The gaming keyboard with a built-in Stream Deck is a powerhouse of innovation.
The Corsair Galleon 100 SD is not just another keyboard; it’s a well-thought-out fusion of a full-size mechanical keyboard and a Stream Deck, crafted from years of innovation. Corsair has honed its gaming hardware expertise, and the Stream Deck’s extensive ecosystem of plug-ins makes this device appealing to a wide range of users, even those who aren’t into streaming. This combination is a natural fit.
With the Galleon, the potential of the Stream Deck expands even further, making it feel like you’re wielding a powerful tool. You can control your Philips Hue lights, manage your YouTube Music tracks, and even organize your desktop windows with just a few button presses—all while keeping your hands on the keyboard.
To understand how we arrived at this point, it’s worth noting that the Galleon is a product of strategic acquisitions and a bit of luck. Corsair’s acquisition of Elgato in 2018, along with a majority stake in iDisplay (the company behind the Stream Deck’s mini screens), paved the way for this innovation. Interestingly, iDisplay’s earlier work on OLED screens for the ambitious but flawed Optimus Maximus keyboard in 2008 set the stage for today’s advancements.
Priced at $350, the Galleon is competitively positioned. Sure, you could opt for a Deck Mini and a solid keyboard for around $60 each, potentially saving some cash. However, the experience of using a polished keyboard combined with customizable buttons and dials is hard to beat.
The standout feature of the Galleon is its Stream Deck integration, featuring 12 customizable buttons, a non-touch screen, and two rotary dials. The LCD screen boasts Elgato’s highest resolution yet, a 5-inch 720 x 1280 IPS display. You can easily drag and drop commands and plug-ins through the Stream Deck app, allowing for quick access to everything from frequently used emojis for video calls to more complex integrations.
Elgato has developed official plug-ins for popular services like Philips Hue, Apple Mail, Slack, Zoom, Photoshop, YouTube, and Spotify, and there’s a thriving community of developers creating their own plug-ins. The customization options extend to app icons for each button and backgrounds for the larger screen, with some configurations, like a Helldivers 2 profile, offering significant gameplay advantages.
The keyboard itself is impressive, even if it’s not the main attraction. It features a sleek design with per-key RGB LEDs that can be customized via Corsair’s Web Hub app. While the software isn’t mandatory, the Stream Deck app is essential for maximizing the functionality of the buttons and dials. The Galleon’s aluminum chassis is complemented by a magnetic wrist pad, and it connects to your PC or console via a single USB-C-to-A cable. An additional USB-C-to-A cable allows for data or charging passthrough, letting you connect other devices easily.
In terms of design, the Galleon shares similarities with Corsair’s Vanguard series, featuring gasket mounting and multiple layers of dampening for a satisfying typing experience. The MLX Pulse switches provide a distinct “thock” sound and require minimal force to actuate. One area where the Galleon could improve is modularity; left-handed users might find it challenging to access the Stream Deck’s buttons and knobs. This is particularly puzzling given that Corsair hired the founder of a company that successfully implemented this feature in the past. However, there’s hope for future iterations.
Having recently tested a keyboard with Hall effect switches, which are quieter and faster, the MLX Pulse switches feel more familiar to me, reminiscent of my ergonomic keyboard. The Galleon supports hot-swapping for 3-pin or 5-pin switches, and a tool is included for easy switch replacement.
The Stream Deck’s capabilities are vast, originally designed for Twitch streamers, and there’s a wealth of resources available, including ready-made assets for enhancing your stream. For those who dive deep into this ecosystem, the Galleon offers tremendous value.
At $350, the Galleon presents a compelling option for those seeking a two-in-one device. While it may not be worth upgrading if you’re satisfied with your current setup, it’s an exciting all-in-one solution for anyone in need of a quality keyboard and Stream Deck functionality.
