Corsair's Vanguard 99 Wireless Optical-Mechanical Keyboard is a sleek and powerful tool for gamers and productivity enthusiasts alike. This keyboard offers a unique blend of optical-mechanical switches, wireless connectivity, and a customizable layout, making it a standout choice in the market. In this review, I'll delve into the features, performance, and my personal experiences with this innovative keyboard.
A Streamlined Unboxing Experience
Corsair's attention to detail is evident from the moment you open the box. The keyboard comes neatly packaged in a cloth bag, ensuring its protection during transit. Inside, you'll find the keyboard itself, a stack of extra buttons, and a USB-C cable. The inclusion of a USB-A-to-USB-C converter is a thoughtful touch, addressing the common issue of limited USB-C ports on many modern desktops. This level of organization and consideration sets a positive tone for the overall user experience.
Versatile Connectivity Options
One of the standout features of the Vanguard 99 is its versatility in connectivity. It supports wireless Bluetooth, a wireless dongle, and wired USB-C connectivity. I had the opportunity to test all three modes, and I was impressed by their seamless performance. The keyboard seamlessly switches between these modes, ensuring a consistent and reliable experience regardless of your setup preferences.
A Smooth Gaming Experience
As a retired Twitch streamer, I was eager to test the keyboard's gaming capabilities. I booted up Overwatch and remapped my hotkeys to the mouse for quick access to abilities and ultimates. The additional row of keys, located conveniently close to the main keyboard, made this process a breeze. The Corsair Web Hub, a user-friendly interface, allows for easy customization of hotkeys, LED styles, and key functionality, enhancing the overall gaming experience.
The Stream Deck Alternative
My experience with the Elgato Stream Deck has been transformative, and the Vanguard 99 offers a similar level of convenience. The extra row of keys on the keyboard provides a seamless alternative to using a secondary device for everyday tasks. Whether it's quick access to programs like Spotify or calculator functions, or more advanced assignments like using my stratagem drop in Helldivers 2, these extra keys are easily accessible and natural to use during gaming sessions.
A Learning Curve for the Extra Keys
While the extra row of keys enhances the keyboard's functionality, it also presented a learning curve. Adjusting to this new layout required some time and patience. I initially struggled with accidentally hitting the extra hotkeys instead of the main keyboard functions, which was frustrating during daily work tasks. However, with consistent use, I became more comfortable, and the benefits of this additional functionality became apparent.
A Worthwhile Investment
Despite the keyboard's high price point, I believe it is a worthwhile investment for those seeking improved productivity and an enhanced gaming experience. The key response is exceptional, and the extra row of hotkeys adds a layer of convenience that I quickly grew accustomed to. The Corsair Vanguard 99 Wireless Optical-Mechanical Keyboard has earned its place as one of my favorite keyboards, offering a unique blend of performance, customization, and user-friendly features.
In conclusion, Corsair's Vanguard 99 Wireless Optical-Mechanical Keyboard is a powerful tool for gamers and productivity enthusiasts. Its versatility, seamless connectivity, and customizable layout make it a standout choice in the market. While it may have a learning curve for the extra keys, the overall experience is rewarding, and I highly recommend it to those seeking an upgrade to their gaming and productivity setup.
