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. 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 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.īlackwidow keyboards have been at the top of the mechanical tree for many years, and this latest Elite iteration seems likely to keep it there. 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. The Razer Cynosa line is very similar to the brand's other budget range - the Ornata.
Not only that, but you're also getting dedicated media controls and a full set of RGB LEDs as well. 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. While no means a deal-breaker, and certainly not a constant sound, the odd ting noise could become irritating if they build up over time. Plus, you're keeping that quiet typing experience of a non-mechanical deck as well. It should be said, though, that in our testing we did come across a few squeaky keys. While these rubber dome switches are a little cheaper by nature, the Cynosa manages to implement them in a way that still feels tactile and responsive.
If you've never owned a gaming keyboard before, this is the perfect place to start. 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.
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. Read more: Razer Huntsman V2 Analog review 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. Razer's optical switches mean you're getting a super fast response, but there's still a mechanical click feel here as well. 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.Īside from that key feature, the Razer Huntsman V2 Analog still packs some considerable power under the hood. 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. Of course, this was fixed by diving back into the Synapse software, but it's worth noting that this is not a plug and play affair. That meant some commands were being automatically mapped to non-existent trigger buttons. For example, mapping thumbstick controls to WASD in certain games meant the title itself thought we using a full controller. There's a lot of fiddling required to make the switches perform to their full potential. It was a real game-changer - once we set it up.
We were cruising around asteroids, and subtly adjusting our flight patterns with the help of that variable actuation rate. In our testing, this nifty little feature offered up far smoother gameplay in Watch Dogs: Legion and Elite: Dangerous alike. 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.