Explaining Lighting Types for CORSAIR RGB Peripherals

CORSAIR RGB gaming peripherals have evolved considerably since their first introduction with the original K95 RGB, K70 RGB, and M65 RGB back in 2014. At the time, both the K95 RGB and K70 RGB were the first keyboards to launch with Cherry MX RGB switches with per key lighting controls available through the CORSAIR Utility Engine.

RGB has since become ubiquitous, eventually allowing for entire setups to feature advanced synchronized RGB lighting through the iCUE Software and the iCUE Murals lighting system. Basically anything lights up these days, even cables.

Currently, CORSAIR RGB gaming keyboards can be divided between per key RGB backlit or zone-based lighting models.

Per key RGB lighting means that each individual key switch has its own dedicated RGB LED that is controllable through onboard controls and/or the iCUE software*

_{*Wireless keyboards may feature per-key RGB lighting, but when operating in wireless-mode, the number of effects that can run may be reduced to preserve battery life.}

Zone-based dynamic RGB lighting can be found on more entry-level models such as the K55 series, rather than featuring a full suite of LEDs per key switch, the keyboard itself is split into zones that light up an array of keys at the same time.

RGB gaming mice utilize a zone-based RGB lighting system, often including the scroll wheel, and a backlit logo on the body.

When connected via USB, an iCUE-compatible RGB gaming mouse will have access to a similar selection of lighting presets* as per-key RGB backlit keyboards.

_{*When in wireless mode, the available lighting effects may be reduced to conserve battery life.}

RGB headsets, like mice, use a zone-based RGB lighting system which is usually a single zone consisting of both earcups. With this in mind, the number of available effects is simplified, however RGB headsets can take advantage of the Lighting Link or iCUE MURALS systems for synchronization with other devices.

Beyond keyboards, mice, and headsets, RGB lighting is also present on certain mousepads and headset stands. These also rely on a zone-based system with varying numbers of effects available based on the number of LEDs they feature.

Presets – Dynamic lighting effects available to a single zone or key when customizing lighting effects in iCUE. These effects have varying degrees of customization such as animation speed, direction, and color(s).

Custom – As the name suggests, these are intended for highly customized lighting profiles, usually involving multiple layers of effects applied to multiple lighting zones or keys.

Lighting Link – Dynamic lighting effects that are common to the majority of iCUE-compatible RGB devices, selecting one of these effects will apply the same effect to all devices that are capable of it. Certain effects such as color wave, rainbow wave, type lighting, and visor will animate in a set order, jumping from device to device as the animation plays back.

iCUE MURALS makes systemwide synchronized lighting more approachable with a simple drag and drop interface, just place the fans on top of the Murals preset or custom effect of your choosing and iCUE will take care of the rest!

iCUE Game Integrations - Select partner game titles feature custom-tailored lighting integrations that take your game to the next level. If enabled, iCUE will automatically switch to these lighting profiles as you play a supported title.