GALLEON 100 SD: Hardware Mode vs. Stream Deck Mode

The CORSAIR GALLEON 100 SD has two distinct modes of operation: Hardware Mode and Stream Deck Mode. These modes are not just simply visual presets, and they define how the keyboard behaves, how the keyboard integrates within a system. Here's how Hardware Mode and Stream Deck Mode differ.

Hardware Mode is the default operating state of the GALLEON 100 SD. In this mode, the keyboard runs entirely on its onboard memory, with no software requirement. Meaning that the keyboard will only use any set key assignments, lighting effects, and any saved profiles.

Ideal cases for Hardware Mode:

• Competitive gaming
• Lan environments
• Console use
• Software restricted systems

Since the settings are stored directly to the GALLEON 100 SD, Hardware Mode is necessary, so the keyboard stays consistent across different systems. Unfortunately, when in Hardware Mode the Stream Deck Keys are inactive but this causes the keyboard to prioritize performance.

Stream Deck Mode unlocks the full power of Elgato’s Stream Deck ecosystem by connecting the GALLEON 100 SD to the Elgato Stream Deck App. When this mode is active, the keyboard’s Stream Deck keys, LCD screen, and rotary dials become fully software-driven controls.

In Stream Deck Mode:

• Stream Deck keys become fully customizable with dynamic icons
• Actions can be assigned via the Stream Deck app
• Multi Actions, folders, and profiles become available
• Rotary dials can control multi-layered actions
• The LCD screen displays widgets, animations, and real-time data

Stream Deck Mode does require the Stream Deck App to be running in the background, so if a system doesn’t restrict this application the GALLEON 100 SD can be used to its maximum potential.

While Hardware Mode and Stream Deck Mode serve different purposes on the GALLEON 100 SD, users don't have to cycle between them.

The CORSAIR CTRL plugin brings them together, giving full keyboard control directly from the Stream Deck keys without needing to close the app or manually switch modes. Settings like polling rate, RGB lighting, FlashTap SOCD, and Game Mode can all be mapped to individual Stream Deck keys, so changes are just one press away. This means users can fine-tune their keyboard's performance without ever interrupting their workflow or saving changes to Hardware Mode first.