Corsair K95 Platinum Vs K100: Which Mechanical Keyboard Reigns Supreme?

In the realm of gaming peripherals, Corsair stands tall as a leading manufacturer, consistently delivering high-quality products that cater to the demands of discerning gamers. Two of their most popular offerings, the Corsair K95 Platinum and the Corsair K100, are mechanical gaming keyboards that have garnered widespread acclaim for their exceptional performance and feature-rich designs. However, with both keyboards sharing a similar price range, the question arises: which one is the better choice for gamers seeking the ultimate gaming experience? This comprehensive comparison delves into the intricacies of the Corsair K95 Platinum and the Corsair K100, analyzing their key features, specifications, and overall performance to help you make an informed decision.

Design and Build Quality

The Corsair K95 Platinum and the Corsair K100 exude a striking presence, boasting sleek and sophisticated designs that complement any gaming setup. Both keyboards feature a solid aluminum frame, ensuring exceptional durability and a reassuring heft. The K95 Platinum sports a brushed aluminum finish, while the K100 opts for a more refined anodized aluminum construction. Both keyboards feature dedicated macro keys, media controls, and a volume wheel for added convenience. However, the K100 takes customization to the next level with its detachable magnetic wrist rest, allowing users to adjust the keyboard’s height and angle to their liking.

Switches and Performance

When it comes to the heart of a mechanical keyboard, the switches play a pivotal role in determining the typing and gaming experience. The Corsair K95 Platinum offers a choice between Cherry MX Red, Brown, Blue, and Speed switches, while the Corsair K100 exclusively features Cherry MX Speed Silver switches. Cherry MX Red switches are linear and provide a smooth, consistent keystroke, making them ideal for gaming and typing. Cherry MX Brown switches offer a tactile bump without the audible click, making them a good all-around choice for both gaming and typing. Cherry MX Blue switches are known for their distinct clicky sound and tactile feedback, appealing to typists who prefer a more pronounced keystroke. Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are linear switches with an extremely short actuation point, making them ideal for gamers who prioritize speed and responsiveness.

RGB Lighting and Customization

Both the Corsair K95 Platinum and the Corsair K100 boast vibrant RGB lighting that can be customized to suit your personal preferences. The K95 Platinum features per-key RGB lighting, allowing you to assign different colors and effects to each key. The K100 takes it a step further with its LightEdge technology, which illuminates the sides of the keyboard with a customizable RGB glow. Additionally, both keyboards support Corsair’s iCUE software, which provides extensive customization options, including the ability to create custom lighting profiles, macros, and key remapping.

Additional Features

The Corsair K95 Platinum and the Corsair K100 offer a plethora of additional features that enhance the gaming experience. Both keyboards feature dedicated macro keys, allowing you to program complex commands and macros for quick execution. They also come equipped with media controls and a volume wheel for convenient control over audio playback. Furthermore, both keyboards have USB passthrough ports, enabling you to connect additional peripherals directly to the keyboard, reducing cable clutter.

Software and Compatibility

The Corsair K95 Platinum and the Corsair K100 are fully compatible with Corsair’s iCUE software, a powerful and user-friendly application that allows you to customize every aspect of your keyboard. With iCUE, you can create custom lighting profiles, assign macros, remap keys, and adjust performance settings. The software also enables you to synchronize the lighting and effects of your keyboard with other Corsair peripherals, creating a cohesive and immersive gaming environment.

In a nutshell: Choosing the Right Keyboard for Your Needs

The Corsair K95 Platinum and the Corsair K100 are both exceptional gaming keyboards that offer a wealth of features and customization options. The K95 Platinum stands out with its per-key RGB lighting, while the K100 boasts LightEdge technology and a detachable magnetic wrist rest. Both keyboards feature Cherry MX switches, ensuring excellent typing and gaming performance. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on your personal preferences, budget, and the specific features that matter most to you.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which keyboard is better for gaming, the Corsair K95 Platinum or the Corsair K100?

A: Both keyboards offer excellent gaming performance, but the Corsair K100 has a slight edge due to its exclusive Cherry MX Speed Silver switches, which are designed for speed and responsiveness.

Q: Which keyboard has better RGB lighting?

A: The Corsair K95 Platinum features per-key RGB lighting, while the Corsair K100 has LightEdge technology, which illuminates the sides of the keyboard. Both keyboards support Corsair’s iCUE software for extensive customization options.

Q: Which keyboard is more comfortable to use?

A: Both keyboards offer a comfortable typing experience, but the Corsair K100 has a detachable magnetic wrist rest, which provides additional support and customization options.

Q: Which keyboard has more macro keys?

A: Both keyboards have six dedicated macro keys located on the left side of the keyboard.

Q: Which keyboard has dedicated media controls?

A: Both keyboards have dedicated media controls located in the top-right corner of the keyboard.