Two dials, 12 buttons, and a multi-function screen give you a ton of flexibility.
The Corsair Galleon 100 SD represents a significant evolution in gaming peripherals. This full-size mechanical keyboard, featuring an integrated Stream Deck, is the culmination of various advancements. Corsair’s gaming division has matured, and the Stream Deck’s extensive ecosystem of plug-ins has made its dedicated hardware valuable to a broad audience, including those not primarily interested in streaming. This combination of features makes practical sense.
The Stream Deck already offered extensive possibilities, and the Galleon enhances the user experience, making advanced control more accessible. Users can manage smart home devices like Philips Hue lights with a dial, or control media playback in applications such as YouTube Music using its buttons. It allows for quick actions like launching applications, organizing desktop windows into a grid, and much more with a single button press, all without moving hands from the keyboard.
The development of the Galleon has a notable history, stemming from strategic acquisitions and past industry developments. After acquiring Elgato in 2018, Corsair gained a majority stake in iDisplay, the company responsible for producing the small screens used in Stream Decks. This lineage can be traced back to iDisplay’s earlier involvement in supplying OLED screens for each key of Art Lebedev’s pioneering, though ultimately flawed, Optimus Maximus keyboard, which launched at $1,490 in 2008.
Priced at $350, the Galleon offers reasonable value. While it is possible to purchase a Stream Deck Mini for around $60 and a quality keyboard separately, potentially for less than $350 combined, the integrated design provides a cohesive and enjoyable experience, merging a polished keyboard with a versatile set of customizable controls.
Corsair Galleon 100 SD gaming keyboard
The Good
- Fused, single-cable design looks great.
- It’s a good keyboard attached to the best Stream Deck.
The Bad
- It’s pricier than just buying a Stream Deck and a good keyboard.
- Keyboard and Stream Deck use different software.
- A modular design would be beneficial.
The Stream Deck integration is a primary feature of the Galleon. It includes 12 buttons, a non-touch screen, and two rotary dials, all fully customizable. The LCD screen, a 5-inch 720 x 1280 IPS display, is Elgato’s highest-resolution screen in a Stream Deck to date. Commands and plug-ins can be easily managed through the Stream Deck app, providing convenient access to everyday functions, such as frequently used emojis for video calls, and more advanced integrations.
Elgato has developed official Stream Deck plug-ins for numerous popular services, including Philips Hue, Apple Mail, Slack, Zoom, Photoshop, YouTube, and Spotify. A thriving community of developers also contributes their own plug-ins. The customization options extend deeply, encompassing not only plug-ins but also personalized app icons for each button and backgrounds for the larger screen. Some features offer significant time savings, such as a Helldivers 2 profile that enables Stratagem execution with a single button press, eliminating the need for frantic directional key input during combat.
The keyboard component, while not the central focus, is also of high quality. It features a sleek, understated design with per-key RGB LEDs configurable via Corsair’s browser-based Web Hub app. While the keyboard software is optional, the Stream Deck app is essential for maximizing the functionality of the buttons and dials. The chassis boasts an aluminum housing, and a large magnetic wrist pad can be attached. The Galleon connects to a PC or game console (with official support for Xbox and PlayStation) using a single USB-C-to-A cable. For connecting an additional accessory, a second included USB-C-to-A cable can be used for data or charging passthrough, allowing a gadget to be plugged into the keyboard’s USB-C port.
Its design shares similarities with Corsair’s Vanguard series of keyboards. The Galleon incorporates gasket mounting and multiple layers of dampening, resulting in a satisfyingly bouncy yet controlled typing experience. Its MLX Pulse switches produce a distinct “thock” sound and require minimal force for actuation. A missed opportunity lies in the Stream Deck not being modular, which would allow left-handed users easier access to its controls. This design choice is particularly notable given that Corsair hired Tobias Brinkmann, the founder of Mountain Everest Max (a keyboard known for its modular design), as the VP of its gaming division. Corsair’s marketing manager indicated that development on the Galleon had already commenced prior to Brinkmann’s hiring, suggesting future iterations might explore modularity.
The Galleon has two USB-C inputs, one of which enables a passthrough port for data or charging.
Compared to keyboards utilizing Hall effect switches, such as the Asus Falcata, the MLX Pulse switches in the Galleon offer a more familiar typing feel. Hall effect switches are known for their durability, customization, quieter operation, and significantly faster actuation, though some users may find them too fast without adjustable actuation point thresholds. The Galleon supports hot-swapping 3-pin or 5-pin switches, providing flexibility for users with preferred switch types. A tool is included to facilitate the removal of each switch down to the PCB layer.
The full potential of the Stream Deck is extensive. Initially designed for Twitch streamers, it boasts a wealth of resources, including free and paid assets from Elgato and other developers, to enhance stream professionalism. The possibilities within this mature, cross-platform ecosystem are vast, and users who fully engage with its capabilities will find significant value in the Galleon.
For casual Stream Deck users, the $350 price point for a convenient two-in-one product is reasonable. However, an upgrade may not be necessary for individuals already satisfied with their current keyboard or Stream Deck. For those requiring either or both components, this integrated, single-cable device presents an appealing and innovative solution.
