Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID Black
Score: 85/100
Corsair Vanguard 96
Score: 85/100Rankings
Apple's Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad delivers premium build quality, integrated biometric security, and a month-long battery life in a wireless design. Its larger dimensions, higher price, and requirement for Apple-silicon Macs limit its appeal to some users. Perfect for professionals using the latest macOS who value security and a full-size layout.
The Corsair Vanguard 96 is a wired 96% mechanical keyboard featuring ultra-fast 8,000 Hz polling, hot-swappable MLX switches and an integrated 1.9-inch LCD. Its premium build and extensive macro suite come at the cost of significant weight and the lack of wireless connectivity. Ideal for competitive gamers and streamers who prioritize performance over portability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
110best | 96 | |
720 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 369 gbest | 994 g |
— | 8,000 Hzbest | |
— | 1.8 mbest | |
418.7 mmbest | 141 mm | |
19.05 mm | 43 mmbest | |
114.9 mm | 388 mmbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
General(2) | ||
Number of Keys | 110 | 96 |
Keyboard Layout | Full-size | 96% (96 keys) |
Features(1) | ||
Switch Type | Scissor | MLX Fusion/Plasma/Quantum |
Lighting(1) | ||
Backlighting | false | true |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Connection Type | Bluetooth | Wired USB 3.0/3.1 Type-A |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 369 g | 994 g |
Width (mm) | 418.7 mm | 141 mm |
Height (mm) | 19.05 mm | 43 mm |
Depth (mm) | 114.9 mm | 388 mm |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers and Apple editors emphasize the keyboard's comfortable, low-profile typing thanks to its scissor mechanism, the precision of its multimedia controls, and the added security of the integrated Touch ID sensor, all of which integrate seamlessly with macOS on Apple-silicon Macs.
Users praise the reliable month-long battery life, seamless Bluetooth pairing, full-size layout with numeric keypad, and the integrated Touch ID sensor, while noting the larger dimensions, higher price, and limited compatibility with older Macs.
“Christ Centered Gamer praises the MLX Plasma switches for smooth performance, 8,000 Hz polling utility in Game Mode (switchable for efficiency)”
Professional reviewers commend the Vanguard 96 for its ultra-fast 8,000 Hz polling, smooth MLX switches, and the unique integrated LCD that doubles as a Stream Deck. They also praise the extensive macro suite, hot-swap capability, and premium build, while noting software stability issues and the lack of a wireless model as notable drawbacks.
Everyday users generally praise the keyboard's quiet, premium feel, customizable RGB and LCD, and the ergonomic wrist rest. Common frustrations revolve around the steep software learning curve, the keyboard's weight, and the absence of spill-resistance or wireless connectivity.
