Review: Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless: Great Ideas, Superb Execution, Terrible Price
The Corsair Vanguard Air 99 Wireless is a well-designed mechanical keyboard that packs impressive features into a compact footprint. The board combines a full-size layout with additional functionality including macro keys, a volume knob, and a 2-inch OLED display, all while maintaining a narrower width than standard full-size keyboards. The low-profile switches deliver responsive typing performance reminiscent of laptop keyboards, while the modern web-based control software eliminates the need for background applications.
Build quality is excellent, featuring a metal frame, PBT keycaps, and effective sound dampening that produces a satisfying acoustic profile. The RGB backlighting system works seamlessly with the mixed backlit and fully transparent keycap design, creating an attractive aesthetic.
Despite its strengths, the keyboard’s primary weakness is its price point. At £240 ($260 USD), the Vanguard Air 99 Wireless commands a premium that even high-end wireless options from established manufacturers don’t typically justify. This pricing makes it difficult to recommend despite its superior execution and thoughtful feature set, as the value proposition becomes questionable at this level.