The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 with Hall Effect is quite possibly the best keyboard that I’ve used to date, and I’d be hard-pressed to find a more impressive alternative.
Corsair is one of the leading brands in PC and console accessories, whether it’s SCUF controllers, headsets, or gaming mice. So when you pick up any device from this manufacturer, it comes with a high level of expected quality, and the Vanguard Pro 96 keyboard ticks that box.
Straight away, the Vanguard Pro 96 feels like it’s made of quality materials. At just over 1kg in weight, it not only feels light but very sturdy. And the moment I pressed its clickety-clack, pre-lubed, double-rail structured keys with ultra-precise and reliable hall effect, I knew the moment I began typing my first news article that it was going to be therapeutic bliss.
A must-have is included in the box
Then I noticed something that I’ve not seen in a keyboard box before, and that was the detachable magnetic cushioned palm rest. Typically, you’d have to buy something like this separately, but it’s conveniently included in the box.
What’s more, because this rest is designed specifically for this keyboard, it’s the perfect length, depth and slope to rest your wrists. It’s also not overly padded with memory foam, so you shouldn’t have to worry about it losing its shape and texture anytime soon.
The magnetic connection also means that it will never slide out of place, whether you’re typing away for work or involved in an intense gaming session. The Vanguard Pro 96 can also save five customised profiles simultaneously, which can be switched courtesy of the buttons on the left-hand side of the keyboard. This is especially handy to save presets for a variety of gaming genres, as well as being quick and easy to switch.
Inside the box, you also get a tool to detach the keys to swap for something new if you wish, as well as the braided USB-C cable. Speaking of the cable, this keyboard is not wireless, so you will need to plug it into your PC or laptop, which is no issue for me. When using a wireless keyboard, after a while, once I’ve had to recharge the keyboard a few times, I just leave the cable in. Plus, when it comes to gaming, as with pro controllers, having the cable connected improves latency and takes full advantage of the keyboard’s ultra-responsive 8,000Hz input.
More than just razzle-dazzle
One of the best features about this keyboard is the level of customisation that it offers, and I’m not just talking about the gorgeous RGB backlights. By using the easily accessible Corsair Web Hub, you can change key inputs, multi-key functions, and more. Arguably, best of all, you don’t need to download another app to customise the keyboard, taking up valuable space. It’s all done online.
The Vanguard Pro 96 has somewhat of a gimmick. Even though I initially dismissed this feature, it’s actually surprisingly helpful, and it’s the LCD screen, located at the top-right of the keyboard next to the aluminium dial.
The 1.9 LCD screen not only has vibrant animations but also allows you to quickly access some of its features, and most importantly, see what it’s doing. By pressing FN + F12, you can easily access volume and brightness settings, control music tracks, vertically and horizontally scroll, zoom in, access widget changes and the actuation point.
The keyboard is also compatible with PS5 and PS4, as well as the Elgato Virtual Stream Deck. Sadly, as I do not own a Stream Deck or PlayStation games suited for the keyboard, I was unable to test out those functionalities.
With an RRP of £209.99, the Vanguard Pro 96 with Hall Effect does not come cheap, but if you’re familiar with professional gaming keyboards, this price might not be much of a deterrent.
However, with the durable hall effect keys, the snazzy LCD screen and the very convenient magnetic rest, I doubt very much that you’ll feel shortchanged. On top of that, the Vanguard Pro 96 with Hall Effect is a fantastic keyboard for work and play. You won’t regret this purchase.
A review sample was provided by Corsair PR.
