actually no have to take away them anyway. The mounting type of the keycaps is exclusive, so aftermarket keycap units are out. But don’t let your curiosity a few new change put your guarantee in danger until you’re assured you are able to do so accurately.The keyboard is totally programmable for each lighting and macros. In truth, there are 4 devoted macro keys above the Numpad that double as wi-fi selectors for Slipstream and Bluetooth when tapped with Fn. The positioning right here isn’t very sensible to make use of in the midst of a match, since you need to take your hand off the mouse or motion keys to entry them. But, for slower-paced video games and software macros, they work very nicely.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)Every key may be programmed and remapped, together with the amount wheel. You can assign macros, key strings, launch applications, change profiles, and even management the mouse by assigning these features in Corsair’s iCUE software program. There are additionally built-in features for altering between preset lighting results (there are 9 preset results and eight static colours to select from).In brief, that is the total Corsair flagship expertise in a skinny, chiclet-like bundle. The typing and gaming experiences are much better, nonetheless, which makes this an ideal selection for followers of Apple’s Magic Keyboard and laptop computer gaming aficionados that discover full-height mechanical keyboards too tall.Typing Experience of the Corsair K100 Air WirelessThe Corsair K100 Air Wireless makes use of Cherry’s newest and best low profile switches: Cherry MX Ultra Low Profile (ULP) Tactiles. It’s a mouthful however a descriptive one, as a result of these switches are implausible if you happen to’re in search of an extremely skinny keyboard that additionally delivers a satisfyingly tactile but quick and acquainted mechanical change really feel.One of the explanations these switches really feel so good to make use of is their elevated journey distance. Compared to Apple’s Magic Keyboard, the K100 Air’s keys supply nearly twice the quantity of key journey, bottoming out at 1.8mm. The tactile bump happens proper on the high of the press, which supplies them a degree of poppiness beneath the fingers that’s very satisfying to make use of. The keys actuate at 0.8mm, however with such a brief journey distance, bottoming out is just about a forgone conclusion.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)At 65 grams, the ULP switches require extra power to actuate than their full-size counterpart, Cherry MX Browns. The distinction is barely ten grams (MX Browns require 55 grams of actuation power), nevertheless it’s noticeable. The flat design of the keycaps additionally makes the elevated power vital to reduce typos, nevertheless it’s not a whole resolution.Typing on the keyboard is quite a bit like typing on a laptop computer, with the additional benefit of that improved key really feel. Since the keyboard is so skinny, it could actually lay utterly flat or have a slight tilt by flipping the built-in toes. Unlike most laptops, there’s further house between every key, so finger positioning stays in line with different full-size desktop keyboards.The keycaps are nicely designed however have a studying curve if you happen to’re coming from a full-height keyboard. Each keycap has a scoop to information your fingers to their heart. When you’re in place, centered over the keys, they really feel nice to make use of. But while you’re a bit off, their low peak and lack of sculpting between rows makes it straightforward to land between the keys, normally leading to a typo. This is one thing I naturally obtained higher at after a number of hours of use, however for some time, it left me feeling sloppy as I repeatedly hammered the backspace key.Once you’re used to it, typing on the K100 Air feels nearly easy. The mixture of low peak, “simply sufficient” journey, and quick actuation creates a “better of each worlds” mixture that’s quick and fluid whereas additionally satisfying and intentional.I lacked nothing in typing velocity in comparison with my full-height Corsair K100 and even discovered that I might obtain greater burst speeds in phrases per minute. While my common with full-height keyboards is round 110 WPM with 96% accuracy, the K100 Air allowed me to push that to 117 WPM throughout ten 30-second typing exams. My accuracy was barely decrease at solely 94%, however my general typing velocity remained barely greater because of the diminished peak and wonderful tactility.Gaming Experience on the Corsair K100 Air WirelessGaming on the K100 Air Wireless is simply pretty much as good as typing. Compared to the usual K100, there are numerous options carried over. The selection between the 2 actually comes right down to how a lot you crave the low profile design or worth the bigger K100’s multifunction dial.The K100 Air affords wonderful gaming efficiency. Whether you’re related over USB or utilizing Slipstream wi-fi, you may rely on an exceptionally quick and responsive connection. The wired 8,000Hz polling fee is innovative (though largely overkill since no human can press 8,000 keys a second). Wireless isn’t fairly as quick at 2,000Hz, however doubles the polling fee of most wired gaming keyboards obtainable right now. Corsair has spared no expense with the gaming tech at play right here, so whether or not you’re an off-the-cuff keyboard warrior or devoted esports athlete, you’ll by no means have the ability to blame keyboard delay for not nailing a win.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)With that mentioned, I don’t suppose the polling fee is basically the explanation to decide on the K100 Air. Any setting above 1,000Hz was troublesome to really feel, so these charges acted extra as psychological reassurance than one thing that really felt higher to make use of. What it does really feel like is equivalent to wired gaming keyboards with out the necessity for a cable, so there’s no sense of sacrifice or trade-off when utilizing the Slipstream dongle.Kicking issues as much as 8,000Hz does use extra system assets, nonetheless. That’s one thing to pay attention to in case your system is already struggling to play a sport at acceptable body charges. My Ryzen 9 5950X didn’t break a sweat, however if you happen to’re already residing on the sting with an older Core i5/Ryzen 5, it’s finest to depart it set to 1,000Hz.Bluetooth is finest left for typing and slow-paced video games. It doesn’t profit from any type of velocity enhance the way in which Slipstream does, which suggests you’ll be restricted to the usual 125Hz, or 8ms, polling fee. That didn’t make a lot of a distinction once I performed slower video games like World of Warcraft, however you may really feel it when elevating your weapon and firing in Battlefield 2042.Gaming on the Air is a unique expertise than with a full-size keyboard. The keys solely have half the journey of a standard Cherry key change, so there’s no sense of with the ability to prime your fingers. The pre-travel is so brief that urgent and actuation really feel like they happen on the identical time (although there may be 0.8mm of pre-travel). Paired with the excessive tactility of the switches, they really feel way more “on or off” than a full-height key change.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)Playing a mixture of first-person shooters, this turned out to be a great factor. I by no means as soon as ran from cowl or strafed within the shadows by chance. I normally sport on full-size linear switches, and that little little bit of pre-travel could make it troublesome to know precisely when a secret is going to actuate while you’re hovering, ready for the proper second. The Cherry MX ULPs’ tactility (and better actuation power) means your presses might be extra intentional and exact.The programmability of the keyboard additionally pays dividends if you happen to’re a fan of macros or a number of keymaps for various video games. The built-in macro keys imply that your most used customized instructions gained’t power you to surrender different keys to assign them. These keys aren’t as handy to press as the traditional K100’s left-side macro row, nonetheless, forcing you to take your hand off the mouse to entry them, which isn’t handy.The K100 Air additionally incorporates a PlayStation mode for simple PS5 compatibility, and it really works natively with Xbox Series X. You merely plug within the Slipstream dongle, maintain the important thing mixture for PS5, and also you’re good to go. The implementation is general very straightforward and easy.Software for the Corsair K100 Air WirelessJust like the full-size K100, the Air depends on Corsair’s iCUE software program to unlock its full performance. It’s an extremely function wealthy program that gives an enormous array of choices and gaming options. It’s additionally gigantic at over a gigabyte to obtain. While you technically don’t want it (there are built-in lighting presets and macro recording), you’re leaving efficiency and options on the desk if you happen to don’t.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)If you have already got different Corsair peripherals, you’ll be acquainted with iCUE and can see the K100 Air seem in your system listing and know to click on on it to entry its totally different choices. This is the place issues get a bit complicated. Thanks to its AXON processor, the keyboard is ready to retailer superior lighting results and key maps, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a keyboard processor and has its limits. When iCUE is operating within the background, choices turn out to be nearly limitless and might work together immediately with Windows to offer much more settings.Because of this, iCUE presents you with a complicated array of tabs: Key Assignments, Hardware Key Assignments, Wireless Lighting Effects, Hardware Lighting, Performance, and Device Settings. Settings that reside on the keyboard and can comply with it from laptop to laptop are designated as “Hardware” choices. Things like customized lighting schemes and programming choices don’t routinely save and turn out to be obtainable on each kinds of tab. You’ll want to avoid wasting specific lighting settings, then manually import or rebuild them within the different tab if you would like them to reside on and journey with the keyboard.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)As you’d anticipate from a flagship Corsair keyboard, the lighting choices are plentiful. There are 11 totally different preset RGB results that may be custom-made for colour and animation velocity, together with the anticipated rainbow choices, breathe, and reactive lighting. There are additionally 5 customized choices: Gradient, Ripple, Solid, Static Color, and Wave. These may be utterly tailor-made with personalised gradients, lighting tails, loop modes, and velocity settings. If you’re utilizing the keyboard with the software program operating within the background, it’s also possible to one-click sync your keyboard together with your different peripherals or tie lighting results to your system audio.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)Lighting results may be utilized in layers for some really distinctive animations. I take advantage of Corsair RGB followers and reminiscence in my PC, and I used to be in a position to create a unified thunderstorm impact throughout my PC and keyboard with a purple static background, a rain impact, and a last layer of randomized white flashes at 50% opacity. It solely took me about 10 minutes to create, is uniquely my very own and far cooler than any inventory impact (in my view), and might run utterly with out software program as soon as it’s saved on the keyboard.The software program can be the place you’ll remap keys, create profiles, and hyperlink the keyboard with Corsair’s VoiceMod streaming software program. By clicking the choice you need, you may simply remap particular person keys to different buttons, ship textual content strings, management the mouse, regulate media settings, and even launch applications. There’s a devoted part of VoiceMod instructions if you happen to use that software program for streaming. The largest distinction between the {hardware} and software program choices is the power to launch applications and management VoiceMod, so that they’re very shut general.All of your {hardware} lighting and key assignments may be saved to particular person profiles, which may then be saved to the keyboard’s onboard storage. The keyboard has sufficient reminiscence to retailer as much as 50 profiles relying on complexity, so there’s ample room to create customized choices for various video games and purposes.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)iCUE additionally offers you the choice to alter fundamental parameters and settings for the keyboard. Within the Performance menu, you may customise what occurs while you press the Windows Lock key, equivalent to disabling Alt+Tab and the Windows Key.Under Device Settings, you’ll discover extra choices, together with the power to alter the polling fee. By default, the keyboard comes set to 1,000 Hz however consists of choices for two,000 Hz and 4,000 Hz, in addition to slower speeds all the way in which right down to 125 Hz. You may set how rapidly the keyboard falls asleep to avoid wasting battery energy, manually enter it into PlayStation Mode, allow adaptive brightness, and extra.The iCUE software program has come a good distance through the years and is, in my view, probably the most highly effective suite presently obtainable for any gaming keyboard. It ran reliably in my testing with none crashes or slowdowns (though clearly that’s not true for everybody). But because of the K100 Air’s plentiful processing energy, you may be happy to disable it when you’ve accomplished your preliminary programming.(Image credit score: Tom’s Hardware)Bottom LineThe Corsair K100 Air is a superb low-profile gaming keyboard. At simply 11mm thick at its thinnest level, it’s instantly harking back to the chiclet keys of yesteryear, however manages to ship a powerful mechanical keyboard typing and gaming expertise. At $279, it’s unquestionably costly, however succeeds in being probably the most feature-rich and satisfying gaming keyboard in its class.If such an ultra-thin design isn’t your cup of tea, the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro affords a barely taller profile with related options, higher keycaps, and a less expensive $249.99 value. If you just like the design however don’t want the gaming options, the Nuphy Air75 (opens in new tab) can be a wonderful possibility that features full PBT keycaps and a travel-worthy 75% format for under $129.99.Corsair has created one thing distinctive right here. While there are nonetheless some areas for enchancment (just like the shine on the keycaps), it’s the thinnest mechanical gaming keyboard I’ve seen from a big gaming model, and Corsair has nailed the execution. The largest factor I’m left wishing for is that smaller layouts had been obtainable at launch to make it my go-to journey keyboard. As it stands, this is a superb selection if you happen to’re a fan of chiclet-style keys and clear mechanical typing.
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/corsair-k100-air-wireless-rgb
