This guide walks you through how to access Rain Lighting in Corsair Engine, a dynamic RGB effect that mimics falling raindrops across your Corsair devices. Whether you’re new to iCUE or upgrading your lighting setup, you’ll master custom effects, troubleshooting, and pro tips for a seamless experience.
Key Takeaways
- Rain Lighting is a built-in effect in Corsair iCUE: No third-party software needed—just open iCUE and navigate to the Lighting tab.
- Compatible devices include keyboards, mice, RAM, coolers, and fans: Most Corsair RGB products support Rain Lighting, but check your device specs first.
- Customize colors, speed, and direction: Tailor the rain effect to match your setup with full control over visual preferences.
- Layer effects for advanced setups: Combine Rain Lighting with other effects like Color Shift or Gradient for a dynamic display.
- Keep iCUE updated: Always use the latest version of Corsair Engine (iCUE) to ensure full feature access and stability.
- Troubleshoot common issues: If Rain Lighting doesn’t appear, check device recognition, firmware, and lighting channel settings.
- Use hardware lighting for power-off effects: Save Rain Lighting to your device’s onboard memory so it runs even when your PC is off.
Introduction: What Is Rain Lighting in Corsair Engine?
If you’re a PC enthusiast or gamer with Corsair RGB gear, you’ve probably seen mesmerizing lighting effects that make your setup look like a sci-fi command center. One of the most popular and visually striking effects is Rain Lighting—a dynamic animation that simulates raindrops falling across your keyboard, mouse, or other RGB devices. It’s smooth, calming, and adds a touch of elegance to any build.
In this comprehensive 2026 guide, you’ll learn exactly how to access Rain Lighting in Corsair Engine (also known as iCUE). Whether you’re using a K100 RGB keyboard, an H150i Elite Capellix cooler, or a set of Vengeance RGB RAM sticks, this effect can transform your lighting game. We’ll walk you through every step—from launching iCUE to customizing the effect and troubleshooting common issues.
By the end of this guide, you’ll not only know how to enable Rain Lighting, but also how to tweak it for maximum impact, layer it with other effects, and ensure it works flawlessly—even when your PC is powered down.
What You’ll Need Before You Start
Before diving into the Rain Lighting setup, make sure you have the following:
- A Corsair RGB device: This includes keyboards (like the K70, K95, or K100), mice (such as the Dark Core or Scimitar), cooling systems (like the H100i or H150i), RAM modules (Vengeance RGB Pro or Dominator Platinum), or RGB fans (LL, QL, or ML series).
- Corsair iCUE software installed: As of 2026, Corsair Engine has evolved into iCUE 5.x, which is the latest version supporting advanced lighting features. Download it from the official Corsair website if you haven’t already.
- USB connection to your PC: Most Corsair devices require a direct USB connection for full iCUE functionality.
- Internet connection (recommended): Needed for software updates, firmware upgrades, and accessing cloud-based lighting profiles.
Pro Tip: Always check your device’s compatibility on the Corsair support page. While most modern Corsair RGB products support Rain Lighting, older models may have limited effect options.
Step 1: Launch Corsair iCUE Software
The first step to accessing Rain Lighting is launching the Corsair iCUE software. Here’s how:
Open iCUE from Your Desktop or Start Menu
Look for the iCUE icon on your desktop or search for “iCUE” in the Windows Start menu. Click to launch the application. If you’ve pinned it to your taskbar, even better—just click the icon.
Visual guide about How to Acess Rain Lighting in Corsair Engine
Image source: licorsair.com
Wait for Device Detection
When iCUE opens, it will automatically scan for connected Corsair devices. This may take 10–30 seconds, depending on how many devices you have. You’ll see a loading screen with the iCUE logo, followed by a dashboard showing all recognized hardware.
Verify Device Recognition
Once loaded, check the left-hand sidebar. You should see icons for each connected device—keyboard, mouse, cooler, etc. If a device is missing, try reseating the USB cable or restarting iCUE. A green checkmark indicates the device is online and ready.
Example: If you have a K100 RGB keyboard and an H150i Elite Capellix cooler, both should appear in the sidebar with their names and model numbers.
Step 2: Navigate to the Lighting Tab
Now that iCUE is running and your devices are detected, it’s time to access the lighting controls.
Select Your Device
Click on the device you want to apply Rain Lighting to. For instance, if you’re setting up your keyboard, click the keyboard icon in the sidebar. This will open the device’s control panel.
Click the “Lighting” Tab
At the top of the device panel, you’ll see several tabs: Lighting, Performance, Settings, etc. Click on the Lighting tab. This is where all RGB effects are managed.
Choose a Lighting Channel (If Applicable)
Some devices, like RGB fans or lighting strips, use multiple lighting channels. If prompted, select the channel you want to customize. For keyboards, there’s usually just one channel covering all keys.
Tip: If you’re using multiple devices, you can sync lighting across all of them later using the “Lighting Link” feature.
Step 3: Find and Enable Rain Lighting
This is the core of the guide—how to actually access and activate Rain Lighting.
Look for the “Rain” Effect
In the Lighting tab, you’ll see a list of preset effects. Scroll through the options until you find Rain. It may also be labeled as “Rain Effect” or “Raindrop” depending on your iCUE version.
Click to Apply the Effect
Click on the Rain effect to select it. Immediately, you should see animated raindrops falling across your device’s RGB zones. On a keyboard, this might look like droplets cascading from the top row down to the bottom.
Confirm the Effect Is Active
Watch your device for a few seconds. If you see smooth, flowing animations resembling rain, the effect is working. If not, proceed to the troubleshooting section later in this guide.
Note: In iCUE 5.x (2026), the Rain effect is available on all supported devices, but the visual appearance may vary slightly based on the number of LEDs and layout.
Step 4: Customize Rain Lighting Settings
One of the best things about iCUE is the level of customization. Rain Lighting isn’t just a static effect—you can tweak it to match your style.
Adjust the Speed
Below the effect preview, you’ll find a Speed slider. Move it left for slower, more relaxing rain, or right for a fast, dramatic downpour. Experiment to find your favorite setting.
Change the Direction
Some versions of iCUE allow you to change the direction of the rain. Look for a Direction dropdown or toggle. Options may include “Top to Bottom,” “Bottom to Top,” “Left to Right,” or “Radial.” For a classic rain effect, stick with “Top to Bottom.”
Modify Colors and Brightness
Click on the color palette icon to open the color picker. You can choose a single color (like blue for a stormy sky) or enable a gradient for a rainbow-like effect. You can also adjust brightness using the slider to make the effect more subtle or vibrant.
Enable Random Colors (Optional)
For a more dynamic look, toggle the “Random Colors” option. This makes each raindrop a different color, creating a lively, unpredictable pattern.
Pro Tip: Pair Rain Lighting with a dark background color (like deep blue or black) to make the raindrops stand out more.
Step 5: Sync Rain Lighting Across Multiple Devices
If you have more than one Corsair RGB device, you’ll want them all to display the same Rain effect for a cohesive look.
Use Lighting Link
In the main iCUE dashboard, click on the Lighting Link tab (usually at the top). This feature synchronizes lighting effects across all connected devices.
Select “Rain” as the Global Effect
Choose “Rain” from the list of available effects. You can then customize the speed, color, and direction once, and it will apply to all devices simultaneously.
Adjust Individual Device Settings (Optional)
If you want slight variations—like a slower rain on your mouse or a different color on your cooler—you can override the global setting for specific devices. Just click on the device and tweak its lighting independently.
Example: Set your keyboard to blue rain, your mouse to white rain, and your cooler to a slow green rain for a layered, atmospheric effect.
Step 6: Save Rain Lighting to Hardware (Optional)
One powerful feature of iCUE is the ability to save lighting effects directly to your device’s onboard memory. This means the Rain Lighting will continue to work even when your PC is off or iCUE isn’t running.
Enable Hardware Lighting
In the Lighting tab of your device, look for the Hardware Lighting toggle. Turn it on.
Select Rain as the Hardware Effect
Choose “Rain” from the hardware lighting options. You can usually select up to 3 hardware effects that cycle automatically.
Save and Test
Click “Apply” or “Save.” Then, shut down your PC or close iCUE. When you power back on, the Rain effect should still be active on your device.
Note: Not all devices support hardware lighting. Check your product manual or the Corsair website to confirm compatibility.
Advanced Tips for Rain Lighting Enthusiasts
Now that you’ve mastered the basics, here are some advanced techniques to take your Rain Lighting to the next level.
Layer Rain with Other Effects
Use the “Layer” feature in iCUE to combine Rain Lighting with other effects. For example, set a slow Color Shift as the base layer and add Rain on top for a shimmering, storm-like effect.
Create Custom Profiles
Save your Rain Lighting setup as a custom profile. Go to the “Profiles” tab, click “New Profile,” and name it (e.g., “Storm Mode”). You can switch between profiles for gaming, work, or relaxation.
Use Triggers and Macros
Link Rain Lighting to system events. For instance, set it to activate when you launch a specific game or when your CPU temperature rises. This adds a functional and aesthetic layer to your setup.
Experiment with Zones
On keyboards with per-key lighting, you can assign Rain Lighting to specific zones. For example, apply it only to the WASD keys for a subtle gaming accent.
Troubleshooting Rain Lighting Issues
Even with the best setup, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common issues.
Rain Effect Not Appearing
- Check device recognition: Ensure your device is listed in iCUE. If not, reconnect it or restart the software.
- Update iCUE: Go to Settings > Updates and install the latest version.
- Update firmware: In the device panel, click “Firmware Update” if available.
Effect Looks Choppy or Laggy
- Lower the speed: High-speed settings can cause performance issues on older systems.
- Close background apps: Resource-heavy programs can interfere with iCUE’s performance.
- Use a USB 3.0 port: Ensure your device is connected to a high-speed USB port for optimal data transfer.
Colors Look Wrong or Faded
- Adjust brightness: Increase the brightness slider in the lighting settings.
- Check color calibration: Some devices allow manual LED calibration in the settings menu.
- Clean your device: Dust and grime can reduce LED brightness—gently wipe with a microfiber cloth.
Hardware Lighting Not Working
- Confirm device support: Not all Corsair devices support hardware lighting.
- Save correctly: Make sure you clicked “Apply” after selecting the hardware effect.
- Reset device: Unplug the device for 10 seconds, then reconnect to reset the onboard memory.
Conclusion: Master Your RGB with Rain Lighting
Congratulations! You now know how to access Rain Lighting in Corsair Engine and customize it like a pro. This elegant effect not only enhances the visual appeal of your setup but also showcases the power of Corsair’s iCUE ecosystem.
From launching iCUE and selecting your device to tweaking speed, color, and direction, you’ve covered every step. You’ve also learned how to sync effects across multiple devices, save them to hardware, and troubleshoot common issues. With these skills, you’re ready to create stunning lighting displays that reflect your personality and elevate your gaming or work environment.
As Corsair continues to innovate in 2026, features like Rain Lighting will only get better—supporting more devices, smoother animations, and deeper customization. Stay updated, experiment often, and don’t be afraid to try new combinations.
Now go ahead—turn on that Rain effect, sit back, and enjoy the calming cascade of light across your gear. Your perfect RGB setup is just a few clicks away.