Key Takeaways
1. Stream Deck Integration: The Corsair Vanguard 96 series features six programmable G-keys for seamless Stream Deck integration, making it ideal for streamers.
2. Compact Design: Both keyboards have a 96% layout that includes essential keys while remaining compact, along with a detachable memory foam cushion and USB connectivity.
3. Advanced Pro Features: The Vanguard 96 Pro includes Hall effect technology and hotswappable magnetic switches, allowing customizable actuation points for enhanced gameplay.
4. High Customization and Performance: The keyboards offer 40 actuation intervals and a rapid 8 kHz polling rate, enhancing responsiveness for gamers.
5. Pricing and Availability: The Vanguard 96 Pro is priced at $220, while the non-pro version costs $179.99, both set to be available on October 11th.
It’s rare to find a gaming keyboard that also serves as a streaming hub, yet Corsair’s new keyboard series aims to achieve that goal. The Corsair Vanguard 96 and Vanguard 96 Pro come with six programmable G-keys on the side, offering Stream Deck integration at a hardware level. This feature positions the keyboard as the perfect command centre for any streamer.
Compact Design with Full Features
Both keyboards in the Vanguard 96 range sport a 96% alphanumeric layout, including F-keys, arrow keys, and a numpad. They still manage to fit in a rotary dial and a mini 1.9-inch full-colour LCD, all while maintaining the compact size of a tenkeyless keyboard. The devices come with a detachable memory foam cushion and connect through USB 3.0 or 3.1 type A.
Advanced Features in the Pro Model
The Vanguard 96 Pro, which costs more than the standard model, is equipped with Hall effect technology and features hotswappable magnetic switches. Thanks to Corsair’s own MGX hyperdrive technology, gamers can set up secondary actuation points for added functionality on each key. For instance, pressing W in many FPS games usually means “walk,” but a deeper press can be configured to trigger a sprint, mimicking the pressure-sensitive triggers found on game controllers.
Customization and Performance
Customization of these actuation points is highly accurate, offering 40 distinct intervals ranging from 0.1mm to 40mm, while Rapid Trigger tech reduces the lag between multiple keystrokes. Corsair boasts an impressive 8 kHz polling rate on both keyboards. Even more affordable mechanical keyboards, like the KeyChron C1 Pro, are now seeking to match this high standard.
The set of G-keys on the keyboard represents Corsair’s latest effort to embed an Elgato stream deck directly into the keyboard. While the last attempt was a humorous 1262-key April Fool’s prank, this version seems legitimate.
All-in-One Control Center
Corsair is promoting the Vanguard 96 keyboards as a comprehensive control centre for both gamers and streamers, and they have done so in a clever manner. The placement of the G-keys helps prevent accidental macro launches, overlay triggers, or unwanted RGB lighting changes. Streamers can configure these keys using Corsair’s iCUE or Web Hub.
In addition to the six G-keys, there is also a button that opens Virtual Stream Decks, enabling unlimited virtual panels, each with up to 64 programmable hotkeys.
Pricing and Availability
At a price of $220, the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 isn’t exactly cheap, but it’s difficult to label it as overpriced. The sleek aluminum frame, four layers of sound-dampening foam, and the leatherette finish of the memory foam wrist rest give the keyboard a luxurious feel.
For those who prefer to skip the Hall effect keys and the associated multi-actuation, Corsair offers the non-pro Vanguard 96 with pre-lubed MLX mechanical switches for $179.99.
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