STACK #252 October 2025

GAMING FEATURE

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RGB lighting in gaming keyboards has become commonplace, but a built-in LCD screen? Corsair have introduced one in their swish new Vanguard 96 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard, and if you’re thinking “gimmick” you couldn’t be further from the mark. P ositioned up top right, alongside a handy multifunction dial, the pleasingly clear 320 x 170-pixel screen keyboard itself is very impressive. Underneath each key lies one of Corsair’s pre-lubricated MLX SCREEN TIME!

is brilliant for checking what settings and modes are engaged and getting feedback in words when you change functions up, or you can even assign personal animations or custom images. But where it really shines is in its integration with Elgato’s Virtual Stream Deck. Whether it’s for gaming, streaming, or productivity, you can map actions to the six programmable G-keys down the left side of the unit and unlock clickable shortcuts onscreen or via hotkey. Less clutter, more getting things done! It isn’t all about the screen though, as the

mechanical key switches, designed to resist wobbling while offering top-tier responsiveness. Or, if you prefer, you can hot-swap in your fave compatible switches. Each key press makes a satisfying click without risk of waking the neighbours, and each of those presses is registered blindingly fast thanks to the Vanguard 96’s maximum 8000Hz hyper-polling. Another blessing for those of us who like to play is a built-in game mode. Activate it and the backlighting – which is ultra tweakable – bursts into a red scheme,

settings are optimised for gaming, and that pesky Windows key will bother you no more. Plus, if you wish to tweak settings, or update firmware, Corsair’s Web Hub lets you do it without installing any cumbersome software, and a comfy wrist rest rounds out the package nicely. Amy Flower

• The Corsair Vanguard 96 Mechanical Gaming keyboard is available now

Every gram can matter in a pro-level gaming mouse, and Corsair know it. Introducing their new five-button Sabre v2 Pro Ultralight Wireless Gaming Mouse, aimed at FPS players, and weighing in at just 36 grams. T hat isn’t a misprint. 36 grams. When we first took it out of the box, we thought it must be an SEE THE LIGHT!

button mapping, DPI, and macros are all easily set up to your liking via Corsair’s installation-free browser-based Web Hub. When in-hand, the Sabre v2 has a classic humped back shape that’s perfect for various styles of grip, and obviously at 36 grams you can easily flick it about anywhere from fluidly to frantically and trust that it will respond to your input eagerly. With up to 70 hours of battery time from one charge, the Sabre v2 is more than up to the task of the most insane gaming marathons, or ready to take on any tournament and always deliver. Amy Flower

empty mouse shell, but once plugged in and put into action, it’s very much the real deal, even if you may worry that it’ll float away if you don’t keep your hand on it! This weight saving doesn’t mean a lack of features, either. The spec sheet impresses, with Corsair’s Marksman S optical sensor combining with a super speedy 8,000Hz hyper-polling rate to deliver 33K DPI accuracy, tracking up to 750 IPS, and 50G acceleration. It’s built to last, too. Custom-tuned mechanical switches are rated for 100 million clicks – that’s a whole lot of fragging – and speaking of custom,

• The Corsair Sabre v2 Pro Ultralight Wireless Gaming Mouse is available now

24 OCTOBER 2025

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