The Ultimate Gaming Setup: Corsair Vanguard 99 Review
As a former Twitch streamer, I've always had a soft spot for high-quality gaming gear. So, when I got my hands on the Corsair Vanguard 99 Wireless Optical-Mechanical Keyboard, I was eager to put it through its paces. Having used the Elgato Stream Deck for years, I was curious to see how this keyboard could enhance my gaming and productivity experience.
A Premium Experience
Let's address the elephant in the room—the price. At $259, this keyboard is not for the faint of heart or shallow pockets. But, if you're serious about your gaming setup and productivity, it might just be worth the investment. Personally, I believe that sometimes you have to spend a little extra to get the best tools for the job, and this keyboard is no exception.
The unboxing experience was a delight, with Corsair's signature attention to detail. The keyboard comes neatly packed with a cloth bag, extra buttons, and a USB-C cable. A small but significant addition is the USB-A-to-USB-C converter, which is a lifesaver for those with limited USB-C ports on their desktops.
Wireless Freedom, with a Catch
The Vanguard 99 offers the flexibility of wireless connectivity via Bluetooth or a wireless dongle, or you can go old-school with a wired USB-C connection. I tested all three, and they performed admirably. However, there's a slight hiccup with the wireless mode. If you step away for a few minutes, the keyboard goes into standby, and it takes a couple of seconds to wake up. For some, this might be a minor inconvenience, but for hardcore gamers, every second counts.
Gaming Performance
To test its gaming prowess, I jumped into Overwatch, a game where quick access to abilities is crucial. I remapped my ultimate and first ability to the extra row of hotkeys, and it worked like a charm. The additional keys are conveniently placed, making it easy to access without feeling too awkward. This is where the Vanguard 99 shines—it allows you to streamline your gaming experience without the need for additional devices.
Streamlining Productivity
One of my favorite features of the Stream Deck was the ability to assign programs and functions for everyday use. With the Vanguard 99, this functionality is seamlessly integrated into the keyboard. You can control volume, launch apps like Spotify, or even perform complex actions with a single keypress. This level of customization is a productivity enthusiast's dream come true.
The Corsair Web Hub is an intuitive portal that unlocks the keyboard's full potential. You can customize LED styles, check key functionality, and rearrange hotkeys to your heart's content. It's a breeze to navigate and makes optimizing your setup a fun process.
Adjusting to the Extra Row
The extra row of keys, while a fantastic addition for gaming, does take some getting used to. I found myself accidentally hitting those hotkeys instead of the letters on the left side. It was a minor annoyance at first, but after a week, I adjusted and appreciated the convenience it offered.
Final Thoughts
The Corsair Vanguard 99 is an exceptional keyboard that justifies its premium price tag. The stellar key response, the extra row of hotkeys, and the seamless integration of productivity features make it a standout choice. While the adjustment period might be a bit bumpy, the end result is a streamlined gaming and productivity experience. If you're in the market for a high-end gaming keyboard, the Vanguard 99 is definitely worth considering.
