Corsair’s Vanguard Pro 96: A Premium Gaming Investment Worth Every Penny
Many keyboards these days come equipped with small LCD screens that can display system metrics and other information, but the standout feature of the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 for me is the ability to showcase the Bullseye logo. Every glance at the keyboard brings back memories of the classic British darts game show, and I can’t help but get the theme song stuck in my head. That nostalgic touch alone makes the £210/$240 price tag feel justified.
However, I suspect my colleague Jacob would want a more thorough explanation than just my fondness for Bullseye, so let’s dive deeper into this review.
To put it simply, I really enjoy using the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96. Is that not enough detail?
**Switch type:** Corsair MGX Overdrive
**Keycaps:** PBT, doubleshot
**Lighting:** RGB, customizable via software
**Onboard storage:** 5 profiles
**Extra ports:** None
**Connection type:** Wired
**Cable:** USB Type-C/USB Type-A, detachable
**Weight:** 1.095 kg/2.41 lbs
**Price:** $240/£210
The Vanguard Pro 96 brings back memories of Corsair’s earlier keyboards—bold, full-size designs that prioritize layout and features without compromise. It sports a 96% layout, or 1800 layout, which includes all the essentials like arrow keys, a number pad, and a function row, all while saving space. Coupled with Corsair’s modern aesthetic, this keyboard looks fantastic.
Remarkably, Corsair has integrated a 1.9-inch LCD screen, a substantial volume dial, and six macro keys into a compact design, making the Vanguard Pro 96 one of the most feature-packed keyboards available today. The macro keys, along with a dedicated Elgato Stream Deck key, allow you to use this keyboard as a standalone Stream Deck, which is a clever touch. Plus, it comes with a plush wrist rest that attaches magnetically.
The build quality is impressive, featuring a metal top plate and sturdy plastics. While it may not be as heavy as some fully machined options, it’s still substantial enough to stay put on your desk.
The LCD screen does more than just display a Bullseye wallpaper. By using Fn+F12, you can cycle through various settings displayed alongside the rotary dial, including volume control, macro recording, and scrolling options. This combination of screen and dial is one of the most versatile I’ve encountered in a keyboard recently.
Corsair has also moved away from its previous iCUE software for the Vanguard Pro 96, opting instead for a sleek, web-based interface that’s user-friendly and efficient. Here, you can customize the screen and rotary dial functions, remap keys, configure RGB settings, and adjust actuation points.
This keyboard features Hall effect switches, specifically Corsair’s MGX Hyperdrive switches, which offer customizable magnetic actuation. You can adjust both the actuation and reset points across a wide range, from as little as 0.1 mm to 4 mm.
The rapid trigger capability of the MGX Hyperdrive switches allows for near-instant response times. You can set the actuation point to a mere 0.1 mm, requiring minimal pressure to register an input, while a setting of 4 mm results in a 55 g actuation force.
Additionally, the keyboard includes SOCD technology, which offers different priority modes for quick strafing actions. While some may find this feature useful, I believe it’s more of a spec sheet addition than a game-changer in competitive play.
Technically, the MGX Hyperdrive switches are hot-swappable, and Corsair includes a switch and keycap puller in the box. However, compatibility with other switches can be tricky, as they don’t follow the standard 3 or 5 pinouts of typical MX switches.
During my time playing Counter-Strike 2 (which can be surprisingly addictive when taking down low-level bots), I found the Vanguard Pro 96’s switches to be responsive and consistent. They provide a smooth, snappy feel, making this keyboard one of the fastest in its class, and it boasts an impressive 8000 Hz polling rate—though most users may not notice the difference.
Connectivity is fully wired, eliminating concerns about Bluetooth pairing or battery life. The included braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable is of good quality, and the keyboard features ample cable management options on its underside for easy routing.
✅ **You want a powerful full-size keyboard:** The Vanguard Pro 96 is a robust option with minimal compromises in size, speed, and features.
❌ **You want wireless connectivity:** Given its price, some users might prefer a more versatile wireless option instead of the strictly wired setup Corsair offers.
One minor issue I have with Corsair is the cable routing. The USB Type-C port is recessed deep into the chassis, making it somewhat inconvenient to access. It would have been simpler to position the port at the rear edge of the chassis.
In conclusion, I genuinely like the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96, and it’s not just because of the fun LCD screen. This keyboard stands out as one of the best Hall effect options available, offering a full-size layout with thoughtful features, versatile software, and responsive switches. However, at £210/$240, it does come with a hefty price tag compared to its competitors.
