Corsair SKIFF 100 PLUS Review: A Membrane Gaming Keyboard

Corsair has released the SKIFF 100 PLUS, a wired full-size gaming keyboard priced at 69.99 euros. According to a review by Igor's Lab, the keyboard uses conventional rubber-dome membrane technology instead of mechanical or magnetic switches.

It primarily impresses with six programmable G-keys, RGB lighting, media controls, and an IP53 rating for dust and splash protection. The review measured an average end-to-end latency of 14.6 milliseconds, which it states is sufficient for normal gaming use but not among the top performers when compared to keyboards specifically designed for low latency.

Design and Build Quality

The SKIFF 100 PLUS features a 104-key layout with a separate numeric keypad. Status indicators, a lighting button, and a large control dial for volume are located in the upper-right area. The connection cable is permanently attached and ends in a USB-A plug.

The underside is made of black plastic with several elongated rubber feet. Fold-out feet in both upper corners allow the typing angle to be adjusted. The package includes a detachable black wrist rest with a padded soft-touch surface, which attaches via a snap-in mount. The review notes that the wrist rest and the keyboard's overall build quality leave a rather below-average impression, though this should be considered within the context of its low price range.

Features and Performance

The six programmable G-keys are located to the left of the standard key matrix. They can be assigned macros, key combinations, hotkeys, or streaming commands. The rotary dial controls volume and can be pressed to mute audio, though Corsair states the dial itself cannot be freely assigned to other functions. Additional key combinations allow for track changes and playback control.

For lighting, Corsair uses dynamic 10-zone RGB lighting, configurable via the Corsair Web Hub or iCUE software. One profile can be stored directly in the keyboard's internal memory. The keyboard has a maximum USB report rate of 1,000 Hz and supports up to 12-key rollover.

The IP53 rating protects against dust in harmful quantities and light water spray from any direction. The review clarifies that this does not mean complete waterproofing, and submersion or rinsing is not covered.

Technical Measurements

Latency was measured using an LDAT 2.26 tool over 25 individual measurements. Values ranged from 9.3 to 20.1 milliseconds, with a large portion falling between 11 and 19 ms. The standard deviation was 3.5 ms.

The review states that for a wired keyboard with a 1,000 Hz polling rate, this overall result is average. "In normal gaming use, 14.6 ms is generally unproblematic, although particularly fast gaming keyboards achieve significantly lower values with comparable measurement methods," the report notes.

Internal Construction

A teardown reveals a simple and cost-effective design. The keys operate with permanently installed rubber-dome membranes. The switches are not replaceable, and the keycaps cannot be freely swapped with other models, making subsequent customization or modification practically impossible.

For larger keys, Corsair does not use classic stabilizers. Instead, simple wire bars are clipped into plastic mounts. This construction principle contributes to the simple design but falls short of more elaborate keyboards in terms of perceived quality.

The SKIFF 100 PLUS is positioned as a functionally equipped membrane alternative in a market increasingly focused on mechanical switches. It combines quieter keystrokes with typical gaming features like programmable keys and RGB lighting, finishing with its included wrist rest and IP53 rating.