Corsair Vanguard 96 Gaming Keyboard Review
Feature
Design and Ergonomics: Compact Power
As its name indicates, the Vanguard 96 is a 96% sized gaming keyboard. This popular layout expertly incorporates a full numpad, function keys, and a dedicated rotary dial into a footprint much smaller than a traditional full-size board. For heavy numpad users—whether for day jobs or specific gaming macros—this is a massive benefit, allowing for one high-performance peripheral for both work and play, thus saving precious desk space.
Adding to its versatility, the left side of the board features six special buttons. While fully configurable, these are designed with Elgato Stream Deck functionality, offering instant access to streaming controls or application macros. The overall build quality is exceptional, thanks to its machined full aluminum frame which provides rock-solid durability and premium heft. The keys are topped with durable PBT Double-Shot Keycaps.
Due to the compact nature of the 96% layout, there is a slight amount of key "cramping" around the arrow keys, which are positioned directly next to the numpad. During use, this occasionally led to accidentally pressing the '0' button instead of the right arrow. However, this tight configuration means there are fewer gaps, reducing the chance of dust and debris accumulation. The keyboard also offers two height settings for ergonomic adjustment and features clever cable management with a single input underneath leading to three separate cable exits, allowing players to customize the cable's path across their desk.
Typing and Gaming Performance
Our review unit came equipped with the Corsair MLX Fusion mechanical switches (part of the CORSAIR MLX Mechanical Switch family), and I must admit that these are close to the smoothest keys I have ever used. They still provide a comfortable, tactile feel when typing but, thanks to the 4-layer sound dampening system, they do not produce the same high noise levels as my current Cherry-switched keyboard—much to my wife’s delight. The pre-lubricated stems are the key component here, ensuring that every keystroke is silky-smooth and satisfyingly quiet.
The Vanguard 96 is fully hot-swappable, compatible with both 3-pin and 5-pin switches, offering enthusiasts complete freedom to fine-tune their sound and feel preferences.
The keyboard also introduces Dual Actuation, allowing players to assign two separate actions to a single keypress. The actuation settings are adjustable across a massive range, from a supersensitive 0.1mm to a full 4mm, enabling plenty of custom tinkering. Within gaming functions, this allows for sophisticated control, such as setting a character to walk when a key is lightly pressed and then run when pressed firmly.
A final, welcome ergonomic detail is the included cushioned palm rest. It provides a comfortable typing experience, attaching magnetically to the keyboard. Unlike previous Corsair wrist rests, this one features a smooth surface that enables dust, crumbs, and small spills to be simply wiped off.
Software and Customisation
Located above the numpad is a small LCD screen that is fully customisable. Unfortunately, at the time of writing, there was no compatibility with the iCUE software, meaning users with other Corsair devices will need to switch between iCUE and the new Corsair Web Hub to manage all their peripherals. The Web Hub, however, will feel familiar to existing Corsair users and retains much of the user-friendly nature of iCUE. RGB settings are easily customisable, as are macros which can be assigned to any key on the board.
Verdict
The CORSAIR VANGUARD 96 is a keyboard built for the modern enthusiast who demands both peak performance and premium acoustics. Its combination of a machined full aluminum frame, hot-swappable design, and a sophisticated 4-layer sound dampening system elevates the daily typing and gaming experience far beyond standard mechanical keyboards. If you are looking for a compact keyboard with butter-smooth keystrokes that manages to be remarkably quiet for a mechanical board while still retaining a full numpad, the VANGUARD 96 is an outstanding choice.
In the Box:
● Corsair Vanguard 96 Mechanical Gaming keyboard
● Magnetic Palm Rest
● Braided USB Type-C cable
● Keycap puller
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