How to Change Colors on Corsair Strafe RGB: The Ultimate Guide!

Quick notes

The Corsair Strafe RGB is a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike, offering a blend of performance and aesthetics.
In the “Lighting” tab, click on the “Profiles” section and create a new profile by clicking the “+” icon.
For example, you can assign a specific color to the WASD keys, or use a dynamic effect for the function keys.

The Corsair Strafe RGB is a popular choice for gamers and enthusiasts alike, offering a blend of performance and aesthetics. One of its key features is its customizable RGB lighting, allowing you to personalize your keyboard to match your setup and mood. But how do you actually change the colors on your Corsair Strafe RGB? This guide will walk you through the process, step by step, so you can unleash your creative potential and illuminate your keyboard with vibrant hues.

Understanding Corsair iCUE Software

Before diving into color customization, it’s crucial to understand the software that powers the Corsair Strafe RGB: Corsair iCUE. This software is your control center for all things Corsair, including your keyboard, mouse, headset, and more. iCUE allows you to create intricate lighting effects, assign macros, adjust performance settings, and even synchronize your peripherals for a unified look and feel.

Downloading and Installing iCUE

The first step is to download and install Corsair iCUE on your computer. You can find the latest version on the Corsair website.
1. Visit the Corsair website: Head to the Corsair website and navigate to the “Support” section.
2. Search for your product: Search for “Corsair Strafe RGB” to locate the product’s support page.
3. Download iCUE: Look for the “Downloads” section and locate the iCUE software download.
4. Install iCUE: Run the downloaded installer file and follow the on-screen instructions to install iCUE on your computer.

Getting Started with iCUE

Once iCUE is installed, launch the application. You should see your Corsair Strafe RGB listed in the devices section.
1. Connect your keyboard: Make sure your Corsair Strafe RGB is connected to your computer via USB.
2. Launch iCUE: Open the iCUE software.
3. Select your keyboard: In the iCUE interface, locate the “Keyboard” section and select your Corsair Strafe RGB.

Changing Colors on Your Corsair Strafe RGB

Now, let’s explore the various ways to change the colors on your Corsair Strafe RGB.

Static Colors

Static colors are the simplest form of customization.
1. Select the “Lighting” tab: In the iCUE interface, switch to the “Lighting” tab for your Corsair Strafe RGB.
2. Choose a color: Click on the color palette to choose your desired color. You can use the color wheel or enter specific RGB values.
3. Apply the color: Click the “Apply” button to apply the chosen color to your keyboard.

Dynamic Effects

iCUE offers a variety of dynamic lighting effects to add visual flair to your keyboard.
1. Select an effect: In the “Lighting” tab, click on the “Effects” dropdown menu to explore the available dynamic effects. Popular options include “Wave,” “Ripple,” “Breathing,” and “Color Cycle.”
2. Customize the effect: Some effects have customizable parameters, such as speed, direction, and color transitions. Adjust these settings to fine-tune the effect to your liking.
3. Apply the effect: Click “Apply” to activate the chosen effect.

Predefined Lighting Profiles

iCUE allows you to save your lighting configurations as profiles, making it easy to switch between different lighting setups.
1. Create a new profile: In the “Lighting” tab, click on the “Profiles” section and create a new profile by clicking the “+” icon.
2. Customize the profile: Configure the lighting settings for the new profile, including static colors, dynamic effects, and key assignments.
3. Save the profile: Give your profile a descriptive name and click “Save.”
4. Switch between profiles: You can easily switch between different profiles using the “Profiles” dropdown menu.

Advanced Customization: Per-Key Lighting

The Corsair Strafe RGB allows for per-key lighting, enabling you to customize the color of each individual key. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating unique and expressive lighting patterns.
1. Enable per-key lighting: In the “Lighting” tab, enable the “Per-Key Lighting” option.
2. Choose a color for each key: Click on individual keys in the keyboard layout to select their color.
3. Use the “Key Assignment” feature: iCUE’s “Key Assignment” feature allows you to assign specific colors or effects to individual keys based on their function. For example, you can assign a specific color to the WASD keys, or use a dynamic effect for the function keys.
4. Save your custom configuration: Save your custom per-key lighting configuration as a profile to easily switch back to it later.

Synchronization with Other Corsair Devices

One of the coolest features of iCUE is the ability to synchronize your Corsair Strafe RGB with other Corsair peripherals, such as mice, headsets, and even your PC’s case fans. This allows you to create a cohesive and visually stunning lighting setup across your entire gaming rig.
1. Select the “Lighting Link” tab: In the iCUE interface, switch to the “Lighting Link” tab.
2. Add your devices: Add your Corsair devices to the “Lighting Link” section.
3. Create a lighting group: Create a lighting group to link your devices together.
4. Choose a lighting effect: Select a lighting effect to apply to all devices in the group.
5. Customize the effect: Adjust the effect settings to your liking.
6. Apply the effect: Click “Apply” to activate the synchronized lighting effect.

Beyond Colors: Exploring iCUE’s Features

While the ability to change colors is a key aspect of the Corsair Strafe RGB, iCUE offers a plethora of other features to enhance your gaming experience.

Macros: Create custom macros to automate repetitive keystrokes, giving you a competitive edge in games.
Performance settings: Adjust polling rate and key repeat settings to optimize your keyboard’s responsiveness.
Key assignments: Rebind keys to your preferred layout for a more comfortable and efficient gaming experience.
Software updates: Keep your keyboard’s firmware and iCUE software up to date for optimal performance and compatibility.

The Final Word: Unleashing the Potential of Your Corsair Strafe RGB

Mastering the art of changing colors on your Corsair Strafe RGB is just the beginning. iCUE empowers you to fully customize your keyboard, from lighting effects and macros to performance settings and key assignments. Experiment with different configurations, create unique lighting profiles, and unlock the full potential of your Corsair Strafe RGB.