The Razer DeathStalker Chroma Gaming Keyboard Review
by E. Fylladitakis on December 7, 2015 9:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Keyboard
- Razer
- RGB Backlighting
- chiclet
Even though they are nearly 30 years old, mechanical keyboards are all the rage among computing enthusiasts nowadays. Mechanical keyboards are very popular amongst professionals, gamers and, despite their relatively high price, even casual users. However, a large percentage of gamers and casual users are purchasing mechanical keyboards not for their mechanical keys, but for their features. Some, especially professionals, want to own a fully programmable keyboard, while others want to combine RGB lighting with game-specific functionality. Today we will be having a look at the DeathStalker Chroma, Razer's newest addition to their keyboards lineup.
Introduction
Razer is one of the most well-known manufacturers of gaming peripherals and accessories. A few months ago we a look at one of their most recent mechanical gaming keyboards, in its OriginPC version, the BlackWidow Chroma. The DeathStalker Chroma that we will be reviewing today boasts similar functionality but is an electronic keyboard that is making use of 2 mm chiclet keys instead. With few electronic keyboards boasting programmable RGB lighting and keys, the DeathStalker Chroma is an intriguing product and we will thoroughly examine it in this review.
DeathStalker Chroma Gaming Keyboard - Key features and specifications
- Chiclet key caps
- Chroma lighting with 16.8 million customizable color options
- Razer Synapse enabled
- 1000Hz 'Ultra polling'
- Fully programmable keys with on the fly macro recording
- Dedicated Gaming Mode
- Anti-ghosting capability for up to 10 simultaneous key presses
- Fixed wrist rest
Packaging & Bundle
Razer supplies the DeathStalker Chroma in a black, sturdy cardboard box. The artwork on the box is simple and based on a picture of the keyboard itself, showing off its RGB capabilities. Inside the box, we found a minimal bundle offered into a black envelope with Razer’s logo on it, consisting of a quick start guide, warranty information and product registration cards, as well as two large stickers. There is no media with the software, which is required for the proper functionality of the keyboard and needs to be downloaded.
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chlamchowder - Monday, December 7, 2015 - link
Basically, this is terribly overpriced. There are mechanical keyboards at similar prices (G710 is selling for just under $90 on Amazon), as mentioned in the conclusion. There are also non-mechanical keyboards with backlighting and macro keys for far less, like the Corsair K40 or Logitech G105.Maybe chiclet keys are nice if you type by sliding your fingers around (surprisingly effective at times), but you can do that with rubber dome keyboards as well.
MrPoletski - Monday, December 7, 2015 - link
I don't get this, how is this a gaming keyboard? now key quality and everything else aside. Since when was the standard qwerty arrangement 'optimal' for gaming. Look up the steelseries merc stealth. I couldn't care less if they litereally used ionised turds to determine key pressed or not, they actually have gaming shaped keys so you can plonk your left hand down and be ace. Fuck this 'gaming keyboard' when I have to contort my wrist to get the play I want.DryAir - Monday, December 7, 2015 - link
Creating an online account just to use a piece of hardware? How can people accept this?hasseb64 - Monday, December 7, 2015 - link
Conclusion is longer than the article. Nothing new here at AT..Conclusions tend to be long here.
just4U - Monday, December 7, 2015 - link
Is that a problem? Different sites have different approaches..theuglyman0war - Monday, December 7, 2015 - link
fer aging eyes and an avid stereoscopic fan fumbling in the dark with active shutter glasses...really appreciate no spilling but powerful LED light.
jthomp - Tuesday, December 8, 2015 - link
"TEH CLOUD, TEH CLOUD!!!"Okay... it saves the settings to "Razer's servers", enough of "TEH CLOUD".
Honestly, it looks like a fairly decent backlit chiclet keyboard, though I wouldn't want to pay more than $40 for it. Razer is like the "Dr. Dre Beats" of PC gaming accessories... cool to look at but I wouldn't buy it even at 50% off.
I'm loving my Ducky Shine 4 and newish G400s's right now so, thankfully, I'm all set for awhile as far as input devices but it's still nice to check out what's coming out. I really like that actuation test you all showed... that was the first time I've seen that. Good work, Anandtech.
MamiyaOtaru - Tuesday, December 8, 2015 - link
why on earth would someone shell out for a full size keyboard (and a more expensive one at that, with the lighting and all) and go for chiclets? It'd be like ordering a tower case and filling it with laptop partsTunnah - Tuesday, December 8, 2015 - link
I would rather be forced to trade in my PC for a mac than ever use another Razer product. Terrible reliability, worse customer service.A-Skate - Wednesday, December 9, 2015 - link
I've owned the normal version of the Deathstalker for over six months now, and I'd recommend it to anyone as one of the few high quality options if you use a laptop and desktop daily. I never got used to a cherry mx keyboard due to having used a macbook for several years before getting a desktop (again).However, the Razer software is a bit of an annoyance, since their "never install" option does not work, and constantly tries to install it after bigger windows updates. I have zero use for macros or anything like that.
All in all, it's the closest you can get to a macbook chiclet keyboard, although somewhat mushier. The fonts are terrible though.