Corsair has officially announced the release of its latest gaming keyboards, the VANGUARD PRO 96 Hall Effect Gaming Keyboard and the VANGUARD 96 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard. Both models continue the company’s keyboard development legacy, building on the foundation set by the long-running K70 series.
The VANGUARD line introduces several new features aimed at both gamers and creators. Each model includes Elgato Virtual Stream Deck support, a built-in LCD screen, four layers of sound dampening, FlashTap SOCD technology, six programmable Stream Deck-enabled G-keys, and an integrated rotary dial. Both keyboards offer hot-swap compatibility and can be customized through Corsair Web Hub.
With their 96% layouts, the VANGUARD keyboards retain the functionality of a full-sized keyboard—including the numeric keypad, arrow keys, and function keys—while maintaining a compact footprint close to a tenkeyless design. Users can select between Corsair MLX or MGX mechanical switches, both pre-lubed for smoother actuation.
The VANGUARD series features native Elgato Stream Deck and Virtual Stream Deck integration. Using the Stream Deck software, users can map actions directly to the programmable G-keys, with the full feature rollout planned for Q4 2025. Custom profiles can be created for different games or applications, providing efficient hotkey access and improved workflow management.
The integrated 320 x 170 full-color LCD screen expands functionality further. Users can display images, animations, or system statistics at a glance, enhancing both customization and productivity.
The VANGUARD PRO 96 is equipped with Corsair MGX Hyperdrive Hall Effect Magnetic switches, designed for responsiveness and durability. It also supports Corsair Rapid Trigger technology, adjustable actuation points, dual actuation capabilities, and 8,000 Hz hyper-polling. These features position the keyboard as a performance-focused model suitable for demanding gaming sessions.
Corsair Web Hub serves as the central platform for managing lighting effects, macros, and key remapping. The system works alongside Corsair’s Firmware Update Utility, simplifying updates and ensuring that supported peripherals remain consistent with user preferences.
The Corsair VANGUARD PRO 96 and VANGUARD 96 gaming keyboards are available starting today through the Corsair webstore and authorized global retailers and distributors.
Corsair VANGUARD PRO 96 vs VANGUARD 96 – Specifications
| Feature | VANGUARD PRO 96 | VANGUARD 96 |
|---|---|---|
| Layout | 96% (full key functionality in compact footprint) | 96% (full key functionality in compact footprint) |
| Switches | Corsair MGX Hyperdrive Hall Effect Magnetic switches | Corsair MLX or MGX pre-lubed mechanical switches |
| Polling Rate | Up to 8,000 Hz hyper-polling | Up to 8,000 Hz hyper-polling |
| Trigger Technology | Rapid Trigger, adjustable actuation, dual actuation | Standard mechanical actuation |
| Sound Dampening | Four-layer dampening | Four-layer dampening |
| Programmable Keys | Six Stream Deck-enabled G-keys | Six Stream Deck-enabled G-keys |
| Display | 320 x 170 full-color LCD screen | 320 x 170 full-color LCD screen |
| Additional Controls | Rotary dial | Rotary dial |
| Elgato Integration | Native Virtual Stream Deck support (Q4 2025 rollout) | Native Virtual Stream Deck support (Q4 2025 rollout) |
| Customization Software | Corsair Web Hub + Firmware Update Utility | Corsair Web Hub + Firmware Update Utility |
| Hot-Swap Support | Yes | Yes |
| RGB Lighting | Fully customizable per-key RGB | Fully customizable per-key RGB |
| Connectivity | Wired | Wired |
| Use Case | Competitive and professional gaming | Gaming and productivity |
