Corsair is a well-known brand in the gaming peripherals market, and their keyboards are popular among gamers and typists alike. One of the key features that set Corsair keyboards apart from others is their onboard memory. But what exactly does this mean, and how does it benefit users? In this article, we’ll delve into the world of Corsair keyboards and explore the concept of onboard memory.
What is Onboard Memory in Keyboards?
Onboard memory in keyboards refers to the ability of the keyboard to store settings, macros, and other customizations directly on the device itself. This means that users can save their preferred settings and take them with them wherever they go, without having to rely on software or drivers.
Onboard memory is particularly useful for gamers who need to switch between different computers or devices. With onboard memory, they can simply plug in their keyboard and start playing, without having to worry about reinstalling software or reconfiguring settings.
How Does Onboard Memory Work in Corsair Keyboards?
Corsair keyboards use a combination of hardware and software to implement onboard memory. The keyboard itself has a small amount of flash memory that stores settings and customizations. This memory is accessed through Corsair’s proprietary software, which allows users to configure and save their settings.
When a user saves a setting or macro, it is stored in the keyboard’s onboard memory. This means that the setting is retained even when the keyboard is disconnected from the computer or powered off.
Benefits of Onboard Memory in Corsair Keyboards
The onboard memory in Corsair keyboards offers several benefits to users. Some of the key advantages include:
- Portability: With onboard memory, users can take their settings with them wherever they go. This is particularly useful for gamers who need to switch between different computers or devices.
- Convenience: Onboard memory eliminates the need to reinstall software or reconfigure settings every time the keyboard is connected to a new device.
- Customization: Corsair keyboards with onboard memory allow users to save multiple profiles and switch between them easily. This is useful for gamers who need to switch between different games or applications.
Which Corsair Keyboards Have Onboard Memory?
Not all Corsair keyboards have onboard memory. However, many of their high-end and gaming-focused keyboards do. Some examples of Corsair keyboards with onboard memory include:
- Corsair K95 RGB Platinum
- Corsair K70 RGB Rapidfire
- Corsair K65 RGB Mini
- Corsair Strafe RGB MK.2
It’s worth noting that even if a Corsair keyboard does not have onboard memory, it may still offer some level of customization and macro support through software.
How to Use Onboard Memory in Corsair Keyboards
Using onboard memory in Corsair keyboards is relatively straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Download and install Corsair’s proprietary software (such as Corsair Utility Engine or iCUE).
- Connect the keyboard to the computer and launch the software.
- Configure the desired settings and macros using the software.
- Save the settings to the keyboard’s onboard memory.
- Disconnect the keyboard from the computer and reconnect it to a different device.
- The keyboard will retain the saved settings and macros.
Tips and Tricks for Using Onboard Memory
Here are a few tips and tricks for getting the most out of onboard memory in Corsair keyboards:
- Use multiple profiles: Corsair keyboards with onboard memory allow users to save multiple profiles. This is useful for gamers who need to switch between different games or applications.
- Customize your macros: Onboard memory allows users to save complex macros and keybinds. Experiment with different combinations to find what works best for you.
- Update your software regularly: Corsair regularly releases software updates that add new features and improve performance. Make sure to keep your software up to date to get the most out of your keyboard.
Conclusion
Corsair keyboards with onboard memory offer a range of benefits to users, from portability and convenience to customization and macro support. By understanding how onboard memory works and how to use it, users can get the most out of their Corsair keyboard and take their gaming or typing experience to the next level.
Whether you’re a gamer, typist, or simply someone who appreciates the convenience of onboard memory, Corsair keyboards are definitely worth considering. With their high-quality construction, advanced features, and proprietary software, Corsair keyboards are a great choice for anyone looking to upgrade their keyboard experience.
What is onboard memory in keyboards?
Onboard memory in keyboards refers to the ability of the keyboard to store settings, macros, and other customizations directly on the device itself. This allows users to take their customized keyboard settings with them, even when using the keyboard on a different computer. Onboard memory is particularly useful for gamers and professionals who rely on specific keyboard settings to perform their tasks efficiently.
Having onboard memory in a keyboard means that users can store multiple profiles, each with its own set of customizations, such as key remappings, macro keys, and lighting effects. This feature is especially useful for gamers who need to switch between different games or applications that require different keyboard settings.
Do Corsair keyboards have onboard memory?
Yes, many Corsair keyboards come with onboard memory. Corsair is a well-known brand in the gaming peripherals market, and their keyboards often feature advanced customization options, including onboard memory. This allows users to store their customized settings directly on the keyboard, making it easy to take their settings with them wherever they go.
The amount of onboard memory available on Corsair keyboards can vary depending on the specific model. Some Corsair keyboards may have limited onboard memory, while others may have more extensive storage capabilities. It’s essential to check the specifications of a particular Corsair keyboard model to determine its onboard memory capabilities.
How do I access the onboard memory on my Corsair keyboard?
To access the onboard memory on your Corsair keyboard, you’ll typically need to use the Corsair Utility Engine (CUE) software. CUE is a powerful software tool that allows users to customize their Corsair keyboard settings, including storing and managing onboard memory profiles. Once you’ve installed CUE, you can access the onboard memory settings and start creating and managing your profiles.
Within CUE, you can create new profiles, edit existing ones, and assign them to specific keys or key combinations. You can also use CUE to update your keyboard’s firmware, which may be necessary to access the latest onboard memory features. Make sure to consult your Corsair keyboard’s user manual or online documentation for specific instructions on accessing and using the onboard memory.
Can I store macros on my Corsair keyboard’s onboard memory?
Yes, many Corsair keyboards allow you to store macros on their onboard memory. Macros are custom key sequences that can be triggered by a single key press, and they’re often used by gamers and professionals to automate complex tasks. By storing macros on your Corsair keyboard’s onboard memory, you can take your custom macros with you wherever you go, without needing to reinstall them on a new computer.
To store macros on your Corsair keyboard’s onboard memory, you’ll typically need to use the CUE software. Within CUE, you can create new macros, edit existing ones, and assign them to specific keys or key combinations. You can also use CUE to manage your macro profiles and switch between them easily. Make sure to consult your Corsair keyboard’s user manual or online documentation for specific instructions on creating and storing macros.
How many profiles can I store on my Corsair keyboard’s onboard memory?
The number of profiles you can store on your Corsair keyboard’s onboard memory varies depending on the specific model. Some Corsair keyboards may have limited onboard memory, allowing you to store only a few profiles, while others may have more extensive storage capabilities, enabling you to store dozens of profiles.
In general, Corsair keyboards with more advanced features and larger onboard memory capacities can store more profiles. For example, some high-end Corsair keyboards may allow you to store up to 50 or more profiles, each with its own set of customizations. However, it’s essential to check the specifications of your particular Corsair keyboard model to determine its onboard memory capabilities.
Can I update my Corsair keyboard’s onboard memory?
Yes, you can update your Corsair keyboard’s onboard memory by updating the keyboard’s firmware. Firmware updates often add new features, improve performance, and increase the onboard memory capacity. To update your Corsair keyboard’s firmware, you’ll typically need to use the CUE software.
Within CUE, you can check for firmware updates and download the latest version. Once you’ve updated your keyboard’s firmware, you may need to reconfigure your onboard memory settings and profiles. Make sure to consult your Corsair keyboard’s user manual or online documentation for specific instructions on updating the firmware and managing onboard memory.
Is onboard memory available on all Corsair keyboards?
No, onboard memory is not available on all Corsair keyboards. While many Corsair keyboards feature advanced customization options, including onboard memory, some more basic models may not have this feature. If you’re looking for a Corsair keyboard with onboard memory, make sure to check the specifications of the particular model you’re interested in.
In general, Corsair keyboards with onboard memory tend to be more expensive than those without. However, the added convenience and flexibility of onboard memory may be worth the extra cost for gamers and professionals who rely on customized keyboard settings.