{"data":{"slug":"corsair-vanguard-96","type":"keyboard","brand":"CORSAIR","name":"VANGUARD 96","aliases":["Vanguard 96 Mechanical","CH-91E911E-NA"],"release_date":"2025-09","url":"https://arkivo.dev/keyboards/corsair-vanguard-96","specs":{"series":"VANGUARD 96","model_numbers":["CH-91E901E-NA","CH-91E921E-NA","CH-91E901F-NA","CH-91E901H-NA","CH-91E911E-NA","CH-91E901I-NA","CH-91E921I-NA"],"gtins":["840440492368","840440413004","840440492443","840440492474","840440492498","840440492481","840440413035"],"announce_date":"2025-09-25","status":"available","predecessor":null,"successor":null,"launch_price_usd":179.99,"launch_price_eur":null,"markets":["US"],"colors":["Black","Dual Tone"],"manufacturer_url":"https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/ch-91e911e-na/vanguard-96-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-corsair-mlx-quantum-ch-91e911e-na","spec_sheet_url":"https://boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/0840440498193_f_0","manual_url":"https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explorer/gamer/keyboards/vanguard-96/","eprel_registration_number":null,"warranty_years":2,"segment":"gaming","kit_type":"complete","form_factor":"1800","layout_standards":["ansi"],"layouts":["NA (North America)"],"key_count":96,"legend_os":["windows"],"has_numpad":true,"has_function_row":true,"has_arrow_keys":true,"navigation_cluster":"fn_layer","key_stagger":"row_staggered","bottom_row":null,"low_profile":false,"switch_technology":"mechanical","switch_feel":["linear","tactile"],"switch_brands":["CORSAIR"],"switch_models":["CORSAIR MLX Plasma","CORSAIR MLX Fusion","CORSAIR MLX Quantum","CORSAIR MLX Pulse"],"switch_stem":null,"actuation_force_g":45,"bottom_out_force_g":null,"tactile_force_g":null,"actuation_point_mm":1.2,"total_travel_mm":3.4,"switch_rated_keystrokes_million":80,"switches_factory_lubed":true,"actuation_adjustable":false,"actuation_adjustable_range_mm":null,"actuation_adjustment_step_mm":null,"per_key_actuation":null,"rapid_trigger":false,"rapid_trigger_sensitivity_min_mm":null,"multi_action_keys":null,"socd_cleaning":true,"analog_input":null,"hot_swappable":"5_pin","hot_swap_compatibility":"Compatible 3-pin and 5-pin mechanical switches","stabilizer_type":"plate_mounted","stabilizers_lubed":true,"keycap_material":"pbt","keycap_legends":"doubleshot","keycap_profile":"oem","keycap_thickness_mm":null,"keycap_shine_through":true,"polling_rate_modes":[{"connection":"usb_wired","polling_rate_hz":1000,"receiver":null},{"connection":"usb_wired","polling_rate_hz":8000,"receiver":null}],"polling_rate_max_hz":8000,"polling_rate_wired_hz":8000,"polling_rate_wireless_hz":null,"polling_rate_bluetooth_hz":null,"scan_rate_hz":null,"claimed_latency_ms":null,"key_rollover":[{"connection":"usb_wired","rollover":"nkro"}],"anti_ghosting":true,"debounce_adjustable":null,"debounce_time_min_ms":null,"measured_latency":[{"connection":"usb_wired","polling_rate_hz":8000,"setting":"RTINGS methodology 1.4.3. Dual Tone MLX Plasma. Exact firmware and device settings not published in public summary.","single_key_ms":null,"multi_key_ms":null,"chord_ms":null,"key_release_ms":null,"update_rate_hz":2000}],"measured_actuation_point_mm":null,"measured_total_travel_mm":3.9,"measured_operating_force_g":39.8,"measured_typing_noise_dba":null,"measured_battery_life":null,"measured_weight_g":null,"connection_types":["usb_wired"],"wireless_technology_name":null,"bluetooth_version":null,"bluetooth_devices":null,"multi_device_count":null,"multi_device_switching":null,"receiver_connector":null,"receiver_storage":null,"receiver_multi_device":null,"wireless_range_m":null,"cable_detachable":true,"keyboard_port":"usb_c","cable_host_connector":"usb_a","cable_type":"braided","cable_length_m":1.8,"usb_passthrough":false,"os_compatibility":["windows","macos","linux"],"console_compatibility":["xbox","playstation"],"battery_type":null,"battery_count":null,"battery_capacity_mah":null,"battery_user_replaceable":null,"battery_life_claimed":null,"battery_life_max_h":null,"battery_life_lighting_off_h":null,"battery_life_lighting_on_h":null,"battery_life_lighting_on_days":null,"battery_life_lighting_off_months":null,"charging_port":null,"charge_time_full_min":null,"quick_charge":null,"use_while_charging":null,"solar_charging":null,"battery_indicator":null,"case_material":"Aluminium top cover and ABS bottom","plate_material":"aluminium","mount_style":null,"pcb_flex_cuts":null,"sound_dampening":["case_foam","plate_foam","silicone_bottom"],"typing_angles_deg":null,"spill_resistant":null,"ip_rating":null,"backlight":"rgb_per_key","led_orientation":"north_facing","lighting_zones":null,"lighting_brightness_levels":null,"side_lighting":null,"backlight_sensors":null,"lighting_ecosystems":["CORSAIR iCUE"],"media_keys":"fn_layer","dedicated_media_key_count":0,"volume_control":"knob","knob_count":1,"knob_programmable":true,"knob_pressable":true,"dedicated_macro_keys":5,"display_type":"lcd","touchpad":false,"fingerprint_reader":null,"os_mode_switch":null,"win_key_lock":true,"software_name":"CORSAIR Web Hub and iCUE","software_platforms":["web"],"firmware_compatibility":null,"onboard_memory":true,"onboard_profiles":null,"macros":true,"macros_onboard":true,"key_remapping":true,"layers":2,"firmware_updatable":true,"wrist_rest":"detachable","wrist_rest_material":"Leatherette cover and memory foam cushion","tenting":null,"tenting_angles_deg":null,"dimensions_mm":{"width_mm":388,"depth_mm":141,"height_mm":43,"front_height_mm":null},"dimensions_with_wrist_rest_mm":null,"weight_g":994,"weight_with_wrist_rest_g":null,"package_dimensions_mm":{"width_mm":412,"height_mm":66,"depth_mm":191},"package_weight_g":1620,"works_with_certifications":null,"other_certifications":null,"in_the_box":["VANGUARD 96 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard","Detachable magnetic cushioned palm rest","Detachable braided USB Type-C cable","2 in 1 keycap & switch puller","Safety leaflet","Warranty card"],"cables_included":[{"type":"Braided USB Type-C to USB Type-A cable","count":1}],"spare_switches_count":null},"variants":[{"model_number":"CH-91E901E-NA","gtin":"840440492368","colors":["Black"],"switch_models":["CORSAIR MLX Plasma"],"switch_feel":["linear"],"actuation_force_g":45,"actuation_point_mm":2,"total_travel_mm":4},{"model_number":"CH-91E921E-NA","gtin":"840440413004","colors":["Dual Tone"],"switch_models":["CORSAIR MLX Plasma"],"switch_feel":["linear"],"actuation_force_g":45,"actuation_point_mm":2,"total_travel_mm":4},{"model_number":"CH-91E901F-NA","gtin":"840440492443","colors":["Black"],"switch_models":["CORSAIR MLX Fusion"],"switch_feel":["tactile"],"actuation_force_g":40,"actuation_point_mm":2,"total_travel_mm":3.4},{"model_number":"CH-91E901H-NA","gtin":"840440492474","colors":["Black"],"switch_models":["CORSAIR MLX Quantum"],"switch_feel":["linear"],"actuation_force_g":45,"actuation_point_mm":1.2,"total_travel_mm":3.4},{"model_number":"CH-91E911E-NA","gtin":"840440492498","colors":["Dual Tone"],"switch_models":["CORSAIR MLX Quantum"],"switch_feel":["linear"],"actuation_force_g":45,"actuation_point_mm":1.2,"total_travel_mm":3.4},{"model_number":"CH-91E901I-NA","gtin":"840440492481","colors":["Black"],"switch_models":["CORSAIR MLX Pulse"],"switch_feel":["linear"],"actuation_force_g":45,"actuation_point_mm":2,"total_travel_mm":3.6},{"model_number":"CH-91E921I-NA","gtin":"840440413035","colors":["Dual Tone"],"switch_models":["CORSAIR MLX Pulse"],"switch_feel":["linear"],"actuation_force_g":45,"actuation_point_mm":2,"total_travel_mm":3.6}],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.corsair.com/newsroom/press-release/corsair-continues-longstanding-legacy-of-innovation-with-game-changing-vanguard-pro-96-and-vanguard-96-gaming-keyboards","kind":"press_release","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["series","announce_date","release_date"],"notes":{"announce_date":"Maker September 25, 2025 launch names mechanical VANGUARD 96 separately from Hall effect VANGUARD PRO 96 and says both immediately available worldwide."}},{"url":"https://www.corsair.com/us/en/p/keyboards/ch-91e911e-na/vanguard-96-mechanical-gaming-keyboard-corsair-mlx-quantum-ch-91e911e-na","kind":"manufacturer_page","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["status","manufacturer_url","segment","kit_type","markets","colors","form_factor","layout_standards","layouts","key_count","legend_os","has_numpad","has_function_row","has_arrow_keys","key_stagger","switch_technology","switch_feel","switch_brands","switch_models","actuation_force_g","actuation_point_mm","total_travel_mm","switch_rated_keystrokes_million","switches_factory_lubed","socd_cleaning","hot_swappable","hot_swap_compatibility","os_compatibility","lighting_ecosystems","wrist_rest","wrist_rest_material","in_the_box"],"notes":{"status":"Selected Quantum Dual Tone US SKU is in stock. This is the wired conventional mechanical keyboard, not Pro 96 or Vanguard 96 Wireless.","colors":"Maker color selector and exact SKU table. Quantum CH-91E911E-NA is Dual Tone despite ambiguous BLACK/WHITE tech-table wording.","key_count":"Exact p4 maker SKU table gives 96 typing/function keys for all selected US variants. Five separate G buttons and Game Mode button are excluded. Stream Deck launch key in bottom key row is included, like other physical row function keys.","layout_standards":"Selected NA reference photo has ANSI Enter and left Shift. Only US ANSI variants are modeled.","legend_os":"Selected NA product photo has Windows key legend.","actuation_force_g":"Selected Quantum reference 45 gf. All four switch specifications appear in maker MLX Switch Squad table. Fusion is 40 gf and differs in variant row.","actuation_point_mm":"Selected Quantum reference 1.2 mm. Plasma, Fusion and Pulse are 2.0 mm in their rows.","total_travel_mm":"Selected Quantum reference 3.4 mm. Plasma 4.0 mm, Fusion 3.4 mm, Pulse 3.6 mm.","socd_cleaning":"CORSAIR FlashTap SOCD. This conventional mechanical feature does not imply Rapid Trigger or analog output.","hot_swappable":"Maker explicitly supports both three-pin and five-pin conventional mechanical switches. Five-pin enum denotes the socket accepting both.","os_compatibility":"FAQ explicitly supports macOS and Linux with some system functions potentially unsupported. Windows 10 is in tech table.","in_the_box":"Package list supplies keyboard, magnetic wrist rest, cable, safety information, warranty information and puller. Manual supplies full puller name."}},{"url":"https://boulanger.scene7.com/is/content/Boulanger/0840440498193_f_0","kind":"manufacturer_pdf","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["model_numbers","gtins","spec_sheet_url","warranty_years","variants","package_dimensions_mm","package_weight_g","key_count","in_the_box"],"notes":{"spec_sheet_url":"Corsair-authored French product reference sheet. Embargo September 25, 2025. Technical specifications p3, complete SKU/switch/color/key-count and retail-package table p4. April 2025 footer is document preparation, not retail release.","model_numbers":"Seven documented US ANSI switch/color configurations. Non-US and Silent KR2 rows are outside this scope.","gtins":"Consumer UPC values. The separate master-carton GTIN column is excluded.","warranty_years":"Worldwide two-year maker warranty. Local country regulations apply.","variants":"p4 exact SKU, UPC, color and switch names. Force and travel for each switch are p3. Every row uses the same wired ANSI hardware and PBT keycaps per manual.","package_dimensions_mm":"p4 one retail package, not the four-unit master carton on p5.","package_weight_g":"p4 one retail package 1.62 kg. Four-unit master carton 6.93 kg excluded.","in_the_box":"Package list supplies keyboard, magnetic wrist rest, cable, safety information, warranty information and puller. Manual supplies full puller name."}},{"url":"https://www.corsair.com/us/en/explorer/gamer/keyboards/vanguard-96/","kind":"manual","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["manual_url","navigation_cluster","keycap_material","keycap_legends","polling_rate_modes","key_rollover","anti_ghosting","connection_types","cable_detachable","keyboard_port","cable_host_connector","cable_type","cable_length_m","os_compatibility","console_compatibility","case_material","sound_dampening","backlight","media_keys","dedicated_media_key_count","volume_control","knob_count","knob_programmable","knob_pressable","dedicated_macro_keys","display_type","touchpad","win_key_lock","software_name","software_platforms","onboard_memory","macros","macros_onboard","key_remapping","dimensions_mm","weight_g","in_the_box","cables_included"],"notes":{"navigation_cluster":"Home, End, Page Up, Page Down and Insert are Fn+numpad shortcuts.","keycap_material":"NA selected variants have PBT double-shot. BR/SP/ES ABS Paint exceptions are not included.","polling_rate_modes":"Default 1000 Hz. Game Mode can be configured up to 8000 Hz through Web Hub or iCUE. BIOS compatibility mode is separately fixed at 125 Hz, not represented as a normal-operation mode here.","key_rollover":"Normal USB mode Full NKRO. PlayStation and BIOS compatibility modes have separate reduced-key limits in the manual.","cable_host_connector":"Technical table and setup instructions identify USB-A host connector.","console_compatibility":"Xbox One and Series X/S. PlayStation 4/5 uses special Fn+Win mode, reduced simultaneous keys and USB polling limitations.","sound_dampening":"Maker names PORON sound-absorbing foam and silicone case layer. Exact Tweakers teardown locates silicone bottom mat, additional foam between PCB and mat, and PORON between PCB and top plate. No unlisted fourth material inferred.","dedicated_media_key_count":"Complete control map uses Fn playback shortcuts and dial. No separate playback buttons. Dial press excluded.","dedicated_macro_keys":"Elgato section explicitly identifies five G-keys. Six side buttons comprise Game Mode plus five G keys. The separate Stream Deck launch key is in the bottom key row. Game Mode and software-launch controls are excluded from macro count. RTINGS independently counts five macro buttons.","display_type":"1.9-inch 320 x170 IPS colour LCD.","touchpad":"Complete product overview identifies controls and no touchpad.","knob_pressable":"Hardware macro recording section uses dial press. Other modes configure rotation and press actions.","onboard_memory":"Operating modes explicitly use settings saved in keyboard storage even without Web Hub. Profile count omitted because technical table says one onboard/four Web Hub, operating-mode table says up to five, and product page says five.","software_name":"Current manual explicitly documents hardware, Web Hub and iCUE operating modes. Early reviews saying iCUE unavailable describe launch software.","software_platforms":"Web Hub browser configuration. Current source does not independently specify desktop iCUE OS support here.","macros_onboard":"Hardware macro recording uses Fn+M or dial, records key sequences and saves to chosen key. Hardware mode executes settings without Web Hub. Not inferred only from lighting or remapping.","dimensions_mm":"Maker 388 L x141 W x43 H mm mapped to width/depth/height. Without wrist rest. Feet condition not specified.","weight_g":"Keyboard 0.994 kg in maker technical table, matching product page. Accessories and package are separately listed.","in_the_box":"Manual overview supplies exact 2-in-1 tool wording. Product package contents supply wrist rest, safety leaflet and warranty card. No spare switch count published."}},{"url":"https://www.notebookcheck.net/Corsair-s-Vanguard-96-series-blurs-the-line-between-keyboard-and-stream-deck.1125314.0.html","kind":"press","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["launch_price_usd"],"notes":{"launch_price_usd":"Launch-period September 2025 reporting explicitly gives $179.99 for regular mechanical VANGUARD 96. Pro price is a separate claim. This is US launch price excluding sales tax."}},{"url":"https://www.rtings.com/keyboard/reviews/corsair/vanguard-96","kind":"measurement","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["low_profile","actuation_adjustable","rapid_trigger","measured_latency"],"notes":{"low_profile":"Public Office verdict calls the keyboard a high-profile design. The separate low-profile G buttons do not define the typing profile.","actuation_adjustable":"Public exact-model comparison states conventional mechanical switches rather than Pro adjustable Hall effect switches.","rapid_trigger":"Public comparison explicitly says regular VANGUARD 96 lacks Rapid Trigger support.","measured_latency":"Public Raw Performance prose explicitly states computer polls at 8000 Hz while keyboard produces new updates at 2000 Hz. This is the standard mechanical Dual Tone Plasma unit. No Pro measurement or locked latency numbers used."}},{"url":"https://tweakers.net/reviews/13918/corsair-vanguard-96-matige-software-beperkt-goede-hardware.html","kind":"measurement","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["stabilizer_type","stabilizers_lubed","keycap_shine_through","measured_total_travel_mm","measured_operating_force_g","led_orientation","layers","case_material"],"notes":{"stabilizer_type":"Hardware section explicitly identifies plate-mounted Cherry stabilizers.","stabilizers_lubed":"Hardware section states switches and stabilizers are factory lubricated. Tested Dual Tone Plasma.","keycap_shine_through":"Dual Tone PBT review says light shines through legends. Maker gallery also shows illuminated legends on selected Quantum.","measured_total_travel_mm":"Tested wired US ANSI Dual Tone MLX Plasma. Texture Analyzer measures every key. Average total-travel chart and prose agree on 3.90 mm. Firmware, polling, key aggregation details and software version are not published. The actuation-distance chart says 2.20 mm while prose says 2.3 mm, so measured actuation point is omitted.","measured_operating_force_g":"Same Plasma unit. Table Gemiddelde kracht vereist tijdens actuatie gives average force at actuation 39.00 cN. Converted using plan factor 1.02 and rounded to 39.8 gf. Separate before-actuation table gives 42 cN and is not stored as operating force. Stock MLX Plasma fixed actuation. Firmware and polling unspecified.","led_orientation":"Exact-model hardware review explicitly says north-facing lighting. ZeDen independently agrees.","layers":"Software section explicitly lists standard mapping layer and Fn layer. No extra mapping layers can be created. Lighting layers and hardware profile slots are excluded.","case_material":"Teardown explicitly identifies ABS bottom shell. Maker manual supplies aluminium top cover."}},{"url":"https://www.pcmasters.de/testbericht/133714700-corsair-vanguard-96-test-review.html","kind":"review_site","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["keycap_profile","plate_material"],"notes":{"keycap_profile":"Typing and ergonomics section explicitly identifies OEM profile. Review tested standard mechanical MLX Plasma rather than Pro.","plate_material":"Build section explicitly identifies the aluminium topplate supporting the floating switches."}},{"url":"https://www.mechanical-keyboard.org/corsair-vanguard-96/","kind":"spec_database","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["usb_passthrough"],"notes":{"usb_passthrough":"Separate regular VANGUARD 96 specifications explicitly say no USB passthrough. Pro specifications are not reused."}},{"url":"https://www.corsair.com/ca/en/explorer/gamer/accessories/corsair-firmware-update-utility-everything-you-need-to-know/","kind":"manufacturer_page","accessed":"2026-10-23","fields":["firmware_updatable"],"notes":{"firmware_updatable":"Maker supported-device list explicitly includes VANGUARD 96. Web utility updates firmware. No utility or device action was performed."}}],"fields_filled":94,"updated":"2026-10-23"},"meta":{"api_version":"1","docs":"https://arkivo.dev/api"}}