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Corsair K100 RGB vs Keychron V1: Comparison

Corsair K100 RGB vs Keychron V1 layout compared

The first real difference is layout: Corsair K100 RGB Full-Size against Keychron V1 75%. They differ on switch type too, Cherry MX Speed Silver or Corsair OPX Optical-Mechanical on the Corsair K100 RGB versus Keychron K Pro Mechanical on the Keychron V1. There is a split on connectivity as well, Wired USB on the Corsair K100 RGB versus Wired on the Keychron V1. Backlighting is not the same on both, 144-Zone Per-Key RGB with iCUE on the Corsair K100 RGB versus South-facing RGB on the Keychron V1. On polling rate there is little in it, Up to 8000 Hz on the Corsair K100 RGB versus 1000 Hz on the Keychron V1. There is a split on keycap material as well, PBT Double-Shot on the Corsair K100 RGB versus Double-shot PBT, OEM profile on the Keychron V1.

Which should you buy, Corsair K100 RGB or Keychron V1?

The Corsair K100 RGB is the one to take for full-size layout gamers wanting macro keys and iCUE ecosystem users, though it is not built for compact-desk users and hot-swap enthusiasts. The Keychron V1 suits first-time buyers curious about the custom keyboard hobby and anyone wanting QMK/VIA remapping without a soldering iron, though it is not the pick for anyone who needs wireless, the V1 is wired only and gamers who specifically want Hall Effect or optical switches. Avoid it for buyers who want a metal case at this price; it's plastic. Our rating of the Corsair K100 RGB (8/10): A feature-loaded full-size flagship for players who want a control wheel and macro keys alongside serious polling speed. Our rating of the Keychron V1 (8/10): the best entry point into gasket-mounted custom boards for under $100, nothing else at this price feels this close to a hobbyist build.

Specs and benchmarks

  • Brand

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Corsair
    Keychron V1
    Keychron
  • Layout

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Full-Size
    Keychron V1
    75%
  • Model

    Corsair K100 RGB
    K100 RGB
    Keychron V1
    V1
  • Switch Type

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Cherry MX Speed Silver or Corsair OPX Optical-Mechanical
    Keychron V1
    Keychron K Pro Mechanical (Brown/Red/Banana)
  • Connectivity

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Wired USB (USB passthrough included)
    Keychron V1
    Wired (USB-C)
  • Keycap Material

    Corsair K100 RGB
    PBT Double-Shot
    Keychron V1
    Double-shot PBT, OEM profile
  • Backlighting

    Corsair K100 RGB
    144-Zone Per-Key RGB with iCUE
    Keychron V1
    South-facing RGB
  • Polling Rate

    Corsair K100 RGB
    Up to 8000 Hz (Axon)Best
    Keychron V1
    1000 Hz

    Which one should you pick?

    Choose Corsair K100 RGB if you want the higher polling rate (Up to 8000 Hz (Axon) vs 1000 Hz).

    Choose Keychron V1 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.

    Price comparison

    RetailerCorsair K100 RGBKeychron V1
    Corsair StoreView on Corsair Store
    AmazonView on Amazon
    NeweggView on Newegg

    Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.

    Verdict

    Corsair K100 RGB

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    A feature-loaded full-size flagship for players who want a control wheel and macro keys alongside serious polling speed.

    Keychron V1

    8 / 10 Expert Rating

    The best entry point into gasket-mounted custom boards for under $100, nothing else at this price feels this close to a hobbyist build.

    More comparisons in Mechanical Keyboards