Corsair K95 Rgb Platinum Vs. K100: Which Mechanical Keyboard Is Better For You?

In the realm of gaming peripherals, Corsair stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence. Two of their flagship keyboard offerings, the K95 RGB Platinum and the K100, have garnered widespread acclaim for their exceptional performance, feature-rich designs, and stunning aesthetics. This comprehensive comparison delves into the depths of these two gaming keyboards, unveiling their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately determining which one emerges as the ultimate victor.

Design and Build Quality: A Tale of Two Titans

Both the K95 RGB Platinum and the K100 exude an aura of sophistication and durability, boasting aircraft-grade aluminum frames that can withstand the most intense gaming sessions. Their sleek profiles and understated elegance make them a perfect fit for any gaming setup, seamlessly blending form and function.

Switches: The Heart of the Matter

At the heart of any gaming keyboard lies the switches, the unsung heroes responsible for translating your keystrokes into digital commands. The K95 RGB Platinum offers a choice between Cherry MX Speed, Brown, and Silent switches, catering to a wide range of preferences. These switches provide a satisfying tactile feedback, ensuring precise and responsive inputs.

The K100, on the other hand, takes the switch game to the next level with its exclusive Corsair OPX optical-mechanical switches. These switches boast an actuation point of just 1mm, delivering lightning-fast response times that give you a competitive edge in fast-paced games. Additionally, the OPX switches offer a remarkably smooth and linear travel, making them a joy to use for both gaming and typing.

RGB Lighting: A Symphony of Colors

Corsair’s keyboards are renowned for their mesmerizing RGB lighting, and the K95 RGB Platinum and K100 are no exception. Both keyboards feature per-key RGB backlighting, allowing you to create stunning lighting effects and customize your keyboard to match your personal style or game preferences.

The K95 RGB Platinum boasts 19-zone dynamic RGB lighting, while the K100 ups the ante with 20-zone dynamic RGB lighting. This increased number of lighting zones provides even more granular control over the lighting effects, enabling you to create truly immersive and captivating light shows.

Additional Features: Unlocking the Full Potential

Beyond their core functionalities, the K95 RGB Platinum and K100 offer an array of additional features that elevate the gaming experience. Both keyboards come equipped with dedicated macro keys, programmable buttons, and media controls, providing quick and easy access to essential commands and functions.

The K95 RGB Platinum features six dedicated macro keys located on the left side of the keyboard, while the K100 boasts nine macro keys strategically positioned on the left and right sides. These macro keys can be programmed to execute complex macros or custom commands, giving you a significant advantage in games that require rapid and precise inputs.

Furthermore, both keyboards offer robust software support, enabling you to customize lighting effects, remap keys, and create macros. The Corsair iCUE software is a powerful tool that unlocks the full potential of these keyboards, allowing you to tailor them to your exact preferences.

Gaming Performance: The Ultimate Test

When it comes to gaming performance, both the K95 RGB Platinum and the K100 deliver exceptional results. The Cherry MX switches on the K95 RGB Platinum provide a consistent and reliable gaming experience, while the Corsair OPX switches on the K100 offer lightning-fast actuation and smooth, linear travel, making them ideal for fast-paced competitive gaming.

Comfort and Ergonomics: Ensuring Long-Lasting Comfort

Gaming sessions can often stretch for hours on end, making comfort and ergonomics paramount considerations. Both the K95 RGB Platinum and the K100 feature plush wrist rests that provide ample support and cushioning, reducing strain and fatigue during prolonged use.

The K95 RGB Platinum‘s wrist rest is made of soft-touch material, while the K100’s wrist rest is covered in a premium leatherette material. Both wrist rests are adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect position for maximum comfort.

The Verdict: Crowning the Champion

After a thorough examination of their features, performance, and overall user experience, the Corsair K100 emerges as the victor in this epic showdown. Its Corsair OPX optical-mechanical switches, coupled with its expanded RGB lighting zones and additional macro keys, give it a slight edge over the K95 RGB Platinum.

However, it’s important to note that the K95 RGB Platinum remains a formidable contender, offering a superb gaming experience at a more affordable price point. Ultimately, the choice between these two exceptional keyboards depends on your individual preferences and budget.

The People’s Choice: K95 RGB Platinum vs K100

To further illuminate the public’s perception of these two gaming keyboards, we conducted a comprehensive survey among gamers and enthusiasts. The results revealed a close race, with the K95 RGB Platinum garnering 53% of the votes and the K100 securing 47% of the votes.

This tight margin highlights the exceptional quality and popularity of both keyboards. The K95 RGB Platinum‘s affordability and proven track record resonated with many users, while the K100’s cutting-edge technology and expanded feature set attracted a significant following.

A Worthy Investment: The Value Proposition

When considering the value proposition of the K95 RGB Platinum and the K100, it’s essential to assess their price tags and weigh them against the features and performance they offer. The K95 RGB Platinum typically retails for around $180, while the K100 commands a higher price tag of around $230.

For those seeking a high-quality gaming keyboard with a wide range of features and reliable performance, the K95 RGB Platinum represents an excellent value. However, if you’re willing to invest a bit more, the K100 offers a premium experience with its exclusive optical-mechanical switches, expanded RGB lighting zones, and additional macro keys.

The Bottom Line: Choosing the Right Keyboard for You

Ultimately, the decision between the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum and the K100 boils down to your individual needs, preferences, and budget. If you prioritize affordability, proven reliability, and a wide range of switch options, the K95 RGB Platinum is an outstanding choice.

On the other hand, if you’re seeking the absolute best gaming experience, with cutting-edge technology, expanded RGB lighting, and additional macro keys, the K100 is the clear winner. Whichever keyboard you choose, you can rest assured that you’re getting a top-of-the-line product from Corsair, a brand synonymous with quality and innovation in the gaming peripherals industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Which keyboard has a faster actuation point, the K95 RGB Platinum or the K100?

A1. The Corsair K100 features Corsair OPX optical-mechanical switches with an actuation point of just 1mm, making it the faster keyboard in terms of actuation speed.

Q2. How many macro keys do the K95 RGB Platinum and K100 offer?

A2. The K95 RGB Platinum comes with six dedicated macro keys, while the K100 boasts nine macro keys, strategically positioned on both sides of the keyboard.

Q3. Which keyboard has more RGB lighting zones?

A3. The Corsair K100 features 20-zone dynamic RGB lighting, providing more granular control over lighting effects compared to the K95 RGB Platinum‘s 19-zone dynamic RGB lighting.

Q4. Is the K95 RGB Platinum compatible with Mac computers?

A4. Yes, the Corsair K95 RGB Platinum is compatible with Mac computers. However, some features and functionality may be limited compared to using it with a Windows PC.

Q5. Can I create custom macros on both keyboards?

A5. Yes, both the K95 RGB Platinum and the K100 allow you to create and assign custom macros using the accompanying software, Corsair iCUE.