The Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 has a particularly interesting proposition. A 60% deck coming at a time when smaller form factors are falling a little out of favor, but one that holds a much lower price tag compared to the rest of the mainstream magnetic gaming market. A deck with more adjustable switch controls than most, but fewer keys to use them with.

After two weeks in hand, the Clipper is one of the best gaming keyboards you can pick up right now. Yes, that 60% form factor is going to limit its users to those who truly can get by on as few keys as possible, and its 8,000Hz polling rate isn't even going to be noticed by 99% of players. But its price, actually useful customization features, and light, fast typing feel, all come together to form a compelling alternative to the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini that's sat atop the 60% thrown for a little while now.

What I loved about the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60

Light, snappy switches

The Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 is the first to use the brand's MGX Hyperdrive Core magnetic switches. While Hall effect giants like the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 opt for the MGX Hyperdrive V2, the newer Core clackers come with a minimum of 27g actuation force. Under the hands they've got far less resistance behind them compared to the Vanguard. This is a smooth, fast, slip down to the full extension of the switch rather than a thocky, potentially more satisfying (for some) actuation.

That can mean a less textured sound profile, with these lighter clacks in a smaller chassis popping with a slightly higher frequency than the deeper Vanguard.

Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 (MGX Hyperdrive Core):

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 (MGX Hyperdrive):

However, it makes perfect sense for competitive play.

This is a 60%er designed to keep your high-ranked gameplay as fast as possible, and that's where the smoother stems come into their own. Dancing across these keys is a particularly nimble experience, but combine that with super short actuation points and barely a thought registers a keypress.

In typing tests I averaged 99 words per minute at 97% accuracy, that's higher than both my typical 95WPM and 95.5% accuracy.

Subtle but still interesting aesthetic

Larger Corsair keyboards can suffer from a shadowy all-black aesthetic relying only on LED lighting for a bit of visual flair. However, I've always found that smaller 60% and 65% Corsair decks manage to weave a little more interest into their designs. The Clipper doesn't have large panels of extra LED lights or logos strewn across its frame, but its simple two-tone gray accent keys certainly help it stand out without leaping off the desk.

Lighting is uniform even across longer legends, something very few gaming keyboards manage to nail. While the LEDs themselves come across more pastel in-person, compared to the bold colors of Logitech and Razer decks, they're plenty bright and functionally helpful when lighting up only dual-function keys.

Extra switch customization options

The best Hall effect keyboards typically share a set of features; customizable actuation points, multi-step inputs, and rapid trigger. All that's here, but Corsair has added a few neat little extras of its own.

Tap Lock allows for any hold command to act as a toggle while Smart Tap allows for different commands based on whether you're tapping or holding. The former is a nice addition to the arsenal, even though it's usually covered by in-game settings anyway. However, the latter came in particularly handy - more so than the four-step actuation options common on many magnetic decks.

While assigning multiple inputs to one keypress is faster, it's rarely a necessary aspect of my playstyle. Loading a grenade, throwing, and returning to the weapon wheel in one keypress is neat, but I actually found myself using Smart Tap features a lot more.

Assigning heal to a tap and opening up different healing options with a hold, or even just swapping between a main interaction key and a secondary one, all my controls feel a lot tighter together and far more organized. There's also no need to learn how far down a keypress I need to be to trigger my full list of commands.

The feature also helps in productivity scenarios, with directional inputs easily mapped to taps on the cluster of right-hand keys, somewhat removing some of the roadblocks of the 60% layout.

Actually, not a bad price

While some of Corsair's roster of keyboards can suffer a little brand tax, its Hall effect options are surprisingly some of the more competitively priced in its arsenal. The Clipper Pro Mini 60 doesn't deviate. At $99.99 / £89.99, it's significantly cheaper than the SteelSeries Apex Pro Mini ($219.99 / £209.99) and Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini ($179.99 / £179.99). Even a look at the wider market puts Corsair in a favorable position.

It's not the cheapest on the market - Epomaker's AULA WIN68 sits at $49.99 / £49.99, you can grab an Attack Shark 65%-er for $59.99, and RK Royal Kludge and Redragon have the absolute bottom of the market at $30 - $40, but after that we've only really got Womier competing in the same $90-$100 price range. Options from Keychron, Asus, Razer, Nuphy, Logitech, and SteelSeries will all run you well over $100.

It's not the cheapest option out there, but for full-featured, mainstream gaming keyboards it's certainly on the right side of the numbers.

What to consider about the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60

Some crunch on the space bar

While the majority of the typing experience here is smooth and snappy there is a little crunch on the spacebar every so often. It's only noticeable when hit in the middle of the bar with a little more force, but could suggest further degradation with longer term use.

Adding a little lubrication to the top of the stabilizer bar housing doesn't massively help the problem, and with the bar itself mounted under the plastic housing it's a little tricky to dive in there for a quicker fix. It's not too harsh on the ears and I was able to temper my space bar use so as to not hit that louder clack pretty easily in testing.

Cheaper casing

This isn't exactly a slight against the Corsair Clipper, after all it's designed to be a lightweight, portable 60% keyboard and its pricing is certainly competitive. However, if you're after a more luxurious feeling keyboard there are sturdier cases out there.

This is a plastic construction, with a lighter, more hollow feel to it overall. That's purely aesthetic, though. The sound dampening is still top notch, and everything still feels nicely bouncy.

Should you buy the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60?

The Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 is among the cheapest mainstream gaming-branded magnetic gaming keyboards, and yet it still feels great in the hand (barring some space bar twinges), runs light and speedy for competitive play, and offers an extra set of switch customization tools over its competitors.

That means it's giving the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Mini something to think about. While my current top pick for the best 60% gaming keyboard does have its own way around the arrow-key problem, and adds a pretty slick joystick function, Corsair's Smart Tap feature provides the same fix while avoiding the echo problems of Sneki's offering. With a lower starting price, it's now my go-to recommendation for anyone after a more compact form factor.

How I tested the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60

I mainlined the Corsair Clipper Pro Mini 60 for two weeks, running the keyboard for all my daily gameplay, work, and everything in between. In that time I primarily played across Doom: The Dark Ages, High on Life 2, and Planet Coaster 2, with dedicated testing in CS2 and Apex Legends. I also completed three one-minute typing tests on TypingTest.com at the end of my testing period, taking the average of each test as my final result. For more information on how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming keyboards as well as the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market.

The world of third-party PS5 pro pads is expanding, and Scuf is the latest challenger in this increasingly expensive arena. The Scuf Omega looks to take on the best PS5 controllers with its Omron mechanical switches, adjustable triggers, easy mobile keybinding, and additional macro keys. At $219.99, it's nestled in among these more premium control options, matching MSRPs from Razer and coming in slightly over Turtle Beach and Nacon.

Ultimately, it has a lot going for it and, when the price is right, could topple Razer's Raiju V3 Pro for those after extra customization options. Awkward side button placement and a less-than-durable top plate hold it back, while an excellent feel in hand propels it forward. Whether it's right for you comes down to the numbers on the day and how well you can train your knuckles.

What I loved about the Scuf Omega

Super satisfying controls

I've been a fan of clacky switches on my face buttons ever since I first picked up the EasySMX X10, and the Scuf Omega delivers.

Action is incredibly fast here, with a satisfying click that makes more traditional gamepads feel spongy by comparison. It's a faster reaction, with much less travel and an immediate response to each press, but it's also just more pleasing under the thumbs. Repeat presses are far less fatiguing, quick-snap inputs are faster than ever, and the lack of pressure required for actuation makes longer sessions easier on the thumbs as well.

That's not all, though. Scuf has also outfitted its triggers with digital locks that mirror this snappy mechanical feel up top as well. The stopper system sits underneath the trigger, with a small lever setting your distance from the full free pull to an instant response. That also means they can be assigned separately, opening up a particularly satisfying bow pull and release in Horizon Forbidden West, for example.

Around the rear, we have two integrated back paddles that press into the grips - not quite the magnetic ones you'll find on the Gulikit KK3 Max, but definitely more paddle than button. There's also a higher set of angled back buttons as well.

Far from the smaller nubbins you'll find on the DualSense Edge, these raised middle clackers are actually incredibly easy to hit precisely in-game. That extra height means they're just a nudge in the right direction away, even if I'd have personally preferred a little less tension in the paddles themselves. They're easy enough to actuate in isolation, but when the heat is on, there's just a little too much force required to keep these back paddles feeling nifty.

TMR thumbsticks round out this package, with a smooth tension, speedy snap, and all the durability that comes with the updated magnet tech.

Easy customization for PS5

The Omega has been designed as a customization powerhouse, featuring a whopping 28 buttons to play with and 11 configurable inputs. Your basics are all here: swappable thumbstick tops, blanks for the side, and back buttons.

Actual keybindings are handled by the Scuf companion app, no more plugging into a PC before switching your PS5 on. It's a pretty well-trodden idea in the world of more premium third-party PS5 controllers: the Razer Raiju V3 Pro has the Razer app, but heavy hitters like the Victrix Pro BFG and Nacon Revolution 5 Pro still rely on Windows-based software. Good news for those who hate working through complex assignment button presses on the fly, though you can still enter 'Remap Mode' on the controller itself if you wish.

The Scuf app itself is uncomplicated, with a panel for your keybindings reflected in an on-screen gamepad, separate settings for firmware, polling rates, SOCD, and more, a quick start guide, and profile and battery indicators.

I was a little disappointed to find that the face and d-pad buttons aren't configurable in PS5 Mode (they're fully open when being used as a PC controller), but there's still a comprehensive roster of on-the-fly settings to tweak and save to up to three profiles.

Triggers and thumbsticks curve their deadzone on a nicely organized percentage scale, for those who aren't setting the digital stopper on the former, with a selection of five presets to choose from. Both left and right can be customized independently from each other as well.

Back and side buttons (all six of them) can run as any PS5 control, with keyboard inputs available on PC.

Five G-keys are also present along the bottom of the gamepad, a little awkwardly placed for mid-game solutions but still handy for map, quest, and inventory shortcuts. When connected to PS5, only the G1 and G5 are free for you to assign, the rest are reserved for headset volume, mute, and mic controls. Swapping over to PC, all five keys are assignable.

Comfortable in the hands

Before I had a chance to dive into any of that, though, I was impressed with the way the Scuf Omega felt straight out of the box. A comfortable 254g and with a rugged rubberized texture across the back of each grip, it's easy to wield for long periods of time without slipping or cramping.

That weight in particular is incredibly well balanced. It's lighter than a traditional DualSense, but not so as to feel cheap or hollow in the hand; there's still a satisfying sense of heft, making good on that premium price point.

What to consider about the Scuf Omega

About those side buttons

Throughout my testing, I've largely focused on Borderlands 4, running with a red-tree Chroma Accelerator Harlowe build. Since picking up the Omega, Harlowe's become a little more trigger-happy with that Chroma canon.

Try as I might, my gameplay is consistently punctuated with "oh flip," or words to that effect, as a giant energy ball rips towards an NPC mid-conversation, spreads through an empty battleground, and starts its cooldown right as the next firefight commences. In short, these side buttons are incredibly easy to accidentally hit - to the point where I wouldn't trust them in a more competitive scenario.

Scuf does include blank plates in the box to neutralize them if you're not a fan, but it's frustrating that a controller designed for competitive play, featuring additional buttons to keep your fingers on those all-important face buttons, doesn't feel trustworthy in the very arena it was built for. There's space to put just a little more resistance in these buttons as well - they naturally rest against the inside of your knuckle; there's plenty of leverage in this part of the hand for a tighter button press.

Precariously thin top plate

The Scuf Omega features one of Corsair's favorite controller upsells, a swappable faceplate. However, this time it also houses two toggles I found myself reaching for regularly. You'll need to snap that top plate off its magnetic cradle in order to access connection controls (swap between Bluetooth, 2.4GHz, and wired) and switch between PS5 and PC mode. If that's something you'll need to do often, be warned.

This top plate feels a little too thin for my liking. It's a flexible, brittle-feeling plastic that could easily snap with too much pressure between the sides. Having to prise it off the top of the controller every time you need to swap platforms or change connections feels especially risky. Over time, that could cause problems with regular usage.

Speed over immersion

My final point is one not limited to the Scuf Omega, but more the vast majority of third-party PS5 controllers. Still, if you're a solo player who invested in the console for its immersive control system, it bears repeating here.

Because of Sony's licensing terms, third-party gamepads cannot use adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. It's something I miss whenever I'm using a non-DualSense, having grown to love the dynamic resistance of the triggers in particular. Did I miss it enough to sacrifice the mechanical switches in the Scuf? Not exactly, but it's worth noting if you're tied to these first-party features.

Should you buy the Scuf Omega PS5 controller?

The Scuf Omega is an expensive piece of kit, tickling the very top of the third-party market. We're used to the idea of spending $200 on a pro gamepad for PS5 these days, and Scuf has positioned its controller right next to the $219.99 Razer Raiju V3 Pro. That's where your biggest decision is going to be made (presuming you're not after modular control schemes, in which case you'll want to head over to the Victrix Pro BFG).

In reality, both gamepads are similar. They both pack mouse-like mechanical buttons, TMR thumbsticks, short and long-range triggers, and an easy companion app. Razer's D-pad is a little less satisfying in the hands (though 8-way rather than 4-way), and its back buttons are notably smaller (though still remarkably easy and comfortable to hit). It also, however, suffers a little more from a motor-less hollow feel than the Omega. Without that extra weight, we noted that the Raiju can feel cheap in the hands, while Scuf's model still manages to feel sturdy and solid.

By contrast, Scuf offers more customizable inputs (especially if you swap between PS5 and PC), a longer grip shape, and a better feel overall.

Razer's 2,000Hz PC polling rate is going to clinch it for those primarily on Windows, with a PS5 on the side, and its top-loaded extra bumpers will also serve those worried about accidental presses on Scuf's side buttons as well. However, as an all-round package, I'd be inclined to recommend the Omega before the Raiju, with a pricing caveat.

Razer's entry is slightly older and will therefore see more regular discounts (the record currently sits at $129.99, but it's more likely to be found between $150 and $175). At a discounted rate, the Raiju is infinitely better value - so keep an eye on prices between the two.

How I tested the Scuf Omega PS5 controller

I tested the Scuf Omega on both PS5 and PC, playing Borderlands 4 and Horizon Forbidden West on the former and Forza Horizon 6, Apex Legends, and Farming Simulator 25 on the latter. I remapped the controller for optimal control schemes across each game, adjusting deadzones across triggers and thumbsticks for a couple of titles.

For more on how we test controllers, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

We're also rounding up all the best TMR controllers we've tested so far, as well as the best Xbox Series X controllers and the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers for alternative platforms.

I've been waiting for this gaming keyboard deal ever since I first pulled the Corsair Galleon 100 SD out the box and clocked its $349.99 MSRP. This is a seriously fun deck to have on the desk, but its price point always slightly got in the way. Yes, it's the best gaming keyboard for those after a full-size format, but at full price, you still need to sit in a niche use case to make the most of it.

You're looking at a TKL layout with a 12-button Stream Deck integrated where you'd expect a num-pad to be. That's a massive amount of customization potential, especially with the four-panelled screen and two control dials. You're essentially getting the functionality of the Stream Deck Plus (minus two dials and plus four buttons) baked into the price here. When that price is $299.99, things get a little more interesting.

This record-breaking discount comes as part of Best Buy's 4th of July sales - surprising, considering the Galleon 100 SD was still stuck at full price during last week's Prime Day offers. Still, I'll take that first discount whenever it comes - especially if it makes one of my favorite gaming keyboards easier to get hold of.

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I've had this model front and centre on my desk whenever I've not been testing a new gaming keyboard. You can even forget its obvious streaming benefits; I use those extra keys for everyday productivity, Spotify controls, and a particularly in-depth Planet Coaster 2 control suite.

Whether or not it will be right for you depends on how your setup already looks, though. If you're already sorted for a Stream Deck, there's little point in paying over the odds for an integrated model. It's nice to have it right there, but considering you can pick up one of the best Hall effect keyboards for about this price, there's more flexibility elsewhere.

Anyone on the hunt for both a keyboard and a Stream Deck, however, needs to listen up. The Galleon 100 SD scored four stars in my review, dropping the final star largely because that value doesn't quite stack up so easily. A couple of months ago, I dug a little further into the math.

The Stream Deck Neo is one of the brand's more value-packed mid-range options. At $99.99, it can easily sit next to a cheaper gaming keyboard and give you the same kind of control opportunities as the Corsair Galleon 100 SD for far less cash. With today's discount applied, you've still got $200 to spend on a mechanical TKL keyboard or a magnetic option. That's not insignificant.

Splitting the design has its own benefits; being able to position the Stream Deck exactly where I wanted was nicer than sometimes having to take my mouse hand away, and the flexibility to introduce a magnetic keyboard instead is going to benefit more competitive players.

You're still not getting the full control panel at your disposal, though, and day-to-day shortcuts are far more comfortable (and I was hitting them more reliably) when positioned along a flat interface rather than the Neo's stand.

Ultimately, today's discount tips the scales in the Galleon's favor a little, but there are still cheaper ways to achieve your command centre setup. If you're more interested in quickly and easily hitting all your macros while still upgrading your keyboard to a solid mechanical offering at the same time, though, it's well worth investigating.

• See all 4th of July sales at Best Buy

I'm also bringing you all the best wireless gaming keyboards as well as the best hot-swappable keyboards for more options as well.

I've been covering Prime Day for years now, and if I'm honest, it's been a continually growing trend each year that the best deals don't actually show up at the world's largest retailer; they come from competing brands. Prime Day is yet to begin this year, but other retailers like Newegg, Best Buy, and Walmart are already running competing sales.

Corsair isn't to be outdone either. It's currently running a promotion that lets you get any of its gaming chairs for 40% cheaper if you use a special promo code, which brings two of my go-to chair recommendations down to super-affordable prices.

The Corsair TC500 Luxe is one of my favorite gaming chairs I've ever tested. It manages to scratch an itch I have for gaming chairs that feel like you're sitting in a perfectly adjustable sofa, or even a La-Z-Boy. It has room for you to adjust the lumbar to suit your back, as well as a magnetic head pillow and recline, and adjustable armrests, but it's also got a wide seat base that lets you shift your position, cross a leg over, sit completely cross-legged, or just feel like you can really sink into it.

The armrests are my biggest pain point by far, and the caveat I'd issue anyone I'm recommending the chair to. I don't think they're a deal breaker because the rest of the chair is so good, but because they're set too wide apart, the ergonomics do suffer a bit. You can hear more in my full review, linked above.

Meanwhile, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed was the first gaming chair I ever reviewed, and it's kept its place on our best chair list ever since. It's a near-perfect starter chair, offering a nice blend of comfort with some beginner gaming chair perks. Yes, the lumbar cushion and head pillow are both strap-on ones, which isn't ideal. No, you won't get the last word in armrest adjustability, but you do get a chair that can stand the test of time, and will keep you comfortable for long hours at a desk.

There's a strong chance we could see both of these seats get Prime deals of their own once Amazon opens up its big summer sale selection, but if I were you, I wouldn't wait around. For these offers, you get them straight from Corsair without any middlemen that will likely only make things more expensive (unless you already have free shipping through Prime). If you're not a Prime member, you're unlikely to see better offers than what Corsair is offering on its products through its own website.

For more on Amazon's summer sale, check out Prime Day Kindle deals, Prime Day PC deals, and Prime Day Meta Quest deals.

The Scuf Omega controller is officially out in the wild, debuting today at a lofty $219.99. The officially licensed PS5 gamepad looks pretty standard at first glance, but there are some hints of this device's more competitive aspirations in there.

This is a fully programmable monster, with toolless TMR thumbstick swapping and a suite of in-app controls. The best part? Two little adorable nubbins on each side provide additional bumper controls, akin to those of the Scuf Envision Pro from a couple of years ago.

That's where things get interesting. Despite sporting the same symmetrical thumbstick design as today's Scuf Omega, the Envision Pro was strictly a PC affair. It's where most competitive controllers seem to have landed over the last few years, but the tides look like they're shifting towards Sony.

The Scuf Omega features a fully customizable suite of controls that feel lifted straight from one of the best PC controllers, all personalized via a portable mobile app. We're talking 0% deadzones, trigger and thumbstick response curves, and configurable SOCD settings. Throw in instant Omron mechanical switch triggers and up to three onboard profiles, and you've got yourself a certifiable pro controller.

It's those little side buttons I'm most excited to try out, though. It's a rare feature we've only seen on the Envision Pro and the CRKD Nitro Deck+ before, but one that promises to keep your fingers firmly planted on the sticks where they belong.

Competitively minded PS5 controllers are nothing new, but they certainly don't hit the shelves with the same kind of frequency as PC options. While the DualSense Edge, Nacon Revolution 5 Pro, and Victrix Pro BFG have carried this market for the console's first few years, things are getting a little more serious now. The Scuf Omega is taking the competitive spirit of the Envision Pro to Sony's door, and Razer launched its second PS5 gamepad, the Raiju V3 Pro last year.

It's a strange position to be in. The DualSense's immersion-focused features are reserved for first-party gamepads only. That means you won't get that haptic feedback across either the chassis or the triggers here. If you prefer single-player adventures to ranked leaderboard climbs, that's going to be a serious deal breaker.

• See all PS5 controllers at Amazon

We're also rounding up more of the best TMR controllers or taking a look at the best Xbox Series X controllers and best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers for more platforms.

The Corsair Galleon 100 SD has become a daily driver for me outside of testing the latest gaming keyboards. It's the keyboard I reach for as soon as I find a few days in between reviews, packing all my launchers, in-game keybindings, Spotify controls, and productivity shortcuts in one place on the desk. I received mine direct from the brand, though, and that $349.99 MSRP is a weight hanging heavy every time I find myself close to recommending it.

Things aren't helped by the fact that I haven't seen a single discount on this deck since it launched in January (trust me, I've been waiting for it - this thing has been rock solid at both Amazon and Corsair). That means you're paying one of the highest prices of any gaming keyboard I've tested so far.

It's why I generally only recommend it to players who already need a chunkier Stream Deck anyway. The $199.99 MSRP of the Stream Deck Plus (the closest you'll find to the number of buttons and controls available on the Galleon) means it takes up a good chunk of that MSRP and makes far more sense from a purchase standpoint.

There's a cheaper way, though. I've had the Elgato Stream Deck Neo on the desk for a few weeks now, testing it alongside some of the best gaming keyboards to see how the experience differs from the full $350 all-in-one. Considering the Neo comes in at just $99.99, I was curious to see how much of a luxury tax we're paying for Corsair's deck.

I tested the Neo with three keyboards in mind; the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96, to see whether adding magnetic switches into the mix will bring enough of a benefit to leave the mechanical Galleon behind, the Keychron V6 Max for those who can't drop their number pad, and the Asus ROG Azoth - still my go-to for overall typing feel.

The contenders

The good

There are a couple of benefits to sacking off the Galleon entirely.

Returning to one of the best Hall effect keyboards meant I was able to pair my Stream Deck Neo with a set of customizable switches for a streamlined in-game experience across certain commands. I primarily keep my custom actuation points to WASD when using a magnetic deck, while dampening surrounding buttons to avoid accidental presses and setting main action keys to rapid trigger.

It's a playstyle I've come to appreciate in faster titles like CS2 and Apex Legends, but one I can easily go without for more strategic experience or relaxing simulation endeavours. Being able to keep that flexibility was a massive benefit to dropping the Galleon from my setup.

The only other benefit I noticed over the Galleon (as opposed to the like-for-like features I'll detail below), was in positioning. The full keyboard puts the Stream Deck portion on the right hand side, which makes sense if you're viewing it as a number pad replacement. However, moving my 'keyboard' hand over to the other side of the deck doesn't always feel natural - and it's even more ungodly to take my hand off the mouse. The Stream Deck Neo, however, can be placed wherever you want it, keeping that right paw on the rodent and moving your left hand slightly less to hit each button.

Then we have everything that's just about equal between the two experiences.

Even pivoting to cheaper mechanical options, the Stream Deck Neo provides enough buttons for fairly comprehensive stream controls and daily productivity tools. It keeps the Galleon's ease of use as a daily launcher, and the decks I tested with kept media controls within reach as well.

Using the Stream Deck Neo with the Asus ROG Azoth meant I was able to keep some screen functions, though these were pretty limited compared to the full Stream Deck experience.

The Keychron V6 Max will likely offer up the keenest comparison for many, by virtue of keeping a dedicated number pad alongside the additional controls of the Neo.

The bad

To try and replicate my in-game macro use as closely as possible, I positioned the Stream Deck Neo to the left of my keyboard, closer to my main control hand than it would be on the Galleon. Try as I might, though, I could never get used to the taller angle of the mini device. In-game controls feel far less natural to hit, and I can never quite prove myself reliable enough to slap that pad without looking. It slowed things down by a noticeable amount even after about a week of practice.

It's annoying that the Galleon's Stream Deck is fixed to the right side, but it feels easier to hit at a flat angle inline with the rest of the keyboard. It's not going to become a competitive staple, it's still too awkward for that, but inventory management, simulation and strategy controls, and menu streamlining are all far more enjoyable on the Galleon.

Keyboard displays are a big source of contention right now, with many brands (most notably Corsair itself, outside of this Stream Deck integration) content to simply use these panels as expensive, low res digital photo frames. While the Asus ROG Azoth has a little more meat on its display bones, it still can't compare with the full-color, personalizable panel on the Galleon. Plugins are still slow coming, but there's plenty to show off here and it makes for an easier control system than the Neo's simple strip of display overall.

There's also the number of buttons available to you. The Stream Deck Neo offers up eight clackers to the Galleon's 12. I'll admit, I sometimes struggle to fill all 12 when I'm creating dedicated folders for specific apps, games, and use-cases. But at the same time I was often limited by the Neo's 8. I'd rather have too much space on my deck to ensure each page can function as a full set of distinct options, rather than having to add extra button presses and defeat the purpose of a handy helper.

There's just one minor snag that came up pretty quickly as well. We're really picking here, but adding a Stream Deck and a keyboard means you're using up an extra port. I run a gaming laptop setup, and the Neo's USB-C connection is pretty valuable in an accessory-laden desk.

The ugly

Of course, everything the Corsair Galleon 100 SD has going for it has to work pretty hard when we come to the ugly truth of the matter. The all-in-one solution is incredibly expensive, and alternatives can save you nearly $200 if you play your cards right.

Is the Corsair Galleon 100 SD going to be worth the extra spend? Maybe not.

I'm Corsair's best-case-scenario user. I don't typically stream, but I love having a command center at my fingertips, spend far too much time in menu-heavy simulation and strategy games, don't rely on a number pad, am constantly in and out of different apps and windows, and have a bunch of productivity shortcuts and keybindings to remember. I need more than eight buttons, I use those buttons frequently enough to find reaching over to a separate device awkward, and I'm happy to invest time setting up more complex folder systems to keep everything I need close to hand.

If that's you as well, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is going to be worth the extra spend compared to a keyboard + Stream Deck Neo combo. Streamers, competitive players, and num-pad enthusiasts aren't going to find the same kind of value here.

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 is the strongest alternative. The magnetic keyboard is geared more towards competitive players while still packing its num-pad and slick typing experience. At full MSRP, a Vanguard Pro and Stream Deck Neo will run you $329.99. I usually see both of these devices on sale for $160-$190 / $75-$90 respectively, though. That means, on the right day, you could pick up both for anything between $235 and $280, saving you $70-$115 overall. In this case, the Galleon isn't worth the extra cash.

If you're not fussed about magnetic switches, the Asus ROG Azoth is going to be your next port of call. This is still the best typing experience I've had from a gaming keyboard, so you're investing more in the feel of your everyday keystrokes while saving some cash dropping some of those Stream Deck features. The Azoth holds a $249.99 MSRP, but it's old - it hasn't been up that high reliably in quite some time. These days you're more likely to find it between $190 and $220, putting the package - at its cheapest - at $265.

Without those magnetic switches in play, would I say the extra $85 for the Galleon is money well spent? If you want a full productivity suite, need more from your display, and play macro-heavy games regularly, yes. If you just want a streaming companion or app launcher, no.

In scenarios where I prefer to use a num-pad, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD supplies its own profiles. However, using the dedicated keys of the Keychron V6 Max and Corsair Vanguard feels so much better than these plastic clackers. Having to hit another button just to bring up my number options is an annoyance of the all-in-one. Those using a number pad every day will soon get too tired for it to be worthwhile. With the Keychron V6 Max coming in at $119.99 on a bad day, $96 on a good day, you're saving a maximum of $179 by opting for the split setup. If you need that number pad, the Galleon's other benefits aren't worth the additional spend.

Featured keyboards

I'm also rounding up all the best hot-swappable keyboards and the best wireless gaming keyboards I've tested so far for more options.

We all know RAM is expensive, but we all also know that price isn't going to come down any time soon. If you're in the unenviable position of requiring an upgrade right now, though it's worth double checking if you actually do need to buy RAM today, Newegg has a couple of discounts that are going to, somewhat, soften the blow.

Corsair Vengeance LPX sticks are the kits you'll need to be watching closest. From all our RAM price tracking, these sets are frequently available for slightly less than the rest of the market's inflated rates. Newegg can send you home with two 8GB sticks of the best RAM we've tested in the budget category for $144.99 (saving you just under $15). Bigger discounts are reserved for the 32GB kit, which is down to $209 (was $249).

Is that still expensive? Absolutely. If you can get away with sticking to your current setup for another year or so I would recommend doing so. If you're in a bind and running an older board hungry for some DDR4, this is where you should be looking.

How's the rest of the market for scale?

A quick look at Amazon shows prices similar to Newegg's, though rates are typically trending higher than that $209 sales price on 32GB sticks. In fact, the exact same kit is up at Amazon for $10 more right now.

Things can get a little cheaper if you're looking for 16GB. Obviously less RAM = less beans spent, and if you're hunting for a particularly cheap 'n' dirty solution there are kits available for less than $100 at Amazon. Most mainstream brands are hovering at between $130 and $170 right now, though.

Of course, that's all with the caveat that we're talking about DDR4 here. While this slower solution hasn't seen the same kind of price increases as newer DDR5 kits, it's still heavily ballooned since this time last year. While current RAM shortages seem to have steadied themselves (at least from where we're looking at a pricing standpoint), those rates aren't expected to actually fall until some time next year at the earliest.

If you're working with a newer board that needs DDR5, you're a little more stuck. All of our go-to recommendations are hovering at about $500 right now. A 32GB T-Force Delta RGB set will run you $499.99 at Amazon.

We're also rounding up the latest SSD prices for more tough-to-find savings, but check out the best CPUs for gaming and the best graphics cards for more upgrades.

I'm going to say it; Corsair's gaming chairs are really underrated. Two of my favorite go-to recommendations are made by this brand, which may be surprising since Corsair is known for its PC components, not its seats. But as Amazon's big UK Spring Sale kicks off, Corsair is leading the charge with some of the best gaming chair deals I've seen so far in 2026.

First off, our favorite budget gaming chair, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed, is back down to its record-low price of £149 at Amazon (despite its dull price being £199). If you're on the hunt for something a bit more premium, the Corsair TC500 Luxe, the brand's flagship chair, is down to £379.99, which is actually an even deeper saving than the one above. It has a full price of £499.99, so this is the type of discount you only ever see a few times throughout the year.

But which one is right for you? Let's kick things off with the budget-friendly option. The TC100 Relaxed might be dubbed a "budget" gaming chair, but don't let that fool you. Compared to other chairs under £250, this one packs in a lot of build quality, cushioning, and adjustability. You don't get 4D armrests, but they will move up and down and to either side to meet the level of your desk.

Its current deal price is available in both the fabric Black and Grey colorways, but either will give you an upholstery that looks quite understated. The silhouette of the TC100 Relaxed definitely feels appropriate for a gaming setup, but it's not overtly going to disrupt the feng shui of a living room either.

The biggest pitfalls of this chair? Well, it is a budget option, which means you're going to miss out on some of the perks of pricier models. You get a lumbar and neck/head cushion as added bonuses, but those pale in comparison to adjustable lumbar support that's integrated into more expensive seats. Case in point, the neck cushion especially, is particularly hard, and during testing, I actually took mine off because it felt like my head was being pushed out of alignment with the rest of the seat.

But if that's a problem for you, and you want a bit more of a premium feel, why not check out the TC500 Luxe?

The TC500 Luxe's armrests are more easily adjusted, so much so that they actually click in and out of position without locking mechanisms - but that's besides the point. This chair does have integrated lumbar support, and you can use some twisty wheels on the side of it to move it up, down, back, and forward to suit the curve of your spine.

Where you'd notice a marked step up in quality is with this chair's neck pillow, because it actually feels like a beautifully plush neck cushion, and it magnetically snaps onto the chair's headrest. No annoying straps to loop through, no rigid support that makes you feel as though your head is being pushed forward.

I'm also a huge fan of how this chair looks. It's got three colorways, but it looks as though only two are available at Amazon right now. Either way, you have a choice between grey and white, and either will come in this luxurious leatherette-fabric hybrid. The best way I can describe it is a more malleable suede material, but it feels really comfortable to sit in an really great for temperature control.

The real design perk of the TC500 Luxe comes from its width. I'd actually argue the armrests are a little too far apart for my liking, but the seatbase being so wide means you can cross your legs or switch up your position in lots of ways and still benefit from that plush cushioning.

If you're trying to upgrade more of your setup, you might also want to read about the best gaming desks, the best standing desks, and the best microphones for streaming and gaming.

The Corsair Galleon 100 SD has made it into my hall of fame, joining the ranks of the best gaming keyboards I've tested so far with the top slot in the full-sized category. That's a long way of saying I've been testing it directly against the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro (my previous go-to) and the Galleon has come out on top.

This is the second time in about as many months that I've added a new Corsair keyboard to my roster, the brand is clearly on a roll. This time, though, it's the addition of a full Stream Deck on the right side that has me itching to recommend it. At $349.99 it's more expensive than Razer's entry (and that's difficult to do), but in the right setup this is going to be an endgame device.

I'll get the gushing out of the way early so we can talk about whether or not this is the deck for you. Put simply, I had a ton of fun completing my Corsair Galleon 100 SD review thanks to those additional Stream Deck controls and the seemingly endless versatility they provide. With the full functionality of one of the most popular pads on the market, the Galleon can do pretty much whatever you need it to both in work and play. The result is a strangle intoxicating freedom to stick whatever I want on my keyboard, from quick access to Spotify playlists to a dedicated Planet Coaster control scheme. Nobody else can beat that.

The best full-sized gaming keyboards

Troublesome value

Taken in isolation, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is easily the best full-sized gaming keyboard on the market. However, it might not be right for your setup.

Essentially, I'm happiest recommending this premium deck to anyone who is also in the market for a Stream Deck. If you already have one of the launcher pads in your setup you're not going to feel the benefit of simply shifting an extra one onto your keyboard. Similarly, the Galleon makes the most sense for players who will actually use that screen and those two extra dials.

That's because, at launch, the versatility of these particular components is a little restricted by the lack of dedicated plugins and available controls. There's a whole world of opportunity here, but it hasn't been captured quite yet.

If you don't see yourself using the extra dials and display, picking up a cheaper deck and a separate Stream Deck Mk.2 is going to offer the same core experience at a far lower price. You can even upgrade those mechanical switches to magnetic ones if you go for something like the Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid or NZXT Function Elite, adding adjustable actuation points and rapid trigger to your arsenal of weapons.

I still have to take my hat off to Corsair, this is a gold standard for controls and flexibility but whether or not it makes sense for your desk is another matter.

Corsair Galleon 100 SD vs Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro

After completing my Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro review back in 2023, it went straight to the top of my full-sized recommendations list. It's stayed there ever since, so it's testament to the BlackWidow that it took a full $350 Stream Deck-toting monster to knock it off its spot.

The BlackWidow is $100 / £100 cheaper than Corsair's premium deck, and that's a win that can't be ignored. However, if we're truly looking at which device offers the best experience the trophy has to go to Corsair. Razer impressed me with its massive selection of additional controls; four rotary dials, a volume scroll, five dedicated macro keys, and three further multi-function buttons on the side of the deck. That's a hell of a lot to play with, but Corsair has streamlined the whole endeavor.

It just feels better to use the Stream Deck integration on the Galleon. My commands aren't split into different places on the keyboard, I can configure handy LED reminders for different presets and toggles, and everything can be drag and dropped from the Elgato software. That's not even mentioning the fact that you've got access to the whole plugin marketplace, whereas Razer's scope is significantly more limited.

Let's move away from that Stream Deck bell, though. The Corsair MLX Pulse switches inside the Galleon 100 SD feel a little more robust than Razer's linear offerings, with a richer sound quality and more luxurious feel overall. Don't get me wrong, both offer fantastic typing experiences, but if you prefer a more textured thock Corsair's going to be your best bet.

Razer also carries its full-sized form factor a little further, which means less space on the desk itself. With those macro keys in a row on the left this feels like a much wider deck in use. When testing side by side, I've noticed my mouse hand knocking into the BlackWidow a little more often, and I've got a relatively large surface area. Those with a smaller desk can still benefit from all the additional controls without sacrificing too much play space with Corsair's alternative.

Buy the Corsair Galleon 100 SD if:

✅ You're a streamer or content creator
✅ You want as many controls on your keyboard as possible
✅ You have a regular sized desk

Buy the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro if:

✅ You're investing, but you still don't want to spend $350
✅ You're not interested in Elgato plugins
✅ You want more dials than buttons

The rest of the best

The Corsair Galleon 100 SD actually joins the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 in my recent additions to the top list. The Vanguard currently sits at the number one slot thanks to its fantastic magnetic switches, compact but versatile 96% form factor, and excellent typing feel.

If, however, you're looking for a cheaper alternative you can't go wrong with the Newmen GM326. While the Vanguard will cost you $350, this is a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard that can sometimes drop as low as $20. At that price I wasn't expecting much when I got it on the test bench, but this super cheap deck proves just how far budget accessories have come in 2026.

For those ditching the cables, the Asus ROG Azoth still reigns supreme. I'm yet to see the rest of the best wireless gaming keyboards even getting close to this keyboard's battery life, and it does so with a beautifully sound-dampened chassis, sublime typing feel, and a display that works far harder than the competition.

If you're after a little more versatility, check out the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market. Or, for something a little cheaper take a look at the best membrane keyboards I've tested so far. For a full setup refresh, take a look at the best gaming mouse models available.

Corsair has been upping its mouse game recently. With the Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight storming the lightweight market and the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE excelling in all its button-laden glory. The brand isn't quite done with the Sabre line for now, though, and (despite generally hating the feel of a cut-out chassis), the Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG is one of my favorite rodents of the last few years.

Its main shtick is that magnesium alloy casing, a super durable but impressively cooling material that's been shaved back to still hold a 56g form factor. You're still getting the brand's top sensor and a super comfortable set of main clackers there, though. At $149.99 / £119.99, it's got some competition from the best gaming mouse models on the market, but if you're after a luxury feel, it's beating the big dogs right now.

Design

• Sturdy magnesium alloy frame doesn't compromise weight too much
• Cut-out sections could lead to issues later in life
• Satisfying cooling material

Onto that material, then. The Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG isn't a dense brick. In fact, there's still a significant amount of flex to the top of the body (and a few creaks when squeezing the bottom panel). It feels stronger than the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro, though the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX stays a little firmer in the hands when pushed and squeezed.

That's likely down to the shapes cut out of the main body of the Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG, a design that could well turn players off altogether. I'm not a massive fan of this feel day to day, and the Sabre uses particularly egregious cut-outs where other brands keep things simpler with smaller pin-holes or honeycomb patterns. While the feel of those gaps can get a little distracting in-game, though, they also provide a nice sense of grip around the back of the main dome in a palm hold.

In a claw grip, my hand naturally curves over them, benefiting from the drop in weight without sacrificing feel. There's a problem here, though. I don't know how long it's going to take foreign objects to make their way in through these large gaps, but I'm willing to bet it's not going to be fun when they do. There's a lot of space for dust and liquid to settle in here, and the exposed PCB is looking pretty vulnerable underneath.

Still, those holes manage to keep weight to a conservative 56g. That's admittedly far higher than the featherweight Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight at 36g, but it's still on par with other flagships using thinner plastics.

The sides keep that smooth magnesium alloy finish, but there's also grip tape included in the box if you'd prefer a little more purchase. I never experienced any slipping as they are during testing, but can see why a lighter grip may warrant some extra help.

The shape keeps things simple with a symmetrical profile and a gentle gradient. If you're used to slimmer FPS-first mice, you'll feel right at home here, though those looking for more thumb support or a base designed for a relaxed palm grip may struggle to stay comfortable.

Controls

• Standard two-button design
• DPI shifter underneath the mouse
• Satisfying spacing on the scroll wheel

Corsair keeps things simple here - this is a speed-focused rodent, after all. That means you've got all the usual two side buttons with extra controls packed away on the underside of the mouse.

These clackers are lightweight and easy to hit, with a crisp snap to each press. Actuation is perfectly balanced, sensitive enough to stay zippy on the battlefield but still sturdy to withstand accidental presses. Button placement is also naturally comfortable for a claw, fingertip, and palm grip.

Underneath, you'll find a toggle for power and wireless connection mode, toggling between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth options, as well as a DPI button. That's pretty common for esports-minded mice, with the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro opting to tuck the DPI shifter underneath the rodent. If you're looking for on-the-fly control, though, the Turtle Beach Burst 2 Pro has a top-side DPI button but it's pretty difficult to reach. The Razer Cobra Hyperspeed, however, offers a central DPI clicker for $50 less than the competition.

The scroll wheel lacks any side-to-side action, but feels tight and tactile under the finger. There's a fairly wide notch between each groove, but each step feels particularly precise - this is one of the best weapon-wheel experiences I've had so far.

Software

• Lightweight web-based controls
• Support for all daily customization options
• Reliable and intuitive

Like many brands, Corsair is rapidly moving away from downloadable configurator tools. Instead, the Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG is personalized via the Corsair Web Hub program running in-browser. That means you've got access to everything from key assignments to DPI presets as a webpage rather than a full download.

Anything that leaves iCue in the gutter is worth celebrating.

Everything is clearly laid out and quick adjustments to macros and DPI settings are simple. It's the former that often trips up web-based software, removing the ability to record and save macro customizations (Glorious falls victim to this). Everything just works here.

My only gripe (and it's pretty much insignificant considering how small it is) is the fact that sensor features like lift height and angle snapping are hidden away in a separate 'Device Settings' menu that doesn't quite feel as polished as the rest of the system.

Connection

• Versatile Bluetooth connection included
• 8,000Hz 2.4GHz polling rate

A rarity among esports-focused gaming mice, the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG uses both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth to connect wirelessly. While the latter isn't going to take advantage of the rodent's top speeds, it's still excellent from a productivity and versatility standpoint. Similarly priced competitors like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro drop the connection completely. Of course, you can also just plug in as well.

There's an 8,000Hz polling rate in here for the ultra-competitive, but most players won't need to move too far past the standard 1,000Hz as battery life takes a significant hit higher up the scale. That's pretty common even among the best wireless gaming mouse models on the market.

Battery

• 120 hours on 1,000Hz / 2.4GHz
• Beats Logitech's Superlight 2
• Short of Razer's DeathAdder V4 Pro

Corsair claims that a standard 2.4GHz connection running at 1,000Hz will last you 120 hours, 10 hours more than Logitech's Superlight 2 range but 30 hours less than the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro. Considering the Ultralight only has enough juice for 70 hours, that's pretty good going.

I ran the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG as I usually would for two weeks. That's around eight hours of work, sleep mode for a little while, and then a couple hours of gaming if the wind's blowing in the right direction. At this pace, I only needed to plug in once, largely matching the brand's suggested battery life.

Of course, that juice time is extended up to 170 hours on Bluetooth, but running at the full 8,000Hz will cut things down to just 21 hours.

Sensor

• Smooth tracking across a variety of surfaces
• Solid sensor specs for the price
• Razer and Logitech IPS is higher

At this point in gaming mouse design, any brand that messes up its sensor has much bigger problems to worry about. The Sabre V2 Pro Wireless MG uses the Corsair Marksman S sensor, capable of running up to 33,000 DPI with a 750 IPS tracking speed and 50G acceleration. That's a fairly standard sensor that tracks just as fast as it needs to while still maintaining stability during faster movements and across different surfaces. It's rare that I come across a mouse sensor from a major gaming brand that doesn't tick these boxes, though.

Instead, it's worth noting that you're missing a little extra IPS tracking speed compared to Logitech's Hero 2 sensor (888 IPS) and Razer's Focus Pro Gen-2 (900 IPS). Both also extend to higher DPI sensitivities, but it's this max tracking speed that actually separates truly competitive mice from casually fast ones.

Of course, that's information for the tournament-level players among us. In my more casual CS2 runs, I never experienced any drops in tracking and everything responded just as it should.

Switches

• Slightly larger travel distance than true competitive mice
• Snappy and satisfying

Each main click is serviced by an unnamed mechanical switch, but it still feels crisp and clacky under the fingertips. It's got a larger travel distance than you'll find in slightly more premium alternatives, which means repeat presses aren't quite as natural. There's instead a fraction of a second's resistance behind each click that will detract from a pro's top speed, but won't make much of a difference to the rest of us.

It's a nicely sharp sound and feel overall, though, with a soft landing that keeps things rattle-free and comfortable.

Should you buy the Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG?

The Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG has plenty going for it. That magnesium alloy construction holds a particularly luxurious finish that does wonders for temperature control in particular. The surface is refreshingly cool no matter whether I've been gripping this mouse for hours of gameplay or I'm returning to it for the first time in the morning. That in itself could well be reason to investigate the Sabre Pro Wireless MG, anyone who feels the struggle of a sweaty palm during heated gameplay moments will appreciate this pretty unique construction.

It's also impressive that Corsair has managed to use this denser material without inflating the weight too far. Yes, it's not as lightweight as the Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight, but it's still up there with the best from Razer and manages to beat Logitech's plastic flagships as well. Whether or not the holes on the back (and the lint they will inevitably allow inside) are worth that low weight might be a different question.

At the end of the day, the Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG is cheaper than Razer and Logitech's flagships. At $149.99 it's by no means a mid-ranger, but it leans more into style and feel than raw performance specs, shaving between $10 and $30 off the final price compared to the top dogs. If that magnesium alloy construction appeals, it's well worth the leap for both casual and competitive players. However, if you're after a low-weight gaming mouse that still feels solid in the hand this isn't enough for me to stop recommending the V2 Pro Ultralight.

How I tested the Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG

I used the Corsair Sabre Pro Wireless MG for two weeks, spending a few days with a couple of other mice in the rotation as well. During that time I was using the rodent for my daily work as well as play and more direct testing in the evening. That meant it was up against CS2, Planet Coaster, Doom: The Dark Ages, and The Sims 4. I tested in both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connection modes, with polling rates set to 1,000Hz for two weeks and 8,000Hz for a few days separately. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best Razer mice and best Logitech gaming mouse models on the market, or check out the best gaming keyboards for more setup ideas.

Corsair seems to be having a good few months. Out of the dust left behind in the Vanguard Pro's sprint to the top of my best gaming keyboards list emerges a mechanical keyboard that finally blends a gaming-ready deck with the brand's Stream Deck functionality.

The Corsair Galleon 100 SD has a lofty price tag, though comparative Stream Deck functionality will cost you about $200 by itself (looking at the Stream Deck Plus) and the quality of the keyboard part of the equation stands up to the remaining $150. That is, however, presuming you need the dials and display. Problems with those numbers occur if you're just after the buttons themselves.

Nevertheless, this is a deck I'll genuinely be returning to in between testing periods. Smooth typing, excellent caps, and that whole suite of controls at my fingertips means this one's going to stay in my roster for some time. With a discount behind it, it's going to be a game-changer for many.

Design

Would you call the Corsair Galleon 100 SD a full sized gaming keyboard or a TKL one? I'm torn. Its form factor on the desk is going to feel like a full-width model, restricting mouse movement slightly. And yet the actual keyboard portion is a TKL design. This is a hybrid of sorts, Corsair continuing to experiment with layouts following the Vanguard Pro 96's squashed shape.

However you choose to see it, the Galleon looks pretty slick on the desk. The shining lights of the Stream Deck on the right, combined with that 'Mood Light' bare along the top and a collection of bold, vibrant RGB LEDs makes for an impressive showpiece.

The Stream Deck portion is fully baked in. Would it have been nice to have the option to swap it to the right-hand side for wider mouse sweeps? Maybe, but I'm just happy it's here in the first place.

You're paying $350 for this deck, and the build quality pulls its weight. While you're not getting the dense block of a Keychron model, the black aluminum chassis feels solid and premium and gasket mounting and sound dampening under the hood keep things echo-free under the fingertips.

There's a very slight wedge shape to the chassis itself, but it's far from enough elevation by itself. Two flip-out feet add extra height for a more comfortable experience, even if the included wrist rest feels just a little too high for me personally. It attaches magnetically and provides a cushioned position for the palms, but my hands feel like they're hanging just a little too far up the deck to feel truly nimble. I generally preferred using the Galleon without the included rest.

Keycaps

Thick PBT keycaps keep the typing experience firm and snappy, while those longer legends do a good job of keeping RGB backlighting uniform and consistent. I can only see one instance where those LEDs aren't making it across the full text, on the Enter key, elsewhere everything else looks super tight.

The caps themselves are curved nicely to provide extra precision support while still offering a satisfying grippy texture up top. That means no slipping, less chance of shine build up, and a tactile grainy feel under the fingertips. It's my preferred style of keycap, but those who like to keep things smooth may want to swap these toppers.

Switches

Under the hood we've got a full set of Corsair's MLX Pulse switches. I first took these purple snappers out for a spin in the ill-fated Corsair MAKR 75, and fell in love with them there. Without that FR4 plate in action there's a little less snap to the overall experience, but they're still smooth, thocky, and rattle-free.

With 45g of actuation force they're not the lightest on the market, but hold up particularly well for accuracy. A 2.0mm actuation distance avoids accidental presses as well. They're not for skating across the top of a deck, but they resist fatigue particularly well. All that, with a nice crisp auditory response - excellent.

The entire deck is also fully hot-swappable with three and five pin switches to boot.

If you've been following gaming keyboards closely over the last year you might notice some absences here. The Corsair Galleon 100 SD doesn't use magnetic switches, instead opting for a full mechanical existence. That means you're dropping some core gaming features like rapid trigger for faster repeat presses, customizable actuation points, and multi-step inputs. Considering this is already a $350 deck, though, there's very little room for Hall effect clackers in this price tag - even if Corsair's latest MGX V2 options are some of the best I've tested yet.

Software

The software is a sticking point for me, but I'm hoping it won't be in a few weeks' time. I've been testing the Corsair Galleon 100 SD with a beta version of the Corsair Web Hub and Firmware Tool. I haven't had a great experience with it straight off the bat.

The Web Hub refused to recognize the Galleon as a connected device until I updated the firmware. I couldn't update the firmware until the Web Hub recognized the keyboard. You see my conundrum.

Using a beta build of both allowed me to get in long enough to start a firmware update, at which point I lost connection again and the entire keyboard bricked itself.

I've been assured by Corsair that this is a rare occurrence and considering Web Hub has been running smoothly for all the other gadgets I've tested with it, I expect the issue comes down to pre-release software.

After all, with a full reboot I was able to connect and update the deck and have had a fairly smooth ride ever since. The Web Hub is still a little sticky, often refusing to save RGB lighting tweaks to the actual keyboard but it's got everything you need.

I'll be keeping a close eye, returning to the Galleon regularly, and will update here.

To set up the Stream Deck portion of the Galleon you'll need Elgato's dedicated software. This runs like a dream, dragging and dropping different functions and commands onto the deck to create profiles, pages, and presets galore. It was easily my favorite part of setting up this deck - I could spend hours building and tweaking different setups. You'll also have access to the massive supply of plugins via the marketplace as well.

Controls

This is where things get good again.

By now you know there's a full Stream Deck tacked onto the side of the Galleon, with 12 full-color buttons to play with, two control dials, and a 5-inch display sandwiched between them.

It's an unprecedented amount of control from a single keyboard, removing the need for static dedicated macro buttons, media playback, and system settings. If you do it on your PC, you can build a list of shortcuts for it.

I've got everything from a Spotify command center to all my usual work links and commands set up, alongside dedicated profiles for Planet Coaster, The Sims 4, and Baldur's Gate 3. Keeping all that right next to my keyboard makes for a far more streamlined experience compared to a separate device. I've used the Mountain DisplayPad for similar functions for some time now, but it's never been reachable enough to accommodate many of these controls. Sure, they're rudimentary for now (though you can buy dedicated profiles for a massive range of games that go into more depth), but they keep all my usual commands within closer reach.

The screen up top has space for four zones of control, ranging from swapping between profiles to changing volume to displaying the weather. There's not a lot out there for this setup just yet, so launch options are fairly limited. I'm hopeful more plugins and uses will come to light shortly, though. There's plenty of potential in this element.

Connection

The Corsair Galleon 100 SD does something I haven't seen in a long time. It uses two USB-C connections to hook up to separate USB-A ports on your PC, only to give one of them back to you via a passthrough hookup along the right edge. It's an odd setup, though perhaps helpful if you need a peripheral plugged in closer to your mouse hand than your rig will allow. Still, it's a little strange to keep two cables trailing across the desk.

The best wireless gaming keyboards have their place in portable setups, but they're generally only useful for keeping your setup clutter-free. If that's a priority, the $350 price tag for not one but two wires is going to sting. Still, the deck runs just fine in everyday life with only one cord connected.

If you're a particularly competitive player you'll also be glad to see an 8,000Hz polling rate in here. That's a feature only the top 1% will even notice, though.

Typing

There was a time when I would loathe to write up an article on a Corsair keyboard, but the brand has knuckled down on its build quality in the last couple of years and the Galleon 100 SD is free from any of the echo and ping I used to experience. This is a snappy, well-dampened typing experience with a smooth feel and just the right amount of resistance underneath each cap.

The Asus ROG Azoth is still going to give you a little more spring, there's slightly more depth to each press here making for a slightly heavier feel. It's also lacking a little of the richness you'll find in a more substantial chassis like the MAKR 75 or a Keychron deck. Still, it's satisfying to use and listen to, while remaining light on the fingers and tight in all its lovely mechanical parts.

Gaming

While Corsair has removed magnetic switches from the equation, the Galleon still has plenty in its arsenal for both casual and competitive players. On the fly macro recording, SOCD settings, and space for up to five onboard profiles (not counting the Stream Deck) keeps things up to pace with other mechanical options.

That extra control panel is the main draw here, though. My Planet Coaster building sessions are easier and faster than ever, and I'm only scratching the surface with my initial profile. There are far more in-game controls to explore across a whole range of titles that will make the Corsair Galleon 100 SD a formidable force whether you're going single-player, strategy, simulation, or competitive.

Switching between profiles is easy (I have mine set on a cycling roster via the control dial), buttons are responsive, actions are immediate, and setup is far easier than other similar options I've used. I'd feel the benefit of this extra panel even if I only ever used it as a launcher.

Of course, the benefits for streamers can't be denied either. After all, this is why the Stream Deck was invented in the first place. With all your controls in one place right next to your hands, tapping through different functions is far easier than reaching over to a dedicated device. That said, if you've already got a Deck on desk you won't find much new here to explore.

Should you buy the Corsair Galleon 100 SD?

There's no getting around it, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is expensive. It's a great keyboard in its own right, though, and the Stream Deck is one of the most feature-rich and intuitive control pads on the market. That $349.99 MSRP means you'll need to really want both a keyboard and a Stream Deck separately, though. The higher price simply doesn't make sense if you weren't already in the market for a control panel or if you already have one on your desk.

The implementation here is closest to the Stream Deck + model, with its display, dials, and ten buttons. That's a gadget that's going to cost you $199.99 by itself, leaving $150 in the final price for a mechanical keyboard - easy enough if you're after a mid-ranger like the Turtle Beach Vulcan II TKL or Keychron V6 Max. The typing experience and extra features in here do have both of those models beat, though.

There is far more room in that price if you were to drop the dials and go for the simplest of Stream Deck options. The Stream Deck Mk. 2 holds a $150 MSRP (but is more often found at around $130). That leaves you $200 to pick up a gaming keyboard at the same time, and with that cash you've got a few Hall effect options open to you. The Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid and NZXT Function Elite, for example, will get you more switch features with the same macropad functionality when bought alongside the cheaper controls.

That's where the value of the $349.99 Corsair Galleon 100 SD starts to fall a little short. Put simply, if you're not fussed about the screen and dials (and considering I found them to be a little under-utilized in everyday play at launch I wouldn't blame you), it makes more sense to opt for two separate devices.

The benefit of grabbing the all-in-one device is just that; your keypad, display, and control dials are right there. It's not a feature that should be overlooked - actually using these customizable clickers is far easier in this implementation, and I found myself more motivated to create, tweak, and hunt down the profiles and features I need as a result.

It's an expensive luxury, though, and one that might only make sense for the most discerning of streamers among us or those looking willing to invest in hitting their macros a little faster.

How I tested the Corsair Galleon 100 SD

I've been using the Corsair Galleon 100 SD for the last two weeks, swapping between another deck for some of that time. Alongside my Planet Coaster, The Sims, and Baldur's Gate 3 sessions, I've also run the deck in my usual competitive CS2 and Apex Legends testing and enjoyed my time in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 as well. For more information on how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm hunting down plenty more of the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market, as well as the best membrane gaming keyboards for something a little cheaper. For more setup inspiration, check out the best gaming mouse models I've tested so far.

I tested plenty of gaming headsets in 2025. As I look back, it's very easy for them all to mesh into one pair in my memory, especially as they all share a similar look and features. However, the Corsair Void Wireless V2 easily stands out from the rest.

Corsair's budget headset is easy to remember for its combination of premium features, including one of the best microphones I've ever tested, and great sound, all in one , easy-to-digest mid-range $129.99 price package. Now, the Void Wireless V2 has dropped to just $79.99 at Amazon, saving $50 off its full price and making it easier than ever to sing its fantastic-sounding gaming headset praises. You'll struggle to find a pair that packs in a high-quality mic, booming custom 50mm Neodymium audio drivers, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth wireless support, and a whopping up to 70-hour battery for this price today.

Should you buy the Corsair Void Wireless V2 gaming headset?

The Corsair Void V2 offers a lot for its current $79.99 deal price. So much so that you'll struggle to find a more impressive combination of quality for the same price. For one, this $80 pair comes with one of my favorite microphones I've tested on a pair so far.

I've harped on about it a few times by this point, but that's because the omnidirectional mic is one of the ones I've had the most compliments on while playing through online games like Rare's Sea of Thieves and Dead by Daylight with my pals. Annoyingly, it's not detachable, which could be a deal breaker for some. But you can just flip the boom arm out of the way when you aren't up for some Discord in-game chat. Its detachable nature is also easy to look past when you consider everything else the Void V2 has to offer, including its sound.

This PC headset is equipped with custom 50mm Neodymium audio drivers, which offer a quality that rivals even that of Corsair's more premium Virtuoso Max Wireless headset, which I also tested in 2025. Through testing, the drivers provided balanced sound to the low, mid and high frequencies of any game I threw its way, and when combined with its accompanying Dolby Atmos support, I was able to get truly lost in my favorite fiction game worlds. The creeks and rumbling sounds of my ship in Sea of Thieves sounded so life-like that it became my go-to pair for the game.

It's not just the sound and mic quality that's rich, but there are a lot rich amounts of customization at play here. For the low price of $79.99, you also get access to some subtle strips of RGB lighting, which you can tailor to your liking via the iCue software, where you can also tailor the sound via its multiple EQ options. As a heads up, if you're a glasses wearer, the location of the RGB strips at the edge of each earcup means you will get some reflection in your lenses, but anyone with contacts or a vision better than my own won't have any issues.

So long as you don't mind the lack of wired support, which you can find in alternatives for a similar price, like the Razer Barracuda X Chroma available for $99.99 at Amazon, this pair is a no-brainer for those of you with little more than $80 to spare on anew headset in 2026. Essentially, you're getting a mid-range pair of cups for a lower-range price, which shouldn't be missed if you're a PC or PS5 player.

• View all Corsair gaming headsets at Amazon
• View all wireless gaming headsets at Amazon

If you want something a bit more premium, I've also rounded up all the best PS5 headsets, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets that will make your games sound their absolute best.

Corsair purchased Elgato eight years ago, but it's only just added that brand's biggest device to its own roster of gaming keyboards. Looking back, the Stream Deck has been languishing with untapped potential - until now.

The macropad, and all its custom plugins, has continued to thrive under Corsair's ownership, and now the brand is finally combining the Stream Deck's benefits with its own keyboards. The Galleon 100 SD has taken to the CES 2026 showfloor this week, a TKL mechanical keyboard with a 12-button Stream Deck baked into the right side.

That's the full functionality of a macropad next to your right hand, with full compatibility across the system's bountiful user-generated plugin library, and I can't wait to get it on my desk. After all, this is coming from the makers behind the best gaming keyboard I've tested so far.

On top of those extra clickers, you've also got a full-color display and two scroll dials for extra controls, which likens it more to the Elgato Stream Deck+. That's plenty of space for media information, notifications, and system vitals, all in a seemingly vibrant color display (though that's just going off press images).

I love me a control panel, but never really gelled with the idea of using one in-game. Reaching forward to the stack of buttons under my monitor never felt intuitive, and even bringing it closer to my main controls still felt a little awkward. I mostly use my macropad for system information, launching apps, toggling different settings, and switching hardware profiles.

With per-game controls directly on the board itself, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD has me excited in a way I haven't been for a keyboard in a little while.

For the Galleon to set sail, though, it needs to perform well as a keyboard. Corsair hasn't exactly sat at the top of my roster for its decks over the last few years, but I'm certainly optimistic this time around.

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 shot to the top of my recommendations late last year, fixing one of my biggest issues with the brand's decks as a whole. They've always been particularly echoey.

With a gasket-mounted design, six layers of sound dampening, and an aluminum chassis, the Corsair Galleon 100 SD is set up to cook. If you're particularly competitive, you'll also note that 8,000Hz polling rate - though that's largely unnecessary for most players.

Those up to date on more recent gaming keyboard developments will also notice that this is a full mechanical deck. Looking at that lofty $349.99 MSRP, this could well be a price tag play. Magnetic options have swelled in popularity over the last year and offer greater control over the way your keyboard responds, but they're still the more expensive option.

If Corsair has to sub those switches out to squeeze a whole Stream Deck in and avoid going into too-silly numbers (even $350 is still a big ask), I'm not too mad - even if the Vanguard did offer some of the best Hall effect clackers I've tested so far. As it stands, we've got MLX Pulse switches under the hood, a set that performed solidly in my Corsair MAKR 75 testing, and full hot-swappability.

The Corsair Galleon 100 SD is available on backorder now, with new keyboards set to ship towards the end of the month.

• See all Corsair keyboards at Amazon

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming keyboards as well as the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market. For something a little cheaper, check out the best membrane gaming keyboards I've tested so far.

December seems to be a good month for gaming keyboards. Just last year my favorite deck for much of 2025 released, with the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 taking to the shelves for the first time in the holiday season. Now Corsair's pulling the same trick.

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 has just ascended to the top of my guide to the best gaming keyboards I've tested so far. It's a fully magnetic Hall effect deck with all the number pad and macro button controls you'd expect from a full-sized design, in a more compact 96% form factor. Throw in some of the best switches I've used so far, super textured PBT keycaps, and a soft, bouncy wrist rest and you've got yourself a winner.

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 is no cheap deck, $229.99 is a lot for a gaming keyboard. If you've been saving to invest in a high-end magnetic option for a while, though, those numbers won't look so outrageous, they're only slightly higher than the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3. At least that cost isn't as jaw-dropping as the $419.99 price tag on the Asus ROG Falcata.

It's absolutely worth it if you're looking to set yourself up with adjustable magnetic switches ahead of 2026, though. I wasn't blown away by the first generation of Corsair's MGX switches when I first tested them in the K70 Pro TKL earlier this year. The Vanguard uses the second generation, though, and they're second only to the super-premium ROG HFX V2s in the Falcata.

In short, they remain smooth and clacky like a mechanical option whereas most Hall effect keyboards I've tested so far feel a little woolly, with slightly too much resistance underneath each press to feel truly comfortable during longer sessions. Here you're getting the best of both worlds; a customizable experience that still retains the tactile charm of a mechanical deck.

That's before we even get into the form factor. 96% isn't a size we see too much of in the gaming keyboard world, but many players still want to keep their number pads in action. Again, the Vanguard does it all. While SteelSeries' TKL form factor removes a whole chunk of buttons and the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro packs everything but the kitchen sink (but doesn't leave much room for mouse swinging), Corsair had pinned itself in a perfect spot of balance.

It actually took me a moment to realize there was a number pad on here when I first got the Vanguard on the desk. From a quick look at its shape I just assumed it was a 75% model. Everything is squished in to keep that footprint as small as possible, which does take some getting used to. The arrow keys, for example, are a little awkwardly placed. However, I was able to confidently get to grips with the layout, even if I did still need to look down at those directional buttons.

Plus, you keep the additional controls of larger macro-heavy decks. The five customizable keys are lined up along the left hand side of the keyboard, slanted slightly away to avoid accidental presses. It's rare to find these extra clickers these days.

Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 vs SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3

So how exactly did Corsair knock SteelSeries off the top spot?

Essentially, the Vanguard Pro 96 does more than the Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 while still keeping its form factor slim and its price tag comparable.

All keys are fully magnetic with a smoother, lower resistance typing feel, whereas the Apex only uses its slightly heavier Hall effect clackers on its main alpha keys.

The Vanguard offers more control options via its number pad and dedicated macro buttons, neither of which are available on SteelSeries' competitor.

Both decks use high quality PBT keycaps, a wired connection (though a wireless Apex Pro is also available), and feature dedicated volume controls.

You also won't need to download any additional software to make the most of Corsair's fighter, it's configurable from a light web-based app. SteelSeries does win out on the screen front.

Both decks use an OLED panel in the top right corner, but Corsair's color option can only show images. SteelSeries defaults to black and white, but allows for notifications and system information as well.

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming keyboards and the best hot-swappable keyboards of the year. Or, check out the best membrane keyboards for something a little cheaper.

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 isn't the brand's first Hall effect keyboard, but its switch upgrades and slick form factor show a real glow up from the K70 released earlier in the year. This is a 96% magnetic keyboard that puts customization front and center, all while keeping a fresh balance between functionality and compact design.

At a $229.99 / £209.99 MSRP it's going directly up against the best gaming keyboard I've tested so far, the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 and, honestly, it takes the lead. This is one of the best Hall effect keyboards on the market right now, and my first recommendation for the majority of players.

Design

This 96% form factor isn't common at all, essentially taking a full sized deck and squishing it all together. Its width is still a little longer than most TKL options, but doesn't take up the whole desk - all while still offering full number pad controls. There are a few keys missing here, but it's the spacing between those clackers that's been sacrificed. Everything is bunched together, shoving the arrow keys directly under the Enter and right Shift and cramming the number pad on top.

That takes a little getting used to, after two weeks of testing I still cast an eye down towards the keyboard when I need to hit a directional button. It is possible to re-learn, though, and considering the space you're saving it's a step I'm happy to take to keep this thing on my desk.

An aluminium case keeps everything feeling sturdy, with a matte black finish that blends nicely into a range of setups. There's also a black and white dual-tone option for those who want a little lift in their caps. Either way, you're getting a solid build with plenty of quality of life features built in.

A cable trail runs along the bottom of the chassis, along with those elevation feet. It allows for your detachable USB-C cord to run away from the keyboard in three directional, but I'd argue it's more of a faff to squeeze the wire in these chasms than its worth. The included magnetic wrist rest is a welcome addition, though, offering a firm plush landing spot for the palms, with a smooth leatherette finish. It's a small enhancement, but it's actually the best wrist rest I've used on a gaming keyboard so far.

There's also a full-color LCD display to play with, but it's so under-utilized it's a little maddening. This is a feature shared by a huge number of high-end keyboards, but models like the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 and Asus ROG Azoth are limited to a black and white display. Still, at least those keyboards actually use the screen. This one will only show you the images you add to it, no system specs, media information, or Discord integration here.

Keycaps

Corsair has redeemed itself after the K70 Pro TKL incident earlier this year. While that older deck shipped with PBT keycaps in the US, UK folk had to make do with some of the cheapest-feeling ABS clackers I've seen on a mainstream gaming deck in some time. All is right in the world now.

The keycaps on the Vanguard Pro 96 are thick, heavy PBT with a particularly textured surface and doubleshot legends. That's a winning combination personally, with plenty of grit to each cap offering greater precision and keeping things satisfyingly tactile. Those shinethrough legends are nicely uniform across the main alphas, through the Enter key does show some uneven lighting towards the edges.

Switches

The Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 is outfitted with the brand's new MGX V2 Hall effect switches, and they feel so so much better than the originals featured in the K70 Pro TKL. In fact, these magnetic switches are second only to the Asus ROG Falcata and its ROG HFX V2 clackers. They're not quite as smooth in their operation as Asus, but they're certainly far more mechanical-feeling than the likes of SteelSeries, Logitech, and previous Corsair magnetic releases. There's a satisfying thock to each keypress that's often lost with these more adjustable decks, making both typing and gaming more comfortable and satisfying.

The switches themselves allow for all your usual Hall effect tricks. Rapid trigger, SOCD controls, and adjustable actuation points (from 0.1mm to 4mm) are all present and accounted for. The first also benefits from customizable sensitivity and the option to enable continuous rapid trigger as well. Two-step actuation is also available for more complex macro setups, though it's not quite hitting the four-step heights of the Falcata or Glorious GMMK 3 Pro HE.

Software

All those tools are run through Corsair's lighter Web Hub program. Like many gaming keyboards, the Vanguard Pro 96 steps away from cumbersome programs and uses a web-based tool for all its configuration tools. You've got everything you need in here, from complicated multi-step macros to RGB settings, all laid out in a series of menus along the left side of the screen.

Once connected, the browser remembers your keyboard quickly for returning settings tweaks and can also flash new firmware as well.

Setting everything from your everyday keybindings to adjusting switch actuation points is easily and simple, though lacks some of the quality of life features competitors use in their own downloadable programs. Razer, for example, includes a visualization of just how far you're actually pushing each key down when setting multiple actuations for a particularly easy setup process across its Huntsman V3 Pro Mini analog deck.

Controls

We've got a set of comfortable keys, a sturdy build quality, super slick Hall effect switches, and plenty of extra quality of life design features already in the bank, but Corsair keeps rolling on. The Vanguard Pro 96 also benefits from a plethora of additional controls that make sure all those boxes are ticked. First up you've got that control dial in the top right corner. Configurable to everything from volume control to playback, scrolling, application switching, and zoom, with your own custom dial modes available, it's a slick addition that goes beyond offerings by its competitors.

Then there are five dedicated macro buttons running down the left panel of the keyboard itself. That's a lot of extra clickers to squeeze into a keyboard with this more compact footprint, but they're angled beautifully down the side to avoid feeling clunky (or accidentally being hit). It's this kind of extra control that makes the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro the best full-sized deck I've tested yet, but Corsair's found a way to do it all without taking over your desk.

Connection

Like most Hall effect keyboards, this is a fully wired affair but considering the full-sized form factor and excellent wrist rest it's unlikely you're after anything too portable. The included USB-C cable feels sturdy, and can be detached and swapped out if need be. It also unlocks a speedy 8,000Hz polling rate to boot. That's not going to be a game-changer for most players, but esports hopefuls should take note. If you're after one of the best wireless gaming keyboards but still want those magnetic clackers, the Falcata is your top shelf option and the Glorious GMMK 3 Pro HE is slightly cheaper.

Typing

Those new generation magnetic switches and super tactile keycaps work in tandem with four layers of sound dampening to provide a fantastic typing experience, second only to the $420 Asus ROG Falcata in my testing. Everything feels and sounds rich and robust, but there's an excellent spring to each keypress that maintains the energy and spring you'll need for particularly fast movement across the deck.

There's a little resistance persisting underneath each keypress, but it's far crisper than that of the Corsair K70 Pro TKL. Each press has a mechanical-feeling clack to it that you rarely find in magnetic keyboards, and the result is a best-of-both-worlds approach to tactility and personalization. Throw that plush wrist rest into the battlefield and I was able to type all day without feeling a hint of fatigue. The only issue I ran into was reliably hitting those squished arrow buttons.

My average WPM speed over the last few years of keyboard tests currently sits at 95WPM, with my average accuracy sitting at 95.5%. I scored slightly higher on pure speed with the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 at the helm (96WPM), though I dropped a tiny bit off that accuracy score (95%).

Gaming

Of course, that satisfying key feel runs through to gaming as well, with the additional benefit of those super adjustable switches. Doom: The Dark Ages felt snappy and responsive, even in more lumbering Atlan chapters, while competitive endeavors held up particularly well. Setting a higher actuation point for Apex Legends always feels like a hack and continues to perform well in the Vanguard, while setting my regular accidental hits to a super deep actuation made for excellent precision.

The presence of those additional macro buttons even made slower simulation games like Planet Coaster more enjoyable, mapping frequent object changes to individual macro buttons for a speedier interface overall.

Should you buy the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96?

If you're upgrading your gaming keyboard and want all the latest features in a macro-heavy control panel that still keeps all your controls at your fingertips without taking up the whole desk, the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 should absolutely be on your radar. All of these keys are adjustable, unlike the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, and you're getting a wad of extra controls without sacrificing mouse space, unlike the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro. While it doesn't quite hit the typing feel of the Asus ROG Falcata or Asus ROG Azoth, and drops the wireless connectivity from both, the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 is as close to perfect as you're going to get for $229.99 / £209.99.

How I tested the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96

I used the Corsair Vanguard Pro 96 for two weeks, running the keyboard across all my daily work and play. In that time I primarily tested in Apex Legends and Doom: The Dark Ages, while also running Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, The Outer Worlds 3, and Planet Coaster. I also ran through my usual speed benchmarks in Typing Speed Test. For more information on how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I've also been busy hunting down all the best hot-swappable keyboards and the best membrane keyboards on the market. If you're kitting out your whole setup, though, you can always check out the best gaming mouse models I've tested so far.

Corsair just dropped an entire suite of Fallout goodies in time for season 2, and while most of this brand's tie-ins are relatively decently priced this is an expensive undertaking. Just take one single artisan keycap launched as part of this collection. That resin glow in the dark topper will run you $69. Yep. Time to pay the Bethesda tax folks.

This isn't your everyday collaboration. It's a high-end reskin of some of Corsair and Drop's more premium gadgets, but there are a few pieces I'd be happy to invest in. A Nuka-Cola themed Stream Deck for $159.99 sits only slightly more expensive than the standard version, and while $49 is quite a lot to spend on a desk pad it's not as egregiously priced as other options. You can see the full collection at Corsair itself, (just note it ships a little late for those after any gifts for gamers) or check out the bundle options below.

Here's what I'd actually loot

Corsair has its Nuka-Cola themed mouse pad (though the exact model it's based on isn't disclosed) available for $49. That's a small jump from the average $30 - $45 you'll be paying for a desk mat from this brand, an acceptable premium for that bold red aesthetic and Nuka-Cola licensing. And bold it certainly is.

The main keyboard space is left free for a Nuka Cola logo in the center, with a collection of stickers around the edge for all kinds of flavors. The whole gang is here, from Quantum to Orange.

I don't know if it's the fact this Nuka Cola Stream Deck kind of reminds me of a vending machine you'd find at a Red Rocket, but I'm vibing with this aesthetic. Spend a little time creating some themed icons for all your shortcuts and plugins and you've got yourself a fully themed control center here.

This is the 15-button Mark 2 model, with full Elgato Marketplace compatibility and LCD keys.

Maybe it's the deep love I hold in my heart for Travis Miles, but who doesn't want to feel like they're hosting a wasteland radio station while streaming? The main body of this re-color of the Elgato Wave 3 microphone is a super vibrant red, with the Nuka Cola logo printed onto the mic itself.

On top of that, it's good to know this is also a solid performer. Yes, the Wave 3 is a little older now, but it's stacked full of features that make it excellent value, even with a little extra added on for that Fallout vibe.

• See the full Fallout collection at Corsair
• See the Cyberpunk collection at Corsair
• See the Doom collection at Corsair

After another flavor? Cyberpunk fans should be checking out this Arasaka drop, and Razer's Gengar set is out in the wild as well. Of course, we're also rounding up all the best gaming mouse and best gaming keyboard options on the market as well.

Corsair is celebrating the fifth anniversary of Cyberpunk 2077 this week, with an Arasaka-themed drop of some of its best gaming tech. The red, black, and gray aesthetics of these gadgets is particularly slick, with iconography spanning the simple logo through to the Mantis Blade itself.

We're talking one of my favorite gaming keyboards, the best ambidextrous gaming mouse I've tested to date, and a mouse pad that stretches all the way across your setup. Not only that, but die-hard fans can grab the full collection for nearly $50 off at Corsair to boot.

Most of these gadgets are on back order at the time of writing, with shipping dates spreading from December 11 to 19. That means you've still got some time to get in there before the holiday shipping cut-off, but you'll need to move fast if you're buying for the Cyberpunk superfan in your life.

Corsair K65 Plus Wireless

This is my favorite piece in the collection. I praised the Corsair K65 Plus Wireless for its excellent value at launch, you're not just grabbing a Cyberpunk special edition here - it's a surprisingly solid hot-swappable mechanical keyboard. I say surprisingly, because Corsair hasn't always impressed me with its sound dampening or typing feel. This runs like a much cheaper Asus ROG Azoth, though, with a smooth feel, that classic Corsair speed, and a whole bunch of extra controls.

The new Arasaka edition kits out the K65 Plus Wireless in a jet black case, with light gray and red accents across the keys and the megacorp's icon on the dedicated volume scroller.

Corsair M75 Wireless

That black and red color scheme continues through to the Corsair M75 Wireless, with the ambidextrous gaming mouse getting that Arasaka stamp of approval on its main back panel and complimentary red side buttons to complete the look. This isn't the most detailed of special editions, but if you're looking for a nod to your favorite game it still speaks volumes.

This is also one of the best gaming mouse models on the market, especially if you're left-handed. Its ambidextrous design uses swappable side buttons so you have full control no matter which grabber you prefer, and with a 210 hour battery life, 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connection, and super slick sensor it holds up under the hood as well.

Corsair MM300 2XL

If you want to spend as little as possible while still repping Arsaka, the Corsair MM300 2XL is the way to go. I've been using a desk mat like this for a little while now, and not only does it keep mouse movements smooth and speedy, but it also provides a little extra dampening to a keyboard as well.

The Arasaka special edition features the Mantis Blade in full blueprint design and follows the same red, black, and gray color scheme of the rest of the collection.

• See all special editions at Corsair
• See The Witcher 10th Anniversary Collection at Corsair
• See the Doom: The Dark Ages Collection at Corsair

We've also had our hands on Razer's Gengar Collection this week, but this Hatsune Miku setup is actually on sale right now as well.

Black Friday deals have arrived, and they're hitting the best gaming chairs hard. I was skimming through all the offers on Friday when I noticed that two of my absolute favorite gaming chairs are both heavily discounted, and if I were buying today, I'd have a tough job choosing between them.

The Fractal Refine and the Corsair TC500 Luxe are two of the best gaming chairs money can buy right now, and as someone who has sat in both for months at a time, I think I can help you determine which one is right for you. As great and as versatile as they both are, I think these two Black Friday gaming chair deals cater to different needs and body shapes.

I'd actually recommend both the Fractal Refine and the Corsair TC500 Luxe at their full prices. Compared to rivals like the ones on offer in Black Friday Secretlab deals, both of these chairs actually present phenomenal value for money. You get a lot of the same adjustability and features as you would with a premium brand like Secretlab, but with a better level of cushioning, in my opinion.

You could be drawn to either chair because of their unique design. Neither looks immediately like a gaming seat in the traditional sense, even if it's clear that both of them are desk chairs. Fractal took a more minimalist, slender approach with the Refine that completely ignores the racing-style seat shape of most gaming chairs. Corsair's TC500 Luxe looks almost like an antique leather armchair you'd find in a very fancy library.

Straight off the bat, I'd recommend these chairs to different people thanks to their designs. I think the Fractal Refine lends itself to someone with a narrower build, or anyone who tends to sit upright in their chair. The Corsair option has a wider seatbase, and its armrests are farther apart (even at their narrowest setting), so I think that suits someone with a broader build, or those who like to switch positions and cross their legs frequently.

If you're buying a new chair due to back pain, and you want something that will help improve your posture, I'd opt for the Fractal Refine. It has, quite frankly, a sublime blend of ergonomics, adjustability, and comfort. It's got a thin layer of cushioning or a mesh back option, which allows for comfort, but its minimalist approach means it's really just supporting your spine into a healthy position. If you have a chair that's too plush, you can lose that posture support, but if it's too aggressive in keeping your spine aligned, you lose comfort. Fractal nailed that ratio for me, and the adjustable seat depth in particular is something I think lends itself to promoting good posture while also being able to shift your weight around from time to time.

Meanwhile, Corsair has an excellent level of cushioning that's springy and almost never left me with a numb tailbone. If you've tried a Secretlab chair and you think it was a little too firm, I think Corsair is the alternative you'll like. It still has ergonomics and adjustability - like with its integrated lumbar support, you can move around with scroll wheels. Its wider seat just means you can lounge in it a bit more and benefit from comfort in longer sessions, and it's clear to me that was a priority of this seat from a design standpoint.

Truth be told, both chairs are seeing fantastic discounts for Black Friday this year. I think these gaming thrones are good enough that no matter which you buy, you'll appreciate them, but hopefully, some of what I've said here has helped you determine which you might prefer in the long run.

• Fractal Refine: $399 at Amazon
• Corsair TC500 Luxe: $424 at Amazon
• AndaSeat Novis: $218 at Amazon

There are more discounts to be claimed. Check out the best Black Friday gaming PC deals, Black Friday Meta Quest deals, and Black Friday VR headset deals.

When it comes to the best gaming headsets, I love me some RGB lighting. I'm well aware they aren't everyone's cup of tea, as they can be a battery drain and look tacky and unsightly, but the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless headset looks so good it could bring out the RGB fan in anyone.

The wheels of LED lighting are so bright and luminous on the Corsair cups that they remind me of something out of a Kubrick movie, but that futuristic aesthetic comes at a high price. Well, thankfully, it doesn't today as it's just $179.99 at Amazon, the lowest ever price I've spotted for the flashy headset since launch.

Should you buy the Corsair Virtuoso Max wireless in 2025?

First off, I'm well aware that the photos I've used here are of the silver version of the Corsair Virtuoso Max, and not the Carbon Black version that's currently $150 off at Amazon. It just so happens I was supplied with the silver version back when I did my Corsair Virtuoso Max wireless review, so that's what I have at hand to show off its stunningly bright RGB lighting.

With that out of the way, I hope at least those photos still show you just how luminous the RGBs are. Out of any headset I've reviewed to date, I've always found the lighting of this Corsair headset to be the most striking due to its high intensity. It also helps that they can be customized via iCue, so you can tailor them to your liking or turn them off entirely to save on using up the headset's up to 60-hour battery.

Even if you aren't hugely into RGB lighting, the Virtuoso Max wireless is still a great choice of headset in 2025. For that now $179.99 price point, you're getting access to ANC, a fantastic sound from its 50mm Custom Graphene audio drivers, one of my favorite microphones found in a headset, and even simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio so you can hook it up to your smartphone and your PC, Xbox, or PS5 at the same time. I use the latter to swipe my way through TikToks in between Marvel Rival matches, and it feels nice not to have to remove my headset each and every time.

With the Corsair Virtuoso Max wireless weighing in at 417g, I still advise you to take it off every once in a while to give your head a break. Its weight and its original huge $329.99 MSRP were my biggest issues during my original review. However, you don't have to worry about the latter now that Amazon has dropped $150 off.

Check out our guides to the best PC headset for gaming, the best PS5 headset, and the best Xbox Series X headset if the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless doesn't sound like the right fit for your gaming needs.

If there was any doubt that leverless fighting game controllers were getting big, Corsair has waded in to give us yet another option, ready for tournaments or just fiercely competitive gamers who want more than what the best PC controllers can offer.

Corsair's — deep breath — Novablade Pro Wireless Hall Effect Leverless Controller is out right now. You can buy it at the Corsair website, although it sounds as though the brand will be bringing it to certain retailers at some point to.

To my eyes, the Novablade Pro looks like something set designers in the 1960s would use to create a sci-fi console: a panel full of flashing, colorful lights that'd look at home in the Tardis. But it hides many secrets.

There are 15 keys on the board, all laid out in an intelligent layout to suit competitive gamers. Each one uses Corsair's Rapid Trigger tech to quickly reset keys once they've been pressed, and they all have Hall Effect magnetic switches not too dissimilar to some of the best hot swappable keyboards. There are a few extra considerations made for tournament gaming like Game Mode which turns off some features to avoid any accidental disqualification.

You can use the Novablade Pro alongside a PC, PS4 or PS5, and it connects via wired, 2.4GHz or Bluetooth for a range of options.

As a leverless controller, there's no joystick, with Corsair following the likes of the Razer Kitsune or Victrix Pro Ko (and plenty of smaller companies before them). The benefit of this layout is that it eliminates the need for large hand movements (the stick being the thing you'll need to move), instead letting you carry out precise operations by moving your fingers.

Since this isn't the first leverless option to launch in recent times, it could very well be a game-changing trend in the competitive scene, but it's also a neat alternative to levered controllers for accessibility reasons. They make one-handed playing far more feasible, eliminating the need to shackle one hand to the joystick.

Corsair keeps a similar button layout to those aforementioned rivals, but with 15 buttons it gives you a few more options. Plus, the buttons are color-coded (LED color-coded, at that) to help with visual cues.

The Novablade Pro Wireless Hall Effect Leverless Controller may be many things -less, but it's definitely not priceless; you can purchase it for $249.99. If you couldn't already tell from the design, the price gives away the fact that this is controller for pro-level and competitive players.

So are leverless fight controllers the new way to play? Corsair might think so, especially given that it doesn't have a stick-bearing option, and the many other brands releasing versions suggests they're on the rise. But the joystick has been around since time began and I don't see it leaving any time soon!

• Shop fight controllers at Amazon
• Turtle Beach Victrix Pro Ko | $279.99 at Amazon
• Razer Kitsune | $299.99 at Razer

Consider your options with the best PC controller for gaming, see what you can enjoy with the Novablade with the best fighting games to play now, or prepare for Black Friday gaming deals with our handy guide.

All is definitely not quiet on the PC gaming storage front, as Corsair has just announced that it's added two new drives to its Gen 5 PCIe NVMe M.2 lineup.

In an effort to give the best SSDs for gaming on the market a run for their money, the brand has launched the MP700 Pro XT and the MP700 Micro, two new NVME M.2 SSDs that offer something for both desktop PC players and "thin-and-light devices" like laptops and handheld PC gaming devices.

The MP700 Pro XT features sequential read and write speeds up to 14,900MB/s and 14,500MB/s, which is pretty fast even as far as modern Gen 5 drives go. To put that into perspective, the Samsung 9100 Pro, which our team's own Duncan Robertson reviewed, has on the box sequential read and write speeds of 14,800MB/s and 13,400MB/s, which it just came shy of during testing. However, Duncan still dubbed it "the fastest drive we’ve ever tested" at the time, so it'll be intriguing to see how the MP700 Pro XT stacks up to the fellow Gen 5 drive.

Corsair boasts that this new SSD is not only speedy but has support for Microsoft DirectStorage, so it can offer up "unbeatable gaming speed" and enable better load times and smoother in-game transitions. It's currently available in 1TB and 2TB models starting from $159.99 at Corsair, with more capacity options to become available during 2026.

If you're more privy to one of the best gaming laptops, or have the skill to open up and upgrade one of the best gaming handhelds, the newly announced Corsair MP700 Micro might be more your style. The compact M.2 drive with its 2242 form factor is thin enough to fit laptops and notebooks, as well as "dense small-form-factor systems", which I imagine is alluding to PC gaming handhelds, but Corsair doesn't get into specifics.

This tiny drive features sequential read and write speeds of up to 10,000MB/s and 8,500MB/s and is equipped is powered by 3D TLC NAND flash memory. Corsair states is available in both 2TB and 4TB models, but so far, only the 4TB version is live for $484.99 at Corsair right now.

The Corsair MP700 Pro XT and the Corsair MP700 Micro are available right now from the official Corsair website. However, before you run out and splash your cash on either SSD, be sure to check that you have a compatible rig first.

• View all SSDs and storage at Corsair
• Crucial T710 2TB Gen5 NVMe SSD | $229.99 at Amazon

If you're after a bit of a storage boost, our guide to the best SSDs for gaming is full of the best PS5 SSDs, or you can check out the best Xbox Series X hard drive, SSD, and memory card solutions if you're on the hunt for a new external drive instead.

Corsair likes to innovate with its PC cases, and that's one of the reasons I love this brand when it comes to PC building. My first build was in a Corsair 2000D Airflow case, which was the first-ever ITX small form factor chassis that was capable of squeezing in a full-sized AIO cooler into it. Now, Corsair is reinventing the wheel for standard-sized gaming PCs with the new Air 5400 chassis.

This new ATX case follows up on Corsair's older Air 540, which was the first ever dual-chamber chassis. Now, the Air 5400 introduces a third chamber, meaning you'll have the standard area for your motherboard, components, and graphics card, a second chamber for your power supply and cables, and a third chamber dedicated solely to your AIO radiator and fans that cool your CPU.

You will need to pay for the privilege of this innovation, however. A $229 MSRP for a PC case feels like a heavy investment, so just what does the introduction of a third dedicated chamber do for your PC's performance?

The idea is simple, at least in practice. If you separate out the chambers of your computer for its most hot-headed components, you allow dedicated channels of airflow for all three. The main motherboard and GPU chamber is cooled from intake fans in the bottom of the main compartment, and exhausted by fans on the top (or an AIO if you want to go really heavy duty). The CPU's AIO radiator will take heat from your processor, funneling it out of the second chamber as air is pulled into it by its radiators. The power supply, elevated to around halfway up the third chamber, will exhaust its heat using its vents and integrated fan. Still following?

This all sounds quite complicated, and although it strays quite a bit from conventional airflow plans, it does sort of make sense. The NZXT H3 Flow that I use for my personal build is excellent for a lot of reasons, but only having one channel to optimize airflow for all of your PC's components creates some challenges. With only two frontal intake fans, do you create negative pressure using more intakes at the bottom of your case? If you're not careful, it's easy to create a void between the GPU and PSU if you configure things in a certain way, and this is a common problem with a lot of PC cases.

Corsair's new Air 5400 is designed to make those issues simpler - although I'm not sure it's one for first-time builders, seeing as it's not exactly the norm, and finding YouTube tutorials to build from will be pretty tough.

It's hard to argue with the style of this case, though. Corsair includes three reverse rotor fans with it, and a slightly pricier version will get you an ICUE link to help control lighting. Reverse rotor fans are helpful for quirky case positioning, since you get their RGB effects and correct airflow in alignment. Moreover, the transparent panels on the main side of the Air 5400 have a curve on the corner, which isn't all that common in PC cases that don't have conventional front-to-back airflow. The one on the NZXT Player Three and Maingear Zero Ruby both have a separate, angled panel on their corner, for example.

The Air 5400 was originally shown off earlier in the year at Computex, winning multiple "best of Computex" awards back in May. It's now on backorder as it launches, and the Corsair website says it's estimated to deliver by the 27th of October.

• Shop for gaming PCs at Newegg
• NZXT Player Three: $2,799 at NZXT
• Shop for PC cases at Amazon

If you're on the hunt for more components, check out the best RAM for gaming, the best graphics cards, and the best computer speakers.

I'll say it. If Razer or Logitech made the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight it would cost $160. It's not every day I praise a brand for its restrained pricing, and I can't remember the last time I did so for Corsair, but at $99.99 / £89.99 the Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight is actually pacing incredibly well.

This is a super light 36g speedster with 8,000Hz polling, a solid 33K sensor, and even a commendable battery life with all that included. It's not the cheapest rodent on the market, but considering you're getting everything you need for a competitive run with an incredibly low weight to boot, it's certainly an interesting promise.

It's got some heavy competition from the best gaming mouse models on the market, and more of a niche to its ideal user. If you want your mouse to become an extension of your arm, though, this is the way to go.

Design

We'll start with the Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight's biggest medal. This thing weighs just 36g - that's the lightest mainstream gaming mouse I've tested yet. The lowest weight you'll typically find in a rodent from a major gaming brand like this (stepping away from smaller, more focused esports names) is around 50 - 55g. Most tend to stick to a 60 - 65g weight profile.

The Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX ups those numbers to 60g, with the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro measuring up at 56g. Both of these mice are high-end luxuries designed for low weights and high speeds.

So what does that low weight actually give you in-game? It's far more noticeable in faster games, where wide sweeps, quick pivots, and twitch reflex movements in low DPI settings feel effortless. Lifting the mouse in a longer pan, for example, requires almost nothing from my thumb and pinky. If you have the reflexes to match, that can unlock some serious speed on the battlefield.

And still, the Sabre never falls into the common trap of feeling cheap at this weight. Its simple shape and matte finish make it incredibly comfortable in the hand. Where other mice like the SteelSeries Aerox 5 Wireless need to cut holes in their chassis' to achieve a low weight this is a fully intact body.

That's pretty impressive. There are no uncomfortable cutouts here, we've got a smooth, crisp material to work with, and there's not a hint of a creak when squeezing the device either side to side or from the top and bottom. The Keychron M7 8K is a cheaper lightweight alternative (though it's a hefty 63g compared to the Corsair), but you do sacrifice this kind of build quality.

The Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight is available in black or white, with fairly minimal branding. A slightly glossy logo is only just visible on the back panel of my black model, with a small gradient effect in light gray at the top of the left flank.

Controls

Onboard controls are light, but you're still getting the basics you'd expect from every mouse. Two side buttons are easily accessible from the left flank, sitting at just the right height. Underneath, there's just a single on/off button with no dedicated DPI or polling controls to be seen.

DPI can be shifted on the mouse itself, by holding the right mouse button at the same time as the back button for three seconds. In my experience, though, this only works when nothing else is mapped to the side button - which kind of defeats its purpose in the first place. That's tricky to get over, but if you don't tend to swap DPI on the fly it shouldn't make much of a difference.

Software

I've never been shy in my distaste for Corsair's iCue program, to the extent that the fact the Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight avoids it completely goes down as a big win my book. Everything is condensed down to a web portal, Corsair Web Hub has less depth than other native programs such as Razer Synapse but it gets the job done without clogging up your system.

Here you can change keybindings, set your own macros, and create your DPI presets. This is also where you'll be updating your firmware, tweaking polling rates, and setting sleep time to save battery. Speaking of charge, I'm always a little frustrated when web-based programs don't show me how much battery I have left. Like many others, the Corsair Web Hub just gives you a color - you have to guess the rest, I was on 'red' for a while.

Connection

Perhaps the Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight manages to keep its price manageable by staying laser focused on its goal. There's no Bluetooth connection in here, but there rarely is on more esports-focused mice. That means you've got a little less versatility with multiple devices, but ultimately most players will be using the 2.4GHz receiver anyway.

This is, however, another cable. Razer does this as well, pops its 8,000Hz receivers onto the end of a cable rather than using a simple USB dongle like Logitech. I get the benefits. You can swing the actual receiver much closer to the mouse to reduce interference. It is frustrating to add another cable into the mix, though, especially if you're looking for the best wireless gaming mouse to cut down on the cords.

Still, this thing can poll at the full 8,000Hz over a wireless connection - something of a rarity in this sub-$100 price category. That said, the tech is getting cheaper incredibly quickly and competitors at this range are growing fast. Compared to something like the Razer Cobra Hyperspeed, though, Corsair is ahead of the game amongst more mainstream brands.

I'll say it again, though. You shouldn't be basing your whole purchase decision on this factor. High-speed polling rates will only be noticed by the top 1% of elite players, let alone be beneficial. The vast majority of us only need 1,000Hz - or 4,000Hz if you want to grow your skills.

Battery

70 hours of battery life isn't considered high in the current gaming mouse world. But there are some caveats here.

I'm actually impressed with this level of endurance. After all, a lot of weight is generally devoted to battery - and the Corsair Sabre Pro V2 Ultralight has chopped that weight right down. The Keychron M7 8K has double the battery life at 140 hours, but it's also nearly double the weight.

The NZXT Lift Elite has that same 70 hour battery inside it and bumps your weight up to 57g. Yes, you'll need to plug in more than you would with the Razer DeathAdder V4 Pro, but if a lightweight form factor means more to you it's a necessary sacrifice. We're still talking a once-weekly charging session here, and that's if it's in constant motion for ten hours a day.

Sensor

The Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight uses the brand's Marksman S optical sensor, rated at a 33,000 DPI with a 750 IPS. DPI aside (because, really, nobody runs a gaming mouse at its full sensitivity), that IPS tracking speed is up there with the upper mid-range of the moment. Premium mice from Logitech and Razer can bump that up to 888 and 900 respectively for pristine precision at high speeds, but 750 is still above average in a two-figure price tag.

In actual use, tracking is remarkably accurate and I never noticed any stuttering or deviation during faster sweeps. The sensor does, however, start to weaken when the battery gets low. This is when I noticed a little jittering during both productivity and gameplay.

Switches

While many esports-focused gaming mice are opting for super-fast optical switches, Corsair has gone old school with its mechanical clickers. They may drop a few milliseconds off the lightning fast speeds of the likes of Razer and Logitech's fastest mice. However, they are feel much more satisfying.

Casual players aren't going to notice a difference in their battlefield speed here, but everyone will appreciate the crisp actuation. No, repeat presses aren't quite as fluid as the shortest optical clickers on the market - there's a little more resistance to each main click. They're still reliable, chatter-free, and smooth.

Should you buy the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight?

Considering the Razer DeathAddver V4 Pro comes in at $169.99 and Logitech's G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX is at a similar $159.99 MSRP, the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight does a lot with its two-figure price tag. There are cheaper options out there, but few offer such a low weight with this kind of substance underneath.

Of course, it goes without saying, if that ultralight experience is your ultimate aim in upgrading your gaming mouse - this is a must-see. It's an incredibly fluid feeling that doesn't compromise on build quality or battery life (too much, anyway). On top of that you're getting the 8,000Hz polling rate and 750 IPS that provides the headroom for those skills to improve as well.

If, however, you're after a macro-heavy pointer for games that require more inventory management or a reliance on combos you might need something with more configurable inputs.

How I tested the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight

I've been using the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro Ultralight for three weeks now, running the rodent for all my daily work and play during that time. I primarily tested across Doom: The Dark Ages, Apex Legends, and CS2, with a healthy amount of The Sims 2 and Spiritfarer thrown in. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best Razer mice and the best Logitech gaming mouse models if you're keen to see what the competition's up to. Or, take a look at the best gaming keyboards for more setup upgrades.

Gaming hardware markets can be very competitive spaces. Loads of brands try to peddle what can often be really similar products but, for the most part, marketing for them all stays pretty cordial. I've been covering gaming hardware for three years now, and I seldom see one brand blatantly name its rivals and try to tear down the competition. Elgato seems to be taking a different approach because it's just thrown a lot of shade at some of the best gaming chairs money can buy.

A few days ago, Elgato unveiled the Embrace, a completely new product from this arm of Corsair. For a brand that usually makes tech, peripherals, and some of the best gear for streaming, it's fun to see it branch out into a new market. However, the Embrace is not a gaming chair, and it seems like Elgato really wants to make that really clear.

"In the mid-2000s, gaming chairs came onto the scene," said Jeff Stegner, Product Manager at Elgato, in an announcement video on the brand's YouTube channel.

"These chairs came in at a premium price point and were extremely popular, and are still sold to this day by a multitude of brands. However, the issue with these chairs is they lack adjustability. You can essentially adjust its height, armrest height, and then you have the recliner on the back, and that's it. And when you're sitting on a chair for hours on end, the lack of adjustability can cause problems with comfort."

I review gaming chairs for a living, and while I can say that that's a true statement for a few, pretty limited and cost-effective seats, it's really not the norm.

Gaming chairs pride themselves on their adjustability these days, and have done so for a while. So, Elgato issuing a blanket statement while showing a clip of someone violently adjusting the recline level on an AndaSeat product definitely made my ears prick up. I'd go so far as to say that the majority of gaming chairs these days include multiple-dimension armrest adjustments, custom lumbar support, with a few flagships even offering seat depth adjustments, and even floating backrests.

"Steggy" continues by noting that, to combat the increasing popularity of office chairs, gaming chair brands have started to include more ergonomic adjustability and high-end features, but says that to get these things, you need to pay over a grand.

As he's saying this, the video cuts to show retail screenshots of the Herman Miller Logitech Embody and the Asus ROG Destrier Ergo chair, two particularly pricey chairs, but two blatant outliers in the market when it comes to price.

This is when I got a bit confused. Elgato's parent company, Corsair, also makes gaming chairs, including the excellent Corsair TC500 Luxe, which offers most of the features Elgato's marketing team says gaming chairs lack - for the price of $500 - which just so happens to be the cost of the new Elgato Embrace.

I can list you plenty of gaming chairs, like the Fractal Refine, the Secretlab Titan Evo, the Boulies Master Series, and the AutoFull G7, that all offer loads of adjustability for around the $500-$700 mark, and if not, they're absolutely under the $1,000-$2,000 price point Elgato is firing shots at.

In fact, one brand the video names and shames is Razer, which charges $699 for its Iskur V2, but put out the Razer Iskur V2 X this year, providing a lot of the same features for just $299. Similarly, AndaSeat, the example in the video of a clunky and non-adjusting gaming chair brand, released the AndaSeat Novis this year, which keeps its cost below $500.

"Our goal with Embrace was to offer a chair with the comfort, features, and manual adjustability of a high-end office chair, but at a much more accessible price point," Stegner says.

The video then goes on to cover what makes Embrace so great compared to all these rival offerings, starting with the assembly process.

Now, I've had to assemble a fair few gaming seats in my job, and I can tell you that they basically all have the same build process, minus a few discrepancies. You put the wheels in the wheelbase, the gas pipe in the wheelbase, connect the seatbase to the bottom, then fix the backrest to the rest of the piece.

Despite Elgato saying other chairs have "laborious" setups, that exact process is precisely what's outlined in the video for building the Elgato Embrace. Thankfully, Elgato does seem to be improving on convention in one way, and that's sustainability. All the plastic packaging most gaming chairs use for wrapping parts of the chair up, or separating tools, has been removed, substituted for cardboard, and recyclable cloth pouches.

When it comes to ergonomics though, I really don't think Elgato's marketing has been fair or accurate to what else is available at this price range.

The Embrace has a mesh back, a non-mesh, cushioned seat, 4D armrests, adjustable lumbar support and seat depth, and five levels of recline. You also get a recline tension twister, so you can determine how much you need to push back to actually get into that reclined position.

Pretty much beat for beat, that means that the Embrace has the exact same list of features that the Fractal Refine does. That chair launched at $549 / $474 and can be frequently found on sale for less. So, I'm left questioning what exactly is so new and accessible about Elgato's "studio" chair.

This is where the real issue lies for me.

A brand outwardly naming and shaming other products and saying they don't do enough is fine, so long as the brand doing so can actually prove it's doing something different. As someone who gets all the press releases and announcements about new gaming chairs and covers this market for a living, Elgato's way of unveiling its own chair seems a tad combative and misleading for consumers.

All the while, it says that its chair isn't a gaming chair, it's a "studio" chair, as if that makes all the comparisons okay.

Either way, this approach of steering into a new market is not a great look for Elgato, especially when its parent brand is one of the only big gaming chair makers that isn't directly shown as a bad example in the video, and yet its products do the same things as everyone it's critiquing.

The Elgato Embrace isn't available to purchase yet, but there is a listing for it at the brand's website. While it's only going to be available in one color at launch, there are hints in the reveal video that more colorways will be available later.

• See all gaming chairs at Amazon
• Fractal Refine: $599.99 at Amazon
• Corsair TC500 Luxe: $518 at Amazon

Want to find some other Elgato gear? Read up on the best capture cards, the best microphones for streaming and gaming, and the best streaming mixers.

Earlier this year, I was pretty impressed by the Corsair Void v2 Wireless, as despite its budget price, its sound and microphone quality were anything but. Now that great quality is finally available to Xbox players, as the brand has unveiled the new Corsair Void v2 Max Wireless, a spruced-up version of the gaming headset designed with Xbox players in mind.

At a glance, this new version looks almost identical to the Void V2 before it, down to its diamond-shaped cups with their strips of customizable RGB lighting. However, this new iteration of one of the best PS5 headsets is not only finally Xbox-compatible, but it's decked out with simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio, all the while sporting a reasonable mid-range $149.99 / £119.99 price.

The Corsair Void v2 wireless gaming headset wasn't the most comfortable headset in the world when I tested it earlier this year, especially on any day I decided to wear my glasses. However, I can't sit and pretend that it's not one of the more affordable and easy-to-use pairs of cups that I still return to on the regular.

Glasses-pain aside, its custom 50mm neodymium audio drivers made everything from Marvel Rivals to Master Detective Archives: Rain Code on the PS5 sound fantastic, so I'm glad Xbox players can get to experience its balanced audio now too.

Of course, Xbox fans now have the bonus of being able to play around with simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz audio. Adding this feature to the Void v2 mix is likely why it has a slightly higher $149.99 price point, but it's an incredibly helpful inclusion, which means not having to miss out on calls while gaming. Or, if you're like me, it allows you to doomscroll through your TikTok video feed while you wait for your friends to pop online on Discord.

Other than its inclusion of simultaneous wireless audio, the Void v2 Max is hard to differentiate from what came before. Both headsets are also equipped with Dolby Atmos spatial audio for a more immersive sound, and those easy-to-press onboard controls, which I really appreciated using when testing out the Void V2 wireless headset.

The new Corsair Void v2 Max Wireless also features one of its predecessor's best features, its fantastic-sounding microphone. You can give the audio a listen for yourselves by checking out my Corsair Void V2 Wireless review, where I've added a sample of the omnidirectional mic in action. Just be prepared for the Scottish accent jumpscare.

Unfortunately, Corsair didn't opt to make the mic detachable this time around, which is a bit of a bummer. However, I can look past that as the PC version of this headset does feature Sonarworks SoundID, for some added sound customization and tailoring.

The Corsair Void v2 Max Wireless is available from today (September 30) in Xbox and PC versions for $149.99 at Best Buy, and is compatible with the PS5, the Nintendo Switch, and Switch 2, and mobile platforms.

• View all Corsair gaming headsets at Amazon
• Corsair Void Wireless V2 from $129.99 at Amazon
• Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless from $199.99 at Amazon

Check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, the best PC headsets for gaming, and the best Nintendo Switch headsets for more high-quality wireless cups worth checking out.

I was excited when Corsair announced its MAKR 75 keyboard. I've built, modded, and broken countless decks out of barebone kits. I still keep these creations in my rotation, they're mine - I created them, I regularly upgrade them, and I love each one like my own child. I was glad to see a gaming-specific device take on this DIY ethos.

You'd think that would mean I'd be quick to review the Corsair MAKR 75, but one niggling problem kept my final write up at bay.

• Configure the MAKR 75 at Corsair

See, the MAKR 75 hangs its hat on its modular upgrades; a pack that transforms the wired barebone kit into a fully wireless device, an FR4 switch plate, and an LED system display to replace the rotary dial already installed. 'Great,' I thought, 'buy a basic version now, upgrade it later on if you feel you need the extra features.'

Nope.

After months of waiting to see those modules for sale outside of the initial purchase process, they still haven't turned up on Corsair's shelves. The MAKR 75 is a lovely keyboard to use, but you'll need to decide right now if you want it to be wireless and if that LED display is worth it. If so, you're spending $368.97 (with caps and switches included) - a tall price to pay for a hot-swappable mechanical keyboard.

Design

Corsair sent a big old box of accessories and add-ons with the MAKR 75, and once everything was put together I was impressed with the design. This is a solid piece of kit, with an aluminum construction holding firm on the desk and a softer feel than you'll find in other gaming keyboards.

The deck feels dense with a reassuring weight to it and a chunky form factor that feels more 'custom-coded' than previous gaming-focused entries. Corsair wants its barebones kit to go the distance, surviving years of switch-swaps and keycap upgrades, and it certainly feels like it will. It's survived four months in my care, and a fairly haphazard house move within that.

The barebone chassis is available in either silver or black, I received the latter, and it only has a few branded stamps around the perimeter. A skinny '//MAKR' sits next to the Shift and Control keys on the left, with small logos along the top and bottom.

Keycaps

The $179.99 / £159.99 board won't ship with keycaps by default, but is compatible with a wide range of MX options. If you're building everything at once, you'll have access to a range of simple and more decorative Corsair options, spanning cheaper ABS doubleshot kits through the PBT doubleshot and PBT dye-sub options.

I received a set of PBT doubleshot 'Eclipse' toppers, with bright white alphas and black modifiers (plus a few yellows thrown in accents). They're nicely textured, feel solid enough, and offer a satisfying clack to each keypress. However, I was a little disappointed to find some factory defects in a couple of caps.

Switches

If you're interested in the Corsair MAKR 75 as a barebones deck you're likely not going to be too concerned with the switch options available at checkout. If you're going all in from day one, though, you'll be deciding between Corsair's own MLX switches.

These are all purely mechanical, with no analog / magnetic features baked in. I get why, this is a hot-swappable keyboard built with customization in mind - that's not where the gaming-focused dreams of the Hall effect switch are pointed. At this price, however, it's worth considering whether you're buying a keyboard that will open you up to more play features or one that feels perfect for you under the hand.

All the basic options are covered here, with MLX Plasma (linear), Fusion (tactile), and Quantum (speed) on offer. I opted for the Pulses, though - listing a switch simply as 'thocky' on the site is enough to draw me in.

They're smooth, deep, and satisfying to the ear, but not quite rattle-free. Corsair has come a million miles since its days of echoey boards and pingy switches - the actual case is silent. But there's just a little extra wiggle in each keypress here, compared to boards from Asus and Keychron.

Software

Brands are steering clear of enforced software downloads these days, and Corsair is right there with the majority. The MAKR 75 is fully customizable in the brand's web hub, a lightweight browser-based tool that puts iCue firmly in the grave. I don't think I'll be grieving too long.

Janky software has held countless Corsair keyboards back over the years, but the web tool is streamlined, easy to navigate, and gets all the key jobs done. Controls for lighting, keybindings, SOCD features, and display options (should you have one installed) all run along the left side, with simple, snappy dashboards for each one.

The hub can run everything from firmware updates to new wireless receiver pairing, while also displaying battery and polling information accurately.

Controls

The barebone MAKR 75 kit comes with one additional control baked in, but it's one that's usually reserved for more premium custom releases.

The multi-function rotary dial can control volume, scroll, and playback, but can also be customized for more niche controls as well. It feels great under the hand and offers a comfortable, easily accessible tool both during game time and productivity.

You'll need to remove this dial to add the extra LCD screen module (purchased in addition to the keyboard itself). This display doesn't add too much to the experience, though. It can show you key system stats and your board's battery level, but I'd rather have dedicated access to controls instead. I expect it won't be worth the $29 upcharge for most.

The LCD screen is a modular add-on that, as far as I can tell right now, can only be purchased when ordering the barebone kit in the first place. That's a heavy distinction - it means this isn't an accessory you can upgrade to later down the line, you'll need to pay the $30 straight away in order to install it yourself.

This is my first hint that Corsair's move into custom decks that grow alongside their players hasn't exactly gone to plan.

Connection

Onto that wireless module, then. This is going to be a more popular upgrade, removing the need to rely on the supplied cable and allowing for 2.4GHz Slipstream wireless play. Installing this module is more of a substantial process, so it's frustrating that Corsair doesn't include instructions in the box - just via a QR code that redirects you to a webpage.

We soldier on, though, getting the battery connected and popping out the logo panel running along the top bezel. This is to install the flimsiest power switch I've ever used, and if anyone has managed to align it so that no ugly gray peeks out from underneath, I commend you.

Once up and running, the wireless module keeps your setup cable-free, with both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz options. The former polls at a max of 2,000Hz.

The wireless module comes in at $50 and, again, is only available for sale when configuring your deck in the first place.

Battery

This will only apply to those keen on the wireless module upgrade, as the barebone board by itself relies on a USB-C connection. Battery life over a wireless connection is decent, I managed to run the deck for around two longer days at a time with full RGB, and three and a half days without. You'll get better times out of more efficient boards like the Keychron V6 Max or Alienware Pro Wireless keyboard, though.

Typing

I was impressed with the overall typing experience on offer here. Yes, those switches can add a little extra rattle noise, but the sound profile of the alpha keys is crisp, clean, and yes - thocky. Corsair has also packed the deck with a good amount of dampening and provided additional gaskets for a different feel.

There's also the option to swap your switch plate to FR4 at checkout, which makes a real difference to the pop of each key. There's more spring in this FR4 step, though you do lose a little of the softer flex in the process. It's certainly preferable personally, though.

Gaming

The Corsair MAKR 75 benefits from the brand's years of competitive gaming pedigree, while also bringing a tactility to its keypresses you'd usually be looking elsewhere for. A speedy wireless connection, SOCD (termed FlashTap here) features keeping your directional inputs snappy, and smooth, comfortable switches make for an accurate, casually fast gaming experience.

However, for the $179.99 you're spending on the barebone kit alone you could be picking up far more gaming features. Magnetic switches are rapidly picking up in popularity, offering adjustable actuation points per-key, rapid trigger for faster repeat inputs, and dual-step actuation for more complex keybindings.

They're not for everyone, and bring their own downsides in typing feel and wireless efficiency - but it's worth noting that there are more gaming-specific features available in similarly priced boards like the Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid and Corsair K70 Pro TKL.

Should you buy the Corsair MAKR 75?

I like the experience of using the Corsair MAKR 75. I really do. It's clear, though, that it's not the custom/gaming hybrid that Corsair wants it to be - and it's certainly not priced that way.

Yes, you can choose what you want your keyboard to offer. If you want to use your own switches and keycaps, you can. If you don't want to rely on a cable you don't need to. If you want a more poppy typing experience, you can dive in and change the switch plate.

You can do all that for $179.99 plus the price of all your extras. Going all in will cost you $369. Or, you could just buy a wireless hot-swappable gaming keyboard, for between $150 and $250. The Asus ROG Azoth X is too expensive in my opinion, but offers all that for $299.99. The previous generation Asus ROG Azoth can be found for $200 day to day. The Lemokey P1 Pro is just $129.99.

The value proposition in the Corsair MAKR 75 being a 'custom' gaming keyboard lies in the eventual upgradeability of its modular features. It's this future extension of personalization that makes the Glorious GMMK 3 the best hot-swappable keyboard on the market, even though it's priced similarly to Corsair's model. That $179.99 outlay looks a lot better when you'll only be paying $50 in a couple of years' time to rejuvenate your feature set.

With no way to buy the LED display module or, more importantly, the wireless module outside of the initial purchase process Corsair has put a hitch in the MAKR 75's already-rocky plan.

At the time of writing, these modules aren't visible on Corsair's site for purchase, and I've checked major retailers and found the same result. I've reached out to Corsair for more information on when/if they will be available and will update this review accordingly.

How I tested the Corsair MAKR 75

I used the Corsair MAKR 75 as my daily driver for a period of two weeks, constructing the device from a set of Corsair MLX Pulse switches and the Corsair Eclipse keycap set. I installed the wireless and LCD modules using supplied parts, and swapped the switches once during my test. For more information on how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also rounding up all the best hot-swappable keyboards for more options, as well as the best wireless gaming keyboards. Or, check out the best gaming mouse models I've tested for more setup inspiration.

Corsair has just unveiled its next gaming mouse, a super feather-weight 36g speedster with a simple design and two-figure price tag. The Corsair Sabre V2 Pro is one of the lightest gaming mice I've seen from a mainstream brand, but it's also occupying a competitive $99.99 price point.

That's where you'll find some of the best gaming mouse value on the market right now, with the likes of the Keychron M7 8K and Razer Cobra Hyperspeed currently battling it out. Considering both of those options aren't far off double the Sabre's weight, things are certainly heating up in the lightweight category.

Most FPS-first gaming mice I test weigh in somewhere between 50 and 65, and those on the lighter side tend to drill holes into their chassis' to keep things low on the scales. Corsair's kept its entire back panel intact, though, which should make for a more comfortable experience overall (some, including myself, often find those cut-outs a little abrasive against the palm).

At 36g, the Corsair Sabre V2 Pro is lighter than the best wireless gaming mice I've had on my desk in years. Sub-$100 options are rapidly lowering their weights as batteries get cheaper and more advanced, and sensors grow more efficient.

However, Razer's Cobra Hyperspeed ($99.99) logs in at 62g and the $69.99 Kechron M7 8K is right behind it at 63g. Even the Razer Deathadder V4 Pro, Sneki's current esports-focused flagship, would tip the scales at 56g.

There's a reason few gaming mice opt for this ultra lightweight form factor, though. You need some kind of grounding to maintain precision and control, weight isn't always a bad thing.

Corsair's got the speediest players in its sights here, though, those who need to zip their camera around in an instant, flick up to a well-practiced headshot before their brain's even registered a signal, or pull wider movements faster and more frequently.

Realistically, the vast majority of players aren't going to see the benefits of this uber low weight - it may even become a hindrance if your accuracy isn't elite-level. Still, with an 8,000Hz polling rate, 33K DPI / 750 IPS sensor, and symmetrical shape, the Sabre V2 Pro could represent a solid upgrade for those with their sights set on the arena.

• See all gaming mice at Amazon
• More Corsair mice at Amazon
• Corsair Sabre V2 Pro | $99.99 at Corsair

I'm also rounding up all the best Razer mice and the best Logitech gaming mouse models for more options, or check out the best gaming keyboards for extra setup inspiration.

After months of teasers and reveal videos, Corsair has finally made its new Xeneon Edge available for purchase. Is it a new, versatile bit of streaming gear? Is it the bottom third of a gaming monitor? We're not quite sure, but for a fairly intuitive device that's supposed to cut out the cost of other hardware, it sure is pricey.

Costing $249 in the US, and £219 in the UK, the Xeneon Edge is attracting some strong feedback on Corsair's social channels. "$250 for this is diabolical", says one YouTube commenter. "Nice but $250 before tax is kinda crazy for a 60Hz display," says another. It is a real shame, because the versatility of the Xeneon Edge makes it a really alluring device. You can use it as a smaller monitor, you can use iCUE to throw some widgets on it, and there are loads of clever uses.

For example, you could remove the need for a full-sized secondary gaming monitor on your desk if you were only planning on using one for quick access to a few applications. With a 14.5-inch LCD Touchscreen display that measures 372mm x 120mm x 20mm and offers four mounting locations, you could easily put a Spotify window, a communications app like Slack, or a volume slider on it.

There are other examples Corsair has shown of its new device being used to monitor PC specs, as well as a color gradient for more creative professionals. Magnetically fixing to the side of your existing monitor, it could also be a great tool for streamers who want their Twitch chat in open view while gaming. With a 2560x720 native resolution and a 60Hz refresh rate, it's hardly going to look out of sorts next to a higher resolution monitor, either.

The Xeneon Edge is a bit like the Elgato Prompter in that it can be used as an extended display within Windows itself, although unlike the Prompter it can be configured horizontally or vertically. The good news is that the Xeneon Edge doesn't only rely on a USB-C connection, it features an HDMI port, and in the box you'll get a DP Alt Mode cable (DisplayPort to HDMI). Corsair says that "in the near future" you'll be able to "use it like an Elgato StreamDeck – bringing a whole new world of customized information right to your fingertips."

So, clearly, this is a pretty inventive device, and being able to use a touchscreen to access these things is really handy - it certainly removes some of the friction points of Stream Deck and Stream Deck alternatives like the Razer Stream Controller X. If you can put some volume mixing control on there, it could even be a rival to the best streaming mixers. So what's the issue?

Well, for what is essentially a 60Hz, 720p display that's about a third the size of an actual gaming monitor, it does cost a pretty penny. You can get fully sized 27-inch 1440p monitors with 120Hz and up refresh rates for circa~$150. In the US, that's a full $100 less than the Xeneon Edge, and that makes it a tricky sell. Yes, it is one of a kind, but when you're asking people to pay more for virtual real estate just to save some of their desk real estate where other devices might otherwise sit, things get hard to justify.

If you're tempted by the prospect of a second screen in your gaming PC setup, and you've always been interested in a Stream Deck or controller to help you with easily accessible apps and functions, maybe this is for you. It's got a lot of style, and its clever mounting and magnetic features will make it practical to use in any setup. We'll be testing this device out soon, so stay tuned for our thoughts.

• View all gaming monitors at Amazon
• Grab a Stream Deck: $129 at Amazon
• Buy the Elgato Prompter: $249 at Amazon

If you're actually on the hunt for a new gaming display you'll be able to play games on, check out the best monitor for PS5, the best monitor for Xbox Series X, and the best curved gaming monitor.

It's amazing to see such a vibrant AIO cooler market out there nowadays, but to be honest, a lot of them perform so similarly that the right one for you will often come down to personal preference. For example, your options will be fairly narrow if you want an all-in-one liquid cooler that doesn't have RGB. In fact, Corsair's Nautilus RS range was one of the few that offered an all-black stealth look in your gaming PC.

The only problem? The magnetic pump cap. From reading a plethora of reviews, it's clear that the magnet that secured the Corsair logo faceplate to the pump header was flimsy and could only rotate to four strict positions. Today, Corsair has announced an expansion to the Nautilus AIO range with the Nautilus RS LCD, a version that removes the cap and gives you a bright LCD display to stare at instead.

As usual with LCD displays on AIO coolers, this can be used to show real-time monitoring stats like your CPU's temperature or speed. It can also be customized to show images, GIFs, or something else that you'll be able to configure with Corsair's iCUE software. The display has a resolution of 480x480, 2.1-inch IPS panel, and a 600cd/m² backlight.

With this expansion, Corsair has curated a family of AIO coolers to suit (almost) your every whim. There are black and white non-RGB models if all that RGB noise isn't to your liking. There are black and white ARGB options if you do want a rig that's bursting with color. Now, thanks to the LCD module (which you can also buy separately for $59.99 at Corsair), you'll be able to add a bit more personality to your stealthy, non-RGB cooler, although it doesn't seem like the standalone LCD display will be compatible with the ARGB coolers. Of course, like the original Nautilus RS, you also get 240mm and full-sized 360mm sizes of the full LCD cooler too.

All of this is great, but it does detract a little from one of the main things people liked about the Nautilus: its price. Corsair coolers can be fairly pricey. Its Titan 360 RX costs upwards of $250, and its H150i Elite sells for upwards of $300, for example. The $109.99 entry level of the Nautilus RS range attracted a fair few reviewers to base their coverage around the brand "going budget". With the new RS LCD model going for $159 / £149, that's not so true anymore compared with a lot of smaller brands in the market.

That extra money doesn't exactly equate to better performance either, since it would seem like the cooler is otherwise unchanged besides the swanky screen. It still uses Corsair's RS120 fans, and it doesn't look like any changes have been made to the installation process. NZXT's Kraken Elite 360 RGB simplifies the annoying daisy-chaining that you have to do with AIO fans by consolidating everything into one run-off cable and installing the fans as one unit.

Thankfully, the Nautilus RS LCD will support LGA 1700, LGA 1851, AM4, and AM5 motherboards, which is a nice bonus.

Fancy shopping a bit more first?

• View all AIO coolers at Amazon
• NZXT Kraken Plus: $129.99 at Amazon
• Corsair Titan: $219.99 at Amazon

Brush up on your PC components by reading about the best graphics cards, the best RAM for gaming, and the best CPU for gaming.

Season 17 of Sea of Thieves has kicked off, but before I settle down for pirate adventures, I wouldn't dare set sail without one of the best gaming headsets like the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless headset.

Having one of the best gaming headsets at the ready for Sea of Thieves is a must for me. Two of my favorite aspects of Rare's swashbuckling online RPG stem from ensuring my headset doesn't skimp out on quality: having a high-quality microphone and spatial audio support. Corsair's high-end headset has that in spades.

The microphone of the Virtuoso Max is one of my favorites out of any PC headset out there.

No matter what bizarre shape you twist it into, its boom arm never springs back to its original shape. Never in my many hours battling it out with ghosts at Forts, or hunting for treasure, have I ever worried about it springing away from my face, which is ideal when most of my fun with the game depends on chatting to friends and random fellow pirates.

The quality of the mic isn't just found within its build, but it creates a broadcast-quality sound, which still impresses me now as it did when I originally wrote up my review. It's up there with the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro and SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless as being one of the best mics I've ever used, and all my favorite Sea of Thieves memories have happened with it at the helm.

From chatting with a bunch of players who commandeered my sloop just to show me their collection of pet pigs, to being reassured by a random pirate I found on an island that "we're just digging for teasure, we won't kill you" when my partner and I accidentally stumbled on a player ship, it's always been there. It's meant my conversations have been crystal which is incredibly important when situations can quickly turn and result in your goods being at the bottom of the sea.

Having a high-quality mic is perfect for in-game chats, but it's also the headset's Dolby Atmos spatial audio support that will have me reaching for it during this new season.

Sea of Thieves is still plenty of fun without the added immersion of spatial audio, but once you've experienced being at the bottom of your sloop, hearing the creaks of the ship's wood all around you, and the waves splashing against its hull, you can't go back.

Having that added sense of realism with 3D audio might sound a bit silly for a game whose style leans heavily on the cartoony side, but hear me out. Hearing the distant voices of Emissary representatives and merchants sound off all around you each time you return to an outpost helps draw you into the world and makes every quest, no matter how small, feel more exciting than the last.

Losing that spatial audio would mean losing that added sense of realism and would make the game feel less adventurous and enthralling. The Virtuoso Max is equipped with official Dolby Atmos support, as is Sea of Thieves, so they pair perfectly as long as spatial audio is enabled from the game's settings.

Unfortunately this is, begrudgingly, one of the most uncomfortable headsets I have amongst my gaming setup. At 417g and with padding that's a bit on the light side, it gets pretty uncomfortable fast, which does mean I'm constantly having to adjust it for some relief, or taking a quick break to let the blood flow seep back in and around my head.

If you have an extra sensitive head, there are plenty of other headsets with spatial audio support and great microphones like the Logitech Astro A50, but the Virtuoso Max will remain my first port of call with Sea for Thieves for the new season and the next.

• View all gaming headset deals at Amazon
• Logitech G Astro A50: $299 at Amazon
• Razer BlackShark V2 Pro: $199.99 $189.99 at Amazon

Not a Sea of Thieves PC player? Our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best wireless headsets are full of cups that'd pair perfectly with your future pirate adventures.

Every week, I look for the best cheap gaming chair deals, and it's never an easy job. Mostly, that's because cheap gaming chairs don't really exist, and particularly if you want the features these seats are known for, you're hardly ever going to find them for less than £200.

That means that you're often at the mercy of deals, discounts, seasonal sales, and lucky timing if you're shopping for one of the best gaming chairs. The first one I always check the price on is the Corsair TC100 Relaxed because I truly believe this is the perfect gaming chair for those players. I feel like I've discovered a miracle though, because although this chair gets frequent discounts down to £199, it's suddenly fallen to £159.99 at Corsair, and I've never seen it priced so low.

Annoyingly, this discount hasn't been replicated by Corsair's US store, so it's only our UK readers who are going to be able to make the most of this offer. In fact, Stateside, I'd say this is actually a bad time to seek out the Corsair TC100 Relaxed since its price is seeing a big spike at Amazon to above its launch price.

Regardless, I'd recommend the TC100 Relaxed to any UK reader who is looking to get themselves a more comfortable, more supportive chair to sit in for work and gaming time, without breaking the bank. For a budget chair, there are loads of features here, and having sat in it for months before I wrote my review, I can say there's plenty of comfort to be had.

Along with all the swivelling, adjusting, height changing, and reclining you'd expect from an office chair these days, you also get some 2D armrests, which is a big perk for this price range. I think armrests are one of the most underappreciated and important parts of a gaming chair, especially for PC gamers. Think about it, your elbows need to be at the right height to line up with your desk so that you can comfortably and accurately use your mouse and keyboard. This means getting them at the right height and width for you, and the TC100 Relaxed does a great job of that.

There's no integrated lumbar support here, but you do get a lumbar cushion and a neck cushion to help you find the comfortable position you want. The neck cushion was a tad stiff for my liking, but the lower back cushioning did a great job of straightening my spine while I was sat at my desk for work.

For more chilled out gaming sessions though, I was able to cross my legs thanks to Corsair's wide seatbase. This is one of the few brands that really leans into offering a wider seat, and I really appreciate that Corsair even allows it in its cheaper offering here.

The one thing Corsair's seat is lacking is some color. It's available in a grey or black colorway with either a leatherette or fabric upholstery. But unlike a lot of more pricey gaming chairs, there's no option to personalise and add some color to your setup, which is a shame. Still, the fabric version I tested made up for that lack of color with a soft touch and more comfortable cushioning than a lot of chairs at this price point will give you.

Gaming chair deals for US readers:

• Corsair TC500 Luxe: $521 at Amazon
• Boulies Master Series: $369 at Amazon
• View all gaming chairs at Amazon

Looking to polish up that desk space? Check out the best gaming PCs, the best gaming monitors, and the best PC controller.

The Corsair Void Wireless V2 gaming headset was already a bargain before the earliest and the best Prime Day PS5 deals started to show face.

At full price, this is one of the best PS5 headsets I'd ever had the pleasure of playing alongside my favorite online games, from Marvel Rivals to Dead by Daylight, as it packs in sublime-sounding custom 50mm Neodymium audio drivers for a super low price. Now, that price has hit a record-low, as it's now just $89.99 at Amazon, a whole 31% off its $129.99 MSRP.

Today, you aren't only getting a great-sounding headset, but it's packed with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless support, a great-sounding omnidirectional mic, and two strips of customizable RGB lighting - something you're more likely to find on mid-range headsets, not one under $90.

Plus, it's compatible with not just the PS5, but the Switch, Switch 2 (via Bluetooth), and your gaming PC, which has cemented it as one of my favorite gaming Prime Day deals I've come across so far.

Should you buy the Corsair Void Wireless V2 gaming headset?

If you're after a new gaming headset but don't have all the cash in the world to spend, you're not as limited with options as you'd think. There are a ton of inexpensive headsets available today that, while they aren't as feature-full as the best gaming headsets out there, still manage to be of a high-quality and make every dollar count, just like the Corsair Void Wireless V2 wireless headset.

During my original two weeks' worth of testing, the Void V2 made the "the low, mids, and high ranges sound clear as day" while I was playing Marvel Rivals on the PS5, but it was through Dead by Daylight where it truly blew me away. The headset includes Dolby Atmos spatial audio support, which added an extra level of immersion and made DBD sound as spooky as ever. During my initial two weeks of testing, the Blood Moon event was running, which changed the logo at start-up. The instant the updated DBD logo changed to blood red, this creepy sound effect was triggered, which made me jump out of my seat, making this headset a horror gaming fan's dream.

It's not just the audio quality that the Void V2 has going for it. If you want Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless support for your PS5, PC, and everything from the Steam Deck to the original Switch, the setup is simple and perfect for multi-platform players. The battery life is pretty impressive too, as you can get up to 70 hours' worth of juice before having to grab that USB-C charging cable.

Of course, its flashy RGB lighting will drain the battery ever so slightly, but if having that trademark gamified look is important, you can leave them on. Corsair has added the option to toggle them on and off through the iCue software, which is a handy little addition to this incredible headset.

If you're after a more premium alternative, the Corsair Virtuoso Max wireless is down to $249.99 at Amazon right now. It still provides that top-notch Corsair quality and Dolby Atmos audio, but piles on active noise canceling and 50mm Graphene Drivers, along with some futuristic re-mappable onboard controls too.

Not everyone can fork out around $250 for a headset, however, so this $89.99 Corsair Wireless Void V2 deal is still ideal for those after a low-cost pair of cups who still want the high-quality that the brand is known for.

More Amazon headset deals

• View all Amazon gaming headset deals
• SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless: $379.99 $299.39 at Amazon
• Turtle Beach Stealth 700 Gen 3: $199.99 $169.99 at Amazon
• Razer BlackShark V2 X: $59.99 $39.98 at Amazon
• Sony INZONE H9: $299.99 $198 at Amazon

Looking for more discounts? Check out our hubs for the best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals, the best Prime Day PC deals, and the best gaming laptop deals from now until July 11.

We all love a good spreadsheet, I know I do. I don't normally think of cells and shortcuts when I'm desperately trying to rank up, but I can't help it when the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is underneath my fingertips.

This is an MMO device through and through, and one of the best gaming mouse models I've tested this year so far, that much is obvious from the 12-button array on the left flank. Those clickers aren't just reserved for quickly sorting through your in-game inventory, though. In fact, I've had a much better time using them for everyday productivity tasks.

No, you got old and boring.

I've been reviewing the brand's latest gaming mouse for the last month or so, using it in between tests on 'traditional' two-button rodents like the SteelSeries Rival 3 Wireless Gen 2 and even Razer's productivity-focused Pro Click V2 Vertical Edition. It's a solid, if heavy, performer in-game but I spend far more time working day to day and that's where it truly shines.

Fine in-game, but a powerhouse at work

Those 12 buttons have been fun to play with, yes. They make swapping between weapons in Doom: The Dark Ages a far quicker experience. They can shave precious seconds off a range of actions in more competitive titles. They can also keep me hopping between Chrome tabs, running a range of different spreadsheet formulas, opening and closing specific folders, sorting emails in folders, and so much more.

The thing is, the way the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is actually designed means it actually feels even better as a productivity device than a gaming one. I'm no snob when it comes to mouse weights, but this is a chunky rat. A flatter form factor coming in at 114g is always going to sit outside of truly competitive arenas. Combine that with smaller-than-average PTFE feet that don't provide the best glide and the in-game experience can get a little clunky.

It's a fantastic MMO mouse for players who prioritize access to vital commands over raw speed, of which there are many. Most of us adults probably spend more time in our inboxes than we do on the battlefield on any given day, though, and this is the best experience I've had from a mouse that does both.

Should you buy the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE?

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is about to overtake the Corsair Darkstar Wireless as the best MMO mouse on the market right now. Its side buttons feel perfectly tuned, strong enough to resist accidental presses while staying light enough to feel easily hittable even at stranger angles. It also boasts an impressive 150-hour battery life - a vast improvement on both the Darkstar and the SteelSeries Aerox 9.

Of course, not even the super versatile Razer Naga V2 Pro can offer the same Virtual Stream Deck features either. These are what make the Scimitar so powerful in a productivity setting, but also what unlock this device's massive potential for streamers and content creators.

All that, and it's cheaper than the competition. Razer's device sits at a hefty $179.99, the Darkstar isn't far behind at $169.99, and the older Aerox 9 holds a $149.99 MSRP.

The Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is $139.99 at full price, and just took its first ever price cut to $99.99.

Sure it's too cumbersome for first-person shooters (and I'd certainly recommend something like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX instead if that's your genre of choice). For slower or less competitive games, though, this is a particularly high-value device.

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming mouse models on the market, as well as the best Logitech gaming mice and the best Razer mouse options as well.

The Corsair Scimitar was a legend in its day, but with no new releases for a few years it's faded into the background more recently. Now it's back, with the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE - a traditional 12-button MMO mouse that looks to take the crown back from the brand's own Darkstar Wireless.

At $139.99, the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is actually cheaper than a lot of the best gaming mouse models specifically designed for MMO play. Not only that, but it achieves this lower price point while bumping your sensor specs, improving battery life, and offering its own unique Stream Deck features at the same time. While it can be held back by its weight and software, those hunting down ultimate programmability aren't going to be disappointed.

Design

Corsair's classic Scimitar shape has survived to the new generation, with a rounded chassis that molds into a claw or palm grip and sits much wider than traditionally long and skinny FPS mice. Everything from the teardrop shape to the textured pinky rest has stayed the course, but nothing feels particularly cramped. It's still a fatter option than the SteelSeries Aerox 9, but it's far from the almost-circular feeling Razer Naga V2 Pro.

At its widest point, the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE measures in at 73.48 mm, while its max height reaches 42.17 mm. That makes it slightly smaller in both dimensions compared to the Naga (75.5mm wide and 43.5mm tall), though the contours of the body itself are more conducive to palm-tucking. The tapered lower half nestles neatly into my palm, reaching a surprisingly narrow point right at the bottom, whereas the Naga's flat edge can sometimes feel unwieldy.

I received the white and gray colorway, though the Elite Wireless SE is also available in traditional black / yellow and a newer gunmetal style. The white version is a little less crisp than other white mice I've tested, with a dulled quality to the final color that feels more like a very light gray rather than a bold white. I'm looking at it next to the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro 35K, for example, and it's a little muted. The textured pinky rest picks up its fair share of dirt and grime, though, and being formed of raised plastic notches can be tricky to keep clean.

Still, everything feels well built. There's very little flex to the main chassis when pushing directly downwards, and only a slight creak to the side walls when squeezed with extra force.

This isn't the first time Corsair has set its 12-button side panel on an adjustable slider, but it's the first I've seen of it. There's a good range of movement here - those with particularly large or small hands will still struggle to maintain full control over all the buttons, though. With this range, it's more your grip type that's being catered to. Setting the button array towards the back of the mouse was is far more comfortable for a fingertip grip, while you'll need it bumped towards the front for a palm hold.

Actually making this adjustment is as easy as unscrewing a medium socket cap underneath, wiggling everything into position, and tightening it back up. An Allen Key is provided in the box.

The skates leave something to be desired. They may be 100% PTFE, but they're plonked down in smaller batches across all four corners and don't provide the smooth action of other devices. The Corsair Darkstar Wireless features larger foot panels that contribute to a more stable flow of movement. With the heavier weight (114g) of the Scimitar, things can drag a little too much to truly feel nippy.

This is a heavier mouse by today's standards, though it still has the Naga V2 Pro (134g) beat. It's actually one of the heaviest I've tested in the last few years, and I feel that extra heft most keenly in lift-off. It takes a real concerted effort to raise this device from its position on a pad, which takes it out of the realm of faster competitive titles. The best wireless gaming mice tend to stick under 100g these days, but that's without 12 side buttons. The SteelSeries Aerox 9 is able to get away with its 89g form factor is through a honeycomb cutout design, and that can present its own problems as well.

Controls

Still, if you're here for that 12-button array you likely prioritize extra functionality over low weight in your gameplay. I'm right there with you.

Razer might have introduced the idea of a full 12-button array, but Corsair's Scimitar design has been right up there ever since it debuted. This time there's an extra layer of programming available. Now that the brand owns Elgato, it's able to add a whole virtual Stream Deck to your mouse's functionality. That means the side panel can now control your stream, run productivity macros for a wide range of different programs, and act as a launcher.

It takes a little learning without LED displays showing you what's what, but this quickly became one of my favorite features on the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE. I had different productivity presets with everything from specific Chrome tab launchers to individual image editing controls mapped out across the side of the mouse. If you're a power-user of a supported program (and thanks to the Stream Deck plugin database there's a lot of them) it's going to be a game-changer.

A lot of functions can already be matched with iCue's own macros, so this integration isn't going to be so revolutionary if you only want media controls and keyboard shortcuts. However, streamers who don't want to reach for a separate pad are going to have a field day here.

In total, there are 16 programmable buttons to play with; 12 on the side, two main clicks, a scroll click, and DPI shifter in the center. Everything sits within easy reach thanks to the adjustable panel design, and the side buttons feature a nicely textured surface that helps differentiate between each column. My only issue sits with that central DPI button, which feels tougher than most, actuates with a little reverb, and regularly became stuck during my testing.

Those actual side buttons are the best I've felt from an MMO mouse. They've got just enough weight to them to remain snappy and easily pressable, even at a slightly awkward thumb angle if reaching forwards or backwards, while resisting against accidental hits. The SteelSeries Aerox 9's clackers feel too light by comparison.

Software

I don't think I've ever got on particularly well with iCue. It looks and feels outdated, with its small menus, unintuitive interface, and sometimes-confusing preset display. It's got everything you need, though, with customization options across RGB lighting, DPI settings, and individual keybindings. There's also a surface calibration feature included, which claims to optimize your tracking accordingly. Truthfully, I didn't particularly notice a difference in either gaming or productivity.

Slightly frustratingly, you'll need a whole second piece of software to load up your Virtual Stream Deck, and the two don't always play nicely with each other. Switching between onboard controls and Stream Deck controls is a little janky with two programs butting heads and getting everything working in the first place is a maze of menus, firmware updates, and permissions.

Additional sensor features like Angle Snapping, lift-off distance, and power saving modes are buried in a buried, pop-up Settings menu, and polling rates are controlled via the receiver's icon instead of the mouse's. It's all a bit scattered, and it doesn't feel particularly slick to use.

Connection

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE can connect via the brand's Slipstream Wireless (2.4GHz), Bluetooth, or a USB-C cable. The cable supplied in the box feels solid, and I was able to plug in third party wires, though there is a cut-out around the port itself that could exclude larger connectors.

The mouse can poll at 1,000Hz, but the Slipstream receiver goes up to 2,000Hz. That left me with some confusion at the start of testing, but if you're only using the Scimitar this seems to be a redundant setting.

I never had any issues with tracking or latency when using the device in either 2.4GHz or Bluetooth mode, even with a high amount of interference running around them.

Battery

Corsair claims the new Scimitar can run for up to 150 hours in 2.4GHz mode and up to 500 hours in Bluetooth mode, both with RGB switched off. That's solid, battery was a key issue for the Darkstar Wireless with only 20 hours up for grabs.

That figure rings true from my testing. I'm on mouse and keyboard for an average of around 50 hours a week between work and gaming and I'm still on 62% battery after a week and a half's solid use (no RGB, 2.4GHz). That puts the Corsair Scimitar Wireless SE's battery above that of the 95-hour Logitech G Pro X Superlight 2 DEX and 80-hour SteelSeries Aerox 9, and tied with the Naga V2 Pro.

Sensor

A 33,000 DPI Corsair Marksman sensor sits underneath, boasting 750 IPS speeds and up to 50G acceleration. That's a good sensor spec sheet, shooting just over the top of the Naga V2 Pro's 30K DPI and extending well beyond the 18K DPI / 400 IPS eye inside the SteelSeries Aerox 9.

Of course, very few of us are playing right at the top of that DPI range - but it is good to know that the sensor's sensitivity is adjustable in increments of one, which makes for a particularly precise setup experience. Running at my usual 3,200 DPI everything feels smooth and accurate with a consistent tracking rate across both a wooden surface and a softer mouse pad.

Lift-off distance can be customized across three presets in iCue, ranging across low, medium, and high. There's no specific measurements listed, but I'd bet these settings translate to 0.7mm, 1mm, and 2mm. iCue also offers an angle snapping toggle.

Switches

Optical main switches make for a light and speedy actuation in your larger clicks, and I found them to be uniform in feel and actuation speed across the entire panel of the button itself. They're not as deep and thoccy as other options, losing some of the tactile clunk of the best Logitech gaming mice and the best Razer mice, but feel nimble across repeat presses. They also feel nicely supported, with no wobble or reverberation and a tight feel overall.

Should you buy the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE?

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is a fantastic MMO mouse, especially if you happen to stream your adventures. While that Stream Deck integration can take a while to get set up, it offers a particularly slick set of additional features for content creators and productivity power-users alike. Combine that with a comfortable side panel of buttons, each particularly well-balanced for responsiveness and accuracy, and you've got yourself a powerhouse.

The increased weight and often frustrating software may mean some should look to spring for the more expensive Razer Naga V2 Pro ($179.99), however with a vastly improved battery life and sensor compared to the $149.99 SteelSeries Aerox 9 and $169.99 Corsair Darkstar Wireless you're getting excellent value for money overall here.

The latter is currently my top pick for the best MMO gaming mouse on the market, and it doesn't even feature this 12-button array. I found the circular panel of side buttons to be far more accurate than the softer, more accident-prone clickers previously available on the market. The low price, improved button handling, and additional charge time of the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE propels it straight to the top of that list.

How I tested the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE

I used the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE on and off for around a month, testing other mice in between, but used the device as my sole pointer for just under two weeks before completing this review. I primarily used it across Apex Legends and Fallout 76, while also playing through Doom: The Dark Ages. For more information on how we test gaming mice, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If you're kitting out your setup further, check out the best gaming keyboards and best gaming headsets we've tested so far. Or take a look at the best PC controllers for a more traditional feel.

The Corsair Scimitar is back, with the new Wireless SE model hitting the shelves today. That 12-button array returns in all its glory, with the addition of new Stream Deck features, an upgraded Marksman S 33K sensor, and a boosted 150-hour 2.4GHz battery life. At $139.99 / £139.99, the Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE is $10 more expensive than the previous generation in the US.

Long considered one of the best gaming mouse models for MMO titles, 2025's iteration returns the 12-button array as well as the slidable panel design. This is where I've been having fun tinkering over the last few days.

That's a total of 16 customizable buttons, all readily available for personalization not just in iCue but in the Stream Deck software. The latter means you can now configure those clickers to run your streams, with the full suite of Stream Deck OBS and Twitch plugins available.

That's big news for anyone on live, but with the wealth productivity and media editing tools also available on the platform the Scimitar Elite Wireless SE goes well beyond usual keybinding opportunities. I currently have a full work profile set up with access to every keyboard shortcut I use on a day-to-day basis available at the tap of a button. On top of that, though, there's the potential for everything from full stream control to super-fast video editing all taking place in the right hand.

There's also an improved sensor under the hood, though the leap from the previous generation's 26,000 DPI to the new 33,000 DPI is only going to be noticed by the most competitive of players. The swap also comes with a faster 750 IPS, though, which will make for more accurate tracking over faster movements.

The Corsair Scimitar Elite Wireless SE packs 2.4GHz, Bluetooth, and wired connectivity, with an estimated 500-hour battery life over Bluetooth (no RGB) and 150-hour charge when used on 2.4GHz. That's well above the average set out by the best wireless gaming mice on the market, tying the the Scimitar's main competitor, the Razer Naga V2 Pro.

If you're keen to try the competition, I'm also rounding up all the best Razer mice on the market, but there's also a range of the best Logitech gaming mice to consider as well. Lefties won't get on well with the Corsair Scimitar, but I'm also hunting down the best left-handed gaming mice on the market.

Corsair has unveiled its next gaming keyboard ahead of Computex tomorrow, and the MAKR 75 looks set to take on Glorious and the custom market. It's a fully modular deck, with everything from the switch plate to the connection options ready for customizing.

Available now, the $214.99 / £175.99 Corsair MAKR 75 features a full aluminum build with eight layers of sound dampening contained within - all in a gasket mounted design. That's a breath of fresh air from a manufacturer I generally find struggles with its switch noise. Like many of the best gaming keyboard brands, Corsair has its own switches and keycaps to choose from, but the deck will take any three- or five-pin clackers you want.

Many gaming keyboard brands have been leaning into the world of custom decks for a few years now, starting by launching some of the best hot-swappable keyboards of the last few years and now moving further into the space. Like the Glorious GMMK 3, however, Corsair is holding you to its own line of add-on accessories for upgrades and customization.

And things get pricey when you start actually building the deck. That FR4 switch plate adds $20 to the final price, your switches come in at an extra $34.99 - $49.99, keycaps range from $30 to $40, and that LCD display is an extra $35. If you want a wireless deck, you're adding an additional $50 on top as well. That means a fully built keyboard is going to cost you between $234.98 and $354.98. Ooft.

While it doesn't quite beat the size of Glorious's modular range, there's only one switch plate alternative (FR4) and no Hall effect options, Corsair is doing its own bits here. The control dial in the top right corner can be swapped out for a customizable macro button with its own display, and the connection can even be swapped to wireless.

You're not getting the full personalization of a custom barebones kit here, but there's certainly more room to play. Not only that, but the Corsair MAKR 75 comes equipped with the brand's AXON 8,000Hz poling rate and is compatible with the Corsair Web Hub for a less CPU-intensive customization experience.

This is a lot for a barebone kit, but the aluminum build, swappable control dial, and ease of access does add to the overall proposition in a way cheaper first-timer kits can't. A more generic barebone kit will generally cost you between $80 and $120, though some can reach near $300 for premium materials.

It's expensive, then, but if you're after a gaming-first keyboard with the customization options of more premium builds it could be a worthwhile investment.

I'm also rounding up all the best wireless gaming keyboards as well as the best membrane gaming keyboards on the market. Or, check out the best gaming mouse models for a full system refresh.

I usually tell people to put a pause on their gaming chair shopping trips until a big seasonal sales event like Memorial Day, Prime Day, or Black Friday. My reasoning is pretty simple; gaming chairs are a sometimes stupidly expensive bit of furniture to buy, and they don't often go on offer outwith these big sales. We're just under two weeks out from Memorial Day, though, and I'm scrapping that advice.

Right now, three of my favorite chairs are all discounted, and with the prices they're at, I don't see any reason to wait for later this month. Kicking things off is a seat that's perfect for anyone buying their first one, or anyone who just doesn't have the budget for some of the bigger names. The Corsair TC100 Relaxed is going for $188.99 at Amazon right now, and even for our favorite budget chair, that's one hell of a bargain.

Next up is its mid-range sibling, the Corsair TC500 Luxe. This also appears on our best gaming chair list, but the Shadow (black) model is currently rocking a $75 discount, bringing it to just $424.99 at Amazon. Lastly, for those looking for the last word in lumbar support, the Razer Iskur V2 is down to $617.99 at Amazon, reduced from its hefty $649 price.

For more on gaming furniture, check out the best console gaming chairs, the best pink gaming chairs, and the best gaming desks.

As the gaming chair market has expanded, manufacturers have been exploring all sorts of quirks to help you relax in them. Most gaming chairs end up looking pretty similar to the competition that already exists, but occasionally, you'll find the odd chair that really stands out from the crowd. There are chairs with mesh backs, chairs that are beanbags, foldable gaming chairs, seats with floating backrests, and yes, even gaming couches and beds.

By far, though, the ones I get asked about most often are chairs with heated massage features, because boy, don't they sound nice. Who doesn't want a gaming chair that heats your body up in the winter and massages all your aches away while you work from home? That sounds like the best gaming chair imaginable, doesn't it?

Well, pardon the pun, but I'm not sure these chairs can "back up" their allure. While they sound nice on paper, I usually disappoint people by telling them that these chairs often aren't worth the extra money you pay for them. Gaming chairs are expensive enough, but that's only the beginning of the problem with heated backrests and massaging gaming chairs. So please, before you take the leap, allow me, your friendly neighbourhood chair reviewer, to talk you back down from the ledge. Here's why I'd argue against buying a massaging gaming chair.

Price

I know I literally just said it, but gaming chairs are already an expensive item to invest in. Not only that, but shopping for one feels very high-risk. It's not like you can take a trip down to the local gaming chair shop and park yourself in all the different types to try them out and see which suits you best. A lot of the time, you're sinking a small fortune (around $500 for a decent chair with lots of features) into something you'll have no idea you'll like.

Brands like Secretlab and Herman Miller charge a premium for their seats, and it's easy to come away from them having spent upwards of $700. Mid-range brands that still make great chairs are brands like Fractal Design, Boulies, Corsair, and AndaSeat. Even then, you're still parting with between $300-$500 to sit down in their products. Sure, there are the entry-level options that lie around the $200-300 mark, but my guess is that if you're looking for an all-singing, all-dancing massage chair, you won't be interested in compromising to one of the cheapest ones out there that only give you the bare bones.

Massaging gaming chairs can come from either end of the spectrum. Sometimes, from that upper echelon, and in the case of the Mavix M9, the massaging features add extra cost to an already pricey seat. Massaging/heated chairs from Mavix and DXRacer can cost you anywhere from $600-$800. That's a whole lot of money to part with for one extra feature. On the opposite end of the spectrum, you've got options from Elfordson, which are a lot more affordable, but their chairs don't have the strongest user reviews. No matter how much pain your back is in, I really don't see a chair being the solution.

They won't help your pain as much as you think

One of the biggest reasons people are drawn to massage chairs is that they have back pain complaints. Let me tell you, as someone who's been reviewing gaming chairs for the better part of three years, that this is a great reason to invest in one. Since I was a teenager, I've always carried stress in my back and shoulders, and one of the big ways I evaluate each gaming throne is by seeing how it helps or hinders that pain.

Posture support is an amazing feature of gaming chairs, but I'm going to burst your bubble right now. Posture support is just that - it's support, it's not a cure for your back pain.

Massage features are the exact same. Even if you hired a professional massage therapist to give you a bi-weekly rubdown, their help would only go so far. According to HealthPartners, the number one cause of chronic back pain is muscle atrophy - as in, muscles deteriorating so they can't properly support your spine, ligaments, and body weight. In fact, according to the NHS, the University of California, WebMD, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and pretty much any physiotherapy website I can see all argue that muscle deterioration comes before improper posture, genetics, or chronic conditions, and that exercise is the thing that will help you overcome your pain.

Now, don't get me wrong, a solid, posture-enhancing chair is absolutely going to aid you in your quest against back pain as well, but it isn't going to be a cure-all, nor an easy way out. Without speaking too broadly because your back pain might be due to a specific trauma or condition I don't know about, strengthening your back is going to be the long-term way to improve things for you.

The realities of massage chairs

What's more, gaming chairs with massage features aren't really designed to cater to your specific back issues. You might have a specific point of pain, or a different somatotype (body build) from the people these chairs were designed around, so it's not like they can specifically target your area of discomfort.

Plus, have you ever tried a proper, non-gaming massage chair? I'm pretty sure at some point we've all sat in one of those giant coin-slot massage chairs you can find in shopping malls, at cinemas, or sometimes theme parks. Alternatively, maybe you have a grandparent or older relative who has a massage chair at home. If you have tried one, you'll know that these armchairs don't exactly "massage" you; they make you feel like you've been repeatedly hit by a truck, often worsening whatever pain you have.

Gaming chairs that have heated massage features, like the Mavix M7, don't go that far. Their motors aren't as powerful, and don't actually span the entire backrest, they mainly focus on a small portion of your lower back. When our news editor Ali reviewed that chair, he really enjoyed it, but did come away feeling as though the Elemax features are a luxury that don't necessarily warrant the extra money you pay.

Ali also noted that the practicalities of owning a heating, massaging chair aren't all that great. You'll need to plug it in to either charge it or power it when it's working. If you're worried about your energy bills already, thanks to a full gaming PC setup and all the tech you use on a daily basis (and constantly surging energy prices), this is going to be an extra expense for you. Plus, if you don't have a spare plug socket near where you sit, that'll be an inconvenience. Extra electrical parts also make for a trickier (and heavier) assembly process, which I know from assembling the Fezibo Triple Motor L-Shaped Standing Desk.

A regular gaming chair with great lumbar support will be just as good for you

While I wouldn't necessarily recommend that you fork out extra money on a gaming chair with massage features, there are plenty of chairs out there that give you great lumbar support that I would recommend investing in.

For starters, there's the go-to choice of the Razer Iskur V2, which, although pricey, does have a partially floating backrest that lets you customize its lumbar support to suit you and the positions you like to sit in.

Then there are ergonomic options like the Fractal Refine, which is our current pick for best overall gaming chair. It, like a lot of other chairs, has lumbar support you can customise both in its height and depth, and its mesh cosmetic options ensure the rest of your spine is supported in a healthy way. The best thing about the Fractal Refine's lumbar support, though, is that it has a secondary seat depth for when you want to sink into the chair a little deeper. This ensures that while you take a more relaxed and reclined position, your lumbar and spinal column are still being supported by the chair's ergonomic design.

If you're okay with something a bit more traditional in terms of gaming chair design, why not opt for the Corsair TC500 Luxe, the Secretlab Titan Evo, or the Boulies Master Series? All three of these feature adjustable lumbar support along with other features. While they won't heat you up or rub you down, they will give you everything you need to start conquering your back issues.

For more on gaming furniture, check out the best console gaming chairs, the best pink gaming chairs, and the best gaming desks.

I'm much more privy to a wireless gaming headset, but Corsair Virtuoso Pro has grabbed my attention even without its current lowest ever price. Unlike other entries in the Virtuoso headset lineup, its open-back nature gives it a more realistic sound as it's not restricted to bouncing between the headset's drivers and your precious eardrums.

Thanks to Amazon Gaming Week, it's harder than ever to ignore now that it's down to just $139.99 at Amazon. Around $200 for a wired-only pair of cups would normally big a big ask, but its current 30% saving seems entirely justified for one of the best PC headsets for gaming that not only brings a more immersive and impressive audio quality to your games, but that has booming 50mm graphene drivers packed in to boot.

If you're looking for a headset to complete your streaming setup, in particular, you're in luck. The Virtuoso Pro is not only $60 off, but it's also compatible with Elgato's Wave XLR USB interface, and its open-back nature means you can better hear your voice over whatever game you're streaming.

Even without one of the best gear for streaming at your disposal, this headset is still compatible with your gaming PC, PS5, and even the original Nintendo Switch. But incorporating it into your live-streaming setup will get you the most out of one of the most iconic headsets to come from the Virtuoso line.

Should you buy the Corsair Virtuoso Pro?

Not everyone is going to get a kick out of an open-back headset, so the Virtuoso Pro is definitely a more niche pick than a lot of the best gaming headsets you might be more familiar with. But these can come in real handy, whether you want a richer, more immersive sound or a headset designed with streaming in mind.

Each cup of the Virtuoso Pro comes with triangular-shaped grills, which allow the sound from the 50mm graphene drivers to flow from. This is the basic principle of any open-back headset, as the lack of an enclosed design gives the audio vibrations of your favorite games more space to breathe. Our hardware team's own Tabitha Baker explained in her Corsair Virtuoso Pro review that this makes it "sound fantastic" as it allowed for a wider soundscape and an "incredibly natural" listening experience.

Whether it was exploring the neon-lit world of Cyberpunk 2077 or playing through Starfield, Tabitha explained that the Pro provides a "solid level of directional audio" which is also heightened by the 50mm graphene drivers. While they can bring your PC, PS5, or even Nintendo Switch game worlds to life, they also come in handy for streaming as the universal 3.5mm jack can be popped into gear like Elgato's Wave XLR USB interface.

The open-back design also means you can not only hear your friends chatting away more clearly, but you can also hear yourself speak. Sure, a lot of high-powered headsets come with audio monitoring for that very reason. But being able to hear the natural cadence of your voice, without the audio becoming too busy and overbearing with the extra audio sources, can go a long way in making your chatting sound natural, and therefore more pleasant, to your live-streaming audience.

Open-back headsets do have their faults. With audio spilling out of either cup, high-powered external microphones may pick up your audio. Plus, just like general audio spillage, they might be a bit annoying to any friends or anyone you live with in tight quarters with.

If, like me, you like the robust built quality of Corsair tech, but prefer a wireless alternative, there is always the Corsair Virtuoso Max. This is the latest in the entirely line, and switches things up entirely as it's not only closed-back, but also has Bluetooth and 2.4GHz options available. Just like its Pro headset brethren, it's also one of the most impressive PC headsets out there, producing some of the finest audio that's ever befallen my ears.

The Virtuoso Max also has a detachable mic, so you can easily pair it with one best microphones for streaming, to create the ultimate Twitch setup. Of course, even with its current $249.99 discount at Amazon, it's a lot more expensive. If you've already spent a small fortune carefully upgrading your streaming tech, the current Amazon Gaming Week deal on the Virtuoso Pro makes a lot more sense - just be sure to grab it before this week of sales ends on May 4.

If the Corsair Virtuoso Pro doesn't sound like the right fit for you, our best wireless gaming headsets guide is full to the brim with some of the best PS5 headsets and the best Xbox Series X headsets, so you're bound to find the perfect pair for your console of choice.

Corsair has just dropped the Corsair Void Wireless V2 gaming headset, a pair of cups that packs on some premium features but without a premium cost. Despite launching today for just $119.99 / £99.99, it comes with Bluetooth and 2.4GHz connectivity, and is compatible with just about every platform out there, from the PC, PS5, original Nintendo Switch, and Android and iOS-based smartphones.

Just like the brands behind the best gaming headsets, like Razer and SteelSeries, Corsair is known to release a steady flow of headsets alongside its higher-end cups, and the Void V2 is the latest in a line aimed at those in need of a headset around the $100 price mark. However, while the Void V2 is undoubtedly one of the more affordable options out there from here on out, it still manages to pack in powerful-sounding custom 50mm Neodymium drivers, and some subtle customizable RGB lighting - something you'd expect from a high-end alternative.

The Corsair Void Wireless V2 is available right now for just $119.99 / £99.99 at Amazon and selected retailers. Alternatively, you can also visit the official Corsair website to see how it compares to the rest of the Void series.

What makes the Corsair Void Wireless V2 stand out the most is undoubtedly its powerful custom 50mm Neodymium drivers. Typically, I'd expect to see 50mm drivers on some of the most premium headsets, like that of the Corsair Virtuoso Max. Despite being almost three times the price of the Void V2, it has custom 50mm drivers of its own, but the brand still managed to pack in a high-quality sound in a more affordable and lightweight form factor.

The Void V2 is also a noticeable step-up from previous headsets in the Void line, featuring up to 60 hours of battery life compared to the 16 hours of the Corsair Void Elite. The next significant change comes with its RGB placement, as the flashy logos have now been exchanged for subtle strips of RGB-lighting on each front-facing edge of the headset. Just like with most Corsair gaming tech, these can be customized on iCue, along with the sound, making these ideal if your PC is your preferred platform of choice.

I was fortunate enough to take a look at this headset, and as per my Corsair Void Wireless V2 review, I was incredibly impressed by the sound this headset could produce. After recently testing other budget pairs, like the OXS Storm G2, I was expecting sub-par audio and other sub-par features to match, but I was pleasantly surprised.

The quality of the Virtuoso Max, which has cemented itself as one of the best PC headsets for gaming I've had across my testing bench so far, and that top-of-the-line Corsair quality was all over the Void V2. At 303g, they were so lightweight I could play Marvel Rivals for hours and almost forgot they were on my head. Even the microphone, although not detachable and without a mute button, received compliments from friends while we started the brand-new season in the hero shooter.

Despite being a budget headset, unlike that of the Razer Barracuda X, there are no wired options there, which could be a deal-breaker for some. However, if you're happy using Bluetooth or have a spare port for the accompanying 2.4GHz dongle, the Corsair Void Wireless V2 is an ideal choice for your PC, PS5, or your Nintendo Switch, and it's available right now for $119.99 / £99.99 at Amazon and selected retailers

If the Corsair Void Wireless V2 doesn't sound like the right pair for you, our guide to the best wireless headsets is full of some of the best Xbox Series X headsets and best Nintendo Switch headsets that are worth checking out.

Just like the biggest names in gaming audio tech, Corsair isn’t a stranger to releasing more affordable options alongside its premium gaming headsets. The Corsair Void Wireless V2 is the latest headset in the brand’s arsenal that keeps costs low and the quality high, just like the Corsair Void Elite before it.

This time around, Corsair hasn’t strayed too far away from the design of its predecessor, and the $199.99 / £99.99 headset features the same all-black colorway and oblong cups as before. Not to mention the brand has still managed to pile on the custom 50mm Neodymium drivers, to keep that impressive audio quality going, along with some well-needed upgrades. Instead of the flashy RGB-lit logos, the Void Wireless V2 is dripped out in two subtle strips of lighting on either front-facing edge, and the 16-hour playback has been put to shame with its now up to 70-hour battery life.

If you already have the Void Elite, the Void Wireless V2 may be a hard sell, and it’s very similar in looks and in sound. Yet, Corsair has managed to pull together enough small upgrades and changes to make it a notable step up, and impressed me almost as much as the Corsair Virtuoso Max, one of the best gaming headsets from the brand I’ve tested so far, all without breaking the bank. I’d maybe sit this one out if you’re an everyday glasses wearer, though.

Key specs

Design

The Corsar Void V2 gaming headset’s design is pretty familiar if you’ve already spent time with the Corsair Void Elite. The Void V2 comes with the same diamond-shaped cups, coated in a matt-black plastic finish. Both the densely padded foam cushions and the padded headband also come with a fabric mesh coating, which, while it is a bit of a cat-hair magnet, managed to keep its cool even after hours upon hours of sweat-induced sessions playing Marvel Rivals on the PS5 and PC.

The onboard buttons are minimal, with all being regulated to the left cup. There, you can find the power button, which can also be pressed again to switch between Bluetooth and 2.4GHz mode. Below that is a custom button, which can be remapped via iCue. Along the bottom edge of the same cup, you can find the USB-C port, along with a plastic volume switch that can be flicked back and forth.

The yokes also keep their design from their predecessor, attaching just to the back of each cup. This gives the headset a little more give, especially at the front-facing side, which is great in theory. Yet in practice, it meant cups were always putting extra pressure on either side of my glasses. If you aren’t a glasses wearer (lucky you), then this won't factor into your comfort levels. But for me, it meant that my frames were pushed against my headset, making them sit at a weird angle.

Not only did my glasses get in the way, but the new placement of the RGBs also made me start looking for my contact lenses. For the Void Wireless V2, Corsair opted to swap the RGB-lip of logos of the Void Elite with two RGB strips. These strips sit at the front-facing edges of the headset, which, in low-lighting scenarios, bounced off the edges of my lenses. It’s worth noting that I don’t have that fancy green coating to my glasses, so that may help put a stop to seeing a rainbow lightshow in your peripheral vision when gaming in the dark. Fortunately, you can also pop up iCue and turn off the RGBs, but it does mean having your PC ready, as there’s no app equivalent for now.

Despite this extra pressure on my glasses, they weren’t entirely uncomfortable by any means. Their 303g chassis meant they felt light as a cloud on top of my head, which was a relief after recently spending time with the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless and their 417g of added weight. Some light-weight budget headsets have the tendency to feel cheap, but Corsair brought along the high-quality I’ve come to expect from their premium headsets to this budget-friendly pair, and overall, the plastic form factor felt incredibly robust and held up even after being in my clumsy grasp for multiple weeks.

Unlike the Razer Barracuda X Chroma, this budget headset doesn’t have a detachable microphone. Instead, the omnidirectional mic sits flush with the left cup until flipped down for when you want to chat to your bff’s on Discord, or during phone calls and video chatting. In the past, I’ve noticed headsets with a similar $119.99 / £99.99 price range can have cheap mics that flop around every time you move an inch, but thankfully, that’s not the case here. The Void Wireless V2 mic has a really rigid boom arm, and the mic itself features a textured grip to make it easier to grasp at a moment's notice. While unfortunately there’s no mic mute button, that grip at least made it easy to quickly grab and push the mic away so my friends didn’t have to hear my nasty eating noises when I wanted to have a quick bite during rounds of Marvel Rivals.

Features

The Void Wireless V2 isn’t bursting at the seams with features, but it does have pretty much all you’d really want if you’re spending a little above $100, with some exceptions. Just like the Corsair Void RGB Elite, this is a wireless headset, and that means it has Bluetooth and 2.4GHz support via its accompanying dongle, and that’s it. That still means you can connect it up to your PS5, Nintendo Switch (and upcoming Nintendo Switch 2), PC, and Steam Deck, so it’s not a huge loss. Yet, it can be a bit of a bummer to hear if you prefer your budget cups to have a 3.5mm connection and hate messing around with Bluetooth with your Ninty hardware.

I was quick to forget it lacked any wired connectivity options when it came to its audio features. The headset comes with custom 50mm Neodymium drivers, which I’d expect to find on Corsair’s high-end headsets, and not a budget pair like the Void Wireless V2. Not to mention, it also features Dolby Atmos spatial audio, which can be turned on through the audio settings of the PS5 or via the Dolby Atmos app on PC. So long as you're playing a compatible game, like Sea of Thieves, this unlocks the full potential of the powerful audio drivers, and pops the sound all around you in a 3D space, which is an impressive level of immersion to be found on such an affordable pair of cups.

Of course, as a Corsair accessory, with the Void Wireless V2 in tow, you can use iCue to tweak the audio settings and the updated RGB lighting. As briefly mentioned above, the Void Wireless V2 opts for two strips of lighting at the front-facing edge of either cup, instead of flashy lit-up logos of its predecessor. Through iCue’s built-in lighting effects, these can be changed to static colors, or you can pick through pre-made lighting types from a wave of rainbow colors, to a raindrop effect, which cycles through different blue hues. The customizability for such a small surface area of RGB lighting is appreciated, however, iCue is still just as frustrating to use as ever before, so I pretty much left them as is.

Having the RGB on by default will drain the battery faster than normal. But with up to 70 hours, you shouldn’t really notice a huge difference. The 70 hours of juice seems pretty accurate, as other than the full charge I gave the Void Wireless V2 right out the box, I only had to charge it once in over two weeks, and that was after multiple hours of Marvel Rivals, Dead by Daylight, my current-gaming obsession known as ‘Master Detective Archives Rain Code’ and listening to hours upon hours of music while working.

Performance

With custom 50mm Neodymium drivers in its midst, you can bet the Void Wireless V2 sounds the part. Not too long ago, I was taken aback by the Corair Virtuoso Max Wireless headset and the quality of sound that its 50mm Graphene audio drivers could muster, so it shouldn’t come as no surprise that the custom 50mm Neodymium impressed me, even in this more budget-friendly form factor.

With the brand-new season of Marvel Rivals around the corner, I used the Corsair pair of cups as I got in some valuable practice with the hero shooter, on both PS5 and PC. Racking up my kills as Starlord, and charging forth stampede after stampede of squirrels as Squirrel Girl were easy to do on the headset, which gave a nice balance to everything on screen. Whether it was the cheeky dialogue at the start of every match, Galacta’s high-pitched announcements, or the energetic and empowering score, the low, mids, and high ranges sounded clear as day. On PC, I could get the headset a little louder, and use one of the many audio pre-sets which helped get that booming bass I prefer, but it still sounded just as detailed and balanced on the PS5, even without any customization at my fingertips.

It was playing Dead by Daylight where the sound quality truly blew me away. During my two weeks of testing, the Blood Moon event was running, which changed the logo at start-up. The instant the updated DBD logo changed to blood red, this creepy sound effect was triggered, which made me jump off the edge of the sofa. The high-quality headset made the squelching audio sound so clear I had to take a moment to realise it was coming from the game, and that someone wasn’t sitting right next to me trying to give me a scare. Of course, this headset features Dolby Atmos support, which also helped make Dead by Daylight, and games like Sea of Thieves sound all the more immersive.

When running about my 2-manned sloop, the spatial audio made the creeks and sounds of the waves splashing against my ship sound like I was truly there. At this point, I can’t quite imagine taking to the seven seas without Dolby Atmos, and the Void Wireless V2 really helped bring Rare’s game to life. As did the quality of the omnidirectional microphone, which flips down from the left cup of the headset. Sure, for a mic on a $119.99 / £99.99 headset, it wasn’t going to give streaming microphones like the Shure MV7i a run for its money, but I regularly got compliments from friends on how clear, and easily I came through, even against the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro mic my partner was using during the same Marvel Rival gaming sessions on the PS5.

As an omnidirectional mic, it will pick up sounds other than your speaking voice, which did become a bit of an issue. If your PC, PS5, or Nintendo Switch is tucked away in a separate room from loud noises, then it won’t be quite noticeable. However, I had to turn down the gain of the mic through the Discord app at its lowest possible setting to ensure it picked up my voice, and my voice only, especially as my partner’s PC is in the same room as my beloved PS5.

The only other issue that really affected the headset’s performance in any way was the cup's tendency to lean forward. There’s no noise canceling to be found with the Void Wireless V2, but each time the headset decided it wanted to lean slightly forward, it meant my ears weren’t completely covered, so I wasn’t able to hear the full power that the 50mm drivers can muster. A tighter clamping force may have sorted this, but honestly, I'm not a fan of its oblong-shaped ear cups. I know this headset is a step up from the Void Elite, and so it makes sense to have it carry on the same shaped cups from its predecessor, but had they included the large glasses-friendly circular cups of the Virtuoso Max, I’m willing to bet it’d have rectified the issue.

With the mic stuck to the headset, this isn’t one you can take with you out and about, though it might be tempting with its lightweight design. However, it still lent itself to listening to music, no matter if it was pop, or even nu-metal. I listened to a ton of Charlie XCX to see how the bass could handle the drops in tracks like ‘Von Dutch’, and there was no distortion, no matter how loud it got. The Void Wireless V2 also came in handy when catching up with season two of the anime, Solo Leveling, and brought the action scenes, and catchy opening and ending tracks, to life thanks to its trusty 50mm drivers.

Should you buy the Corsair Void Wireless V2 gaming headset?

If you don’t want to splash out hundreds of dollars on your gaming headset, Corsair’s Void Wireless V2 is up there with some of the best-sounding headsets out there right now. The brand has managed to produce a low-cost headset at $119.99 / £99.99, which still manages to pile on some powerful 50mm Neodymium audio drivers, spatial audio, and a great-sounding mic that I’d expect from their flagship headsets instead.

No matter if I was playing the PC, PS5, Steam Deck, or the original Nintendo Switch, the Void Wireless V2 made everything sound its best, and it was incredibly easy to set up to boot. I would recommend this more to PC players, however, due to its dependence on iCue for audio and lighting customization. Plus, if you’re already in the Corsair ecosystem, adding this headset into the mix will mean you can sync up all your lighting to your Corsair-branded gaming keyboard, and gaming mouse, while only having to rely on one software (outside of the Dolby Atmos app).

That being said, it is missing any wired connectivity options, making other low-cost headsets like the Razer Barracuda X a valid alternative. Sure, the Barracuda X is missing the booming quality of 50mm audio drivers, but its 40mm Razer TriForce drivers can still pack a punch. Better yet, you can regularly find it far cheaper than $100 during big sales events, due to its age. If you want a little more firepower, that RGB lighting, prefer oblong-shaped cups, and want the sound quality that rivals even the best Corsair headsets on the market, the Corsair Void Wireless V2 ticks all those boxes - just maybe give it a skip if you wear glasses every single day.

How I tested the Corsair Void Wireless V2 gaming headset

In the over two weeks that I had the Corsair Void V2 gaming headset, I racked up the hours in Marvel Rivals (especially as season two finally debuted), Dead by Daylight, Sea of Thieves, and Master Detective Archives: Rain Code on the PS5. As I lived and breathed the budget headset, I also played Marvel Rivals on the PC so I could accurately compare the sound across different platforms, and tested games like Counter-Strike 2. On the original Nintendo Switch, I played Super Mario Sunshine and Super Mario Galaxy (via Super Mario 3D All-Stars) and played Spiritfarer with the headset on the Steam Deck.

Outside of gaming, I also watched a ton of TV streaming apps, using the headset to catch up on the second season of Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll, and listened to a plethora of different music genres via Spotify - from Djo’s new album ‘The Crux’ to Charlie XCX. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If the Corsair Void Wireless V2 gaming headset isn’t for you, check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets to find the perfect pair of cups for your favorite console.

The Corsair K70 Pro TKL debuts the brand's first stab at a set of magnetic switches, bringing the popular range up to 2025's flagship standards with additional actuation customization, faster repeat presses, and dual-function assignments. This is where the best gaming keyboards on the market are focusing their energy right now, and with good reason. With the right set of clickers at the helm, these decks offer massive benefits over traditional mechanical keyboards, boosting both personalization and speed.

At $179.99 / £179.99, Corsair isn't exactly at the top of the market here, but it's certainly pitching at a higher cost than some Logitech and Razer options. This is a Hall effect keyboard built with speed in mind, and those hunting down a smooth landing with additional controls at the helm are going to have a fantastic time. While its switches won't be for everyone, and its software does hold it back, competitive players still have a home with Corsair.

Design

The Corsair K70 Pro TKL isn't doing anything drastic with its design - this is a simple black keyboard with a brushed top plate and a plastic chassis. Unfortunately, the first thing I noticed about the construction was the cheaper-feeling ABS keycaps.

These are very simple tappers, with the classic oil-clinging smoothness of that ABS plastic providing a sticky experience I wouldn't expect to see in a Hall effect keyboard at this price point. For reference, the Logitech G Pro TKL Rapid comes in $10 cheaper than this rig, and does so with full doubletshot PBT.

Onto brighter things, though, the rest of the Corsair K70 Pro TKL's build quality is solid. That aluminum top plate holds firm under pressure, with no flex or creaks during more intense pushes, while the plastic casing remains sturdy as well. It's got enough heft to it to reassure you of its materials, and won't be knocked around during gameplay. Despite its wired connection, though, it's still light enough to fit relatively comfortably into a backpack.

The entire chassis is ever so slightly wedge-shaped, though there's a considerable overhand compared to keyboards with a heavier gradient. The bottom of the deck is slightly extended, but two flip-feet provide a single extra height option (as opposed to the two I often see on gaming keyboards).

Both hinges feel sturdy, locking into place with a thud and offering a strong resistance underneath them. They also feature rubberized feet to keep everything in place, and don't buckle when pushing the keyboard forwards along a desk.

The included wrist rest feels particularly welcoming, with a densely packed foam underneath a satisfyingly texturized leatherette surface. It detaches magnetically from the main deck and held its position well during my testing, never breaking away from the keyboard when shuffling around.

This being Corsair, we've got a selection of bright RGB LEDs underneath each keycap, shining through with impressive uniformity across both short and long legends. I personally find Corsair's illumination to be a little too pastel-like for my taste, and that was certainly the case straight out the box here.

However, setting my own custom static cyan color proved that these LEDs can run nice and bold as well. There's a little bleed around the edges of the caps - something you'll notice more here than on the Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid.

Two of the additional controls also take advantage of this customizable RGB, though I'm not as big a fan. The translucent caps on the game mode and media buttons mean they certainly stand out nicely and offer an extra pop of color to your setup, but if you're going for a more slick aesthetic they do run the risk of cheapening the experience.

Underneath those clickers, the Corsair K70 Pro TKL features two sound dampening layers, one underneath the aluminum top plate and another under the PCB. That foam absorbs each keypress particularly well, but doesn't offer the soft thud of the Asus ROG Azoth or SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3, which both offer three years of foam. There's absolutely no echo around this deck, as is more common with Hall effect keyboards, but it's a relief after years of testing particularly rattly Corsair decks.

Features

The Corsair K70 Pro TKL is the brand's first Hall effect keyboard, and it uses MGX Hyperdrive magnetic switches to give you all those extra features. These are proprietary clickers, coming pre-lubricated and offering a linear feel with between 30g and 55g of actuation force. That magnetic stem means the actuation point of every key can be configured from between 0.1 and the full 4.0mm, making for feather-light touches or more keys more resistant to accidental presses.

That's the same as the Logitech and SteelSeries' Hall effect decks, and a wider span than the Ducky One X (which bottoms out at 3.5mm) and the NZXT Function Elite Mini TKL with its higher 0.6mm minimum sensitivity.

Of course, you've also got access to rapid trigger for super-fast repeat presses and dual inputs to map separate functions to the same key (one at a half press, for example, and another at the full bottom-out). SOCD is all here, in the form of 'Flash Tap', a feature that automatically ignores a directionally oppositional input when two buttons are pressed.

It's used for quickly changing direction without experiencing a lag for the split second both keys are pressed at the same time, but is heavily banned in most competitive arenas.

Actually making these adjustments is pretty exhausting. Very few keyboard software make this process smooth, though NZXT and Logitech do a particularly good job and keeping things clean. iCue is far from these big leagues.

The fact that even the download for the software is hidden behind a checkbox opting you into marketing emails is a red flag. Not being able to update the firmware without the deck becoming completely unrecognizable to the software is another. Having only half the keyboard image load into the main menu isn't a deal breaker, but it certainly doesn't make a good impression.

Using the software is pretty clunky and unintuitive. While trying to set dual-function key presses I was regularly left confused as to which key I was actually working on due to the sometimes inconsistent visual display up top. It all works, but it's particularly painful and considering there are far more streamlined platforms out there for less cash it's dampens the overall experience considerably.

This is a fully wired deck, but that does mean more competitive players can take advantage of an 8,000Hz polling rate for a lower price than I typically see in wireless models. That's not going to be a major concern for most of us, though - only a small group of the top 1% of players will actually notice or benefit from the increased speed. Instead, everyday players will benefit more from the massive onboard storage. There's space for up to 50 profiles in here - far exceeding the norm of between three and five.

That TKL form factor does open us up to more keys, with a full array of navigation buttons and good spacing around the arrows as well. There's also a particularly satisfying control dial in the top right corner, offering a super clicky scroll through a range of customizable controls, from volume to zoom. It's nicely raised above the rest of the deck for easy access as well.

Performance

On my Hall effect journeys, I've found that these magnetic clickers generally feel a little softer than their magnetic counterparts, often dropping the clack of yesterday's switches. Corsair's clickers don't have the extra resistance behind them that sometimes feels a little woolly in other decks, but they do still feel lackluster compared to the competition.

Don't get me wrong, they're good linears. A keypress moves smoothly down the stem with impressive speed and feels responsive under the fingertips. However, there's a lack of tactility here that you'll find easily in other Hall effect decks. Interestingly, they've got a slightly harder push than the inductive switches of the Ducky One X, though with less action and energy underneath them. However there's far less thock compared to the Endgame Gear KB65HE's Gateron KS-27Bs - my current go-to for a satisfying magnetic feel.

They feel much flatter than the SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 as well, losing the depth and tension that makes those OmniPoint 3.0 clickers so impressive.

All of that deflates the overall gameplay experience a little. I found it harder to judge my position across a key press in-game, and more difficult to train to specific actuation points. The board comes to life, however, in more competitive scenarios. At their highest point of actuation, these are still incredibly fast switches and they'll serve anyone after a smooth, soft landing particularly well.

SOCD, rapid trigger, and dual-functions all work as expected, adding functionality to the Corsair K70 Pro TKL that you won't find in regular mechanical keyboards. This functionality comes in incredibly handy during both competitive and solo play. Being able to configure both walk and run to the same key kept my movement super streamlined, opening up more space for faster dodges and parries in the process.

Should you buy the Corsair K70 Pro TKL?

The Corsair K70 Pro TKL takes the brand's comfortably recognizable K70 keyboard and gives it a new lease of life with Hall effect switches that keep up with the rest of the competition. I would still only recommend it over the similarly priced (actually slightly cheaper) Logitech G Pro X TKL Rapid if you know you want your key presses to be as low-resistance as possible or if you need a plush wrist rest attached.

Both are going to be down to your personal preferences - I like a little more tension under each cap, but the linear tradition is one based on speed and Corsair does nail that brief better than most HE models.

However, the ABS keycaps I tested, poor iCue software, and higher price point mean the Corsair K70 Pro TKL will likely stay out of the limelight for most players. The SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 remains the best HE deck I've had my hands on so far.

While its wrist rest is less comfortable than Corsair's, it packs much more energetic switches, higher quality keycaps, an additional OLED display, and a better software experience. If you can spring the extra $40 for its higher price tag, it's well worth the upgrade.

How I tested the Corsair K70 Pro TKL

I used the Corsair K70 Pro TKL keyboard across my current roster of games, our dedicated test titles, and in all my daily work for a period of two weeks. I ran it across Apex Legends and CS2 for strict competitive testing, while also using it in my everyday Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, Oxenfree 2, and Fallout 4 gameplay. For more information on how we test gaming keyboards, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

I'm also hunting down all the best wireless gaming keyboards and the best hot-swappable keyboards on the market. Or, for a look at the competition, take a look at the best Razer keyboards available now.

The Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless headset is the brand’s flagship premium pair of cups, and this was apparent the second I carefully removed them from the included leather-bound case. From the sleek logo-embossed headband, the bright LED-lit-up metal cups and microphone, to the superb audio quality from the 50mm graphite audio drivers - every inch of the Virtuoso Max is just as impressive as the last.

Naturally, this premium quality comes with a premium price. The Virtuoso Max Wireless costs $329.99 / £280, which is pricier than nearly all the best gaming headsets I’ve come across so far. For console players, particularly those that stick to the PS5 or Nintendo Switch, this price could be a big ask - as while it will bring out the rich and nuanced sounds of any game you through its way, all its customization, including its sound and lighting, relies on having access to software like iCue and the Dolby Atmos which are unique to PC and Mac platforms.

If you’re mainly in the market for a PC headset, and you don’t mind giving up tailoring your audio and lighting setup when switching to consoles, this is one of nicest that will grace your head. Sure, it’s also one of the heaviest, and the lackluster foam padding doesn’t do much to combat that. But the mild aches and pains are easy to forget when you hear and see all that the Corsair Virtuoso Max wireless headset has to offer.

Key specs

Design

It’s difficult not to get carried away when yapping on about the design of the Virtuoso Max Wireless headset. For this review, I was provided with the White SKU, and as soon as I got my hands on it, I couldn’t help but grin at the sight of its sleek, sophisticated appearance. This is mostly due to its hard-to-miss shining metal cups and yoke, which make this headset stand out from the plastic chassis of other PC headsets I’ve had across my testing bench.

Even the top of the yoke looks monumentally classy thanks to its Corsair embossed logo, which is almost as reflective as its LEDs are bright. The sleek design continues as the yoke attaches to the light gray leather headband, which features the Corsair text logo subtly engraved across it. It feels a bit silly getting this worked up over the look of a gaming headset, but it was refreshing to only test a White headset, but one that has such a robust chassis.

The high-quality build of the Virtuoso Max impressed me down to the gleaming metal cups, patterned control wheels, USB-C detachable microphone, and the matching light gray cushioned headband and ear cushions. Even the onboard controls don’t feel intrusive and contribute to the professional appearance by remaining tucked away on the bottom of either cup - which includes the wireless mode switch, USB-C mic port, action switch, custom button, and USB-C port for charging.

All of this fanning over the headset’s look was before I even flicked it on, which only cemented it as one of my favorite gaming headsets in looks alone. The six individual rings of both cups light up white one by one, simulating the initial flickering of an overhead office light. Even without customizing them through iCue, these rings felt like a monumental step up from the Corsair Virutuoso RGB Wireless headset, which instead opts for customizable Corsair logos. The Virtuoso Max did take away one thing from its RGB counterpart, and that was the small LED ring on the detachable microphone, which adds an extra bit of flashy flair to an already great-looking bit of tech.

The LED on the microphone will light up red if you’ve purposefully (or accidentally) pressed the mute mic button. This LED-lit classy aesthetic is even represented on the accompanying 2.4GHz wireless dongle. The dongle has a Corsair logo, which will light up white when in use and light up red when it’s connected but the headset isn’t turned on, in case you need a little reminder.

This high-end premium design does come at a cost, and I’m not just meaning it’s brow-raising $330 MSPR. This is a heavy headset, and its tight clamping force doesn’t help in making it a more comfortable experience. I found myself regularly moving it across different areas of my head every half hour to help with blood flow and give my skull some relief. For me, it’s array of high-quality features make it a small price to pay, but if you have an especially sensitive head or are prone to migraines, you may want to stick to a lighter headset alternative.

Features

The features of the Virtuoso Max are vast, but one of the first things I noticed during my early time testing the headset was its unique onboard controls. It has all you would expect of the best wireless headsets, including a ‘wireless mode switch’ that also acts as the power button. With simultaneous Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless, pushing this forward will not only turn the headset on but have you instantly connected should the 2.4GHz dongle be plugged into your PC or PS5. Holding the switch further another notch will activate Bluetooth pairing mode, and it is one of the fastest I’ve ever witnessed. Whether it was hooking the headset up to my Steam Deck or Nintendo Switch, both handhelds recognized the Bluetooth in seconds. Yet, it was the volume control wheel that really drew my attention.

Just to the side of the wireless mode switch, there’s an engraved metal pattern along the entire outer cup. This isn’t just for show and is there to give you a bit of grit as you turn the makeshift ear-wheel to control the volume. This volume wheel is one of my favorite aspects of the headset, as it feels far more convenient than feeling for any volume controls, which can often be small and hard to find on other headsets. It’s also incredibly smooth and satisfying to turn, and even after my two weeks of testing, I still feel like I’m on the set of a Kubrick sci-fi film whenever I use it to control my PS5 or PC’s system volume.

The rest of the left ear cup is home to a USB-C port for the detachable microphone. Cleverly, Corsair opted out of busying up the left side of the headset with more buttons and instead placed the mute mic on the bottom edge of the mic itself. This is noticeable the second you connect the two, as is the strong wired boom arm, which is one of the most robust I’ve used. Rather than the mic flopping around in your peripheral vision, which I experienced with the OXS Storm G2 wireless headset, the Virutoso Max mic stays exactly where you put it.

On the opposite cup, you can find the custom button, which is used to turn on (and off) ANC if you hold it down for a few seconds, along with the action switch. The action switch ended up becoming one of my favorite controls on the headset, namely as it lets you skip music tracks in apps like Spotify - something I do far too often. Now, instead of begrudgingly having to make the effort to open Spotify on my phone or on my PC to skip a few tracks, I could just flick it back and forth and save myself some valuable time. The USB-C port for charging sits just under this button on the right cup, and its wheel can also be used to adjust your microphone’s audio monitoring.

The features of the Virtuoso Max don’t just shine where its onboard controls are concerned, but it’s also decked out with customization in both sound and lighting. By downloading Corsair’s iCue software, you can make some little tweaks to the headset’s lighting brightness, turn on and off its ANC, assign whether each wheel adjusts the system or Bluetooth volume when turned, enable or disable voice prompts, disable the mic’s LED, turn up the mic’s gain or just glance at the remaining battery of the headset instead.

iCue is typically a bit of a tedious and frustrating-to-use bit of proprietary software, and that doesn’t change with the Virtuoso Max. But the fact I was able to actually change the image of the headset to the white SKU I was testing in the review was a nice added detail that made me appreciate iCue more this time around. Fortunately, changing the headset’s lighting was also straightforward, and just like with the Corsair K65 Pro Mini RGB gaming keyboard, you have a range of lighting effects to utilize, from the bright blues of the “watercolor” lighting type to the more gamerified-looking “spiral rainbow.” For a nice added touch, you can set both cups to use the same effects or assign them individually, but for the most part, I stuck with the default white as they kept up the professional office look of white headset.

More importantly, it’s via iCue that you’re introduced to the first set of audio features. Through the app, you can use an equalizer to switch between different audio presets, create your own, or adjust your mic sidetone. iCue also contains a ‘SoundID Personalization’ feature, which provides you with an audio test to create a more personalized sound for your games. The next set of audio features comes through the Dolby Atmos app, which you have to download separately. You can select from a similar range of audio presets, which include game, movie, music, and voice modes, along with three custom slots to create your own personalised audio. Each mode comes with a range of audio settings to choose from, ranging from a detailed, balanced, or warm pre-sets. Naturally, as a gaming headset, the game mode also has an extra performance setting that is designed for competitive games in particular.

Performance

This headset is, by large, a PC gaming headset. It’s compatible with the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox consoles (if you have the Xbox designed version), but its performance lends itself to the platform. This is primarily due to the fact that if you want to customize the sound, you need to use Corsair’s iCue software or the Dolby Atmos app - neither of which you can access while playing your PS5, Nintendo Switch, or Steam Deck, which I also used for testing.

That’s not to say it doesn’t sound great when paired with Sony’s current-gen console. I tested the Virutuoso Max wireless gaming headset while playing hours upon hours of Marvel Rivals, Sea of Thieves, Phasmahobia, and my still ongoing adventures with Unicorn Overlord. At first, even at full volume, the headset was pretty quiet on the PS5, but this was easily remedied by ensuring I had downloaded the latest firmware update through iCue. Afterwards, the low, mid and high range levels of each game’s soundscape sounded more full and pulled forward, which was ideal as I like my game audio loud and in-your-face.

Galacta’s high-energy narration in Marvel Rivals sounded as clear as day through the cups, and the triumphant score of the competitive hero shooter sounded fairly balanced. It was missing that boomy bass, but without an app version of iCue at my disposal, there wasn’t much I could do to fix that. This would be a common theme no matter what PS5 game I played - and while nothing ever sounded bad in any way, I can’t help but wish there was an easy way to play around with iCue’s audio features on my Sony console. Fortunately, at least, with the Dolby Atmos options turned on through the PS5’s audio settings, I was able to witness the headset’s spatial audio through Sea of Thieves for the first time - which does wonders for Rare’s swashbuckling masterpiece.

Again, I didn’t have the full options as per the PC Dolby Atmos app, but I could still feel like I was truly below deck in my 2-manned sloop, as the creaking of the ship sounded like it was permeating all around me. This was even better on the PC, where not only I still had access to my pirate and my ship thanks to Rare’s cross-progression, but I also had access to the various audio presets through the Dolby Atmos app which made the Sea of Thieves audio design, and stunning ost by Robin Beanland sound more full-bodied.

Of course, on PC I also had the iCue audio settings to play around with. But no matter if I tried out ‘Bass Boost’ or ‘FPS Competition, they never sounded like they lifted the audio in any positive way. The audio presets in the Dolby Atmos app, however, were fun to play around with - and I got a lot of use out of the ‘detailed’ and ‘balanced’ options found within the movie mode despite it being designed with watching media in mind. These options also lend themselves to shooters like Counter-Strike 2, which I tested out primarily when it came to putting the Virutuoxo Max through its paces on PC.

Keep in mind, I’m alright at hero shooters. When testing on the PS5, the headset’s clear and detailed soundscape made it easier to hide away from any approaching rival team members while I lurked around as Cloak and Dagger, my new Marvel Rivals main character. However, it’s been a while since I had the edge in a competitive FPS like Counter-Strike 2. That being said, being able to place the enemy team around me and hear their footsteps, which were easy to make out through the high-quality custom 50mm graphene audio drivers, made me actually enjoy an online FPS. In fact, I even alluded to the fact that I want to play even more CS2 to the delight of my partner, when it’s not typically my online game of choice.

I also used the headset when playing the Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck, and the higher-end of the Virtuoso Max’s sound lent itself to games like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Sunshine, which I played via Super Mario 3D Allstars. On the Steam Deck, I tested the headset while playing A Highland Song and was able to mater the music rhythm segments thanks to not just the high-quality Bluetooth connection but also the audio excellence coming from the cups - even without iCue or the Dolby Atmos app by my side.

The audio of the Virtuoxo Max, and its various audio customizations isn’t the only thing it has going for it. The detachable microphone was also a joy to use and is one of the best microphones I’ve used in a headset to date. Just like the high-quality mic of headsets like the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro or the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, the mic of this headset made my voice sound crystal clear. That’s even when frantically shouting as I was left behind in a derelict spooky house in Phasmophobia, the quality of the mic remained intact.

Where the headset didn’t dazzle and amaze me, however, was when I got down to its weight. Even after the first 30 minutes of using the Virtuoso Max I had to adjust where the 417g headband was sitting on my head to relieve some pressure. Sure, it’s padded, but it’s not the softest foam, and it feels pretty rigid compared to what you want in a premium headset, especially one of the most expensive headsets at that. Luckily, I never experienced any pain around my ears despite the equally rigid feeling of the padded foam cups. I put this down to the fact they’re large enough that even my huge ears always felt enclosed and tucked away, and actually this was a benefit when the ANC was turned on as I truly couldn’t hear anything else going on around me.

Should you buy the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless?

The Corsair Virtuoxo Max wireless high-fidelity gaming headset is not a budget-friendly pair of cups, and I firmly believe any gaming big of tech that isn’t a console should be given extra scrutiny when it sits above the $300 price threshold. That being said, its high-end price feels almost entirely justified given the full magnitude of features and quality on display with this headset - from its robust metal chassis, its high-quality audio and multi-platform compatibility.

For PC and multi-platform players, this headset is an easy recommendation. Sure, PC players will get the most out of it as it relies on software like iCue and Dolby Atmos for audio and lighting customization. Yet, even without bringing out the extra booming qualities of the headsets bass, and turning its cups into a dazzling light show, it’ll still make your PS5, Nintendo Switch, and even Steam Deck games sound sublime.

For those who prioritize battery life, and want access to audio customization without just having to use your PC, an alternative like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless headset would better suit your needs. It also has a similar MSRP of over $300, but if you’re lucky, you can find it discounted during Black Friday, and other big sales events. Unlike Corsair, SteelSeries’s free app means you can tailor the audio with your phone, and it’s hot swappable batteries will go further than the up to 60 hours of the Virtuoso Max wireless headset.

How I tested the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless

I spent over two weeks testing Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless where it became my go-to device day in and day out. During that time, I ran the premium pair of cups through a gaming gauntlet of hours upon hours of Sea of Thieves, Marvel Rivals, Counter-Strike 2, and some Fortnite and Stardew Valley for good measure. I also tested it out with the Nintendo Switch to play games like Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario Sunshine through Super Mario 3D All-Stars and while playing A Highland Song on the Steam Deck.

When not gaming, I used the Virtuoso Max Wireless to watch the finale of Severance season two, along with a plethora of TV shows on streaming platforms from Apple TV to Netflix. I also listened to playlist upon playlist on Spotify, testing it with the 90s alt stylings of the Lost Records game soundtrack, a bit too much Fleetwood Mac and a range of bands and artists to see hope it coped with a range of different genres. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

If the Corsair Virtuoso Max isn’t the right fit, check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Xbox Series X headsets to find the perfect pair of cups for your favorite console.

In the short amount of time the Corsair Virtuoso Max wireless has graced my Scottish head, it's taken me aback with not just how good it sounds, but with how good it looks too. The gaming headset has blown me away with its high-quality audio, intuitive onboard controls, classy metal design, and eye-dazzling RGB lighting, but it's hard to ignore that it's a little on the pricey side.

The premium headset has taken a nice chunky discount down to $249.99 at Amazon, 24% off its hefty MSRP of $329.99. At its typical price, it's not that far off the price of the best gaming headset, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless, which comes in at just $20 more without any savings, but with $80 off this high-end price is down to a reasonable mid-range point position.

This record-low price feels more fitting for the premium headset, especially as it isn't as feature-full as other high-end alternatives. But even without a fancy base station and hot-swappable batteries, its high-quality sound, flashy sleek premium metal build, ANC, and simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth audio do enough to make this worthy of any gaming setup - this current discount just sweetens the deal.

Should you buy the Corsair Virtuoso Max wireless headset?

Despite its $329.99 / £279.99 MSRP, the Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless is missing out on the features you may expect of a high-end gaming headset. To begin with, this isn't designed with Xbox consoles in mind, so this is more for PC, PS5, Switch, and smartphone fans. There's also no base station to be found here, so you can't easily switch to the platforms it is compatible with, and charging has to be done the simple way, through the USB-C port on the right cup.

That doesn't mean the Corsair isn't a qualifier for one of the best PC headsets for gaming I've come across. To begin with, it's one of the sleekest-looking headsets that's popped across my testing bench. Its metal form factor feels premium and robust, especially if you happen to pick up the white version. Not to mention, the LED rings on either cup are some of the most subtle uses of lighting on any headset. With every turn of the right cup, also the volume control, the rings of LEDs actually change, which only adds to its classy aesthetic.

It doesn't just look the part, but in my short time with the headset, every game I've thrown its way sounds crisp and mighty through its custom 50mm graphene audio drivers. While I've predominantly been using it for my PS5, this headset shines the most on the PC, where you can try out its immersive Dolby Atlmos spatial audio, and tweak not just its audio, but its lighting via iCue. It's also jam-packed with simultaneous 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connectivity, and ANC.

The ANC is a battery drain, like it is on any headset, but I have had to charge it a fair few times already despite Corsair's boasting it can last up to 60 hours. Its gleaming LED lighting, which also features at the tip of its detachable high-quality mic, is also likely also behind its sub-par battery.

With a headset as flashy as the Virtuoso Max, its premium metal form factor does come at a price - a heavy one at that. At 431g it's one of the most lumbering headsets I've ever tested. It's pretty noticeable right out of the box, and worse after you've spent far too much time playing Sea of Thieves. Don't get me wrong, its fabric-coated padded cups do enough to prevent any pressure against the ears. But on multiple occasions, I had to adjust the headband and move it further back on my head to relieve the pressure the weight had built up over time.

If having an overtly heavy headset is a dealbreaker, then Corsair itself does have some lighter alternatives like the Corsair HS80 Max. At 352g it's still on the heavier side, but its plastic design makes it less of a strain on the noggin. Alternatively, there's also the Corsair Virtuoso Pro. Our hardware team's own Tabitha Baker remarked in her Corsair Virtuoso Pro review that the headset was "nice and lightweight" at 338g, and it didn't "feel flimsy" either.

If the Corsair Corsair Virtuoso Max Wireless gaming headset isn't doing it for you, check out our guides to the best PS5 headsets, best Xbox Series X headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch headset which are full to the brim with other high-end pairs of cups to choose from.

Flagship gaming chairs don't come cheap, and if you shop with the biggest, most well-known brands you'll quickly realize that. The names "Herman Miller", "Secretlab", and even "Razer" automatically bring $600+ price tags to mind, and if you opt for the flagship seats from those manufacturers, you dip into seriously expensive territory.

Corsair may be better known for its gaming PC components than its furniture, but if there's one well-established gaming hardware brand right now that's making flagship gaming chair features more accessible, that's the one. I just reviewed Corsair's TC500 Luxe - in fact, I'm still parked in it right now - and despite only having a $499.99 price tag, it's seeing a near $100 discount at Amazon which brings it down to $404.20.

This $95 price cut only applies to the Sherwood green model, but both the Frost (white) and Shadow (grey) variants are going for $424.99 at the moment. I'm honestly surprised to see this chair get such a deep price cut this February. First of all, this isn't the time of year I expect to see big chunks of cash coming off any of the best gaming chairs. Secondly, this chair only launched late in 2024, so for it to already have more than a $50 discount is pretty good going.

Should you buy the Corsair TC500 Luxe?

You may be wondering why I'd argue that the Corsair TC500 Luxe isn't for everyone. To begin with, just take a look at it. It doesn't exactly fit in with the crowd of quite samey, racing seat-shaped, RGB-reflecting gaming chairs from specialist brands. It doesn't even go down the route of minimalist Swedish design that makes the Fractal Refine stand out. This is a chair that resembles a classy leather reading lounger more than it does a gaming throne. It's like what you'd expect a bond villain to swivel around in while ominously expecting you.

I'd argue this seat walks the line between something that has all the gaming features you want for desk setup or console gaming while looking safe for work at the same time, which is a tricky balance to get right. The Boulies Master Series manages that too, and either chair will give you a more distinct look than the Secretlab Titan Evo, which is so popular that it's immediately recognizable.

The TC500 Luxe is plenty comfortable and strikes another great balance between comfort and firmness for posture correction. It's got integrated lumbar support and a beautiful head pillow that feels softer than any other I've tested. It has a wide seat base to cater to lots of different sitting positions and body shapes. But there's another reason I'd argue this chair isn't for everyone. Its armrests are both excellent and terrible.

The innovative "omniflex" design Corsair has gone for with this chair is great. It allows you to sink weight into your elbows without a rigid armrest putting pressure on them or trapping a nerve. But for some reason, even when you move them to their narrowest setting, the armrests are far too far apart. It's a glaring issue a lot of reviewers have noted, and it's a massive shame. I, for one, have come to terms with it, and I'm still using the TC500 Luxe as my everyday chair at the moment because it doesn't ruin the experience. But this is a flaw I can't understand how it got all the way into final production - especially when the rest of the seat is so well thought-out.

So, is the Corsair TC500 Luxe for you? If it is, I wouldn't wait around for its discount to disappear.

Looking to beef up your gaming setup this year? Check out the best gaming PCs, the best VR headsets, and the best PC controller.

If Ron Burgundy owned a gaming chair, it’d be the Corsair TC500 Luxe. This seat resembles those leather reading chairs you’d see in someone’s home library in the 70s - you can practically smell the cigar smoke and rich mahogany from it. And at the same time, it still manages to look like a modern gaming chair that feels right at home in an RGB-draped setup. That takes some doing, and Corsair’s designers have really pulled it out of the bag.

This is the brand’s attempt at a high-end spot on the best gaming chair ladder. I’ve already placed its excellent TC100 Relaxed on our leaderboard as the best budget option, so going into testing the premium alternative, I had some expectations. For a flagship chair, I’m delighted to note that Corsair has managed to avoid the ludicrously high price lines other brands lean into. This may be a gaming chair for people who own many leather-bound books, but at $500/£500, this really is one of the best value finds in 2025.

I’ll be upfront and say that I actually love this chair, so much so that it’s replacing the now discontinued Boulies Ninja Pro as my mainstay I’ll keep around for when I’m not testing something new. Unfortunately, though, it has a massive, inescapable issue that nearly spoils the whole experience. Whether or not it’s a deal breaker for you, I’m not sure.

Assembly

Of all the gaming chairs I’ve tested, the Corsair TC100 Relaxed had the most minimalist approach to assembly instructions. There were no included leaflets or a Secretlab-esque placard with handy diagrams. The only help you get in building it is going to Corsair’s website and finding instructions for an older chair model with a similar assembly process.

With the TC500 Luxe, there is a similar lack of instructions but Corsair’s YouTube channels have some helpful instructional videos that go through how to assemble it. Fortunately, there was nothing too confusing about the process and, like the Secretlab Titan Evo NanoGen, the armrests come pre-attached, meaning there’s one less step between unboxing and sitting.

It was during this assembly process that the first moment of foreboding hit me. In the video above, the voiceover clearly says “the width of the armrests can be adjusted by partially loosening the screws”. Having been particularly excited about this chair, I had read some other reviews of it, which I don’t usually do.

The consensus on this seat was that it’s excellent, but for some reason, its armrests are set far too widely apart. To mitigate that issue, I thought, I’d move the armrests of mine during assembly to as narrow as they can go. When I got to that stage of the build though, they were already in their narrowest setting. “What are the other reviews complaining about then?” I thought.

I had far too little faith in my fellow gaming chair critics.

Design

The thing that immediately stands out about this chair on a first look is its hex-pattern cushioning, which gives it that antique, classy feel so many gaming chairs lack. Like the Boulies Master Series, it looks like something that’d be just at home in a remote worker’s professional video call as it does an RGB-filled gaming livestream.

It has a wide seat base with a generous lip on its front, inviting plenty of viable sitting positions. It has rounded shoulders that remind me of a Razer Iskur X, and the integrated lumbar support and magnetic head cushion made famous by brands like Secretlab and DXRacer.

The result is a very attractive gaming chair that’s up there with the Fractal Refine in terms of its style, and tying its aesthetics together is its marvelous choice of upholstery, which sits somewhere between suede and leather. It’s not quite either and, in truth, it might be my new favorite material for any gaming chair. It’s breathable, but it still feels as premium as the highest-end leather options. It’s also nice and plush, adding a velvety surface to a chair that isn’t as firm as Secretlab, but isn’t quite as comfort-aimed as the Boulies Ninja Pro.

The TC500 Luxe is available in three colors, with each sporting the same black wheelbase, armrests, and casters. Frost is a creamy white color, which looks surprisingly nice for a white gaming chair (these often tend to look very bold and a bit “extra”), but I can’t help but feel a slightly different color of wheelbase would really complement this model a bit more. Shadow is a sort of graphite-grey color which is perfect for anyone wanting something more muted. The version Corsair sent me is the Sherwood variant, which has this alluring mossy green look to it and sits beautifully against my walnut-textured desk. I usually advocate for more color choices with gaming chairs, but I think these hues offer a perfect set of variables for the classy feel the Luxe is going for. I’m not sure the same effect would be achieved with a blue colorway - and this certainly isn’t something I’d like to see making a play for our best pink gaming chair list.

Features

Supporting the TC500 Luxe is a solid steel inner frame. I have to say, I’m really impressed with the build quality it brings because unlike 90% of gaming chairs today, I’ve heard no creaks or squeaks coming from it after a month of testing. All the while, it doesn’t have the Secretlab problem of that great build quality potentially contributing to a really firm sitting experience.

All the usual adjustment features are here, with a reclining backrest that tilts from 90° to 160°. You can also adjust the height and backward lean, and that aforementioned 4-way lumbar support does a lot to support your lower back. The magnetic neck pillow is the best I’ve ever tested in a gaming chair. Somehow, it’s managed to out-plush Boulies and Secretlab with memory foam that feels affectionately soft and eases back into its plump shape right after taking your head off it. I found it easy to slide around depending on my sitting position too, so Corsair has provided a large magnetic surface area for it.

One of the standout features of this chair is that it has an innovative set of Omniflex armrests. These are mounted in their center, the same as most gaming chair armrests are, but they have a unique fold in them that means when you press your weight into them, they have some give, coiling down and putting less stress on your elbows and shoulders. This is, quite honestly, ingenious, and does make a big difference to comfort when leaning on them for hours at a time. I don’t get the occasional trapped nerve or a numb feeling in my elbows like I do with other chairs, and I hope this is a design that’s adopted by other manufacturers.

These armrests are meant to be 4D, but I was sad to learn that wasn’t really the case. They can move up and down, they can rotate up to 215°, they can click back and forward in the same annoying way the Fractal Refine ones do. But they’re missing a vital side-to-side movement.

Herein lies the single biggest problem with the Corsair TC500 Luxe. Other reviewers were right, the armrests of this chair are needlessly far apart. And the worst bit is that a simple sliding hinge that slides them across laterally is all it would take to alleviate this issue, potentially even bolstering this to my new top gaming chair.

Performance

Armrests are often overlooked when you’re shopping for a chair. The main draw is the ergonomics, the comfort, the shape, and size. But armrests are a massive contributor to a healthy sitting position. Because the TC500 Luxe’s armrests are set too wide, even at their narrowest, they actually detract from the posture support this excellent gaming chair gives you. If you sit up with a dignified posture, so you feel a stretch up your spine, and then move your elbows further apart, your chest will sink down as a result, creating an unhealthy slouching position in your upper back.

I often carry stress and tension in my shoulders and traps, and throughout months of testing other seats with armrests that sit straight with my body’s natural sitting position, I’ve not been feeling that of late. Within a week or two of testing the TC500 Luxe, I was feeling that all-too-familiar knot in my right shoulder.

Luckily, the saving grace is that you can rotate the armrests around somewhat, meaning that you will be able to find a more natural sitting position when gaming, but your forearms will poke off of them, never getting their full benefit. It’s also the straw that breaks the camel’s back when you’re using the armrests to stand up and they click out of the one position you found them comfortable in.

I’ve heard of some Redditors and other early adopters drilling holes in their seatbases to move the armrests in further, but this isn’t something you should have to do when spending $500 on a gaming chair from a well-known brand, and I can’t really wrap my head around why the armrest’s most narrow setting is like the widest setting on any other chair. I love that the seatbase is wide because it allows me to either cross one leg under the other, or cross both legs while sitting on it. But that wouldn’t be hampered by armrests that could slide further in.

Other reviewers have said this is quite a firm seat, but as someone who finds the Secretlab options far too firm, I’m not sure I agree on that point. For me, this is akin to the Corsair TC100 Relaxed in that it provides a really great blend of comfort and firmness. Not every chair gets that right, and I applaud Corsair for making something that I can sit in comfortably for long hours. I do still get a numb bum if I stay in a position too long, but it takes a lot longer to pang me than when I’m sitting in a Secretlab Titan Evo.

Should you buy the Corsair TC500 Luxe?

It’d be easy to read my thoughts on Corsair’s armrests and think they’re a dealbreaker. For me, they’re not, but if I had paid for a $500 chair and been met with armrest designs that make little to no sense for a wide range of body types, I certainly wouldn’t be happy.

Fortunately, there’s enough about the Corsair TC500 Luxe that I’m really fond of, so I wouldn’t call the wide armrests a dealbreaker. The premium looks, feel, and a great blend of comfort and firmness add up to a fantastic chair that is competitively priced compared to a lot of high-end options.

And for all its armrest woes, there is some ingenuity at play thanks to Corsair’s omniflex design. This is a chair that stands out for so many reasons, and it’s one I’d easily recommend. I’d just be sending a message to those DIY fixers on Reddit to ask them how I should drill new holes into the seat base.

How I tested the Corsair TC500 Luxe

I parked myself in Corsair’s high-end gaming chair for around a month before this review was written. I assembled it myself in around 20-30 minutes, and didn’t find it too heavy to lift around on my own. I sat in this chair for long hours for remote working during the day, gaming during the evening, and content creation at my desk in my spare time too.

I compared my experience closely with the Corsair TC100 Relaxed since it’s made by the same manufacturer, and with other premium options on the market like the Secretlab Titan Evo, Fractal Refine, and Boulies chairs.

For more on how we test gaming chairs, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

Looking to upgrade your gaming space in 2025? Check out the best console gaming chairs, the best gaming desks, and the best VR headsets.

In a way, I feel bad for the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240. While the OLED gaming monitor's MSRP has aged like expensive milk, it's out there right now pulling big price cut moves. And, for what it's worth, I'm impressed by its new record low price, but a cheaper alternative with the same 1440p 240Hz LG panel still has it beat.

Okay, here's the sitch - the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 is currently down to $599.99 from $999.99 at Amazon. A delicious price cut considering I have it shortlisted as one of the best gaming monitors for 1440p gameplay, and last year's wave of Black Friday monitor deals failed to bring it under $700.

Unfortunately, it's most recent nose dive is still no price match for the KTC G27P6, as it boasts near identical specs and is down to $494.99. That's thanks to both a limited time deal and an on page discount code that knocks a further 10% off its $649.99 price tag. In other words, this budget OLED model just set a record low of its own, and the timing couldn't be any worse for Corsair.

Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 vs KTC G27P6 - which should you buy?

It's Corsair versus a name you've probably never heard of. And no, KFC haven't started started making monitors all of a sudden. The KTC G27P6 is just one of many gaming monitors at Amazon that boasts fantastic specs at a lower price than brands. I used to be far more suspicious of random screens at the online retailer, and while I still have my reservations in some scenarios. I can confirm this specific 1440p 240Hz OLED screen can almost produce the exact same experience at the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240.

It's worth hammering home that the similarities between KTC and Corsair's monitors are due to their panel commonality. Both use a 27-inch LG OLED display, meaning they produce very similar contrast and colors. The former's package is admittedly more elegant in terms of aesthetics, featuring black, steep angles in place of the G27P6's more plasticy grey shell. But, from the front, you're talking the exact same kind of vibe.

Surprisingly, KTC has manage to include more than just the same panel within its OLED monitor, as it boasts the same 65W power delivery capabilities via a USB-C hub. I've tested both using the Steam Deck OLED and various other gaming handheld contenders, and while you can achieve the same functionality with a Steam Deck dock, it's an incredibly useful extra.

You'll notice I said the KTC G27P6 almost provides the same visuals as the Xeneon 27QHD240. and that's due to its less impressive HDR performance. In truth, the screen still has many other monitors beat with High Dynamic Range switched on, but I found that the display was just slightly lacking compared to Corsair's model. This is likely due to brightness differences caused by different firmware, but worth thinking about if you're fussy about HDR.

Ultimately, deciding between the Corsair Xeneon 27QHD240 and KTC G27P6 comes down to two factors. The first is naturally price, as we're talking about a $105 gap, and I'm not so sure you're getting over $100 worth of better visual performance. What you will get is an HDR edge and a screen that will look slightly nicer from behind. I'll leave it to you to decide whether either of those matter enough to pay more, but while Corsair has my attention with its offer, KTC has me acting like the distracted boyfriend meme.

Looking for more PC screen savings? Swing by the best Black Friday monitor deals and best Black Friday 4K monitor deals. Alternatively, check out Black Friday TV deals for larger living room displays.

The Elgato Prompter is the type of product that defines this brand. I first used Elgato products way back in 2015 when I bought its first-ever capture card, the Game Capture HD. Since then, streaming and content creation hardware has popped up from almost every gaming peripheral brand, but Elgato has always been the trailblazer, inventing never-before-seen products you wonder how anyone ever achieved success without.

Before this becomes a puff piece about Elgato, let me make clear that this manufacturer has not been my favorite in recent years. Innovation has often given way to iterative products that don’t offer people anything new, but still demand a higher price than rival companies. I understand that not every product Elgato makes can reinvent the wheel, but this is a wing of Corsair that’s at its best when it’s creating the first of something - products that have never before appeared on our best gear for streaming lists.

The Elgato Prompter is such a product. It feels as practical as the original Game Capture and as intuitive as the first Stream Deck. This is Elgato truly innovating, and despite a lofty price of $279.99 / £279.99, it’s something I’d even recommend to beginners. If you plan to present a script to camera often, this is a must-have device that has no true alternative.

Design

I’m not going to claim that Elgato invented the teleprompter. An inverted display and some reflective glass have been used since the dawn of television to make speaking directly into a camera lens feel more natural. For streamers and content creators, though, options are pretty limited. You can get something to set your phone in, or you can buy a tablet and attach it to a tripod. Alternatives on Amazon often feel so make-shift that they’re not worth the bother. Elgato has changed that by taking the traditional teleprompter and adapting it for the internet, making it the perfect solution for the masses. 

As you might expect, there are two main parts to the Prompter, a 9-inch display with a 1024 x 600p resolution, and then a reflective piece of special glass fixed above it. Behind the glass sits a housing for attaching a camera that will then, in theory, capture footage at the same quality it would usually. 

The “attaching a camera” bit is where discussing the design of Elgato’s Prompter gets quite tricky because there are so many moving parts that will differ for you depending on which camera and even lens you’re using. In the box, you get a slew of what Elgato calls step-up rings - special fittings that you can poke your camera through. To be precise, you get a 49, 52, 55, 58, 62, 67, 72, 77, and 82 mm ring, which gives you loads of leeway for adding different cameras.

If you’re using one of the best webcams, there’s a backplate that will help smaller lenses remain secure, as well as a fixing plate that holds them in place from below. There’s definitely scope for a lot of webcams to work, but, based on my testing with several different models, the overall design does feel more tilted at DSLR cameras and the shape of Elgato’s own Facecams, like the Facecam MK2.

Helpfully, Elgato also provides a handy USB-C to USB-A 3.0 cable, which has a right angle at the “C” end so it won’t pull at the prompter. I’ve also played around with the included shroud that comes in the box, which adds yet more versatility for lighting control. I did love that inside Elgato’s very sustainable packaging, you get everything you’ll need for setting up the Prompter, including mounting screws and a cleaning cloth. The only thing you’ll really need to buy separately is a tripod, but chances are, if you’re looking into buying a prompter like this, you’ll already have one.

Features

As is the case for all of Elgato’s products that aren’t capture cards, the Prompter is controlled through the brand’s Camera Hub software. This gives the Prompter its three distinct “modes”, all of which can be helpful depending on what you’re up to. The first mode is a straight-up display mode, which your PC or Mac will recognize by default. This is exactly what it sounds like - the Prompter will act as a defacto display you can position and configure how you’d like. It uses a panel with a 60Hz refresh rate, and for reasons I’ll come onto, I wish there were more options here. 

The second is the prompter mode. This loads up a script you add into the Camera Hub, and the display turns into what you’d expect of a teleprompter. What I really like in this mode is how many settings Elgato thought to include. Camera Hub allows you to control the brightness and contrast level of the display, the speed of the scroll, the margin size, and even the color and font of the text and background, which is huge for someone like me who has dyslexia. If you want the size of the text to be larger, you can change that as well to make it the most comfortable reading experience for you. When you paste a script into the software, it will automatically load into chapters that make clicking to different points in the script so much easier. Additionally, if you move your mouse cursor onto the prompter’s display, you can scroll up and down manually.

New settings for the Prompter mode seem to be in the works as well because even since I got my review unit, the ability for Camera Hub to scroll the Prompter’s text using your voice (and natural reading speed) has been added. I can’t wait to see what more utility comes later on.

The third mode is more useful for streamers, because it’s a chat window. In concept, you throw your Twitch handle into the settings menu, and the display will then let you monitor your Twitch stream’s chat. Viewers can feel as though you are actually talking directly to them if you do this because looking at the camera is looking at what they’ve been saying. Annoyingly, YouTube chat still can’t be integrated, which is a real shame. I have no doubt this is in the pipeline, but it’s taking a frustratingly long time to add.

Performance

Having a prompter this powerful has made creating my videos on YouTube so much easier. Before, I’d have to earmark the parts of my scripts I’d want to appear on camera for, memorize them, and then deliver them accordingly when laying down a voice-over track. This was fine, but a less-than-perfect solution. If I changed my mind later and wanted a different part of the script on camera, then I wouldn’t have the option on the cutting room floor. Now, I can deliver an entire script directly to the camera with all the expressions and eye contact I’d like, and I have so many options when it comes to editing. 

Not only that, but memorising parts of a script and practising delivery can be tricky and time consuming. The Prompter allows me to read more naturally, and if I want a different take, it’s easy to skip back a chapter and redo. Before having a Prompter to read from, I used to do this annoying thing where my eyes would already start moving away from the lens and toward my script before a natural cutting point. Now, the script and camera are one, so I don’t need inventive cutting to get around bad presenting.

Then, when you add the customization options, you get so much scope to make the Prompter feel like your own. As a dyslexic, I can find reading certain fonts harder than others, and coloring the texts or backgrounds can really help me. I love that Elgato has supplied that option, because so often dyslexic people aren’t thought of, and need to adapt to what everyone else can do easily. Being able to change font and margin size is a huge win too. Depending on the distance you are from your camera when recording, the margin on the prompter can make it obvious you’re reading - which viewers will be able to pick up on.

Now, I know this isn’t one of the best gaming monitors, but I wish the Elgato Prompter could change its refresh rate. I use a Razer Kiyo Pro Ultra because it’s probably the best webcam ever made, but at 4K, it can still only capture at 30fps. When you have a display projecting light at 60Hz up into a lens capturing at 30Hz, you can get a bad case of glare and flickering. Changing brightness and contrast levels can help, as can using the included shroud to block out other lighting sources. Nevertheless, this is a flaw for anyone not using a DSLR camera because it makes even the uppermost echelon of webcams feel troublesome. I also think there’s a slight disparity between the step-up ring that’s most appropriate for the Kiyo Pro Ultra’s and its actual size - and it wouldn’t surprise me if that’s the case for some of Elgato’s other rival products.

Zooming out, this refresh rate issue speaks to my wider issues with Elgato’s Prompter. As a content creation tool alone, this product is unmatched, but for its other use cases, I’m not sure it’s truly viable.

I was so excited to use the Elgato Prompter as a third display, but in all honesty, it isn’t really worth keeping it plugged in. As a USB-C peripheral with no HDMI or DisplayPort connectivity, it puts extra strain on your CPU, and even with an Intel Core i5-13600K, I noticed that extra bandwidth being used. Furthermore, I wish the prompter was a little bit larger. As a third display in combination with two 27-inch monitors, it ends up looking too small and awkward to actually use comfortably. Throwing a video call window into the Prompter’s admittedly crystal clear display is a great idea, but the application will appear so small that you’ll probably end up squinting at whichever colleagues you have on a call, which would look more unnatural than just having them sit on a display underneath your webcam.

If I use my Prompter as a display, it’s usually to keep a file window or Spotify open, giving me easy access at any moment. The file window option is especially useful for video editing so I could drag and drop things onto my timeline, but for the most part, I ended up unplugging because it was more trouble than it was worth, and it was churning my PC fans into a frenzy. This went for using the Stream Chat mode too, unfortunately.

I can’t help but feel a second edition of the Prompter which will inevitably arrive in the future would benefit from a larger size, more refresh rate options, and either HDMI or DisplayPort support.

Should you buy the Elgato Prompter?

If you’re a content creator, the Elgato Prompter needs to be something you’re considering. I’d argue it’ll make as much difference to your content as one of the best microphones for streaming and gaming - and I value those highly.

For streamers and remote workers, I’d say it’s less valuable than Elgato would have you think. It’s just a little too small and a little too demanding for the average user who probably already has a million USB peripherals providing them value. 

If you’re a YouTuber or somebody who finds themselves presenting a script to camera often, this is no short of a must-have. This is Elgato at its innovative best and a product that’s given my content creation setup a massive quality-of-life boost.

Admittedly, this isn’t a cheap piece of kit, but it’s something I’d prioritize if you want to come across naturally on camera while having the confidence that your viewers will be seeing an authentic version of you.

How I tested the Elgato Prompter

I integrated the Elgato Prompter into my gaming, content creation, and work-from-home setup for around two months before writing up this review. In that time, I’ve had extensive experience with all of its use cases, including videos delivered to camera, use of it as a display for PC, and as a chat window while live streaming. 

Having been a content creator for YouTube for a while, I was able to compare my time spent testing the Prompter with my years of not having it, and I enjoyed being able to test out how the different settings in the Elgato Camera Hub changed my experience. You can compare my on-screen delivery in this video where I didn’t have the prompter with this one, where I did use it. 

For more on how we test gaming and streaming tech, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy. 

A prompter isn’t the only thing that’ll make a difference to your content-creating setup. Check out the best ring lights for streaming, the best green screen, and the best streaming mixers. 

It seemed a little strange to me that while Mark Cerny talked us all through the performance boosts of the upcoming PS5 Pro, he forgot to mention that it will house an upgraded 2TB SSD inside it. That extra storage space might help to justify the price of the console, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense to me as a selling point. The PS5 has had an additional SSD port in it since launch, and one of the console’s best features has been the ability to boost its storage with drives that are actually faster than Sony’s custom SSD.

If the price tag of the PS5 Pro is out of reach for you, a storage upgrade to your existing PS5 is probably the best way to give your gaming life a quality of life boost without breaking the bank. Take this Corsair MP600 Elite 1TB SSD, for instance. It’s currently discounted down from $94.99 to $84.99 at Amazon, and its integrated heatsink means installing it will take very little effort.

A $10 price cut isn’t exactly huge, but for one of the top-performing drives I’ve ever tested for PS5, this is a great price to pay. The best SSDs for PS5 have been a lot pricier in the last year, and you’re lucky if you can find a PS5-ready option for under $90 - even if it was released in 2022. This deal at Amazon brings an SSD made by a premium brand down to the cost that budget brands charge, so I can’t express how good an opportunity it is. 

Should you buy the Corsair MP600 Elite?

I test SSDS for a living, and so far, this is my favorite PS5 SSD to come out in 2024. It takes the benefits of the previous Corsair MP600 drives and boosts them to new heights, with faster read and write speeds and a beautiful design. 

In fact, the design of the integrated heatsink is one of the reasons I’d argue it stands out from the rest of the PS5 SSD crowd. There’s breathing space between this drive’s heatsink and its bottom, meaning more airflow can help to keep it cool from both sides, which other drives neglect. 

What might surprise you is that this SSD actually boasts faster read and write speeds than the internal drive of the PS5, pulling in sequential read and write speeds of 7,038MB/s and 6,500MB/s when we tested it. That means that if you transfer your games onto this, they’ll actually load slightly faster than they would from the console’s built-in storage. Full disclosure, the PS5 is unable to divert power to the secondary M.2 bay in the same way that a gaming PC can, but that doesn’t stop some of the best SSDS for gaming from producing brilliant loading times.

I don’t need to spell out to you that boosting your PS5’s storage for only $84 will save you a lot of money compared to buying an entire PS5 Pro. Personally, my PS5 runs games exactly how I want it to, and I’ve never seen it struggle to run games at 4K because console ports need to be stable in order to pass Sony’s certification process. I haven’t had my hands on the PS5 Pro to really test out its performance boosts yet, but for now, I know which upgrade route I’d recommend.

Check out more PS5 upgrades with the best PS5 controllers, the best PS5 external hard drives, and the best PS5 accessories. 

Corsair’s HS80 headset delighted back in 2021. Its well-tuned audio, lower mid-range price tag, and comfortable shape set it apart from the rest of its cohort and set the series up for excellent long-term use. The newer Corsair HS80 Max certainly leans into these strengths in its latest iteration, even if some of its weaknesses are still fairly pronounced. A PC / PlayStation headset prioritizing easy wireless connections and rich audio texture, the Max has plenty going for it straight out the box. I took the 2023 model out for two weeks of testing to see where the brand’s geometric cups sit within the best gaming headsets on the market. 

Design

At first glance, the Max could be indistinguishable from the previous Corsair HS80 RGB release. Both carry the angled cup shapes that have become ubiquitous with the HS80 name itself and offer a comfortable housing for the ear itself, rather than squishing it into a circular form factor. That means no ear-pinching, even over longer sessions, but a spacious seal around the shape of the ear. 

Soft fabric covers a set of memory foam cushions around the border of these cups - perfect for those who don’t get on with the sometimes sticky feel of the leatherette often included on more premium headsets. The fabric cover does still warm up, but things are much cooler here than, say, the Corsair Virtuoso RGB Wireless XT or Turtle Beach Stealth Pro. However, the seal maintained by this lighter fabric isn’t quite as solid as you’ll find with a denser material and the cloth could likely erode over time. 

You will find a dash of leatherette running across the ski-style headband, providing a slight cushioning to the inner strap. This band is adjustable via velcro pads on the underside of the main plastic bridge. While a neat way to keep a fabric band in place, I prefer a sliding scale as it’s difficult to perfectly balance each side when simply relying on eyeballing each side. This design also means material hangs over the sides of the headset when not worn should you increase the headband size. 

The strap itself carries some strong tension in its elastic, keeping the head protected from the harder plastic above. It’s also a little slimmer than other ski bands, most notably those from SteelSeries. That does put a little more pressure on the crown than a more cushioned approach, which did wear on me a little during longer periods of testing. 

I found myself shifting the position of the headband a few times after around two hours of wear, seating it forward or backward on my head to give each area a break. Lengthening the strap helped this problem, but resulted in additional pressure from the cups themselves falling too low over my ears. If you’re used to ski bands, this isn’t going to be a massive issue, but anyone coming from a wider band like the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless is going to feel it slightly.  

At 352g, the Corsair HS80 Max sits at the higher end of average, but the plastic construction saves it from feeling like a dead weight across the noggin. That trade-off doesn’t come with too many sacrifices either. No, it doesn’t look like a seriously expensive headset, but I have no concerns with the overall build quality and everything feels solid and secure with no creaking or flexing. The only points of damage could be in the material of the earcups and the velcro of the headband over time, as well as the thin wire leading from the main drivers to the band itself. These are shielded somewhat by a thick triangular piece of plastic, but I would still be wary of throwing them into a particularly stuffed backpack.  

Features

The Corsair HS80 Max doesn’t do anything too crazy with its feature list. This is a wireless headset with both 2.4GHz and Bluetooth (though no dual-connectivity for simultaneous listening), 50mm neodymium drivers, and a flip-to-mute microphone. However, there are a couple of additional extras included here that you might not find on competing models. The Bluetooth connection button, for example, doubles up as a playback center, allowing you to play/pause, move between tracks, and control incoming calls via a series of single, double, or triple presses. 

That’s not something I see too often in a gaming headset, and it’s a feature that lends itself particularly well to those who want to double up their purchase for a regular set of everyday headphones. This would be a much bigger deal if the microphone had been detachable, though. As it stands, you’ll be walking around town with a giant wedge of plastic up the side of your face which isn’t ideal. 

Still, the battery life could keep up with both gaming and everyday roles. Corsair estimates that you’ll get 130 hours of juice when connected via Bluetooth and no RGB - a figure that proved true in my testing. I ran the headset in Bluetooth mode for one week, using the headset for music throughout the day, the odd meeting, and gaming or Netflix in the evening. That equated to around 6-8 hours of use per day, and the battery was still at 78% on Saturday morning. A second week of testing solely on a 2.4GHz connection did yield lower results. I switched the RGB on for the full power-draining experience and needed to recharge by Wednesday, running the headset for around two and a half days, or 17.5 hours before plugging in. 

The HS80 Max also comes with a free Dolby Atmos license inside the box and supports high-resolution signals up to 24bit / 96kHz. That’s a marked step up from similarly priced options, and well worth noting if you’re after a more faithful representation of songs and movies even if frequency responses are run of the mill.

Booting up the iCue software also reveals another fancy addition to the Max’s soundstage; SoundID. While its setup feels a little like smoke and mirrors, the program is designed to create an audio preset tailored to your own preferred listening style. For me, that meant bumping up the power of lower ranges and expanding room in the mids. It does make a difference to the overall soundstage but doesn’t massively alter the quality of the audio coming through. I noticed a beefier response from explosions and heavier artillery, but not much that couldn’t be achieved with simple EQ tweaks. 

Performance

Straight out of the box, the Corsair HS80 Max performs particularly well. There’s a richer tone to this audio than I’ve heard before, with emphasis on the lower mid-range. While there’s not much space in the stage itself, those bassier areas really shine through providing excellent punch to heavy sound effects. That warmth does mean you lose a little power in the upper ranges. The twinkly, melodic soundtrack of Super Mario RPG felt a little cramped, though with the volume pumped up and some EQ settings tweaked it became apparent that there’s actually a lot of clarity in these higher tones.  

In experiences where the HS80 Max can shine, it does. The open-world environments of Fallout 4 and Horizon Forbidden West are bursting with life through these cups, from the definition of smaller details to the power of larger crashes and gunfights. Watching the Brotherhood of Steel descend for the first time through the HS80 Maxs was a particularly impressive ordeal. There’s a texture to the mid-range that is often difficult to balance. Many gaming headsets opt to put their emphasis on lower ranges, paying more attention to footsteps and gunshots in their sound profiles. While that attention has been dutifully paid here (not quite with the directional accuracy of something wildly more expensive like the Audeze Maxwell or Astro A50 X), it’s in dialogue, soundtracks, and the crunch of a gravel road beneath your feet that the HS80 Max truly weaves its magic. 

The microphone is a little jarring in comparison. This is a weaker mic that will simply get the job done rather than providing high-end broadcast-quality sound. It’s far flatter than the Razer BlackShark V2 Pro’s model and has a little more noise so its profile overall. 

Should you buy the Corsair HS80 Max?

The Corsair HS80 Max launched last year at $179.99 / £169.99, but it can be found at around $150 when on sale these days (the UK has seen its own discounts but they’re not as frequent). Those kinds of numbers put the Max up against the Sony Inzone H5 for PS5/PC players, but we’ve also got the slightly more expensive Corsair Virtuoso Pro and the slightly cheaper Razer BlackShark V2 Hyperspeed to contend with. 

The latter is currently my top pick for the best headset for most players. It’s substantially cheaper than the HS80 Max at MSRP and packs a better microphone, a wired USB-A connection option, and an audio better suited to more competitive play. If you don’t mind leatherette earcups, it’s the better headset on paper - just be wary that the build quality isn’t quite as strong. The microphone still doesn’t detach (and doesn’t even flip up on the BlackShark) but does perform much better than Corsair’s. If you just want your gaming headset to stay on your desk, the BlackShark is the better option. However, if you’re going to take your cups out and about, Corsair does still have an edge. 

The Virtuoso Pro is just edging on the HS80 Max’s price point, at $199.99 / £169.99, and is generally a better headset overall. However, the open-back nature means it’s strictly for home use (and use in a quiet room), there’s no wireless connectivity, and you’ll be faffing with a few cables to get everything set up. That means it’s not the best option for the vast majority of players - if you’re not a streamer, you’re better off with the HS80 Max. 

The Sony Inzone H5 is more of a direct competitor in price these days, and an option I personally found more comfortable than the ski-band design of the HS80 Max. You’re dropping your battery life and killing Bluetooth features, but still keeping a richly textured soundstage similar to that of the Max. If you’re concerned about comfort across the crown of your head, this is my next go-to - though you are making a lot of sacrifices in other areas. 

How we tested the Corsair HS80 Max

I used the Corsair HS80 Max for two weeks, running the headset across all daily work and play. In that time, I tested across both a 2.4GHz and Bluetooth connection, using the headset in Fallout 4, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and New Super Lucky’s Tale on PC, Horizon Forbidden West and Spider-Man Miles Morales on PS5, and Super Mario RPG on Nintendo Switch. For more information on how we test gaming headsets, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.  

We’re also rounding up all the best wireless gaming headsets on the market, as well as the best PC headsets for gaming. Or, take a look at the best PS5 headsets if you’re after something more console-focused.