The Corsair Galleon 100 SD stands out as a premium hybrid device that blends a mechanical gaming keyboard with built-in Stream Deck capabilities, delivering superior typing quality and adaptable controls. However, its substantial size, reliance on a cable connection, and array of specialized features make it ideal primarily for those who will actively utilize its extensive options.
Corsair introduces a novel approach with the Galleon 100 SD by incorporating Elgato's Stream Deck elements directly into a mechanical keyboard for the first time. This creates a complete gaming keyboard layout where the traditional numeric keypad is substituted by 12 customizable LCD buttons, paired with two dials and a 5-inch screen.
Designed for gamers, content creators, and broadcasting enthusiasts, the device targets individuals requiring quick access to controls and data during gameplay, production tasks, or live broadcasts, all while keeping hands positioned on the keyboard.
This evaluation assesses whether the device's creative design meets its ambitious goals and warrants the $349.99 cost.
Upon initial inspection, the Galleon 100 SD conveys sturdiness with its CNC-machined aluminum chassis weighing 3.08 pounds, providing a stable base on any surface. It features durable black PBT double-shot keycaps that resist wear and maintain clear legends, a detail valued in demanding settings.
The aesthetic merges familiar gaming traits like individual RGB backlighting and a subtle front LED strip with the prominent Stream Deck section on the right. A detachable wrist rest with memory foam attaches via magnets, enhancing comfort over extended sessions.
The key arrangement may provoke debate, as the Stream Deck assembly occupies the numpad area, eliminating the dedicated numeric section entirely, while navigation and arrow keys stay in standard positions.
Gamers often manage without a numpad, but regular typists might need to adjust habits. The LCD buttons can mimic a numpad for tasks like data entry in spreadsheets, though this serves only as a partial alternative to physical keys.
The right-side positioning of macro buttons could pose a challenge for some, requiring right-handed mouse users to shift their hand away during intense moments. Conventional gaming keyboards typically position extra macros on the left for easier access with the typing hand.
Corsair maintains that the Stream Deck elements are placed for intuitive access and integrated thoughtfully from the design phase. Effectiveness varies by user; right-hand dominant mouse operators might find right-side reaches cumbersome, whereas streamers can manage them conveniently with the left hand.
Overall, the Galleon 100 SD excels in build quality and intentional layout, avoiding a cluttered feel despite the abundance of additions, and serves as a striking desk accessory.
Central to the Galleon 100 SD is its comprehensive Stream Deck incorporation. It includes 12 programmable LCD keys capable of executing intricate commands, opening programs, or changing profiles instantly.
Positioned above the 3-by-4 key grid is a 5-inch color screen resolving at 720 by 1280 pixels. Two versatile rotary knobs with click functionality handle tasks like audio adjustment, media navigation, or precise creative tweaks. This setup integrates smoothly into the keyboard, rendering standalone macro devices or external Stream Decks unnecessary.
Notably, each LCD key updates dynamically based on the current software or game, showing tailored icons or labels. This elevates them to advanced macro options akin to those in Corsair's Elgato Stream Deck series.
The hybrid setup unlocks vast potential. In gaming, custom setups enable instant activation of abilities, inventory access, or multi-step sequences without menu navigation or hotkey recall.
Pre-configured setups and graphics for numerous games are accessible via the Elgato Marketplace. Outside gaming, it manages music apps like Spotify, handles messaging, and streamlines creative processes, with the screen offering live updates.
Such updates include hardware stats like processor and graphics usage or heat levels, sound meters, or external data like forecasts. For broadcasters, it displays chat feeds, platform alerts, countdowns, or audience metrics right on the device, reducing reliance on additional screens.
Corsair's philosophy emphasizes reducing disruptions: essential inputs and insights stay within the keyboard's vicinity, aligned with hand and gaze focus.
Fundamentally, strong core performance is essential, and Corsair markets the Galleon 100 SD as a top-tier gaming input tool. It employs the proprietary Axon processor supporting up to 8,000 Hz polling, claimed to transmit signals eightfold quicker than typical 1,000 Hz models.
Competitive players gain from minimal delay and FlashTap simultaneous opposing direction handling, prioritizing the most recent input.
This facilitates accurate maneuvers, like rapid directional shifts in first-person shooters, preventing input conflicts. Full N-key rollover with complete anti-ghosting ensures all concurrent presses register accurately.
The keyboard utilizes MLX Pulse linear switches that trigger at 2 millimeters with 45 grams of actuation force, offering a fluid action reminiscent of Cherry MX Reds, appealing to mechanical keyboard fans.
Factory-applied lubrication provides scratch-free operation. They produce a deep, resonant keystroke sound profile rather than sharp clicks.
To dampen vibrations, the switch array sits on dampeners and multiple foam layers. This yields a refined typing sensation: subdued yet substantial sounds paired with quick response.
Users seeking customization can replace MLX Pulse switches with compatible 3- or 5-pin alternatives using hot-swappable sockets, accommodating modders.
Additional specs include a braided detachable 1.8-meter USB-C cable and a front-facing USB-C passthrough for peripherals like headphones or controllers, avoiding desk clutter.
Exclusively wired, the design suits the energy demands of screens and high polling without wireless, a logical choice for this configuration.
Matching its hardware innovation, the software for the Galleon 100 SD diverges from norms. It skips Corsair's standard iCUE suite, opting for dual tools instead.
Basic operations like illumination, macros, profiles, and polling rates are handled by the browser-based Corsair Web Hub, requiring no download and connecting directly via the web.
Configurations for lights or assignments save to the device's 8 MB internal storage. Post-setup, no resident program runs, allowing the hub to close while preserving functionality across systems.
We customized per-key RGB hues, set animations, and enabled gaming mode to lock the Windows key effortlessly in the Web Hub. Advanced options like macro capture and FlashTap tweaks are also available there.
Corsair's resource-light customization method deserves praise for its efficiency.
Stream Deck operations, however, demand the Elgato Stream Deck application to run concurrently. Button and screen setups use this familiar software for action assignments, plugin integration from the marketplace, and profile management.
Galleon users access the full Stream Deck toolkit as with standalone units. Yet, the split software frustrates some loyalists, echoing complaints about the Corsair Vanguard's similar divergence.
Feedback highlights the inconvenience of adding another program for display features and questions iCUE's future, marking the second non-iCUE release.
The Galleon 100 SD cannot synchronize lighting or unify control with other Corsair gear through iCUE. Coordinating with mice, headsets, or case lights requires distinct apps currently.
Future updates might bridge this via tighter integration, such as an iCUE extension for basic screen data, mirroring external Nexus displays.
On the upside, Web Hub operates without accounts or online ties, keeping data local and usage minimal. Stream Deck's ecosystem shines for broadcasters with plugins supporting platforms like Twitch, OBS, YouTube, Discord, and smart lights.
Daily operation involves setup across two platforms, but once configured, operations proceed smoothly.
Onboard storage enables instant boot with default profiles on new machines, and Stream Deck auto-loads as required. Corsair's strategy prioritizes lean performance and established tools over forcing iCUE adaptation.
In practical scenarios, the Galleon 100 SD functions as a versatile performer. Gamers receive premium essentials: accurate, lag-free inputs, ghosting-free reliability, and firm stability amid action.
Novel elements integrate seamlessly into play. In role-playing or strategy titles, LCD keys handle potions, abilities, or communications visually, simplifying complex inputs.
Marketplace presets ease adoption, like managing flight controls in simulations or gear buys in tactical shooters without pausing.
In a survival match, we activated recovery instantly via a button, gaining an edge over menu dives. Profile-based lighting shifts, emphasizing movement keys, synced perfectly and showed on-screen confirmations.
Streaming applications highlight its prowess most. It becomes a compact production hub: multi-button presses launch openings, enable audio, and transition visuals effortlessly.
Mid-broadcast, dials adjust mixes or scenes while staying near core inputs. The screen tracks chats and audiences peripherally, aiding quick replies without screen shifts.
This spotted queries seamlessly during play. Resource monitors alerted to graphics strain promptly via glances.
For those juggling games and tools via shortcuts, the device streamlines sessions, centralizing commands for efficiency.
Productivity tasks also benefit. In editing suites, buttons map tools or exports in software like Photoshop or Premiere, accelerating routines.
Knobs suit timeline navigation or document scrolling. For remote work calls, assign mute functions with visual cues in apps like Teams or Zoom.
Media enthusiasts gain full playback command: track changes, volume tweaks, play controls—all mouse-free. Office workers leverage plugins for spreadsheet macros or slide advancements.
Essentially, adapting routines unlocks efficiency gains across tasks.
Limitations exist, however. Heavy numeric work in tables lacks a true numpad, with virtual options requiring profile switches as a temporary fix.
Mastering the controls demands practice, but customized flows surpass disjointed or app-only methods. Post-adaptation, the onboard visuals and inputs became indispensable in testing.
Core typing delivers outstanding results. Linear MLX switches glide smoothly without friction due to pre-lubing; the subdued 'thock' tone contrasts sharply with clicky or echoey alternatives.
Roommates preferred its quieter operation over standard gamer boards. Acoustic treatments succeed in refinement. Inputs registered flawlessly in rapid scenarios.
The 8,000 Hz rate may elude casual users, but with solid build, it conveys immediacy vital for competitive and serious play.
Despite strengths in specs and execution, drawbacks merit mention. The $349.99 price tag demands scrutiny.
It equates to bundled value—a quality keyboard plus Stream Deck—but alternatives allow a premium board and expanded Stream Deck XL for similar or less, with change remaining.
Targeted at dedicated users valuing unity, it suits those investing in seamless design. Casual players sans broadcasting needs find poor value in underused extras.
Software duality—Web Hub plus Stream Deck app—increases setup and runtime demands.
Contrasting iCUE's unified approach, it reduces ease, especially for multi-Corsair owners seeking integration.
Test stability holds, but splits persist as issues, particularly after Vanguard's delayed iCUE addition; prior input could refine this.
Web Hub's lightweight nature appeals to those avoiding iCUE's reputed bulk.
No cordless mode, while rational for power needs, limits flexibility amid wireless trends in premium boards.
Cable-bound suits fixed desks, aiding hubs, but hampers mobility or multi-device swaps requiring replugs.
Footprint rivals full-size models despite numpad absence, with the module filling space; added height from rest and controls amplifies presence.
Tight spaces may constrain it, though the rest detaches. At 3.08 pounds, it anchors firmly but resists portability, deterring event transporters.
The all-in-one premise suits niche audiences. Stream Deck utility shines only with active macro or optimization use.
Unused, it overpays for idle capabilities. Yet, like specialized gear, rewards committed users via community resources and extensibility.
Originally published in our affiliate outlet PC-WELT, this piece has been rephrased and adapted into English.