$350 Could Be a Bargain for This Keyboard

For the true aficionado, there is no such thing as the perfect keyboard. There is always a clickier switch to chase or another style of keycap to try that could complete the perfect aesthetic. Even so, Corsair is vying for perfection with its soon-to-be-released Galleon 100 SD. Perfect or not, it does look pretty amazing, but if you want to experience the magic for yourself, you’ll have to pony up a decent chunk of change.

At first glance, the Galleon looks like any high-end mechanical keyboard, but a closer inspection reveals that instead of a traditional numeric keypad, Corsair has integrated an Elgato Stream Deck directly into the right side of the board. Stream Decks are popular control surfaces used by streamers, creators, and power users to trigger actions with a single press, such as switching scenes in OBS, muting microphones, launching apps, or controlling media playback. By merging this functionality into a keyboard, it eliminates the need for a separate device, extra cables, and additional desk space.

The integrated Stream Deck consists of 12 customizable LCD keys, each capable of displaying dynamic icons, text, or animations. Above those keys sits a wide 720x1280-pixel display flanked by two programmable dials, expanding what users can do beyond simple button presses. These controls can be mapped to nearly anything: adjusting volume levels, scrubbing through timelines, toggling chat overlays, or managing smart home devices. While streamers are the obvious target, the utility extends beyond live broadcasting. Gamers can assign macros or in-game actions, while productivity-minded users might automate workflows in applications like Photoshop, Spotify, or spreadsheets.

The Galleon supports plugins from the Elgato Marketplace, giving users access to ready-made integrations for Twitch, YouTube, Discord, OBS Studio, and a growing list of games. This means the keyboard doesn’t just look impressive; it arrives with an established ecosystem that makes customization a breeze.

Beyond the Stream Deck, the Galleon stands on its own as a premium mechanical keyboard. It uses pre-lubed Corsair MLX Pulse linear switches mounted on a gasket-mounted PCB, combined with six layers of sound dampening. The result is a quieter, more refined typing experience that should appeal to both gamers and office users. The switches are also hot-swappable, allowing enthusiasts to experiment with different three- or five-pin switches without soldering.

Performance hasn’t been neglected either. An 8,000 Hz polling rate reduces input latency, while Corsair’s Flash Tap SOCD feature prioritizes the last directional input, making counter-strafing in fast-paced shooters more responsive. Add in dedicated media controls, a detachable wrist rest, and onboard memory, and the Galleon feels thoroughly overbuilt.

Priced at $349.99 and shipping in early February, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is undeniably expensive. Still, when you consider the cost of a standalone Stream Deck and a high-end mechanical keyboard, Corsair’s ambitious hybrid starts to look almost reasonable.