Corsair Galleon 100 SD Review: A Fusion of Keyboard and Stream Deck
Ever pondered what might emerge if a top-tier gaming keyboard and an Elgato Stream Deck were combined? The answer is now clear with the Corsair Galleon 100 SD, a product that challenges traditional definitions of a keyboard. Corsair has seamlessly integrated a high-end gaming keyboard with the customisation, convenience, and style of an Elgato Stream Deck, creating a device that feels like much more than just a keyboard.
Innovative Integration and Design
In 2018, Corsair acquired Elgato Gaming, a company renowned for its streaming hardware, including the revolutionary Stream Deck. This product transformed streaming and creative setups by providing an easy, stylish way to manage scenes, audio settings, and more with a single touch. Now, for the first time, Corsair has embedded Elgato's technology into a high-end gaming keyboard, a move that seems so logical it begs the question: why wasn't this done sooner?
The Galleon 100 SD features an integrated Elgato Stream Deck with 12 LCD macro keys, which are not mere plastic buttons but actual mini-displays akin to those on the standalone Stream Deck MK.2. Additionally, it includes a 5-inch IPS LCD screen that serves as a dashboard, displaying system statistics like CPU temperatures or dedicated media track information. Above the screen, two tactile rotary dials are fully mappable, allowing users to control volume, zoom, timeline scrubbing in software like Premiere Pro, or adjust lighting brightness on the fly. Their primary function is to switch between widgets, with each dial toggling between two options for the Stream Deck.
While the traditional number pad is absent, the Stream Deck can easily transform into a number pad with a button press, mitigating any concerns about its omission. The keyboard itself boasts Corsair's MLX Pulse switches, premium linear mechanical switches designed for a thocky sound and pre-lubricated for smooth operation. With six layers of sound-dampening and a gasket-mounted design, it delivers a very satisfying auditory experience. Per-key RGB lighting and an integrated mood bar enhance immersion, while gaming features include an 8K polling rate, FlashTap SOCD handling, and a dedicated game mode button for instant optimisation. The keyboard is wired, as expected due to its power requirements.
In terms of build quality, the aluminium frame exudes premium feel, complemented by metal dials, PBT double-shot keycaps, and an exceptionally plush wrist rest. Software integration is handled through established programs like iCUE and Stream Deck, or the Web Hub, making it simple to customise widgets, RGB settings, and macros.
Performance and Versatility
Corsair labels this a keyboard, but with Stream Deck integration, it functions as a streaming assistant, media centre, editing station, or virtually any tool users desire. The fusion allows for endless customisation and use cases, benefiting gamers, content creators, streamers, and office workers alike. Once configured with the right widgets, this keyboard simplifies tasks and adds a cool factor to any activity.
Specific widgets are available for games like Helldivers 2, Star Citizen, and Cyberpunk 2077, as well as applications such as Spotify, Twitch, and OBS. These enable shortcuts for actions or monitoring of system metrics like CPU load. While similar functionality exists with standalone Stream Decks, having it integrated into one product streamlines the experience and desk setup. The keyboard's sound profile is delightful for enthusiasts, and the switches balance gaming, content creation, and typing effectively, especially with the dedicated gaming mode that switches between work and play instantly.
Value and Comparison
The Galleon 100 SD comes at a premium price: £309.99 in the UK and $349.99 in the US. For context, purchasing a Vanguard 96 keyboard with MLX Pulse switches costs £159.99/$189.99, and a Stream Deck Mk2 separately is £149.99/$149.99, totaling £309.98/$339.98. Thus, the integrated device is similarly priced or slightly more expensive than buying both separately, but offers the added benefit of a unified product.
Compared to other high-spec keyboards like the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro 8KHz (£249.99), ROG Azoth X (£274.99), or SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Wireless Gen 3 (£259.99), the Galleon 100 SD stands out due to its unique Stream Deck integration. None of these alternatives feature an Elgato Stream Deck attached. For those not needing a Stream Deck, numerous cheaper premium keyboard options are available.
Final Verdict
For creators, streamers, editors, or professionals who use or desire an Elgato Stream Deck, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD represents the ultimate premium gaming keyboard. It delivers all the expected features of a high-end keyboard while incorporating the customisation and accessibility of a Stream Deck in a smart, durable chassis. If a Stream Deck is unnecessary or unfamiliar, other premium keyboards may suffice. However, for those seeking the ultimate tool for streaming, editing, and creating, this product may be the long-awaited solution.
