Corsair Galleon 100 SD: A Streaming Keyboard with Built-in Deck
▼ Summary
– Corsair’s new Galleon 100 SD keyboard, showcased at CES, aims to stand out by featuring a built-in Stream Deck.
– The keyboard uses Corsair’s own pre-lubricated, hot-swappable MLX Pulse Linear mechanical switches instead of newer Hall effect or TMR switches.
– Its unique selling point is the integrated Stream Deck module, which includes two rotary encoders, an LCD screen, and 12 customizable keys.
– The author cautions that such a deck can become an unused novelty unless a user has a specific, regular need for its macro functions.
– The keyboard’s $350 price is criticized as high, especially when comparable separate components can be purchased for less.
The Corsair Galleon 100 SD keyboard aims to carve out a distinct space in the crowded gaming peripheral market by integrating a fully functional Stream Deck directly into its chassis. This hybrid device promises to streamline the setups of content creators and gamers who rely on macros and shortcuts, merging two essential tools into a single, albeit premium, piece of hardware. While its core functionality as a high-performance keyboard is solid, the real conversation revolves around the value and utility of its built-in command center.
At first glance, the Galleon 100 SD resembles a tenkeyless version of Corsair’s popular designs, featuring aggressive styling and vibrant per-key RGB lighting. It meets the expected high-end specifications with an 8000 Hz polling rate and FlashTap SOCD cleaning for competitive gaming. Where it diverges from some current trends is in its switch choice. Instead of adopting magnetic Hall effect switches, Corsair equips this board with its own MLX Pulse Linear mechanical switches. These come pre-lubricated for a smoother feel and are hot-swappable, offering users the flexibility to change them out later, provided the keyboard’s PCB supports standard wiring.
The undeniable centerpiece, however, is the integrated Stream Deck module positioned where the number pad would typically be. This unit is topped with two programmable rotary encoders, followed by a small LCD screen and a grid of 12 customizable keys. Each button can be assigned macros, application launches, soundboard triggers, or complex multi-action sequences, directly controllable without needing a separate device on your desk.
This integration presents a compelling proposition for streamers and professionals who constantly switch between tasks. Having those controls physically attached to the keyboard could reduce clutter and improve workflow efficiency. Yet, it also introduces a significant consideration: necessity. Many users purchase dedicated macro pads only to find their usage dwindles after the initial novelty wears off. If you don’t have a consistent, daily need for dozens of instant-actions, those dedicated keys might become an expensive ornament.
This leads directly to the Galleon 100 SD’s most contentious aspect: its price. At $350, the keyboard commands a substantial premium. For comparison, you could purchase a top-tier wired gaming keyboard and a large, standalone Stream Deck XL for roughly the same combined cost, with money left over. The Corsair’s design is sleek and the dual rotary knobs are a genuinely useful addition, but the cost positions it as a niche luxury item rather than a mainstream necessity.
Ultimately, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is a clever and well-executed fusion of two device categories. Its success depends entirely on the user. For a dedicated streamer or power user whose workflow is built around rapid-fire shortcuts, the integration and saved desk space could justify the investment. For the average gamer or casual creator, however, the high price tag is difficult to recommend when more modular and affordable alternatives exist. It’s an innovative statement piece that solves a specific problem for a specific audience.
(Source: PC Gamer)
