Corsair Galleon 100 SD overview: A gaming keyboard and Stream Deck in a single

Finest Costs Right now: Corsair Galleon 100 SD

With the Galleon 100 SD, Corsair is attempting one thing new: for the primary time, a mechanical keyboard integrates Elgato’s Stream Deck expertise. The result’s a full-size gaming keyboard that replaces the quantity pad with 12 freely assignable LCD keys, two rotary controls, and a 5-inch show.

The idea is geared toward avid gamers, streamers, and inventive professionals alike–in different phrases, anybody who wants complete management and knowledge at a look whereas gaming, producing, or dwell streaming, with out taking their fingers off the keyboard.

Our take a look at report clarifies whether or not this revolutionary hybrid enter gadget lives as much as these expectations and justifies its value of $349.99.

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Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Design and workmanship

At first look, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD makes a stable impression. The housing is product of milled aluminum (CNC metallic) and weighs in at a substantial 3.08 kilos, guaranteeing that the keyboard sits firmly on the desk. Corsair makes use of black PBT double-shot keycaps, which promise sturdiness and abrasion-resistant lettering–a top quality function that’s appreciated in skilled environments.

Visually, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD combines basic gaming parts reminiscent of per-key RGB lighting and a discreet mild bar (“temper bar”) alongside the higher fringe of the housing with the eye-catching Stream Deck module on the right-hand aspect. An ergonomic palm relaxation with reminiscence foam padding attaches magnetically, considerably bettering long-term consolation.

Corsair’s format choices are prone to spark dialogue. The place the quantity pad would usually be situated, the Stream Deck unit now takes delight of place, which means the quantity pad has been utterly omitted. Commonplace keys such because the arrow and navigation blocks, alternatively, stay of their traditional locations.

For a lot of avid gamers, a keyboard with no numpad is nothing uncommon, however typists must rethink their method. Though the 12 LCD keys will be assigned as a numeric keypad when wanted, for instance, for getting into numbers in Excel, this stays solely a restricted substitute for a bodily numpad.

As well as, some customers could discover the location of the macro keys on the right-hand aspect to be a possible design drawback. Within the warmth of the second, it’s a must to take your proper hand off the mouse to achieve them. Commonplace gaming keyboards have a tendency to position extra macro keys on the left-hand aspect, the place they are often accessed with the keyboard hand.

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Nonetheless, Corsair argues that the Stream Deck keys are built-in “inside pure attain” and had been designed as a part of the keyboard from the outset. In apply, this may rely closely on the person: right-handed customers who use the mouse could discover reaching the show keys on the precise awkward, whereas streamers can simply entry them with their left hand throughout breaks.

Finally, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD impresses with its first-class workmanship and considerate design, which doesn’t really feel overloaded regardless of the various extras. Reasonably, the keyboard stands out as an eye catching function on the desk.

Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Know-how and options

The center of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is undeniably its full-fledged Stream Deck integration. A complete of 12 freely programmable buttons with small LCD shows can help you set off complicated actions, launch purposes, or swap whole profile units on the contact of a button.

Sitting above the three×4 key matrix is a five-inch (12.7 cm) coloration show with a decision of 720×1280 pixels. The mini display screen is topped by two multifunctional rotary controls with stress perform, which can be utilized as quantity controls, media management, or inventive high-quality changes. This whole management unit is seamlessly embedded within the keyboard, making separate macro pads or exterior Stream Deck units nearly redundant.

Notably elegant is the truth that every LCD button adapts in actual time to the lively software or sport, dynamically displaying user-defined icons or textual content. This successfully turns the buttons into next-generation macro keys, just like these already acquainted from Corsair’s Elgato Stream Deck product lineup.

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A whole article may very well be dedicated to the chances supplied by the Stream Deck keyboard mixture. The vary of purposes is gigantic: in video games, predefined profiles can help you set off particular talents, use stock shortcuts, or begin complicated command chains (“multi-actions”) on the contact of a button, with out having to open menus or memorize cryptic hotkeys.

Prepared-made profiles and icons are already obtainable for a lot of standard video games within the Elgato Market. However the Galleon module additionally has lots to supply past gaming: it may be used to regulate Spotify, function chats or messengers, and speed up inventive workflows. In the meantime, the built-in show gives useful real-time info.

For instance, system monitoring knowledge reminiscent of CPU/GPU load and temperatures, audio ranges, and even the climate. Streamers will even recognize having chat messages, Twitch standing, timers, or viewer counts straight on the keyboard of their peripheral imaginative and prescient, eliminating the necessity to continually take a look at a second monitor.

Total, Corsair’s method is to reduce context switching: all vital instructions and knowledge ought to be the place “your fingers and eyes belong,” particularly on the keyboard.

Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Excessive-end expertise and mechanical switches

In fact, all this is able to be of little worth if the fundamentals weren’t executed proper. However the producer additionally positions the Corsair Galleon 100 SD as an uncompromising high-end gaming keyboard. Inside, the in-house Axon chip with hyper-polling as much as 8,000 hertz is at work, which, in keeping with the producer, forwards inputs to the PC as much as eight occasions quicker than commonplace keyboards with 1,000 hertz.

Skilled avid gamers profit from ultra-low latency and FlashTap SOCD expertise, which ensures that when other way keys are pressed concurrently, the final path pressed is at all times prioritized.

In plain phrases, this permits for extra exact motion reminiscent of lightning-fast counter-straffing in shooters with out inputs blocking one another. N-key rollover with 100% anti-ghosting can be included, guaranteeing that any variety of simultaneous keystrokes are reliably acknowledged.

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Corsair makes use of MLX Pulse switches. These linear mechanical switches actuate after simply two millimeters and require solely about 45 grams of power, giving them as a easy really feel just like Cherry MX Pink switches–thrilling for lovers!

The switches are pre-lubricated from the issue, guaranteeing a easy typing expertise with out scratchiness. They’re additionally designed to supply a intentionally “thocky” sound profile, i.e. a wealthy, duller keystroke as an alternative of the same old high-pitched click on.

To additional suppress annoying ping noises, your entire key matrix rests on gaskets and 6 layers of sound-absorbing foam. In apply, this ends in a particularly high-quality typing expertise: every keystroke sounds muffled and full, whereas the keyboard stays extremely responsive.

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Those that desire to make use of their very own switches within the Corsair Galleon 100 SD can swap the MLX Pulse for different 3- or 5-pin switches at any time because of hot-swap sockets – Corsair has additionally considered the DIY group right here.

The technical options are rounded off by a removable, sleeved USB-C cable (1.8 meters) and a USB pass-through port within the type of an simply accessible USB-C socket on the keyboard. This lets you conveniently join a headset, gamepad, or USB persist with the entrance with out having to crawl underneath your desk.

Nonetheless, the Galleon 100 SD is a purely wired gaming keyboard. Given the power-hungry shows and eight kHz expertise, Corsair has constantly opted towards wi-fi, which we discover comprehensible for this gadget idea.

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Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Software program

As revolutionary because the {hardware} is, the software program method of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is equally uncommon. Surprisingly, the keyboard doesn’t assist the same old Corsair iCUE software program; as an alternative, two various options are employed.

Corsair has developed a brand new internet software known as “Corsair Internet Hub” for all basic keyboard capabilities (lighting, macros, profiles, polling fee, and many others.). It is a browser-based configuration instrument that requires no set up and accesses the keyboard straight when wanted.

Modifications to lighting or key assignments are set by way of the online interface after which saved on the Galleon’s 8-megabyte onboard reminiscence. The benefit? No everlasting background software program is required after setup.

Internet Hub will be closed, but the settings stay within the gadget and even proceed to perform on one other PC. We had been capable of simply modify the RGB coloration for every key in Internet Hub, outline results, and deactivate the Home windows key in sport mode.

Macro recording and particular options, such because the FlashTap SOCD settings, may also be adjusted by the Hub. Corsair’s method of conserving system sources whereas nonetheless permitting in depth personalization is basically commendable.

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The draw back is that Elgato’s Stream Deck app have to be working in parallel for the Stream Deck capabilities to work. The LCD buttons and show are configured completely by way of the established Stream Deck software program, together with drag-and-drop project of actions, set up of plug-ins from the Market, and administration of profile pages.

In precept, Galleon house owners get the identical highly effective vary of capabilities right here as with a separate Stream Deck. Nonetheless, the separation of the software program is prone to be a thorn within the aspect of many Corsair followers: the not too long ago launched Corsair Vanguard keyboard (which pursued an analogous particular idea) was already criticized for fragmenting Corsair’s ecosystem.

Customers word that it’s “silly to have to put in a second piece of software program only for the show.” Others ask in frustration whether or not Corsair is giving up on iCUE, as that is now the second product to be launched with out iCUE assist.

The actual fact stays that lighting synchronization or central management with different Corsair units by way of iCUE just isn’t doable with the Galleon 100 SD. If you wish to management your Corsair mouse, headset, or PC lighting in sync together with your keyboard, separate options have to be used in the meanwhile.

Corsair might tackle this shortcoming sooner or later by integrating the programs extra carefully. For instance, an iCUE plug-in that shows primary info on the keyboard show, just like what the exterior iCUE Nexus show provides, could be fascinating.

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On a constructive word, Corsair doesn’t require a person account or cloud entry because of Internet Hub. The settings stay native and the instrument may be very resource-efficient. Streamers and energy customers will recognize the established Stream Deck software program workflow anyway, because it provides an unrivalled vary of choices in its class reminiscent of plug-ins for Twitch, OBS Studio, YouTube, Discord, Philips Hue, and plenty of different apps.

In on a regular basis use, nonetheless, because of this the Corsair Galleon 100 SD requires some preliminary configuration effort, as two interfaces have for use. However when you’ve arrange your profiles and settings, the whole lot runs reliably.

Due to onboard reminiscence, the keyboard even begins in {hardware} mode with a primary profile on a international laptop, and the Stream Deck app can mechanically load profiles as wanted as soon as it’s working. Total, Corsair’s software program technique for the Galleon 100 SD is unconventional, but it surely displays the corporate’s deal with delivering efficiency with out pointless overhead and on leveraging confirmed software program (Elgato) slightly than pushing iCUE onto the brand new hybrid idea.

Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Gaming, streaming, and productiveness

In on a regular basis use, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD proves to be an actual all-rounder. For avid gamers, it provides the whole lot you’ll count on from a contemporary premium keyboard: exact, responsive keystrokes, no ghosting or enter lag, and, because of its stable building, a steady basis even when gameplay will get intense.

The brand new options match surprisingly organically into the gameplay. Take MMORPGs or MOBAs, for instance: as an alternative of memorizing complicated keyboard shortcuts, you possibly can merely assign potions, ability combos, or chat messages to the LCD keys and see the corresponding icon at a look.

Prepared-made profile presets for a lot of video games make it straightforward to get began–as an example, you possibly can function instrument buttons in Flight Simulator or buy gear kits in Counter-Strike on the contact of a button with out leaving the principle sport.

We instantly triggered therapeutic in a battle royale sport utilizing the Stream Deck button, giving us a slight time benefit by bypassing the stock menu. Switching between game-specific lighting profiles (reminiscent of highlighting the WASD keys) additionally labored flawlessly by way of Internet Hub and was clearly indicated on the show.

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The strengths are much more evident in on a regular basis streaming. Right here, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD transforms right into a full-fledged studio deck: press two or three buttons, and the intro sequence begins, the microphone goes dwell, and the facecam fades in.

Through the stream, you should utilize the controls to combine the sound or swap between scenes with out ever shifting your fingers removed from WASD or the chat keyboard. The small show is particularly useful, permitting us to continually keep watch over our dwell chat and viewer numbers.

This made it straightforward to note new questions within the chat and reply with out taking our eyes off the sport. One other sensible function: system useful resource indicators on the keyboard knowledgeable us if GPU utilization turned essential whereas streaming. A fast look was all it took.

For streamers who steadily swap between the sport and streaming instruments with Alt-Tab, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD gives noticeable aid and saves time. All the things is at your fingertips, because the keyboard turns into the command middle for your entire dwell session.

However the Galleon 100 SD additionally shines in productive workflows. In video and picture modifying packages, for instance, we assigned vital shortcuts to the LCD keys: a single press might management instruments in Photoshop or begin an export course of in Adobe Premiere, amongst different issues.

The rotary knobs are perfect for steady zooming on timelines or scrolling by lengthy paperwork. In the event you make a whole lot of calls from your private home workplace, a key will be assigned to mute your microphone in Groups or Zoom, with a crimson standing indicator on the LCD key.

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For music lovers and frequent listeners, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD provides full media management: skip tracks, fine-tune the quantity, play and pause–all with out reaching for the mouse. Even basic workplace customers profit.

A Stream Deck plug-in, for instance, can be utilized to execute predefined macros in Excel on the contact of a button or to regulate shows in PowerPoint. In brief, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD can improve productiveness should you’re keen to adapt your working atmosphere a little bit.

In fact, there are additionally use instances the place the Galleon idea reaches its limits. For instance, anybody who spends hours every single day hammering away at columns of numbers in spreadsheets will miss the true quantity pad, because the digital quantity keys are solely a makeshift answer right here because you first have to change to an acceptable profile.

As well as, it takes a little bit getting used to at first to take advantage of the total potential of the various additional management choices. Nonetheless, after getting arrange your private workflow, many issues are a lot smoother than with separate units or pure software program management. Within the take a look at run, after a short while we couldn’t work with out the extra shows and buttons, since you rapidly get used to the posh of getting the whole lot underneath management.

The typing and writing efficiency of the Corsair Galleon 100 SD itself is great. The MLX switches really feel linear and really easy; because of the manufacturing facility lubrication, there isn’t a scratching or leaping. The muffled typing noise is hanging: a wealthy “thock” with each keystroke, far faraway from the sharp click on of a blue swap or the hole echo of some cheaper keyboards.

Colleagues within the room discovered typing on it to be way more nice than on standard gaming keyboards. Corsair’s efforts with seals and foam have paid off right here. On the identical time, we additionally registered each keystroke exactly, even in hectic gaming conditions, regardless of how briskly the inputs had been.

The extraordinarily excessive polling fee of 8,000 hertz could hardly be noticeable to the typical participant, however together with the sturdy building, the keyboard feels completely direct and responsive always, which is a decisive issue for e-sports gamers and demanding avid gamers.

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Corsair Galleon 100 SD: Criticisms

As spectacular because the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is when it comes to options and efficiency, there are a number of factors of criticism that can’t be ignored. Firstly, the worth: $349.99 is a hefty sum for a keyboard.

Objectively talking, you do get two units in a single, i.e. an expert keyboard plus a Stream Deck, however the funding must be fastidiously thought-about. Actually, for a similar cash, you possibly can purchase a separate high-end keyboard and a bigger Stream Deck (such because the Stream Deck XL with 32 keys) and nonetheless have some cash leftover.

The Corsair Galleon 100 SD is subsequently clearly geared toward lovers who recognize the added worth of integration and are keen to dig deep into their pockets for it. For informal avid gamers with out streaming ambitions, the price-performance ratio is slightly unfavorable, as they would go away many options unused.

Secondly, the software program state of affairs: as described, Corsair is presently forcing customers to make use of a twin setup consisting of Internet Hub and the Stream Deck app. This implies extra configuration effort and probably two purposes working in parallel.

In comparison with the acquainted “the whole lot underneath one roof” philosophy of iCUE, this can be a step backwards when it comes to comfort and ecosystem. Those that already personal a number of Corsair units specifically will miss having centralized management.

Though the setup runs stably in testing, the fragmentation stays a downside. Particularly since Corsair itself initially relied on Internet Hub just for the Vanguard keyboard sequence and solely later promised iCUE assist. They might have realized from previous suggestions right here.

On a constructive word, nonetheless, Corsair is taking an attention-grabbing method with its resource-saving internet configurator, which can even be extra engaging to purists than the iCUE software program, which is commonly criticized for being bloated.

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Thirdly, the shortage of a wi-fi possibility. Whereas technically comprehensible, the absence of wi-fi performance may very well be a downside for some customers. In an age the place even many high-end keyboards provide Bluetooth, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is strictly tied to its USB cable.

This will not be an issue on a desk with a stationary PC–quite the opposite, the fastened connections (together with the USB hub) have their benefits. However anybody hoping to place the keyboard extra flexibly or swap rapidly between a number of units will at all times must reconnect the cable.

Fourthly, the house requirement. Regardless of the omission of the numpad, the Galleon 100 SD isn’t an area saver. Its width is roughly the identical as a normal full-size keyboard, because the Stream Deck module occupies the house that might in any other case be freed up. The palm relaxation, mixed with the peak added by the show and controls, additional contributes to the keyboard’s total profile.

In cramped setups, the keyboard might really feel a bit cumbersome, although the palm relaxation will be eliminated if house is proscribed. Weighing 3.08 kilos, the keyboard doesn’t budge on the desk, however its heft makes it removed from travel-friendly. LAN social gathering goers, specifically, could hesitate to hold this battleship.

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Fifthly, the idea itself. As ingenious as the concept of an “all-in-one” enter answer is, it’s geared toward a really particular goal group. In any case, a Stream Deck, whether or not separate or built-in, solely is sensible should you truly use it.

In the event you’re not keen on automating processes or optimizing your streaming or work setup with macros, you’ll be paying lots for buttons and capabilities that will go unused. Not everybody will make full use of the keyboard’s costly array of options in on a regular basis life.

That stated, this threat is inherent to any specialised instrument. Corsair at the least gives the whole lot you might want to reap long-term advantages, together with a big group of current profiles and plug-ins.