Razer keyboard feel?

[575]

Help me decide whether I should order a Razer keyboard (I can't try locally).

I'm after a keyboard that feels like an IBM Thinkpad keyboard- very short travel, but a well-defined and firm keypress action. Has anyone used both a Thinkpad laptop and a Razer- if so, how would you compare the two?

My keyboards of choice are my Thinkpad USB keyboard (basically the laptop keyboard connected to my usual PC), the Northgate Omnikey, and a Model M. So I'm a quality keyboard junkie. Will I be happy with keypresses of a Razer? I've tried various full-size membrane keyboards like the pricier Logitech and Microsoft offerings, but I've been very unimpressed with their mushiness.

Any shared experiences appreciated...

 

[EdgeHawk]

The Razer Lycosa keyboard is absolutely NOT the keyboard you are looking for. I am typing this message on a Razer Lycosa keyboard. The illuminated keys are a nice feature when playing games or when you type in total darkness. It looks expensive but every key press sounds like cheap plastic. It just sounds and feels horrible.
I also have a Logitech diNovo Edge. This is a expensive one but you have better value for money. It types like a laptop keyboard.

 

[RavenGuard]

Razer keyboards are not so great from what I've seen. We get quite a few of the ones we sell returned, as well as my personal dislike for the way they feel. Razer seems like a company heavily based in "gamer" marketing. Look into the Dinovo Edge, I use one and they are fantastic. They're pricey, but logitech makes some lower end keyboards that are not wireless/blutooth based and use the same style of keys.

http://www.canadacomputers.com...=020840&cid=PE.146.484

Check that out, it has a back light as well. Chances are it will feel much better than the Razer, last longer, and cost you less.

 

[575]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately I just bought an Artcosa before reading your replies and can confirm that the Razers are *not* what I'd call high quality keyboards.

The keys have a slightly cheap, wobbly feel to them. When I rest my fingers on the key tops, I can feel them shift slightly. And keypresses are also slightly mushy. They keyboard is about one step up from the cheap Dell or Chinese generics, but that's about it.

Fortunately, the Arctosa was cheap enough to be considered fairly disposable. I'll have a look at the Dinovo or get another Thinkpad USB. I'm going to consider this a $40 lesson in not buying cheap peripherals in the future.

 

[RiDE]

I have a hand me down Tarantula. My brother probably put it through some WoW and FPS abuse. The keys aren't as firm and response isn't as crisp as it was when it was new. The F5-F12 buttons feel pretty nice still.

 

[575]

I guess I should ask this question before running the risk of being burnt again: Are Razer mice of better quality than they keyboards? The upcoming Orochi has the ideal mix of specs that I'm looking for in a mouse (very small, wireless with a wired option, AA batteries).

I'm assuming there is considerably less to get wrong with a mouse than there is with a keyboard. So can the Razer mice be considered high quality items that are comparable to similarly priced MS and Logitec products (they should be, considering their prices)? Or are they also cheap, plasticky affairs that look great in photos but don't quite deliver in real life?

I didn't start off with the intention to sound so down on Razer prducts, I guess I'm a little bitter about falling for the marketing bumpf around their keyboards

 

[ivan2]

razer mouse is awesome if they fit your style. most of them are very light with high sensitivity made for twitch gaming. but the deathadder and black mamba has moved into a more conventional shape that is low sensitivity user friendly.

quality wise depending on the model. The last gen laser isn't good in my experience with the diamondback laser, but the latest laser (lachesis, black mamba) seems to have it going for them (i dont own them, based on reviews). Optical ones are always top notch.

I have more razer mouse than others brand, except for the diamondback, they had never disappoint me.

 

[dawza]

Originally posted by: 575
I guess I should ask this question before running the risk of being burnt again: Are Razer mice of better quality than they keyboards? The upcoming Orochi has the ideal mix of specs that I'm looking for in a mouse (very small, wireless with a wired option, AA batteries).

I'm assuming there is considerably less to get wrong with a mouse than there is with a keyboard. So can the Razer mice be considered high quality items that are comparable to similarly priced MS and Logitec products (they should be, considering their prices)? Or are they also cheap, plasticky affairs that look great in photos but don't quite deliver in real life?

I didn't start off with the intention to sound so down on Razer prducts, I guess I'm a little bitter about falling for the marketing bumpf around their keyboards

I have had great luck with the Copperheads, but so-so results with the Diamondback/3G. The Diamondback/3G seem to have issues with the left/right buttons becoming squeaky and double-clicking with moderate use. Three out of the four Diamondbacks I own developed this problem. Both Copperheads are perfect to this day.

I do like the low profile design of most Razer mice, and have no complaints about the sensors.

 

[RavenGuard]

I find just the opposite. My hand sits naturally with an arch in my fingers and palm, and many razer mice are built very flat and uncomfortable. I prefer a logitech g9 or sidewinder x8 type feel.

Again, I really don't like the feel of the razer keyboards. A $15 logitech keyboard feels better to me.

 

[nerp]

I'm a keyboard whore (own a few Unicomps and Ms), too. If you like using Thinkpad keyboards and M's, I think you're going to be really dissapointed with any gaming keyboard you buy. The ABS M1 is about as decent as it gets for a board marketed towards gaming. The keyfeel on the gaming boards is usually pretty crummy and they use domes or scissor switches, which I personally can't stand for very long. Even that ridiculously expensive keyboard (is it Optimus Maximus?? I forget) with the indivudal LCDs on each key is pretty awful to use for any serious writing or gaming. In the gaming segment, looks and lights are the driving force, not key quality. :/

The nice thing about having USB keyboards is that you can have more than one connected at a time. So you could have a gaming board and a real board for everything else and just switch up as needed.

 

[575]

Thanks guys. Looks like I'll give the new Razer notebook mouse a shot, and replace the Artosa keyboard with a Thinkpad USB.

 

[RiDE]

I've had 3 Razer mice... they've all been great. I like the Deathadder the best.