Corsair Galleon 100 SD review: Stream Deck now included

Instead of using sophisticated Hall Effect switches with adjustable actuation points and features like Rapid Trigger, this keyboard comes standard Mechanical switches. This means that the operating point cannot be changed, and some performance and customization is left on the table.

The benefit of mechanical switches is that they provide more physical customization. Underneath each switch is a hot-swappable socket, meaning these switches can be replaced with any MX switch. While this allows for overall fine-tuning of typing feel, the feature will not objectively increase gaming performance.

Given the keys and size of this keyboard, it’s not really meant to be a fully performance-oriented gaming keyboard. Instead, it achieves a middle ground of high performance combined with open customization options.

Ship-shaped writing experience

The Galleon is manufactured with a bolt-on gasket assembly, meaning the entire internal assembly is suspended inside the case using rubber gaskets instead of screws. This creates a smoother writing feel. I found this very convenient. When you press the switch, it feels like you’re landing on a trampoline instead of a hard surface.

A small bonus of the integrated Stream Deck, as opposed to a regular number plate, is the resulting internal packaging and assembly. In this design, the PCB for the Keyboard area is separated from the Stream Deck area, resulting in consistent rigidity on the alphabet keys for typing. This provides the same feel as the Tenkeyless Keyboard (TKL) for typing.

The pad holder, which provides some cushioning without being overly flexible, finds a middle ground between comfortable gaming and typing without losing precision. Beyond that, I’m also a fan of the stabilizers. Instead of typical board-mounted stabilizers, which can be prone to vibration, Corsair instead opted for PCB-mounted stabilizers that were well-set from the factory.

All fingers on deck

The built-in Stream Deck is practically identical to the standalone version, with four rows of three buttons, two knobs, and a customizable screen. Each button can be freely programmed, remapped to display any feature or macro, or used to display live data.

I’ve also seen some people integrating their Stream Deck directly into games. One of my favorite uses is setting up macros for different tricks in it Hell Divers 2where displays on the buttons show the icon for each ability. Another obvious example is setting up automatic purchase of Counter Strike 2Or custom programming commands such as Alt+Tab, Ctrl+Alt+Del, or microphone mute.

There are a few small issues with the Stream Deck. My biggest issue is that the buttons are designed around a direct viewing angle. Since the keyboard is more horizontal, viewing it from this less than ideal angle cuts off the outer edge of the screen. If there is any text above or below the button, you may not be able to see it during regular use.

Photo: Henry Robbins