To change colors on a Corsair keyboard, open the Corsair iCUE software and select your keyboard from the home screen. Then, click "Lighting Effects" on the left menu to begin customizing the RGB backlighting.
How to change colors on Corsair keyboard with iCUE software
The primary and official method to change colors on a Corsair keyboard is through the Corsair iCUE software (version 4 or newer). This tool provides full control over your keyboard's RGB lighting, including individual key customization and dynamic effects.
- Launch iCUE and ensure your Corsair keyboard is connected and recognized.
- Select your keyboard from the device list.
- Click "Lighting Effects" on the left menu.
- In the "Lighting Layers" section, click the "+" button to add a new layer.
- Choose a "Lighting Type" such as "Presets" for dynamic effects like wave or ripple, or "Custom" for full control over each key's color.
- Use the "Quick Lighting Zone" options to apply colors to specific areas or individual keys.
- Your changes appear instantly on the keyboard.
iCUE also offers "Lighting Link" for synchronized effects across multiple iCUE-compatible devices, allowing you to create a cohesive lighting setup for your entire gaming rig.
How to save colors to your keyboard's hardware memory
To ensure your chosen colors persist when iCUE is closed, during PC startup, or when the keyboard is plugged into a different computer, you must save them to the keyboard's onboard memory. This feature, previously called "Hardware Lighting," is now known as "Device Memory Mode."
- Enable "Device Memory Mode" to store lighting effects directly on the keyboard.
- Configure your desired lighting within this mode, note that customization options are typically more limited than software-controlled effects.
- When iCUE is not active, the keyboard automatically reverts to this saved profile.
This is especially useful for gamers who want a consistent look even when switching between computers or during system reboots.
Understanding per-key RGB vs. zone-based lighting
Corsair keyboards feature either per-key RGB backlighting or zone-based lighting, and knowing which type your model uses sets accurate expectations. Per-key RGB allows you to change the color of each individual key independently, giving you total creative freedom. Zone-based lighting, found on models like the K55 series, illuminates groups of keys simultaneously rather than individual keys. This means you can change the color of a predefined zone (e.g., left side, center, right side) but not each key separately. Check your keyboard's specifications to know which type you have before planning complex lighting layouts.
How to change colors without iCUE using keyboard shortcuts
For quick changes without opening any software, some Corsair keyboards offer built-in hardware shortcuts. For example, on the K55 RGB PRO, you can cycle through pre-set lighting effects directly on the keyboard using the FN key combined with number keys. Press FN+1 through FN+5 for static color presets, and FN+6 through FN+0 for dynamic effects. This method works even when iCUE is not running, making it ideal for on-the-fly adjustments during gaming sessions. If you accidentally trigger shortcuts that disrupt your gameplay, you can turn off Windows key lock on Corsair gaming keyboard to prevent unintended interruptions. Note that available presets vary by model, so refer to your keyboard's documentation for specific combinations.
Creating and syncing custom color profiles
iCUE allows you to save multiple custom profiles for different games or moods. To create a new profile, navigate to the "Profiles" tab within iCUE, click the "+" button, and name your profile. Then, set up your lighting effects as described in the first section. You can switch between profiles instantly from the iCUE dashboard. For syncing effects across other Corsair devices, use the "Lighting Link" feature to apply the same lighting patterns to your mouse, headset, or RGB fans. This creates a unified aesthetic across your entire setup. If you need to change color of aula gaming keyboard, the same iCUE software can manage compatible AULA devices when connected, though dedicated AULA software may offer more specific controls.
