razer keyboard lcd screen brands

Razer has announced the DeathStalker Ultimate, a gaming keyboard equipped with a 4-inch integrated touchpad that doubles as an auxiliary LCD display. The peripheral was announced at Gamescom 2012, and it"ll cost $249.99 when it ships in September. You"ll likely note that the gaming peripheral bears a striking resemblance to the RazerStar Wars: The Old Republic branded keyboard — the design is identical, and while the DeathStalker lacks a cheery color palette and strips of LED lighting, it bears the same 10 customizable LCD keys and integrated touchpad.

The DeathStalker Ultimate joins a long line of keyboards with integrated LCD displays — the most recent addition beingMad Catz"s Strike 7. But Razer is attempting to build out a selection of touchscreen apps with its Switchblade UI, coupling its ability to display critical character and game data with tools to take screenshots or check email and browse YouTube while you game. We got an early glimpse of the Switchblade UI on a keyboard with the Razer Blade laptop where it proved to be a so-so touchpad, but promised to make for an awesome independent peripheral — it isn"t quite there yet, but putting it on a keyboard remains a step in the right direction. If the $250 price tag doesn"t give you pause, the DeathStalker Ultimate will begin shipping in September. A $79.99 variant is available for the rest of us, but it scraps the auxiliary display in favor of a traditional number pad, and offers fewer backlighting options.

How many different products can modern manufacturers incorporate a touch screen? You know, with that question now out in the open air, I’m not sure I want the answer. Touch screens are popping up like mad. I have one on my phone, of course, a digital video recorder, a fan controller for my PC, and now I have one on two different keyboards. If you want more epic gaming products, take a look at our best gaming keyboards list.

The main feature list is nothing particularly noteworthy until you get to the touch screen. The chiclet-style keys are fully programmable, the backlighting is tri-color, and can be customized via Synapse 2.0 software. We have 1000Hz ultra polling with a 1ms response time. A dedicated game mode can be set so you can disable certain keys, which tend to get accidentally pressed while gaming. These include Alt, the Windows key, and others. Also, while in Gaming mode or logged in to Synapse 2.0, users get a 10-key rollover, where 10 keys can be pressed simultaneously, and all are recognized. Yet the features that set the Deathstalker Ultimate apart from the rabble are the aforementioned multi-touch LCD track-panel and the sophisticated 10 dynamic display keys (80Hz response time)

How about “elegance” is that for you? Because this one radiates it like a high fashion GQ model. From the solid, less-modular look to the lowered chiclet-style keys to the 800×600 capacitive multi-touch screen interface. The Razer Deathstalker Ultimate is a showstopper! You can even display your favorite images on the touch screen for a more tailored appeal. These can be pulled right from your computer directories. I should note this feature is untested as I could not get my images to appear on-screen. But that’s a minor crumb from a very rich table.

It’s a nuisance for sure, but Synapse 2.0 seems “…better. Stonger. Faster”. In the past, it was plagued with freezing and crashing. There is no sign of that. Bravo Razer! Moreover, it’s intuitive and makes creating and editing macros just as easy as the Smart Technology used by Mad Catz. I did run into a couple of issues. One is mentioned above–the wallpaper problem. The other… The LCD touch screen replaces a traditional Numpad. You can pull up a virtual Numpad, which looks very similar to what you see on your touch screen smartphone when looking at the dial pad. But sometimes, when I hit a series of numbers, only the first digit appears and removes the cursor from whatever field or file I was working in. I have to manually move the mouse cursor back to the file and then punch in the numbers using the garden variety keys found at the top of the keyboard. I’m sure this can be fixed, but currently, it makes the Numpad app quite unreliable.

Again, this is a full capacitive touch screen. It supports gestures such as two-finger scrolling up, down, or sideways. You can also use 3-fingers to single-swipe left and access the game profiles(3-finger swipe right to return), the screenshot app, and a title-specific set of timers. The timers are more fluff. But the game profiles…? There are profiles tailored to Team Fortress 2, Battlefield 3, Counter-Strike: GO, and SWTOR. Choose one of these profiles, and a nice corresponding game title image will appear on the touch screen. For instance, if you select BF3, then you must choose which class you plan to play (Recon, Assault, etc.) right from the touch screen. The 10 display keys then show an image that corresponds to one of the in-game actions. Go prone, switch to your pistol, or specialty item, are but a few of the baked-in options. You can even customize and edit this further. Or go and create a completely different profile. You can also have the display keys show your custom-created button images. It’s kind of neat but not really what I want from a touch screen-on-a-keyboard solution.

I wish there was something here more compelling regarding the apps. Both the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 and Deathstalker fall short of a game-changing killer app. The best each offers is the screenshot dealy on the Deathstalker Ultimate, and the Team Speak integration on the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7. Razer, like Mad Catz, is aware that gamers want more from their screens. So hopefully, we will see more apps in the future.

But I can’t complain a lick about the general keyboard performance. The Deathstalker Ultimate is not a mechanical keyboard by any means. Yet I really like typing on it–a lot!! I thought I preferred the mock-mechanical feel of the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 over the Deathstalker Ultimate. But I can type so much faster on these lowered chiclet-style keys. There is no lag, and everything seems very responsive. The flat keys have a bit more surface area and are easy to reach all around. I have no issues with typing or gaming.

There you have it–a big complicated review for an equally sophisticated product. The Razer Deathstalker Ultimate is an impressive board that needs a bit more time to realize its full potential. Only a couple of apps are majorly useful to gamers. I am confident more sought LCD functions will trickle down eventually. Let’s not forget Razer now has its own GameBooster client that does video capture, among many other things. Theoretically, this could be tacked on to work with the Deathstalker Ultimate multi-touch LCD screen. Until then, you get an obscenely stylish all-black keyboard, a large cache of fun but not particularly useful applications, and general-use performance that is as handsome as the aesthetics.

Bottom Line: The Deathstalker Ultimate is unlike any keyboard we’ve seen thus far. The full capacitive keyboard will turn many heads. Plus, general keyboard performance is excellent. I can easily recommend this one as I know Razer is committed to enhancing the longevity of that touch screen with more gamer-targeted applications.

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The Huntsman TKL V2 is a testament to Razer’s commitment to improving its products every year. The TKL form factor really is the sweet spot for a compact gaming keyboard that ticks all the boxes.

Razer’soptical switches are present on the Huntsman TKL V2, and they’re the best they’ve ever been. The switches feel amazingly smooth, and the response time is nearly instantaneous—so gamers can rest easy knowing that they won’t be missing any headshots because of lapses in the hardware.

The superb build quality of the Huntsman TKL doesn’t just stop at the body either. Razer uses PBT keycaps that are strong and feel great to type on. There is also a sound dampening foam pad inside the chassis to reduce vibrations, and it works flawlessly. It’s pretty clear that Razer has used its industry experience to deliver a truly well-built TKL keyboard.

You also get a nice braided and detachable USB Type C cable. Making the cable detachable was a great call on Razer’s part and allows for even more customization from the user’s end!

All in all, the Razer Huntsman TKL V2 is a great mechanical keyboard if you’re a gamer trying to spruce up their setup without having to pay an arm a leg. At $150, this is an awesome little keyboard that you won’t regret adding to your setup.

The Razer Huntsman Mini v2 is a keyboard built for hardcore eSports players who need extra desk real estate to flick their mice, or conversely, for minimalists who don’t care for arrow keys or number pads on their keyboards. It’s safe to say that this form factor is not for everyone.

In its essence, the Huntsman Mini V2 is a little brother to the Huntsman TKL V2. Razer decided to release a 60% variant of its ever-popular TKL model after overwhelming demand from fans on the internet.

Razer’s linear optical switches are present in the Huntsman Mini (just like its big brother), and still work flawlessly. They are fast and responsive, and Razer seems to have improved the sound of the switches from version one.

Starting at $100, the Razer Huntsman Mini is priced very competitively against other 60% keyboards, which usually tend to be much pricier as they’re offered by more niche keyboard manufacturers.

At $250, the Huntsman V2 Analog is Razer’s most expensive mechanical keyboard yet. But in this instance, the high price is justified (mostly) by what the Huntsman V2 Analog brings to the table.

This is Razer’s first time using analog optical switches on a keyboard. These switches are designed to mimic a controller trigger degree of inputs by allowing the user to program specific levels of actuation.

The Razer BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is a stellar wireless mechanical keyboard. It has 2.4Ghz wireless connectivity that’s low latency and will pose no issues when gaming.

The BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed uses mechanical switches instead of Razer’soptical ones, and you can get it in two different switch types. The yellow linears offer smooth feel and the green clicky switches cover both ends of the mechanical switch fandom. While they’re not as polished as Razer’s stellar optical switches, these mechanical switches are pretty great for what you get.

A wireless keyboard is only good as its battery life, and Razer has no worries here. The BlackWidow boasts a 200-hour battery life, and the included USB C cable allows you to charge up the keyboard relatively fast.

Unfortunately, Razer has opted for ABS keycaps on the BlackWidow, and not the far superior PBT keycaps found in their Huntsman series. But, at $120, the BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is a solid wireless gaming keyboard that checks almost all the boxes that you need.

If the BlackWidow V3 Mini HyperSpeed is too small for your tastes, Razer has got you covered. The BlackWidow V3 Pro is a bigger brother that offers tons of extra features that kind of justifies its higher price.

Just like its little brother, the BlackWidow V3 Pro has all the same wireless connectivity features. The extra increase in real estate allows Razer to add a few extra features such as a media volume wheel and a full-size key layout. What’s more, you also get a free wrist rest in the box!

At around $200, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro certainly isn’t cheap, but it’s a full-size wireless mechanical keyboard that offers everything you want and more.

Razer’s optical switches have set an industry standard for being well-built and reliable. They are over 30ms faster to actuate when compared to regular old mechanical switches, and have good key feel compared to the other major brands.

Razer’s Synapse customization software is leagues ahead of many other brands.While they still have a ways to go, Razer seems to be dedicated to improving customer experiences when it comes to Synapse.

Overall, Razer has been iterating on their products and truly delivering great gaming products based on the feedback of their customers. From PBT keycaps to now after-market cables and caps, investing in the Razer ecosystem is a good bet.

If I had to pick one major competitor to Razer’s keyboards, it would be Corsair. They both share the hardcore gamer appeal with their flashy RGB and riced-up keyboards that offer a boatload of extra features.

Razer has much more offerings that span various form factors where Corsair can’t even compete. Razer’s smaller TKL and 60% offerings truly revolutionized the gaming keyboard space.

Another point in Razer’s favor is the switch variety. While neither brand is super open-ended in terms of switches used, Razer does edge out against Corsair simply because they have a wider offering of mechanical and optical switch types. Corsair in contrast usually tends to stick to Cherry MX switches—which, while not necessarily bad, does limit your options when buying a new keyboard.

To me, Razer’s design language is much more appealing than Corsair’s. If you’re someone who’s looking for a sleek keyboard with great build quality (not to mention keys that feel amazing to type on), you’ll be very happy with any of Razer’s offerings.

Corsair does win when it comes to extra bells and whistles like macro keys and volume dials (some Razer keyboards do have dials, but not all), but in my opinion, that’s not enough to convince me to buy a Corsair over a Razer keyboard.

SteelSeries is another brand that butts heads frequently with Razer in the keyboard space. They both share similar design aesthetics with cool, seek builds that appeal to RGB-loving gamers everywhere.

SteelSeries does have a few things going for their keyboards that Razer does not have. Their acclaimed line of Apex Pro series of keyboards features an OLED display on the top right corner that can display handy pieces of information (or whatever the user wants, really).

Apart from these differences, Razer and SteelSeries keyboards feel very similar. They have similar build quality; which is to say they’re both built really well. They’re also priced similarly to each other, so neither one doesn’t really offer a better deal than the other.

Razer does have the advantage of having a wider range of wireless keyboards. SteelSeries tends to stick with wired for most of their models, so if you’re looking for a reliable wireless keyboard to game on, Razer might just be what you’re looking for.

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog is the best Razer keyboard we"ve tested. This flagship model comes fully loaded with features designed to elevate your gaming experience. The most notable of these features is the proprietary Optical Analog switches. These switches allow you to adjust the pre-travel distance on a per-key basis, giving you control over the sensitivity of your keypresses. The switches also support an "Analog Mode." With this mode enabled, the more pressure you apply to your keypress, the more you move in-game, like a joystick on a gamepad controller. This feature is excellent for racing games, flight simulators, or for having finer movements in FPS games. And with its split millisecond latency, the in-game experience feels very fluid and responsive.

Every key has a stabilizer underneath it, so there"s no wobble whatsoever, which is great as this reduces the chance of accidentally nicking a nearby key and messing up your shot. Plus, the keycaps are double-shot PBT, meaning they won"t get slick over time from the build-up of finger oil. Overall, it"s an incredibly high-performing keyboard right out of the box, sure to satisfy gamers of any skill level.

At its core, the Razer Pro Type Ultra is a gaming keyboard dressed up for an office job. The design has a nice, office-friendly aesthetic, similar to the silver and chrome style of Apple peripherals, with white-only instead of RGB backlighting. But, under the hood lies a gaming powerhouse offering exceptionally low latency that delivers a responsive in-game experience. This versatile unit also comes equipped with three different connection styles, so you can use it wired while it charges, with up to three devices using Bluetooth, or use the specialized USB receiver, which pairs with some other Razer office products. Razer advertises a battery life of over 200 hours when used wirelessly, so it"s sure to last you through the work week and beyond on a fresh charge.

Overall, it feels incredibly comfortable and pleasant to type on since the linear Razer Yellow switches are super light to actuate and have little resistance. Plus, there"s a cushioned wrist rest to support your wrists throughout your day. The keycaps feel great on your fingertips thanks to the soft-touch coating, and this coating adds a bit of extra grip, which is helpful if you"re prone to sweaty hands.

While the Razer BlackWidow V3 may be one of Razer"s older models, it"s still one of the best Razer gaming keyboards in their lineup. This wired-only model offers exceptionally low latency that"s perfect for competitive and reaction-based games where every second counts. And, thanks to its incredibly light switches, your keypresses feel very fluid. As a bonus, there"s a volume knob and dedicated media keys along the top of the keyboard, so you can easily control your media directly from the keyboard. The RGB backlighting is great for enthusiasts as it"s bright, and the colors are mixed very well. Plus, you can customize the backlighting on a per-key basis using Synapse 3 to display tons of cool lighting effects.

Though its full size takes up a lot of space on a desk, it"s still a solid choice for a permanent gaming setup. It also has a detachable wrist rest for extra support during those long gaming sessions. You also have the choice to get this keyboard with linear Yellow switches or clicky Green switches, which offer a loud, but satisfying click.

If the premium options are a bit out of your price range, don"t worry, there"s always the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition. Since this is an older version of their flagship Huntsman lineup, it"s available much cheaper than it was at launch, making it the best Razer gaming keyboard you can find for its price point. It uses Razer"s premium Optical switches instead of standard mechanical ones. These feel like a linear mechanical switch, but they use a beam of light to register inputs, meaning they feel much more responsive. They"re also incredibly light to actuate, so you won"t have to press too deeply on your keys to get your shots in.

Razer produces different proprietary switches, meaning you can find a keyboard with your preferred option. They make standard mechanical switches, optical ones, or even hybrid switches, which are rubber dome switches meant to feel like mechanical switches.

The Synapse 3 software isn"t compatible with macOS. Some of their lower-end keyboards don"t have onboard memory, so you can"t customize it on Windows and use those same settings on a Mac.

Razer keyboards are a bit pricey for their quality and aren"t necessarily the best gaming keyboards. A brand like SteelSeries has more features on its models for about the same price.

Compared to Corsair, Razer models tend to use fewer premium materials. Corsair keyboards often have aluminum top plates, PBT keycaps, and Cherry MX switches inside the boards. Razer models tend to have a sleeker aesthetic, with less noise, bells, and whistles. Also, Razer"s higher-end models use optical-mechanical switches, which have an adjustable pre-travel distance feature and a light actuation force. Essentially, you won"t go wrong with a model from either lineup, so it comes down to personal preference and the features you want.

Compared to SteelSeries, Razer offers a much wider range of options and models, with units like the Pro Type Ultra filling the productivity niche. That said, the flagship SteelSeries lineup, the Apex Pro series, is meant to compete with Razer"s flagship Huntsman lineup. Both of these lineups feature boards with an adjustable pre-travel distance feature and multi-input customization, though there are notable differences. The SteelSeries boards have a more consistent and accurate implementation of these features, while the Razer Huntsman Analog boards have an "Analog Mode" that gives you finer control over your in-game movements as the keyboards can emulate joystick controls.

Compared to Logitech, Razer has quite a narrow range of products. Logitech is a major manufacturer of keyboards for both gaming and office use, and their products come in a wide range of switch types, like membrane, scissor, and mechanical, while Razer units use membrane or mechanical switches. Razer does have a leg-up in that they use optical-mechanical switches, which have a greater range of customization over standard mechanical switches. As Razer products are designed for gaming use, they often have better latency, RGB implementation, and customization over Logitech.

Razer makes a good range of wired and wireless models designed mostly for gaming use. Their models are well-built and offer extremely low latency for a responsive in-game performance, but they often don"t have as many extra hardware features to make it worth their premium price tag. As a plus, they make their own in-house switches, which are optimized for gaming, and most of their keyboards come with a variety of switch types, so you can find a configuration that suits your needs right out of the box.

Lately, many keyboards have some form of backlighting. RGB backlighting differs from simple backlighting, using a palette of over 16 million colors to help you customize the lighting atmosphere of your setup. While backlighting primarily serves a practical purpose of making keys easier to see in the dark, RGB backlighting is an easy way to tie your desktop aesthetic together. If you"re choosing a keyboard for its RGB lighting, it"s important to consider the number and location of its lighting zones, the quality of its companion software, as well as the range of customization features available to you.

We"ve tested over 185 keyboards, and below are our recommendations for the best keyboards with RGB lighting. As a note, this list is mostly made up of wired-only keyboards as RGB backlighting tends to quickly drain the battery on wireless keyboards, especially with custom effects going on. If you"re only interested in wireless models, check out our picks for the best wireless keyboards. For other options, see our recommendations for the best gaming keyboards and the best keyboards overall.

The Corsair K100 RGB is the best RGB keyboard that we"ve tested. It has a whopping 44 RGB zones built into the frame, along with customizable per-key lighting, this keyboard is an RGB enthusiast"s dream. Using Corsair"s iCUE software, you can sync the lighting with any other Corsair devices or hardware in your build for a perfectly lit setup.

Under the hood, this keyboard boasts a higher-than-average max polling rate of 8000Hz and split-millisecond latency for an incredibly responsive in-game experience. Not only that, but the Cherry MX Speed Silver switches are optimized for gaming, with an incredibly short pre-travel distance and a light actuation force. With all of its extra features, like a programmable iCUE wheel, a volume wheel, dedicated media keys, and a column of macro keys, it"s an excellent keyboard for every gamer and RGB enthusiast.

The keyboard with the best RGB lighting at an upper mid-range price point is the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro. Its price is volatile, but it often goes on sale, so whenever it"s close to the price of our top pick, the Corsair K100 RGB, it can be worthwhile to wait. It"s rare for a wireless keyboard to have great RGB lighting, but that"s what this keyboard delivers. Razer advertises a battery life of up 13 hours with the Spectrum color cycling effect running at 100% brightness, which may not sound very long, but lighting effects eat up a lot of battery. You can extend the battery life to about 25 hours by keeping the brightness at 50% or up to 200 hours if you decide to keep the lighting off. You can use this keyboard while it charges, and your RGB will still be on full display.

In terms of its performance, this keyboard has outstanding click latency. It has one of the lowest latency results we"ve tested, coming in at under a millisecond with its USB receiver. You can buy this keyboard with either clicky Razer Green switches or linear Razer Yellow switches, and both options are optimized for gaming with short pre-travel distances. However, the Green switches are loud, even when compared to other clicky switches, so the silent Yellow switches may be a better choice if you"re looking to game around people.

If you"re looking for a solid mid-range option with outstanding RGB, we recommend the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL. This TenKeyLess keyboard lacks a Numpad, giving you more room on your desk for mouse movements while gaming or to put a notebook or coffee alongside you while you work. It"s a pretty versatile keyboard, so while its excellently low latency makes it a great choice for gaming, it"s also comfortable and offers a nice typing experience for general typing tasks.

It has a host of extra features, which is remarkable considering its price point. Some of these features include a dedicated media key, a volume wheel, and a programmable OLED display where you can adjust the lighting, display images or gifs, or check your keyboard settings directly on the keyboard. You can also program this screen to display certain in-game information, like your KDA ratio. There"s also an included wrist rest for extra ergonomic support, and the wrist rest itself has a nice soft-touch finish that feels nice.

The Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition is an older model in Razer"s flagship Huntsman lineup, so it punches well above its weight considering its budget price point as it"s one of the best RGB mechanical keyboards on the market. It has excellent build quality, with durable PBT keycaps, a solid plastic and aluminum body, and outstanding RGB backlighting that shines brightly through the key legends.

The linear Razer optical switches in the board provide an incredibly light typing experience, especially when your fluid keystrokes are combined with the keyboard"s extremely low latency. No matter what games you tend to play, you"ll have an incredibly immersive and responsive in-game experience.

The Razer Cynosa Chroma is the best cheap RGB keyboard we"ve tested. Be aware that the price of this keyboard can vary, but it"s at its best value when it"s available for around $50 or less. While most keyboards at this price point only have zone lighting or can only display a single color at a time, the Cynosa Chroma has full RGB backlighting with individually customizable keys. This keyboard is also compatible with the Razer Chroma lighting system, which makes it easy to sync your lighting together if you have other Razer peripherals in your setup.

In terms of gaming features, this keyboard is a bit lacking. The latency is best suited for casual gaming rather than fast-paced gaming, and the rubber dome switches are heavy to press, so they don"t feel as snappy and responsive as the mechanical switches in our best budget pick, the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition. That said, it"s still a solid-performing unit for a cheap keyboard, and the RGB customization hits above its weight.

The Corsair K95 PLATINUM is a gaming keyboard with an under-glow effect from the lighting strips in the frame. However, it doesn"t have as many independent RGB zones as the Corsair K100 RGB.

The Dygma Raise has very customizable RGB lighting with a strip around the entire keyboard and wrist rests that create a satisfying glow around the keyboard. Its compact size, eight-button thumb cluster, and fully-split design are pretty unconventional and may be a bit too intimidating if you"re looking for a standard keyboard.

Changed the "Best Upper Mid-Range" pick from the HyperX Alloy Elite 2 to the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro for a wireless option; swapped the ROCCAT Vulcan TKL for the SteelSeries Apex 7 TKL; changed the EVGA Z20 to the Razer Huntsman Tournament Edition due to the EVGA"s recent price increase above the budget limit; swapped the Razer Cynosa V2 with the Razer Cynosa Chroma as the Chroma is cheaper.

Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best RGB membrane and best RGB mechanical keyboards for most people. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability.

If you would like to do the work of choosing yourself, here is the list of all our keyboard reviews. Be careful not to get too caught up in the details. While no keyboard is perfect for every use, most are good enough to please almost everyone, and the differences are often not noticeable unless you really look for them.

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, set a technological benchmark today with the release of its new Razer DeathStalker Ultimate gaming keyboard, featuring Razer"s award-winning Switchblade User Interface (UI).

The Switchblade UI on the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate is the same acclaimed, customizable LCD trackpad and LED keypad combo introduced on the Razer Switchblade concept, which can currently be found in production on the Razer Blade gaming laptop and the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ gaming keyboard. This unique interface transforms gaming keyboard functionality into a customizable control panel with 10 dynamic, adaptive tactile keys that can be used to bind commands, macros, skills and spells for an unparalleled in-game competitive advantage. Each key can display any image by using Razer"s Synapse 2.0 software, offering gamers the smartest keyboard on the market.

The LCD panel below the keys is capable of two modes. The first setting displays critical in-game information, such as damage dealt and heals-per-second on the new Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Battle Logger application, or countdown timers that keep track of in-game events with the Razer Gamer Timer application. This display also allows for intuitive multitasking, running external applications like YouTube and most social media platforms, which allows gamers to stay connected to the world by instantly updating their status for friends and followers to see, all on the LCD panel.

The Razer DeathStalker Ultimate features an anti-ghosting infrastructure of up to 10 keys in game mode. Users may actuate as many keys as they have fingers, and have them all register accurately and swiftly in-game.

Powered by Razer Synapse 2.0, the world"s first cloud-based storage software, the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate automatically saves all of a user"s custom settings and profiles for the gaming keyboard on a cloud server. These settings can then be accessed from any computer, with any Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, to ensure the keyboard is instantly ready for use.

"With the Switchblade UI on the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, we wanted to offer gamers an enriching and intuitive gaming experience built for total game control," said Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, president of Razer USA. "We continue to work closely with independent software vendors to integrate the API of their games on the Switchblade UI, so that you can see more of the game as you play. I"m excited that we are making such cutting-edge technology available to gamers everywhere, and look forward to bringing more game-specific apps."

In addition to the revolutionary Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, Razer also introduced the Razer Deathstalker gaming keyboard. The Razer DeathStalker maintains a standard keyboard layout, replacing the Switchblade UI with a numpad instead. The Razer DeathStalker features the same unique design and features of the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate – a 10-key anti-ghosting infrastructure, chiclet-style keycaps, and Synapse 2.0 support.

COLOGNE (GamesCom 2012) –Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, announced the development of a Software Development Kit (SDK) for the award-winning Switchblade User Interface (UI). Game developers and users of the Razer Blade,Star Wars™:The Old Republic™gaming keyboard, and the newly launched Razer DeathStalker Ultimate will now be able to develop applications with the new Software Development kit.

The Switchblade UI"s 10 dynamic adaptive tactile keys and LCD panel allow for two modes that offer a full, vibrant display and a trackpad. Users will be able to utilize the award-winning features of the SwitchBlade UI in creating applications of the developer"s choosing.

With the newly developed SDK, developers can freely create new applications for the Switchblade UI with possibilities ranging from informative guides, mini-maps, inventory slots, and other elevating features, all based in a free and open development model. Interested applicants may submit their inquiries to (SBUI_support@razerzone.com) or visithttp://www.razerzone.com/switchblade-ui/sdkfor a chance to craft out the apps of their choosing.Developers are required to have knowledge of C++ and C Sharp programming.

"With the development of the SDK for the Switchblade UI, we are pleased to offer every game developer the ability to create applications that will enhance their immersive experience for their favorite games," said Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, president of Razer USA. "I am eager to see the types of applications that can be made by our passionate and creative fans inside the development community."

The best Razer keyboards carry a pedigree. These are often expensive decks, but they offer some of the most comfortable and reliable typing and gaming experiences on the market. Of course, you don"t need to break the bank. There are plenty of budget and affordable models on the shelves. That"s why we"re bringing you all our favorite Razer keyboards across the full price spectrum - so that you"re getting the best value for money however much you"re spending.

Razer keyboards are regularly considered some of the best gaming keyboards, and there are plenty of reasons for that air of prestige. These decks cover a range of styles, designs, and mechanisms, with excellent response and a premium feel. Even cheaper membrane decks are well known for their durability and price to performance ratio, offering newcomers and budget setup builders a set of luxury feeling keys without breaking the bank.

We"ve had our paws all over some of the best Razer keyboards in the business, and we"ve rounded up our top picks right here. Not only will you find the absolute best of the best here, though, we"ve brought out our favorites across the full price range.

The keys of the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog are designed to mimic the thumbsticks of a controller. Essentially, each key has a variable actuation point - so you can use different levels of pressure in order to produce a different response from the keyboard. That"s a revelation in our books, allowing us to push harder on a key to run faster, or move with greater precision.

The Razer Huntsman V2 Analog does something we"ve never experienced before, and it stands out in any lineup of the best gaming keyboards as a result.Razer Huntsman V2 Analog review

Nevertheless, his is a Razer keyboard designed for FPS, racing, and flight-sim fans, with the WASD keys never feeling so in tune with our own gameplay requirements. While we wouldn"t chalk it up as a necessity, it"s certainly difficult to switch back to a regular deck once you"ve got used to it.

Aside from that key feature, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog still packs some considerable power under the hood. Razer"s optical switches mean you"re getting a super fast response, but there"s still a mechanical click feel here as well. Add dedicated media keys and dial, USB passthrough, and a luxurious leatherette magnetic wrist rest, and you"ve got yourself a particularly premium deck with a twist.

The Razer Cynosa V2 manages to feel great under your hands without breaking the bank - which isn"t an easy find in the world of Razer keyboards. Not only is it one of the brand"s best decks for value for money, but it"s one of the cheapest models worth running on the whole market as well. While it holds an MSRP of $59.99 / £59.99, we actually see this model well under $50 / £50 regularly.If you"ve never owned a gaming keyboard before, this is the perfect place to start.Razer Cynosa V2 review

We were still flying across the board with excellent actuation speed and response, which is more than can be said for the majority of budget gaming keyboards. Not only that, but you"re also getting dedicated media controls and a full set of RGB LEDs as well.

The Razer Cynosa line is very similar to the brand"s other budget range - the Ornata. The Cynosa won"t take you past $50, but the Ornata, with its hybrid switches, media dial, and included wrist rest will run you closer to $80. While the Ornata may boast a few more specialized features, then, those looking for a true budget buy will be better suited to the value experience that the Cynosa V2 line offers.

Blackwidow keyboards have been at the top of the mechanical tree for many years, and this latest Elite iteration seems likely to keep it there. With an arsenal of thoughtful features and a more streamlined design than we"ve seen in previous Blackwidow models, the Razer BlackWidow Elite seems to solve some of the line"s early problems. While you are dropping dedicated macro keys, there"s more than enough functionality in here to make up for it - including Razer Hypershift, an additional layer of programmability accessible via a modifier key.There’s no denying the quality of the materials or the construction, and the green switches will delight gamers who prize responsiveness and speed.Razer BlackWidow Elite review

We found the BlackWidow Elite to be taller than other Razer decks, with a high profile design that did become cumbersome during longer testing sessions. However, the concave keycaps kept us in line.

We greatly valued the USB passthrough on here, as well as the addition of a 3.5mm audio jack. We"re often testing the best gaming headsets while we plug away on Razer keyboards, so having somewhere easy to plug that cable in was a godsend.

The Razer BlackWidow Elite still isn"t a budget buy by any means. It doesn"t touch the lofty heights of the Huntsman V2, but still offers enough luxury to put it several large steps ahead of budget models like the Cynosa and Ornata. That makes it the best Razer keyboard for most people - strong value for money that doesn"t load up on expensive features that might not see use from everyday players.

Utilizing a "mecha-membrane" approach to its design, the Razer Oranata V2 blends the two approaches and techs into a glorious combination: it has a mechanical "click" with the feel of membrane switches. As a result, it is very easy to use and proved incredibly responsive in our testing, enhanced further by the low-profile keycaps.This mecha-membrane device combines the the "click" of mechanical decks and the feel of traditional membrane switches.Razer Ornata V2 review

The Ornata V2 feels particularly tactile under the hand, which will benefit those who don"t get on with the longer travel distances of linear mechanical switches. However, you"re still getting a durable set of keys with a satisfying sound here - it really is the best of both worlds. Not only that, but because of that cheaper hybrid design this is also one of the more affordable Razer keyboards out there.

Of course, it"s not as cheap as the Razer Cynosa V2, but you"re still getting plenty of additional features like a media dial and wrist rest to make that extra investment worth it. That said, the budget build does mean you"re picking up ABS keycaps - a smoother, less durable alternative to pricier PBT models. In our testing we did notice some oily shine appearing fairly quickly.

The new Razer Ornata V3 is out in the wild now, but it doesn"t actually offer as full a feature-set as its predecessor. The newer model limits users to ten zones of RGB lighting, rather than the per-key customization available on the V2, and ships with a cheaper plastic wrist rest as well. You"re also dropping the volume wheel on the older device, swapping for two volume buttons instead. If you"re shopping for a Mac or Linux operating system, though, compatibility is improved with the latter device.

There"s no doubt about it - wireless gaming keyboards are pricey. That means you"ll want to make sure you"re getting a good amount of luxury in your deck, especially if you"re spending over $200 / £200. Thankfully, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro has bags of premium features packed in - all with a durable build quality and some nice to haves in the spec sheet as well.

Not only are you getting one of the nicest media wheels we"ve ever laid hands on with a full deck of premium Razer switches and all the Chroma you can expect from the snakes, but there"s a solid wireless performance here as well. Whether plugged in or tether-free, we were impressed by the speeds on offer here. Gone are the days where wireless decks lag behind their cabled counterparts - the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro absolutely flies.

Razer keyboards are rarely wireless - the brand generally prioritizes other features over an untethered connection. However, of the slim pickings out there, we"d recommend anyone with the budget to do so checks out the BlackWidow V3 Pro first.

The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro delighted in our testing. It"s been a while since the low profile design has graced the brand"s shelves, but if you"re looking for that quick snap and super crisp optical switch, the latest release is well worth a look. Not only is this one of the best Razer keyboards overall, but we actually found it"s the best specifically for typing - all thanks to those shorter keycaps and streamlined design.

Yes, these are particularly sensitive switches - something we struggled with in the early days of our testing. However, with a little muscle memory we were soon flying across the deck, and started to value such twitch-reflex reactivity in both work and play. Not only is this a solid piece of kit in itself, but the DeathStalker V2 Pro is also one of the few wireless options from Razer. The brand promises a 26 hour battery on full brightness, with 200 hours at no RGB. We found that this rang true during our own use - clocking an average 27 hours per charge with LEDs blaring at full whack.

While there"s no USB passthrough or wrist rest included (a shame at a full $249.99 MSRP), you"re getting a sophisticated piece of kit here, with a lick of luxury on top. From the shorter profile to the sleek Razer branding along the larger bottom bezel, the DeathStalker V2 Pro certainly stands out in a setup. If you"re looking to invest in a low profile Razer keyboard, this is your best option.

Don"t let the size of the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog fool you - it"s every bit the equal of its full-size counterparts. That"s because it also features the same excellent Analog Optical switches for adjustable (and variable) actuation and dual-step macro mapping as the full-sized Razer Huntsman V2 above. It"s a delight for typing and as speedy as you would expect from the eSports-focused design, but its main benefits lie in that customization.

Not only can you adjust each key"s behaviour in this way, but you can also set certain keys to act in a manner more similar to a thumbstick. A usual mechanical keyboard switch will register an on or off input, responding with a single command to the computer as a result. However, the Huntsman Mini Analog registers the pressure placed on each switch in as - you guessed it - analog manner, using light-based actuation. That means you can, for example, set your WASD keys to respond with movement speed based on how far you"re pressing the switch.

The smaller footprint means it"s easy to transport as well, making this the ideal choice for tournament use or those who travel a lot. It"s also a good pick if you want to use it on one of the best gaming laptops(opens in new tab), as it doesn"t take up a huge amount of space. If you"re not fussed about those analog switches, though, you can also pick up the Razer Huntsman Mini with standard opto-mechanical clickers underneath as well.

Razer"s Huntsman range of keyboards is rapidly becoming the company"s premier lineup for competitive use. They are currently the only set of keyboards to feature Razer"s excellent opto-mechanical switches to essentially eliminate actuation delay (the time it takes for a key-press to be registered). That means the Razer Huntsman Elite keys register the moment they touch a laser beam.The opto-mechanical switches that are the star of the Huntsman line are some of the best switches I"ve ever had the pleasure of using.Razer Huntsman Elite review

These opto-mechanical switches are the star of the show here, offering up some of the speediest, most responsive switches we"ve seen in a gaming keyboard. We found that the tactile feedback and sound was similar to that of the Cherry MX Blue, but with a 15g lighter actuation force, each press was far easier and stood the test of a longer play session much better as well. Not only that, but you"ll find some solid stabilizers supporting those switches as well - we were particularly impressed with the stability of the overall experience here.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to having all that speed at your fingertips. The Razer Huntsman Elite does lack some of the more peripheral features that sit on other Razer keyboards. There"s no USB or audio passthrough here, and you"re not getting any dedicated macro keys. However, we were grateful for the stripped back approach here, with the features that are included (dedicated media keys and RGB) performing particularly well.

We adopt each Razer keyboard as our own whenever a new model comes our way for review. That means we can make recommendations based on not only hands-on experience, but also the quality of life of a product. We use each Razer keyboard we review for work and play over a considerable amount of time, while also running a series of tests designed to stress a keyboard"s performance through a range of genres.

Because we use these devices every day, we"re always keeping an eye on that form factor and durability as well - watching out for any flexible parts or switch wobble. However, once our initial review is finished we will continue to keep these Razer keyboards in our rotations so that we can determine long-term build quality and update our findings as well.

For more information on how we make our recommendations, take a look at our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy. You"ll also find more details on how we test gaming keyboards specifically as well.What is the best Razer keyboard?The best Razer keyboard in our testing is the Razer Huntsman Analog V2. While a premium package, this model packs a huge amount of additional features into its full-sized form factor, while also offering new analog switches. There"s nothing quite like it on the market, so it"s a must-have for gaming keyboard aficionados looking to invest.What is the latest Razer keyboard?The very latest Razer keyboard is the DeathStalker V2 Pro, launched in July 2022. However, you"ll find all the newest releases in each of Razer"s keyboard lines just below.

Cynosa - Razer Cynosa V2 (July, 2020)Are Razer keyboards worth it?Razer keyboards are build for gaming from the ground up. That"s why you"ll usually find some of the fastest switches and heaviest RGB support from these planks. On top of a renowned build quality, the Chroma RGB system is compatible with a massive range of external services.

If you"re planning on buying a keyboard primarily for typing, we"d recommend looking elsewhere - or the best hot-swappable keyboards. The switches and stabilizers often found in Razer"s keyboards are designed for speed over stability. While you"ll find some solid feeling keys at the top of the price range, those who don"t need the additional gaming features can get far superior typing feel for much less cash with other brands.Are Razer keyboards just for gaming?While Razer does offer a massive range of excellent gaming keyboards, the brand also has a solid range for the office as well. The Razer Pro line comprises a keyboard and mouse that does away with some of the more speed-focused features and concentrates on a more subtle aesthetic. However, there are uses for Razer gaming keyboards in a productivity setting as well.

Of course, we"re also rounding up all the bestcheap gaming keyboardscurrently on the market, as well as thebest gaming mousemodels and thebest Razer laptopsto boot.

Your keyboard is your primary connection to your PC: it"s the part you touch the most. This means that getting a better keyboard can yield a more immediately-noticeable difference than just about any other upgrade — including upgrading your CPU(opens in new tab).

A gamer"s keyboard is even more critical. Gamers need something with instant response time and tactile feedback, but they also need it to be comfortable and easy to type on for long gaming and chatting sessions. And an attractive design with per-key RGB that can be customized to accompany your rig doesn"t hurt, either.

Whether you"re ducking and diving and sniping your way through a first-person shooter, wearing out your W-key exploring a vast open world, or chatting furiously on Discord and Twitch, your keyboard is going to be your main sidekick. You don"t want to make that choice lightly — here are the best gaming keyboards we"ve tested, that deliver an exemplary combination of low-latency responsiveness, gamer-friendly features, and attractive, customizable style.

Quick Shopping TipsMechanical or bust? Most gamers probably aren"t even considering a non-mechanical keyboard — for good reason. Only mechanical keyboard switches offer the tactile feedback, precision, and accuracy most gamers need, and membrane switches feel gummy and unresponsive by comparison. Recently we"ve been seeing more and more optical keyboards, which are technically mechanical, but use light instead of force to actuate. Optical switches still feel a little unsatisfying to type on but offer speedy actuation (often adjustable) that many gamers may appreciate.

RGB or not? All RGB lighting is not equal. Per-key RGB lets you program each key"s color individually, while zone lighting limits your customization to just a few areas o the board. You can save a little money by getting a keyboard with a single-color backlight, but you’ll miss out on a spectacular light show. If you opt for something with no backlight at all, make sure you"ll be gaming in a well-lit area or are a touch typist.

Full-size, tenkeyless, or smaller? Tenkeyless boards drop the numpad, 65 percent boards eliminate navigation keys, and 60 percent boards also cut the arrow keys. Some users, such as MMO players, want every possible key (and more), while others prefer a smaller keyboard to clear up desk space.

The best gaming keyboards use a number of different mechanical switch types that determine the feel and sound of each key press. There are even new ones coming out all the time, such as the Cherry Viola switch. The type of switch you choose depends on your personal preferences for typing and gaming.

Don"t want to commit? Check out our article on how to change mechanical keyboard switches easily. Our feature onmechanical switch spec ranges also explains how to read switch specs.

The HyperX Alloy Origins" compact and quality build makes it the best gaming keyboard for mainstream gamers who just want to get down to gaming. It’s comfortable, with a premium look and feel from its keys to its frame and vibrant RGB lighting. If you"re familiar with linear switches, which are quick but offer little feedback, you"ll feel right at home with this keyboard"s red switches. We"ve also tested the clickier version with HyperX aqua switches, which are available on Amazon(opens in new tab)and HyperX"s store(opens in new tab).

For over $100, you can find gaming keyboards with more luxuries, such as media control buttons, a USB pass-through port (for easily plugging in another accessory, like your best gaming mouse(opens in new tab)), and more advanced software. But what the Alloy Origins does offer, it executes excellently.

Patriot Memory is better known for its RAM(opens in new tab)and storage than its peripherals, but the Viper V765 provides a key feel that’s second to none — in an attractive, affordable package. It"s been a while, but the Patriot Viper V765 is still a good budget option with plenty of functionality. It"s one of the rare keyboards to come with Kailh Box White switches, which actuate faster than regular Blue or Green switches thanks to their slightly reduced travel (3.6mm versus 4mm). The keys are the most responsive we’ve tested and make one of the most pleasant click sounds you"ll find anywhere.

If Kailh Box White switches aren"t enough to convince you the Viper V765 is worth buying, it"s got plenty more going for it. This full-sized keyboard has an aluminum surface with tapered edges that give it a futuristic look. The vibrant RGB keys offer dozens of different light combinations — and you don"t even need to install the software to access most of the RGB effects. The keyboard also features media keys, which are more often seen on pricier boards, as well as IP56 water and dust resistance.

The Roccat Vulcan II Max is designed to dazzle you: This full-size wired keyboard not only features bright, per-key RGB lighting, which is on maximum display thanks to the keyboard’s flat, shallow keycaps; 24 of its switches also have dual-LEDs. The Vulcan II Max comes with a detachable silicone wrist rest that serves as a conduit for the keyboard’s lighting (it’s beautiful), and features dedicated media keys and a clickable volume knob.

This is an attractive, unique-looking keyboard even without lighting — it has a slim, lightweight chassis with an aluminum alloy top plate, and flat, chiclet-y keycaps that leave the switches entirely exposed. The keyboard has 24 pre-programmed multi-function “smart” dual-LED keys, which light up to indicate secondary keybinds and can also change colors to display real-time info, such as headset or mouse battery life. The keyboard features Roccat’s Aimo lighting experience, which is an “intelligent” lighting system that interacts with, and reacts to, the user (and adapts over time). It’s definitely a dazzling alternative to the typical spectrum cycling, and it’s even more dazzling when paired with the Vulcan II Max’s translucent wrist rest.

If you want the same experience as your typical full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard but without wires, the Razer BlackWidow V3 Pro is the best wireless gaming keyboard we"ve tested. While many wireless keyboards are built for traveling, the BlackWidow V3 Pro maintains all the size, bulk, and functionality of a full-sized mechanical keyboard — including a premium tactile volume dial, media keys, an aluminum top plate, and doubleshot ABS plastic keycaps.

Razer doesn"t skimp on the BlackWidow V3 Pro: It"s packed with up to four profiles of onboard memory and vibrant per-key RGB lighting. However, RGB doesn"t stick to profiles — advanced RGB fanatics will have to rely on software for pairing RGB, including custom effects, to profiles.

The BlackWidow V3 Pro connects to your computer via 2.4 GHz dongle (which we had no issues with during testing) or Bluetooth (up to three computers simultaneously). With RGB at max settings and no dimming effects, our test unit averaged about 14 hours of battery life — but you"ll get up to 25 hours with RGB using power saving settings. You"ll want to plug in before the battery hits 3%, as power saving settings kick in at that point and the keyboard starts acting a little wonky.

If you’re looking for a more portable full-sized wireless gaming keyboard, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed is fantastic and reliable with low-profile switches that some will enjoy for gaming and others will enjoy for travel. But for a full-sized mechanical gaming keyboard experience, the BlackWidow V3 Pro is the premium choice.

The Corsair K100 RGB packs more features than most need, including some you’ve probably never even fathomed a keyboard could have. There’s an SoC with multi-threading, a 4,000 Hz polling rate (instead of the usual 1,000 Hz), the debut of Corsair’s homegrown optical-mechanical switches, and an RGB-clad media wheel that’s as fun to use as it is to look at.

The wheel was extra helpful for productivity tasks, such as zooming in and out of Photoshop. It proved less useful for gaming, however, as did some of the other features that make this keyboard so expensive.

The K100 RGB still makes for one of the best gaming keyboards. We could actually tell the difference offered by the optical mechanical switches’ shorter travel and actuation point. Of course, if you’re not into the optical mechanical trend, you can also get this board with Cherry’s Speed Silver switches.

It’s not a perfect gaming keyboard, but the Hexgears Impulse is the best gaming keyboard if typing performance is your main priority. In fact, using this keyboard with the Kailh Box White switches resulted in our best typing performance yet — surpassing even old-school IBM-style keyboards and others we"ve used with Cherry MX Blue or Razer Green switches.

You can also grab the Impulse with Kailh Box Brown tactile switches. Better yet — the updated version of this keyboard adds hot swap capability, which means you can easily swap in whatever switches you like without breaking out a soldering iron. The Impulse"s $100price tag isn"t bad, especially for such an excellent typing experience and extra functionality.

While theRazer Huntsman V2 Analog is one of Razer’s more advanced optical mechanical gaming keyboards, the Huntsman V2 is the best fit for most. It’s expensive, but in addition to premium switches, it’s packed with features, including nice media keys, keys that can be programmed with up to two functions by holding down a designated Razer HyperShift key and 4 onboard profiles that can launch automatically with specified apps.

Its optical mechanical switches actuate by sending a stem through a light beam, rather than via physical contact. These switches have grown more popular for smooth actuation and because they should degrade at a slower rate than standard mechanical switches. We tested the Huntsman V2 with Razer’s 2nd Gen Optical Linear switches, which use sound dampeners. Additionally, there’s sound dampening foam in the keyboard that makes for a very quiet experience with these smooth-traveling switches. The clicky options are also delightfully light (1.5mm actuation point and 45g of force to actuate), making them more appropriate for gaming than other clicky switches.

The SteelSeries Apex Pro is the best gaming keyboard for RGB, boasting some of the most brilliant per-key RGB lighting we"ve ever seen. The colors pop against the keyboard"s dark gray frame and light up the rest of the chassis. Raised keycaps heighten the experience even more. Plus, software and on-the-fly controls make the possibilities feel endless.

This keyboard also has the innovative ability to set the actuation point for individual keys for a highly custom feel. This is a rare trick and one that the Apex Pro delivers in an effective fashion. There"s also the popular OLED(opens in new tab) screen, where you can display a small image or uploaded GIF. Not only is the Apex Pro highly customizable, it makes doing so easier than even a hot-swappable keyboard.

Those who like clicky, tactile typing should consider something else, because the Apex Pro"s switches definitely have a linear feel. (Though you"ll still hear plenty of noise from banging on the aluminum frame.) If you want a keyboard you can easily put your mark on — literally — look no further.

If you want the speed and slimness afforded by low-profile mechanical switches, the Logitech G915 Lightspeed is the best gaming keyboard you can buy. This is a premium gaming experience through and through. That means a row of G macro keys for leveraging during battle, dedicated media controls, including an epic volume wheel roller, and even multiple connectivity options. You can go tried-and-true wired, use Logitech’s reliable dongle connection, or store the dongle in the keyboard’s built-in compartment and use Bluetooth. This makes connecting to multiple devices a little easier too.

The G915 Lightspeed has earned a popular reputation but comes at a price. Despite its $250 MSRP, there’s no wrist rest, USB passthrough or premium keycaps resistant to smudging. As mentioned in our Logitech G915 TKL review, the smaller version of this keyboard is more affordable(opens in new tab) but foregoes even more luxuries, most noticeably G keys.

Ultra-compact keyboards aren’t for everyone, but if you have limited desk space or you’re looking for a gaming keyboard that’s travel-friendly, a 60 percent keyboard can be a godsend. You’ll have to give up a lot — number pad, navigation keys, function keys, and even arrow keys — but you’ll barely notice these sacrifices with the right keyboard.

The Apex Pro Mini Wireless is a sleek, sturdily-built 60 percent keyboard featuring SteelSeries OmniPoint 2.0 switches, which feature both adjustable actuation and dual actuation (much like the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog). Because it’s so small, the Apex Pro Mini Wireless has a slew of default secondary keybinds, which are printed on the sides of the keycaps and activated using SteelSeries SS function k