Customer Ratings & Reviews

The Corsair Vanguard 96 keyboard is one of the more versatile keyboards I've used, combining a 96% layout (which actually feels more compact than the number would suggest) with a great number of extra features that would usually expand the footprint of the keyboard. With premium switches, an onboard screen, and solid software running the show, this is a strong option for gamers and productivity focused users alike. Upon hooking up the keyboard, I immediately noticed the switches. On board are the Corsair MLX mechanical switches, which have a solid tactile feel while being very quiet thanks to the sound dampening in the frame. As a developer daily driving this keyboard for work, this is an incredibly comfortable keyboard to type on (also owing to the included, very high quality soft-touch magnetically attached wrist rest) and doesn't come with the concern of noise on calls that others I've had do. This setup also affords a large amount of flexibility as well, given the switches are hot-swappable with other 3 and 5 pin switches. This feature is a differentiator; it means you have the flexibility of having Corsair's great software support in concert with whatever switch you deem your favorite down the line. On the topic of software, it seems Corsair is making a shift away from the bloated app installation and has transitioned to a web based version of iCUE. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this yet; I love the fact that it's one less app running on your gaming PC stealing your frames, but being web based has its own set of trade offs. Time will tell if this is the path forward for Corsair's line of products but I like that they're making an attempt at a better user experience. Beyond the switches, other controls on this board include the volume/control dial next to the LCD screen, which allows for some decent on the fly customizations. Nestled in on the left side of the keyboard are the six programmable G-Keys. These keys unlock the true versatility of this board and amazingly, they've been added in a way that doesn't add to the footprint of the keyboard. These can be configured in a number of ways and function very similar to other accessories like a Stream Deck. I've bound a couple of these to specific gaming functions in Call of Duty (for instance, I relocated my map hot key to one of these). The possibilities are nearly endless here, and again, the fact that they've integrated these into the frame is an amazing use of space and design techniques. Connectivity is another strong suit of the Vanguard 96 Wireless. For this, you have three options that cover all the bases: direct wire via a detachable USB-C connection, wireless via the included dongle, or Bluetooth. Like the rest of the keyboard, this wealth of connection options unlocks a lot of versatility, allowing you to quickly swap between a gaming PC, your work laptop, and your phone. Of note here, the advertised 8kHz polling rate (which likely means something to competitive gamers) is available in both wired and wireless dongle connections. Predictably, it's not available via Bluetooth connection. If you decide to use the keyboard in wireless mode, you'll get over 100 hours of battery life (according to Corsair, and confirmed in my personal usage). In a practical sense, this has meant I go weeks between charges, which is a very substantial amount of time in my book. My experience with the keyboard has been very positive, but there are a couple of downsides to mention here. First, while the build quality feels top notch in most of the package, the main board/chassis is made of plastic. This is a bit baffling, as every other board I've used in this range employs some version of metal (mostly aluminum) to provide an incredibly solid base. Given the wealth of features here, I can overlook that design decision, but it's worth noting nonetheless. Next, as mentioned earlier, the 8kHz polling rate is not available in Bluetooth connection mode. This again shouldn't be a surprise, but it's also worth noting. Finally, the layout here may not be for everyone. For me, this is a great layout that sacrifices zero buttons for a smaller footprint. However, I'll acknowledge that some of the non-primary keys (arrow keys, right shift, Home/Pg Up/Pg Down/End, etc) have been either relocated, crowded, or shrunk to accommodate the smaller footprint. Again, for me, the trade off is worth it, but there are times when using the arrow keys requires just an extra moment to look down to ensure I'm hitting the right keys. Overall, this is a great keyboard. It packs quality switches with a versatile layout and flexible connectivity options. If you can deal with the smaller form factor, this is a strong keyboard that deserves your consideration.

Overall, this is a great keyboard. Its strongest point is that it sounds great and feels wonderful to type on. It also has all the features you’d want on a gaming or premium keyboard while offering tri-mode connectivity at a good price compared to the competition. However, if it is primarily for gaming I think going with analog is superior as it gives faster and more accurate movement. But if you’re not interested in analog or the shortcomings of that technology mechanical is the next best option. My biggest gripe is I would like dedicated media keys and/or an easier way to switch screens/features on the LCD display (currently FN + F12). Along with a dedicated Mac switch or shortcut to make it work natively on that OS. Especially, for this price point. Otherwise, Corsair continues to impress with top-tier keyboard offering. PROS: • Polling Rate: I like that it comes with 8,000 Hz hyper-polling in both wired and wireless mode. What I’ve always enjoyed about Corsair is that they were one of the first to the scene with this. They also have both 8,000 Hz polling plus 8,000 Hz key scanning. Which means no bottle neck. Personally, I do find this to be more receptive in gaming (where you do a lot of inputs back to back and require fine movement) and typing (120 – 150 wpm). The wireless dongle can be placed inside the keyboard for safe keeping. But with this being mechanical it isn’t as precise and fast as analog keys are. • Actuation/Sound: I love typing on this keyboard. This is the main reason why I got it. As the linear keys are very smooth and have a very nice feel and more importantly sound. I think they did a good job with the pre-lubing. The dampening that they use here I think is the best I’ve tried on a prebuilt. I don’t hear any pinging. And even the spacebar didn’t require any additional work which was wild. Additionally, with this being mechanical it feels better than analog. As you have a bit more parts in the switch itself giving more tactile feedback. • Tri-Connectivity: I really enjoy having choices. With this having slipstream wireless, Bluetooth, and wired connections it makes it great. As if I want to take it somewhere, use it on another computer, or just across the room I can. But if I want to ensure best performance I can plug it in. And if I’m have a peripheral device (phone, tablet, etc.) I can switch to Bluetooth quickly and flip through different devices. I have not noticed any problems with connection with the slipstream wireless (didn’t test Bluetooth out too much). • Bluetooth: To connect to the BT is it s numpad -, +, and enter. Which seems odd. But at the same time is smart as all lined up on the right. You can connect 3 devices and swap between them easily. • Toggle Switch: The toggle switch is satisfying by being just right. Hard enough to get it to intentionally move but also soft enough to stick exactly where you want it so turning on/off is easy and you don’t skip past the middle. • Size: The 96% size is nice. You still have all the keys you want but it takes up noticeably less room. The layout they use here is also intuitive and I’m a fan. • Hot Swappable: Supports compatible 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches (not optical/analog). Meaning if one goes bad or you want a different feel/switch you have the ability with the same chassis and features. Also, if you’re wanting to lube your own switches popping them out and taking apart the switches can yield better results. • Shortcuts: This keyboard is very heavy on productivity/shortcuts. You have Elgato Virtual Stream Deck integration (that I didn’t use as isn’t my jam), 6 dedicated shortcut keys on the left side (which I think is more helpful than the Elgato Virtual Stream Deck as saves to the device and then allows you to use it anywhere), along with full macro support. The dedicated shortcut keys I do find myself accidentally pressing as when I move the keyboard I tend to grab the left side. • Premium Keyboard Features: Comes with what you would expect with a premium keyboard of per-key RGB programmable lighting (not able to save to device), Full key rollover (NKRO) with 100% anti ghosting, 5 on-board profiles. • Software: Uses Corsair Web Hub instead of ICUE. I think it could be a bit more intuitive. We’ll see if that improves over time. • Other: FN secondary keys have a little label on the bottom of the keycap to help you remember. The secondary keys (&*) are backlit. Font, is professional and attractive. • Build Quality/Ergonomics: Everything feels solid without concerning wobble or it feeling cheap. It is lightweight. It has an aluminum top plate. On the bottom you have tracts for the cord (USB-C connection) to put out cord on the top/left/right. Along with step ups to give an angle if you want. It has a natural slight angle to it making it comfortable to type on for long periods. Also, not too high up where wrist is at a weird angle. It comes with one of the best magnetic wrist rests. Faux leather like material that has some give/padding (air) and looks professional. There is mild wobble of the keycaps from the stems. MEH: • LCD Screen: Feels a bit more gimmicky with the animations and game integrations support (which I didn’t test). Stats is helpful such as the polling rate, battery, etc. However, my biggest complaint is it needs another dial so that I can more easily switch the rotary dial, currently it is FN + F12. But on other keyboards I’ve tried they have a dedicated key or switch for that. Which I find to be superior. I also, would have preferred dedicated Play/Pause, Forward, Backward. As I use those a lot. There is a FN key combo for that along with the rotary dial setting. • Battery Life: I didn’t have enough time to test this properly. But they report 2.4 GHz w/ RGB off is 125 hours. Likely much less with 8,000 Hz polling. Bluetooth of 132 hours (RGB off). • RGB Brightness: Overall brightness of the keyboard isn’t dramatic. But that is typical for wireless keyboards that I’ve tried to help conserve battery life. Colors don’t pop dramatically. But do seem accurate. CONS: • Limited RGB: Corsair, continues to not allow you to save custom lighting effects to their “premium keyboards”. You have to have the web based mode up in order for that to work. Which arguably is more inconvenient than having ICUE up. However, you can create key assignments. And there are different profiles. Up to 5 with a memory bandwidth of 8 mb. • No Native Mac Support: While it “works” on Mac it doesn’t have a dedicated switch or shortcut to make the command = alt and option = windows. So, you have to either go into the web panel to swap or use MacOS do to it. I don’t think they should be able to claim Mac compatibility without this feature.

As a bit of a keyboard snob, I was hesitant to change out my daily driver keyboard on a whim. My full-size board was something I clung tightly to, and at the time the options for 96% keyboards (e.g. ones that maintain the 10key arrangement and cursor keys, but relocate or remove the six above the cursors) were few and far between. Corsair’s new Vanguard 96 tempted me despite a new switch type that was more linear than I would’ve preferred, but I took the chance on a premium keyboard with some trepidation. After a few days getting acclimated to both a new switch type and layout, I came away thoroughly impressed by this gaming-first keyboard that doesn’t sacrifice the fundamentals to get there. - Unboxing and Setup Corsair packaged the Vanguard 96 with just the right amount of premium flair, and did so with recyclable materials that minimize one-time-use plastics. I wasn’t expecting tissue paper to be a premium touch but Corsair nailed it here. The only four items in the box are the Vanguard 96 keyboard, a USB-A to USB-C cable, a double sided keycap puller, and the wrist rest, all packaged perfectly within the box to minimize dimensions. Good marks here. Further reducing materials and waste, a QR code links to the instruction manual on Corsair’s website, which is sadly devoid of quick start instructions, but the Vanguard’s included USB receiver for 2.4GHz wireless is simple enough to understand, and switching the power on to Bluetooth has the integrated screen guide you through pairing, though you can of course connect wired if you choose. Love of all things, the Vanguard is fully configurable via a web interface and doesn’t require a separate software download if you don’t want it. Already off to an amazing start! - Typing Experience The Corsair MLX switches are a new one for me…while I’m used to Cherry MX switches and expected to find one of the Red or Clear varieties under the keys when I pulled one off, finding a pink switch type was surprising. These switches feel somewhere between the aforementioned Reds and Clears, offering a smooth, linear, but resistant stroke that bottoms out fairly gently and with little noise. They took some getting used to from my preferred setup - MX Browns with 0.4mm O-rings - but once I got a feel for their resistance it was smooth sailing. The Vanguard 96 is an exceptionally quiet keyboard that doesn’t sacrifice typing feel for gaming performance. The high but smooth and linear resistance makes high-speed touch-typing on the keyboard responsive and accurate, and the keycaps have just the right amount of surface friction and tactile feel to hammer away with ease. Despite my switch type preference I was cruising within minutes and had no trouble feeling when I made a mistake. Keystrokes register consistently and accurately with no ghosting or double-tapping. The only downside to the MLX switches is that actuation distance can’t be adjusted, but this is a feature reserved for switches that incorporate HALL Effect sensors, which would’ve pushed this keyboard up a price class or two. Still, I have few complaints for the MLXes. - Gaming Experience I can’t claim to be able to tell the difference between 125Hz and 8,000Hz polling, but odds are if you’re a high level competitive gamer you probably aren’t shopping for your keyboard through Best Buy. In any case, in my experience the MLX switches do an excellent job registering rapidly changing game inputs, and n-key rollover ensures every new press registers without trouble. A dedicated gaming mode toggle can switch between key mapping as well as visual and responsiveness profiles, though automatic per-game-executable profiles remain beyond the scope of the web interface and internal storage for the keyboard. The six G-keys on the far left side of the keyboard can be mapped to any key or macro function using the Corsair web interface and saved to the keyboard (and these keys can have different functions once Game Mode is enabled, of course). These clicky switches are very similar to mouse buttons and have minimal throw, almost feeling a bit sloppy compared to the MLX switches, but can be quite handy for switching between game and lighting profiles if you don’t need them to perform macro functions. The dial on the top right of the keyboard has twenty tactile notches per 360-degree rotation, a push-down click, and can be programmed to any key or multimedia function. By default it will perform volume adjustment and mute/unmute. If you use the 10-keys often (hey, some of us also have office jobs and spend more time than we care to admit in spreadsheet software) you might find it’s a little too close to the minus key, but it’s fairly easy to adapt. - Customization I could spend hours customizing this keyboard using the Corsair web interface. Besides per-key macros, the best feature of the keyboard is fully customizable per-key backlighting, which includes being able to set different animations *per-key* and layer the effects so to your heart’s content. 8MB of on-device storage allows these profiles to save to the board so you won’t have to have any software running or website open in the background. Absolutely lovely. In addition to the usual smattering of key customizations, the usual Corsair flair of being able to upload your own images or animations (at up to 248x170 resolution) is available to make the keyboard your own. Images won’t extend fully to the left or right edges as they leave space for status indicators, but multiple images and animations can be saved to the keyboard and toggled using the Function and arrow keys. For those who want to go a step further to making the Vanguard 96 their own, all the keys on the keyboard tray are hot swappable to use either 3-post or 5-post key switches. Definitely a niche feature that most shopping for Corsair keyboards likely won’t utilize, but if you’re keen on getting a Corsair board and are on the fence about the MLX switches, the option to swap out is welcome all the same. As an added bonus, while Corsair offers standalone software to manage the Vanguard 96, the Corsair Web Hub handles everything including firmware updates for both the keyboard and wireless dongle. Very slick stuff. - Connectivity & Battery With multiple connection options, it’s entirely feasible to pair the Vanguard 96 to one device via Bluetooth and use the wireless dongle with another. Connecting directly through USB is an option as well. I would’ve liked to see an integrated USB port for a wireless mouse receiver as I’ve seen on wired Corsair keyboards, but the wireless-forward nature of the Vanguard 96 means that’s not exactly possible…USB over wireless is much more difficult to implement. While I haven’t been able to test battery life, the keyboard reports it hasn’t lost any of its 75% charge it shipped with after hours of use, even with backlighting enabled. Power settings can extend the battery life if you’re using it wirelessly - the keyboard can automatically shut off after any number of minutes then wake upon any keystroke and connect quickly. - Bottom Line At one point many years ago I would’ve scoffed at the idea of a $200 keyboard, but the amount of features the Corsair Vanguard packs in while feeling very high quality, as well as how painless it is to use and customize, makes it worth every penny. Highly recommended!

Corsair is a world-renowned manufacturer of gaming keyboards. In 2011, Corsair introduced the Vengeance K60 (FPS) and K90 (MMO/RTS) keyboards. They were performance powerhouses and incorporated Cherry MX Red switches with unique brushed aluminum plates. Corsair continues to innovate cutting edge gaming keyboards & just released the Vanguard 96 Wireless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Built around a durable, streamlined aluminum frame, Vanguard 96 incorporates effortless MLX key switches with phenomenal RGB lighting. The compact 96% form factor, complete with numeric keypad, makes this keyboard a delight for both serious gaming, as well as for daily use. It measures 1.69" H x 15.27" W x 5.55" D. Corsair specifies the keyboard is designed for Windows OS; however it works perfectly on my Mac OS. A cushioned palm rest attaches to the keyboard magnetically. Vanguard 96 has an animated 1.9" 320 x 170 IPS color screen located above the numeric keyboard that, when combined with the rotary dial, allows personalization of your gaming experience. The key actuation force is 45g; actuation distance is 2.0mm. An included 6-foot USB-C to USB-A braided cable allows wired or wireless operation. I connected with Bluetooth; Radio Frequency (RF - 2.4 Ghz / Low latency) can be switched on using the included RF receiver. Corsair claims up to 125 hours of battery life using 2.4Ghz with RGB off & up to 132 hours using Bluetooth with RGB off. My results back up this claimed battery life using Bluetooth. CONCLUSION: Corsair created another winning product with the Vanguard 96 Wireless Keyboard. The 8000 Hz hyper-polling in both wireless and wired mode eliminate input lag. This keyboard is BUILT TO WIN & earns my highest recommendation.

The Corsair Vanguard 96 Wireless is a gaming keyboard that packs a lot of keys into a small footprint. My desk can get rather cluttered so it's a welcome addition to my gaming setup. It's also nice not to have a cable snaking across my desk. The Vanguard 96 has a color LCD screen, a rotary dial, hot-swap switch sockets and a magnetic wrist pad at an affordable price. - Design/Build/Unboxing The boxing is the familiar Corsair yellow and black with premium packing. It comes with the keyboard, memory foam magnetic wristpad, USB-C to USB-A cable for charging, and a keycap/switch pull. All of the essentials are here. You can click on a QR code to read the instruction manual and download the software. The keyboard is beautiful. It has an aluminum frame with enough weight that makes it feel durable. It's well designed. There are 6 low profile G-keys that are located at the edge of the chassis so they are readily available when needed, but not in the way. The keycaps are PBT doubleshot standard profile. They feel pretty solid and have a subtle look and feel. There's plastic underneath and a cool design that does help you hide your cable when charging. The USB-C port location is hidden underneath. Overall I love the design and it feels like a durable, premium build. - Specs & Features This is a full keyboard containing the F-row, numpad, and arrows. The switches are Corsair MLX Plasma linear mechanical switches. These are hot-swappable, rated for 80 million keypresses, and support 3 and 5 pin switches. The connectivity is 8K Wireless (2.4GHz), Bluetooth LE, and wired USB-C with an 8K polling rate. There's a 2" LCD screen with customizable images, animations, and status. A rotary dial defaults to volume control but can be used for multi-functions. There are 6 G-Keys, sound dampening (keeps it quiet in my study.) The keycaps are PBT double shot with Fresnel lens RGB to help with uniformity. The onboard memory supports 5 memory profiles. It's nice to see that you're not locked into Corsair if you want to experiment with alternative switches. - Software The Webhub software gives you flexibility and choices for key assignment, macros and lighting. You can also update firmware here. The one drawback would be no Icue support so if you're already in the ecosystem you won't be able to sync everything together. - Gaming Performance The Vanguard 96 Wireless performs exactly as it should. The switches register cleanly, they're smooth and they don't feel mushy or inconsistent. In fast paced FPS shooters the keyboard does its job. I would recommend wireless gaming mode over Bluetooth because the 8K polling is available over Slipstream which gives you an edge with extremely low latency relative to other keyboards. The Game mode key disables the Windows Key, locks in polling at 1K (Good if you witness micro stutter) and switches backlighting to Red (good indicator that you're in Gaming Mode.) There are no Hall effect features so those accustomed to Rapid Trigger might notice. Typing is exceptional. It's smooth across the entire range and I felt absolutely no fatigue. Rebound is quick and sound dampening is suberb delivering a relatively quiet keyboard. The arrow keys are a little smaller than normal but this is the price you pay to get a smaller footprint. I personally love the size and feel of this keyboard. The magnetic wrist pad is one of the most comfortable I've felt. - Pros/Cons *Pros * Zero fatigue typing, switches are smooth * Keys are fast and responsive * Quad Layer sound dampening makes it quiet * Hot Swap support for 3 and 5 pin switches give you flexibility * Rotary Dial * Small footprint and great space utilization * Aluminum Frame * Slipstream * G-Keys are in the perfect location *Suggestions/Needs Improvement * No Hall Effect switches * No ICue, only WebHub support but personally I actually prefer WebHub * LCD/Status Screen is unique * 8000 Hz polling is great for gaming The Corsair Vanguard 96 Wireless is an excellent choice for a full keyboard setup that not only feels premium but has a comprehensive set of features. The keyboard performance and features are the most important attributes to me and it scores high in both categories. An added plus is a compact footprint that still maintains accuracy. This is a well designed keyboard top to bottom and I would recommend it to anyone.

I’ve used a lot of keyboards over the years, including a Logitech G513 full-size and a Glorious GMMK 3 Pro (75%), and this Corsair Vanguard 96 sits in a really nice middle ground. The MLX Plasma linear switches feel incredible, super smooth, pre-lubed, and with a clean, satisfying sound that isn’t overly loud. Even after hours of use, they still feel consistent and comfortable. Honestly, they’re really close in feel to my Glorious board with lubed Fox reds, which surprised me. Corsair also includes a keycap and switch puller, which is a nice bonus. Performance is excellent whether plugged in or wireless. Everything feels instant either way, and the Game Mode switch is actually useful as it keeps the keyboard awake and ready instead of constantly going to sleep. It supports really high polling rates, but I didn’t notice any difference over 1000Hz. Maybe I’m too old or maybe it’s just a gimmick, but 1k feels more than enough. Battery life has been solid so far, after 10+ hours of use I’m still around 56%. Charging over USB-C takes about an hour. The layout is a little tighter than a full-size like my G513, but very similar to my GMMK Pro. I adjusted right away and had no issues. The dial is great for volume; I use it all the time. The screen is cool, but not something I really need. Battery percentage is the most useful thing on it. The web app is nice since you don’t need iCUE, but it’s not very responsive. Changes can take 5–10 seconds to apply, and you have to switch modes for updates. Firmware updates are also a bit clunky; you have to go through Corsair’s site and make sure everything is in the right mode (not Bluetooth). I haven’t really used the macro keys in games, but they do work with Elgato Stream Deck functions, which is nice if you’re a streamer. At around $200, this is a lot cheaper than my $300 Glorious board. That extra money gets you better software and deeper customization, but if you don’t care about tweaking every little thing, this is a great keyboard for the price. One thing I really like are the magnetic wrist rest actually holds on well, even on uneven surfaces like my lap or an ottoman. Overall, this is a great-feeling, responsive keyboard that hits a really nice balance. Pros: Smooth, pre-lubed switches that feel high-end Very responsive (wired and wireless) Strong battery life Fast USB-C charging Volume dial is genuinely useful Magnetic wrist rest works surprisingly well Compact layout without losing keys Includes keycap and switch puller Stream Deck compatibility for macros Cons: Web app is slow to apply changes Firmware/update process is clunky Screen isn’t very useful High polling rates feel unnecessary Less customization than premium custom boards

The Corsair Vanguard is a awesome gaming keyboard for the average gamer out there looking to step up their gaming experience. While it may not be a first choice for more experienced gamers its definitely one you don't want to sleep on. So real quick lets talk about first impressions out of the box. This keyboard is very well designed and the first thing i noticed was the hand rest being made of a nice plush design and it uses a magnet for quick attachment and detachment. Hours of work time and gaming no longer stress the wrist out as much as a flat keyboard. The unit comes with a key tool allowing you to both remove keys and base switches giving you the ability to swap them out for different styles with different functionality. Couple things to take note here if this is your first time using a Vanguard. Customization is not done through iCue app but rather through Corsair's web hub. Through the web hub you can change macros, key bindings, lighting and can even change the function of the LCD screen as well as the image. As dumb as it sounds i actually like having the ability to put a different image in the screen including up to small file gifs. You can also change different functions of the scroll wheel such as volume control, media controls, etc. Wireless connectivity is lighting fast, so much so that it almost felt like i was gaming on a wired keyboard. One thing to note if you do plan on using this as a gaming keyboard is there are two different functions for gaming. Off to the left side there is a button that will put you in to game mode and then switch you back to normal mode. Swithing to game mode will then switch all your settings over but more importantly it will select the current pole position you have saved. Default position is only 1,000hz however you can move up to 8,000. You also have the ability to set your key debounce time which in a nutshell basically sets how sensitive your keys are. If you keep accidently pressing the wrong key just by simply breathing on it, then all you have to do is raise the time which will limit how sensitive your keys are. The built in FN buttons allow for quick swapping of settings such as key lighting brightness, media play back, volume controls, etc. FN quick functions be adjusted as well. One thing i forgot to mention is with this being a mechanical keyboard it is probably one the quieter key strokes i have heard which is a big plus if your trying to keep your game times quiet. Over all this a great gaming keyboard with so many awesome functions. This keyboard can double up both for your day to day task as well as your after hours gaming sessions. The amount of customization your allowed all the way down to custom LCD displays is nothing short of awesome. The keys feel very well placed and positioned and never once did i struggle with my keystrokes and accidently hit the wrong key. Input lag? what input lag? Wireless mode is lighting quick that you will honestly forget that you are in wireless mode during your high impact online gaming sessions. At the end of the day this is a very easy buy that wont disappoint.

The Corsair Vanguard 96 Wireless Keyboard is a lot more than a keyboard. It's a keyboard that is 75% the width of a full keyboard (it does not have the keypad to the right); so it takes up less room on your desk. It's considered a mechanical gaming keyboard. Taking it out of the box the first thing you notice is that this is still a hefty keyboard, weighing in at 2 lbs 9 oz (41 ozs 1.167 kg). As soon as you plug it in to charge it, you see just how pretty it's full color LEDs are. At the top right there is a 1.9" Color LCD display. This display cycles throught selectable Command functions (Volume Up/Down/mute). The LCD also displays the status of Cap Lock, Num Lock, Gaming Mode, Connection mode, Battery Level. Quite a bit of information. The keyboard goes to sleep if no key has been hit (or dial turned) for 1 to 2 minutes. During this delay the Corsair logo is displayed (Bluetooth, Volume Level, Battery Level, connection speed). The backlighting is quite exceptional and the light shined throught the keys so the keys are actually illuminated not just back lighted. The user manual is accessed via a QR code inside the box (this should also be under the keyboard or something, who keeps boxes). The keyboard can be connected via USB Cable, RF (Dongle) and Bluetooth. An app called Web-Hub is used to program macros and to adjust the polling rate (from 125hz (8ms) to 8Mhz (0.125ms) - remarkable). The keyboard is compatible with Windows, Apple, Xbox and PlayStation). The app when connected to the keyboard via USB will also upgrade the keyboard firmware and wireless firmware (do this when you first connect the keyboard with the web-hub app). The rotary dial can be used to control 11 different functions (determined in web-hub app). I installed the web-hub app and updated the firmware. But I personally got this for the "real" keyboard, and real key travel. The pre-key travel (the amount you can depress the key before it registers) is a bit more than 1mm and full key travel is 3.6mm. And you can program macros and to have up to 5 profiles for various games (accessed from buttons on the left side of keyboard). The Macro creation is done through the web-hub app or via keyboard key sequence (fn+M for 2sec). The key sequence loads onboard memory with the key sequences (5). The app allows you to store an unlimited number key sequences in your web-hub app (each can be loaded a profile number (1-5). The keyboard also allows you to customize the keyboard by changing switches. There is a tool to remove the keycap and a tool to remove the key switch. You can acquire additional keys through Corsair (I did not try this). I hooked the keyboard up to 3 separate computers and 3 via bluetooth (Windows, macOS and Android). Pairing went very easily, but switching from to another sometimes required the switch function (fn+left-key, fn+left+key, fn+left ENT key had to be done more than once). Anytime the keyboard comes back to life the pairing is displayed on the LED display and the left hand key flashes based on the connection in use (pretty neat). There are 11 predefined lighting effects because each key has its own led, the effects are quite astounding (Horizon, Static, Watercolor, Spiral Rainbow, Color Shift, Color Pulse, Color Wave, Rainbow Wave, Type Lighting key, Type Lighting Ripple and visor) each of these can have color, speed or direction modified. The web-hub App allows substantial additional customization. From Windows 11, I could barely tell the difference between a hardwired USB connection and the Bluetooth connection. I suspect this was due to using BT 5.3, but not positive. Both were very responsive, and under both I could overrun the keyboard buffer (miss keystrokes if hit too quickly), although this was more difficult than I thought it would be given the length of the key travel. The amount of sound dampening the keyboard has is very good. It's not like my clickety old Cherry keyboards. It has very low and consistent latency making it very high performance for gaming. You can rest your fingers on "fire" or "move" buttons with some pressure waiting for action. On some keyboards, like most laptops, any pressure on the keyboard is registered as a press. That's where this keyboard shines. Adding a good deal of quietness is a huge bonus (IMHO). The LED can apparently be user programmed from the web-hub app (Replacing the Corsair logo). I didn't try doing this. I'm quite impressed by the aesthetics and functionality of this keyboard. I look forward to using it for years to come.

TL:DR - This is my favorite keyboard by far. I usually do 75% TKL, but I think I’m a huge fan of 96% and still have a numpad in a compact design! Typing is amazing although it’s not centered due to the numpad. Gaming is amazing on this keyboard. The screen… it’s a gimmick really, but it’s nice to have for sure. Doesn’t work with iCUE at the moment! Having the G buttons on the left side causes me to accidentally push it when moving the keyboard. I wish the G buttons were on the bottom or top! Lastly, I don't like where the USB-C plug is located! When I first opened it, I loved how it was packaged. Made the keyboard seem very high quality. I had high hopes for the hardware! Software though…. user error, but to my defense, their website says it’s an “iCUE Enabled Product”. All that being said, it does work with the Vanguard web app, which honestly I prefer it that way. For me that’s much better than having software bog down a system. But still for the bit of time I spent troubleshooting this was very frustrating. I couldn’t figure out why it wasn’t working, until I looked at their help guide on Corsairs which states it’s something in the works. Actually using the keyboard though is amazing! I feel like I can type so fast. I also feel confident during gaming. This is my favorite keyboard by far due to the compact size and still having a numpad. I love changing the actuation point for when I’m typing vs when I am gaming. Having that toggle is awesome. So when I’m typing, I lower the actuation point, but when I’m gaming, it’s super sensitive, which I like. Oh and the arm rest is so soft, magnetically connected and is a very nice touch! There’s more things I love about this keyboard, so here’s the things I don’t like. ~USB-C location is less than ideal. When I need to recharge this, it’s just located in an awkward spot. ~The screen is more gimmick than function. I like it, don't get me wrong, but I rarely use it once it’s set up. ~Battery life is good, from what I can tell the screen isn’t a huge tax on it, but it can't be 0 drain and does drain faster than I think it would without the screen. ~The screen is probably going to burn in. Luckily you can lower the brightness of the screen. ~No iCUE support, but that’s a good thing ultimately. No software to install.

I have always enjoyed Corsair products. This Vanguard 96 is no exception... sort of. Let’s go over the things I like about the keyboard and the one thing that bothers me. The keyboard has a good weight. It feels heavier for its size. I like that. It feels like it’s built well. It’s not my usual type of switch, that clicky clacky sound but it feels good to type on. These have MLX switches, so even when I’m not gaming and just typing – let's say in Microsoft Word or if I’m coding, the keyboard feels good as well. There are three ways to connect this keyboard, Bluetooth, 2.4GHz wireless, and USB wired. This is great because it covers all ways to connect. I myself like wired connection. It comes with the cable that not only connects but also charges the keyboard for wireless use. There is a USB dongle holder to hold the wireless receiver. This is underrated feature. Having a place for the dongle is great. You’re less likely to misplace it. Many wireless devices don’t have a place for the dongle. Now the Bluetooth can connect up to three different devices. You can connect with your computer, phone, or tablet. The software uses iCue so if you already have other Corsair devices, this should be identified without installing any additional software. When using cable, there are five ways to route it under the keyboard, a nice detail. You can route from top/front, top-left, left side, top-right, or right side. There is a mode button on the left side of the keyboard, near the ESC key. You can quickly change backlight color with it. There are five programmable keys next to it, G1-G5. It’s a nice placement. You can quickly drop your left hand down and access it. It’s a very nice keyboard. The one thing I’m still trying to get used to is the spacing (or lack there of) between the arrow keys and numpad keys. My previous keyboard had this space and it throws me off. I didn’t think it would bother me but I have yet to adjust. Other than that, it’s a solid, versatile keyboard.

First impression: I love the color presets. It seems like such a small thing, but the default RGB color scheme is a muted pastel pattern that to me looks incredibly professional next to most gaming keyboards that are all about super-saturated bright rainbow colors. So my first impression was wow, this is something I could have on my desk while at work—not just as part of a dedicated gaming setup. Second impression was with how it feels. It’s a solid construction with the aluminum frame. I like the position of the G buttons on the left side: easy to access and straightforward. The fact that they can natively integrate with streamdeck is really cool too. However, I do tend to bump them whenever I go to move the keyboard. Everyone has their own preference when it comes to the weight and touch of the keys, and at first these seemed way too light to me. However, the more I use them the more I like them. They claim to be linear, but it almost feels like there’s a little bit of feedback in the way of a little more friction at the top of the motion with an easier slide further down. It might just be my imagination, but either way I am liking the way they feel: once the motion starts, it feels like a key press is sure, not hesitant. Even so, the keys are louder than I’d prefer. There’s not as much matting or absorption material in the frame as some other keyboards. Other little design choices are a nice surprise. I know that not everyone likes a wrist rest and may not use this one, but the fact that there’s little magnets to help hold it to the keyboard is really cool. There are cable routing tracks in several directions across the bottom so that the USB cable can be neatly routed in the best direction for a particular setup. And Game Mode might be my favorite feature: a single button to change the settings. I like to go from a casual lighting scheme to a focused color for optimum gaming concentration and operation. Not every design choice seems fully thought out, though. The switches have a white frame, for example, which when I’m seated in front of the keyboard is visible under the key caps. It’s an ugly contrast against the otherwise black keyboard. Also, the keyboard has a small screen. This seems like a wasted opportunity. Yes, you can upload a gif or jpeg to customize the look. But come on. Other than a few icons along the edge that show battery level and mode, it is almost completely nonfunctional. Couldn’t we do some interactive animations, useful information, or even simply synchronize it with the RGB animations? While the presence of a screen is a really intriguing idea, the implementation here is more tacky than useful. Finally, the compact design. This is a selling point: a virtually full-sized keyboard layout without using up so much desk space. But I think I’d rather have fewer keys that are more spread out, honestly. The arrow keys and number keypad feel crowded, and because of that it’s hard intuitively navigate my fingers around the keyboard. While I frequently miss the extra keys that most gaming keyboards lack, smashing additional full-size keys into a small package is not an obvious improvement. Maybe I’ll get used to it if I keep using it, but I’m not sure if this product provides a compromise that is appealing enough to bridge the divide between a true full-size keyboard and a more minimal gaming keyboard. Love: - The solid frame and grippy feet. - Cable routing. - RGB presets include muted options that look professional. - G buttons. - Game mode. Don’t love: - Loud keys. - White switch bases are visible when I’m sitting in front of the keyboard. - Screen. - Compact design.

First look: I love that it has a screen and it makes me think of the keyboards my brother and I had in the late 2000s / early 2010s when we each had something similar. The keyboard is premium feeling and nearly a full keyboard at 96% (cuts out some waste compared to a full size). I love that it also includes a palm rest. The 96% keyboard is truly a good size keyboard. Like I said it cuts down on waste but you still get a full number pad and your arrow keys are there. The only thing with this keyboard is that the arrows are put right into the keyboard without spacing so sometimes I have to look down to see what/where I’m clicking. Will take time for me with these arrows but I’ll get there. Typing is solid on this premium board. The MLX switches support hotswap support for3 5 and 3 pin systems. The keys are well lit and feel and sound great when clicked. The keyboard’s onboard screen will make it easy to change lighting patterns and settings. The screen also offers a variety of other functions including computer stats and graphics……it’s more of an impression piece than anything. Gaming with the Corsair was good….like I said the arrow keys will take some getting use to since they sit right along the other keys with no breaks or spacing, The premium feel will help in the long run.

It's fair to say that the Corsair Vanguard 96 Wireless might be among the best keyboards I've used, with its robust construction, top-shelf PBT keycaps, silky-smooth pre-lubed hot-swappable MLX mechanical switches, impressive sound dampening, and all the other little things that make each keystroke just a pure joy. With its 96% layout, it still manages to fit in the number pad while being more desk-friendly than most full-size designs, but that's just the tip of the iceberg when you consider its LCD display, rotary dial, six G-keys, Stream Deck support, 8,000Hz polling rate, and all sorts of custom lighting and macro features. It might even be funny how many advanced options it has that will likely never be utilized by me, but I can always rely on them being available if I ever need them.

First and foremost, I love this thing. It’s got 3 Bluetooth channels, a USB dongle, and wired USB connection. It’s simple to fit on my desk and even move between my desktop and laptop if I want to work somewhere else. Overall this product is almost exactly what I wanted Almost Because the ICUE support only exists for the wired version not this one, which annoys me because I waited to buy this keyboard until I heard about the ICUE support being added to the Vanguard models, only to find out as i was setting it up that I still need to use the web hub and there was no timeline for support I could find. It’s still usable but it’s irritating

The Corsair Vanguard 96 Wireless is a high-performance mechanical keyboard that is blurring the line from custom builds to off the shelf ready to play boards. A 96% layout retains the number pad while reducing the desktop footprint compared to standard full-size boards. I recently was able to compare it directly against a main competitor of the Vanguard the Asus RoG Azoth 96. ​The core of this board is the hot-swappable Corsair MLX mechanical (Plasma/Quantum variants), which come factory-lubricated to minimize friction. The Vanguard uses 8,000Hz AXON hyper-polling vs. the standard 1000Hz polling of many other gaming keyboards, reducing input latency. Corsair slapped a 1.9-inch IPS LCD screen that serves as a dedicated hardware interface for system monitoring or Elgato Stream Deck controls. ​Connectivity options are 2.4GHz Slipstream Wireless (125hrs of battery life) and Bluetooth (132hrs of battery life). Battery life would likely be impacted by Corsair's always excellent implementation of their RGB effects but the Vanguard can also be used plugged in via USB. Quad-layer sound dampening acoustically reduces the metallic ping/vibration. Customization comes in the form of Corsair's signature G-Keys which are descreetly positioned 6 keys at the left edge of the keyboard which can be integrated with Elgato Virtual Stream Deck. I actually love the placement of the new G Keys as they are out of the way and not in you face yet accessible. The primary difference between the Azoth and the Vanguard is the switch technologies they utilize. The Asus RoG Azoth 96 HE uses Magnetic Hall Effect switches, which use magnets instead of physical metal contacts to register a press. This allows for Rapid Trigger—the ability for a key to reset the instant you let go, rather than waiting for it to pass a physical reset point. The Vanguard uses standard mechanical switches but are fully hot-swappable with a vast range of third-party switches (i.e. Cherry, Gateron, or NovelKeys). Using the standard MX-style switch makes the Vanguard compatible with almost any 3-pin or 5-pin switchs without having to clip any pins. Magnetic boards have a very small pool of compatible magnetic switches, limiting the ability to tune the board making the Vanguard ideal for tinkerers. On a side note, the Azoth, while being touted with magnets doesn't have a magnetic connection for the wrist rest attachment/alignment for their large slab of rubber/silicone rest where as the Vanguard with what seems to me the nicer rest has a satisfying magnetic union. Build Quality on both boards are fantastic, but the Azoth has a solid heft to that that screams premium. Both can be used as a weapon. ​The ASUS ROG Azoth 96 HE is objectively superior for competitive gaming (FPS/Tactical Shooters). The Hall Effect sensors allow for Rapid Trigger and 0.1mm actuation, which could provide an advantage in games like Valorant or CoD where millisecond-perfect counter-strafing is required. ​For typing purists and the customizer the Vanguard is the superior choice. Although there is a Vanguard Pro 96 that does use HE switches. I have been using Corsair Keyboards since they introduced the K70 with Cherry switches and I've started my unhealthy collection of keyboards. The Vanguard is; for me, the pinnicle of Corsair's consumer ready boards. Corsair knocked it out the park with the Vanguard, but kept the price within reason for a highly customizable board that is ready to thocky out the WPMs right out of the box. Since 2013 Corsair has been one of my primary go tos for keyboards. 13yrs later Corsair is still managing to keep my fingers happy.

I had been looking for a wireless keyboard to use for a variety of devices, and this really fit the bill for me. Packaging was excellent and it even came with tools for swapping out the keys and for changing out the batteries so that was a huge plus as it always seems hard to find what you need to work on these. The switches and key stroke mechanics are super fluid, it feels great to use and is much quieter than I had expected. The magnetic hand/wrist rest was a great plus as well. I found no noticeable lag time and the built-in screen was a great way to get into the menu and feature set without having to rely on the interface of the device it was connected to. I hooked this up to a smart TV, PC, Tablet, and a phone without any problems whatsoever. The location of the on/off switch and other feature switches were easy to access without being in the way or in places that would lead to accidental clicks. I really enjoy having this as an option for my television as well as for my gaming PC. When Gaming, I get wired response time with wireless convenience.

The Vanguard may be my new favorite keyboard from Corsair. Flashy, customizable, feature rich, and yet still highly refined, it makes a strong case for being your next daily driver. The first thing I always do on unboxing a new keyboard is take a look at the overall build quality. The Vanguard quickly earned top marks. With a satisfyingly solid weight in your hand and effectively 0 deck flex, it's clear this is a piece of tech designed to last you for years. What struck me more though was the thoughtfulness of the design. The case contains a storage area for the slipstream wireless dongle, which I think many would agree is a necessary but often overlooked feature if you regularly travel to LANs or other events with your keyboard. Slightly more interesting though was the fact that the USB port for charging or using the keyboard in wired mode is installed in the middle of the keyboard rather than the top, with five different channels for cable routing set into the base. While admittedly this confused me at first, the design won me over fairly quickly. With the cable located where it is it's next to impossible to accidentally dislodge it during normal use, and if it does get yanked the channels provide a lot of passive strain relief to make sure that the USB-C socket doesn't get torqued. It does admittedly mean that charging it at your desk can become a little more cumbersome, however for me I don't think that's an issue. I'm currently planning on just running it in wired mode on a desktop most of the time and just grabbing it for wireless use with a gaming laptop in the living room whenever I've got friends over, and this layout is ideal for that kind of dual purpose. And I have to admit, it really works from the aesthetic angle too. With the plug hidden away as it is, you'd never guess this wasn't designed to be a wired keyboard all the time. Another advantage of this keyboard is its customizability and repairability. Every switch on the keyboard is hot-swappable, with support for multiple designs. The included smooth switches are honestly pretty great, but it's nice to know that if I really wanted a more tactile feel I could drop in some new switches to turn it into a clicky board without much issue. And of course if a switch dies on me, repairs can be done in under a minute. A cap and switch puller tool is included in the box for this purpose. Of course good build quality only goes so far - what really matters is how it is to use. And again I have to give Corsair high marks. I generally prefer tactile to smooth switches for typing but the smooth (and lubricated) switches this ships with are top notch, and work surprisingly well for normal typing as well as gaming. And when you are gaming, they are superb. There is a gaming mode which ups the sampling rate and five macro switches which integrate with Stream Deck, giving you some additional options for app controls and streaming without requiring you to purchase a dedicated appliance for it. The status screen in the upper right hand corner also gives you a little more feedback on things like your current settings, but mostly seems to exist for the purpose of giving you an extra bit of customization. And the 96% layout means I still have a full numeric keypad for light number crunching or entering PINs without having to give up the desk space. That said I would definitely emphasize the light number crunching - the abbreviated 0 key can get a little uncomfortable over prolonged use. All in all, this is an easy recommendation from me. Just a fantastic job all around.

The first thing I really liked about this keyboard was that I didn't need to install iCUE to get it to work right. All the software configuration appears to be done through Corsair Web Hub, and the only thing I actually need to install on my machine is the Elegato software if I want to use the virtual stream deck. I also appreciate that there's on-device storage for settings profiles so I don't have to wait for software to come up and reconfigure the keyboard every time I boot the computer, and that it doesn't seem to need special drivers. Having to deal with special drivers has always been the worst part of setting up gaming rigs for me, so I'm glad we seem to be trending in the general direction of not doing that very much. (The only issue for me with that is that it makes it a little more annoying to set up the RGB to be what I want, rather than just let Windows Dynamic Lighting take care of it.) They keyboard itself is pretty nice! The way the keycaps look and feel kind of reminds me of those ancient enterprise keyboards from fifteen or twenty years ago, when black keyboards started to become common but the PS/2 connector was still in use. It's kind of pleasantly nostalgic. The switches sound much better though... and they're also hot-swappable, so you can change that as you please. I personally might swap the switches out later for clickier ones. In terms of performance, no notes - I have not had any issues with this thing. Both wired and wireless seem to have pretty much the same performance, which is really nice. I haven't noticed any input lag or issues with keypresses not registering or registering too many times, nor have I noticed issues with key combos. The battery life is pretty good - haven't had to deliberately set aside charging time for it yet over the time I've been using it - which is nice because I have not been using it in battery saver mode and both the RGB and the screen have been running as normal. There's also a lot of nice extras packed into this thing - for instance, a special mode for connectivity with PlayStation 4 and 5 consoles, the ability to program the RGB per-key, three different Bluetooth connections able to be stored at once, the included key and switch puller... like, there's a lot more than just the basics here, which I like. I think so far my only real issue with this keyboard would be the programmable keys on the left side. I get what Corsair was going for, but it has been a bit easy to accidentally bump them when moving the keyboard. Also, I kind of would have liked there to be a right control key - the secondary function of the Elegato button is Copilot. Overall, I really like this keyboard! I think it's a great pick if you want a customizable keyboard but aren't ready to go all the way into building your own and also want to keep that 10-key number pad.

When you open the Corsair Vanguard 96 Wireless, the first thing you're struck by is just how solidly built it is. I kid you not, this thing is a tank and is very dense for it's (slightly) condensed dimensions. It's supremely well-build and I'm not surprised coming from a company in Corsair that has been building solid PC components and accessories for many years. It should prove be VERY durable even with extreme and continuous use for many years to come. Now, a bit more on those (slightly) smaller dimensions. This is a 96% keyboard - so it's nearly full sized but does shrink a bit (in this case losing the Home/End/Page Up and Down grouping) to get a bit closer to the size of a ten-keyless (TKL) keyboard but while retaining the number pad that is so useful for productivity. In my use, I didn't find that I missed the missing keys at all, though if you're performing certain command line or sys admin functions, you might - but this is a keyboard aimed at gamers, not really sys admins (and it only officially works in Windows, though connecting it to a Mac worked just fine as well). The Web Hub software works well (Corsair does say that this will work with a future version of the iCUE software that they use to control most of their other devices, but it does not work with the current version). You can easily customize the 6 keys on the size to most things you might want to do (you could replace the missing keys if you want, though most will use them for gaming macros or streaming functions) as well as the rotary dial. You can also customize to some extent what appears on the LCD screen which is nice to have given all the functionality you get in this keyboard. The connectivity and battery life is good over a wire (of course), 2.4Ghz or Bluetooth - IF you keep the RGB off or reasonable, that is, since the lighting can drain the battery if you overdo it. And the typing experience is solid for both standard typing and gaming scenarios with fast respones, accurate keystroke registration (even with mutliple keypresses) and great SMOOTH (and fairly quiet with the all the noise absorption here) linear switches that I really like. I quickly reached my typical speeds and accuracy ratings with this keyboard so there was minimal adaption period. So if you're in the market for a solid gaming (or productivity) keyboard and you don't mind giving up a few keys, this could be just the product for you. Give it a try today!

Corsair has jumped into the hall effect hot swap switch keyboard arena for gaming with a really solid product. Hall effect switches use magnets for actuation rather than a contact style switch. This results in the ability to adjust the actuation sensitivity of all or each key using the web based application, excellent for gaming. I did find that I had to dial back sensitivity if I used the Vanguard as a daily productivity keyboard but its easy switching back and forth with the web hub. You can also set up flash tap and rapid trigger effects but before you use those features make sure any game you play doesn't get you banned. Everything is pretty much customizable on the Vanguard. - RGB bling is fully customizable as well so feel free to get creative or use the built in color styles. - The small screen can install widgets and even have your own images loaded but resolution is a bit small so chose wisely. - The rotary dial is defaulted to media control (play/pause, volume, track jogging) but can be used for RGB brightness among other functions. A pretty slick feature that no other manufacturer has is that Elgato stream deck functionality is built in. Download and install the Elgato app and when you open it the Vanguard Pro 96 shows up as an Elgato device and then you can assign any of the G1 thru G5 side switches to Elgato streaming commands, not to mention that they also work as custom assigned function switches. The Elgato key also doubles as a CoPilot key. The keyboard layout is a bit quirky for me since I'm used to 110 switch keyboards so some of the key placements are counter intuitive to me. It's easy to get use to but I wouldn't switch back and forth between different keyboards and really there is no need to, even for daily productivity use, since sensitivity is easily changed. It's nice that Corsair included a wrist pad but I wish that there was a two stage rear support leg as the single position is a bit shallow for my taste. I also like that NUM LOCK and CAPS LOCK status shows up in the screen instead of having dedicated little lights. Nice touch. I'm still getting used to the Vanguard as I do have a number of other keyboards I use with multiple computers in the house not to mention my work laptop and personal laptop.