The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 and the Corsair Vanguard 96 were released in September 2025 and expand the manufacturer’s keyboard portfolio in the compact 96-percent form factor. Both models are aimed at users who desire a full keyboard including a number pad, while still saving space on the desk.
Features of the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96
The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 uses a 96-percent layout that retains most standard keys, including the number pad, while being more compact than traditional full-size keyboards. The keyboard is wired and supports a polling rate of up to 8000 Hz. The keyboard features RGB lighting, controllable individually for each key, which can be configured using Corsair Web Hub. Various lighting effects and a gaming mode are of course available. A central feature is the integration of the Elgato Virtual Stream Deck. This allows macros, application launches, or streaming functions to be triggered directly from the keyboard without requiring additional hardware. For this purpose, six dedicated macro keys are located on the left edge of the Corsair Vanguard.
Vanguard 96 vs Vanguard Pro 96
The primary difference between the two models lies in the switch technology. The Vanguard Pro 96 uses Hall-Effect switches with adjustable actuation and optional dual-actuation functionality. In contrast, the Vanguard 96 uses traditional MX-based mechanical switches without magnetic sensing. Both models feature hot-swappable sockets, allowing switches to be replaced without soldering. Regardless of switch choice, both keyboards are available in black as well as a black-and-white dual-tone version.
Display and Controls
A notable feature shared by both models is the integrated display located in the upper right corner. It is used to show information such as volume levels, profiles, lighting modes, and connection settings. In combination with the rotary knob and function keys, many adjustments can be made directly on the keyboard, without the need to open software.
(c) Product images: Corsair
Tech Specs for Corsair Vanguard Pro 96
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Mechanical Keyboard Score
The mechanical keyboard score is our overall score for a keyboard. The score is based on the available ratings and critics and makes an easy comparison between different mechanical keyboards possible. It is also used for our mechanical keyboard ranking.
Reviews
October 23, 2025
"he Vanguard Pro 96 has it all: a custom magnetic hall effect switch that's excellent at gaming, great build quality, dedicated macros, and 8,000Hz polling. The linear switch has adjustable actuation going down to just 0.1mm, allowing instantaneous key triggers. There's diffused RGB lighting, plenty of customizability, and decent acoustics. The web driver is glitchy, but Corsair is remedying that issue, and on the whole, the Vanguard Pro 96 proves that the brand knows how to make a standout gaming keyboard."
October 12, 2025
"While the LCD screen lacked features at the time of review, the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 is still a great keyboard and we hope Corsair will add more functions to the screen."
October 5, 2025
"Between its great magnetic switches, smart layout, and additional controls, the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 has almost everything you need for a fantastic gaming keyboard."
October 3, 2025
"For pure gaming performance, premium build quality, acoustics, and comfort, the new Corsair VANGUARD PRO 96 might just be the company's most impressive gaming keyboard to date. From the Hall Effect switches to the dial and dedicated macro buttons, it's hard to fault."
Reviews in other languages
September 25, 2025
"Ihre umfangreiche und funktionale Ausstattung, die Eigenschaften und Vorzüge der geschmierten Corsair-MGX-Hyperdrive-Magnetschalter, aber auch die sehr gute Ergonomie machen die Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 zur empfehlenswerten Gaming-Tastatur."
