Microsoft N9Z-00002
Score: 100/100
Corsair Vanguard 96
Score: 89/100Rankings
Microsoft's All-in-One Media Keyboard combines a full-size wireless layout with an integrated multi-touch trackpad, offering solid Windows-only functionality, spill-resistance and long battery life, but it lacks backlighting, a numeric keypad, and cross-platform support.
The Vanguard 96 is a compact 96% mechanical keyboard that combines hot-swap MLX Plasma switches, an 8,000 Hz polling rate, and a unique 1.9" IPS LCD screen. It targets power users who need a space-saving layout with premium features, though its underside USB-C port and navigation quirks may affect usability.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
6,480 hoursbest | — | |
| ↓ lower better | 204 gramsbest | 995 grams |
— | 8,000 Hzbest | |
36 monthsbest | — | |
10 metersbest | — |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Layout & Size(2) | ||
Keyboard Layout | Full-size | 96% |
Weight (grams) | 204 grams | 995 grams |
Connectivity(1) | ||
Connection Type | 2.4GHz RF | Wired USB-C |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers praise the keyboard for its smooth typing, robust media-key layout, and a larger-than-average trackpad that handles Windows gestures well. They note its solid build and value price, but criticize the absence of backlit keys for low-light environments.
Everyday users love the convenience of an all-in-one device, especially the built-in touchpad and long battery life, and they appreciate the spill-resistant construction. Common complaints focus on the lack of backlighting, occasional trackpad glitches, and the tight key spacing.
Professional reviewers commend the Vanguard 96 for its solid construction, smooth MLX Plasma linear switches, and the innovative combination of a rotary knob and a full-color LCD screen, calling the latter a game-changer while noting the 96% layout may alienate users who depend on a full navigation cluster.
Everyday users overwhelmingly praise the keyboard's typing experience, build quality, and the versatility of the LCD screen and rotary dial, with common complaints about the underside USB-C port and unintuitive navigation key access on macOS.
“Users appreciate the convenience of the built-in touchpad”
“I was stuck using Corsair stock wire… it's a bad design honestly.”
