Razer Deathstalker V2: Opto-mechanical buttons are becoming medium-flat

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After a good ten years, Razer is resurrecting the DeathStalker name, which was used to market particularly flat keyboards in the particularly high-priced segment. In 2022, instead of notebook buttons, the series will be given flat opto-mechanical models, which will make their market debut.

Buttons under the magnifying glass

The new “Low-Profile Optical Switches” are a flatter version of the in-house opto-mechanical buttons, which have been installed in the Huntsman Elite (test) for three years. With this type of button, a signal is triggered by the interruption of a light barrier. Traditional mechanical models, on the other hand, generate a signal by closing metal contacts. Razer sees advantages in the service life due to the reduction in mechanical contact points and in the reaction speed, because the debounce time can be minimized with sensor technology.

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Razer Low Profile Optical Switches (Image: Razer)
Razer Clicky Low Profile Optical Switch (Image: Razer)

Like Cherry, Razer doesn't simply shrink the normal buttons; low-profile switches already differ visually from the conventional models. The otherwise visible stabilizer disappears, and the stamp is also significantly wider. It seems possible that this prevents tilting when pressing. The approach therefore deviates visually from the low-profile buttons on Cherry or Kailh Choc V2, which are installed in the Logitech MX Mechanical Mini (test), for example.

The drop in travel to 2.8 millimeters can be felt in practice. At the same time, the signal point is reached earlier. It is 1.2 millimeters for linear models and 1.5 millimeters for tactile click variants. However, due to the shortened stroke and different springs, this does not automatically generate the nervous characteristics inherent in speed buttons with a similarly early signal point. The red linear keys are also equipped with damping elements made of silicone, which should reduce the impact noise without making the feedback on the impact too soft. However, the flat construction is not taken to the extreme: notebook buttons from Razer and the MX Ultra Low Profile (test) aimed at the same segment show that even more height can be saved.

Razer Linear Low Profile Optical Switch Cherry MX BlueCherry MX Low Profile RedCherry MX RedKailh Choc V2 Blue (CPG135301D03)Kailh Choc V2 Red (CPG135301D01) ✔Razer Clicky Low Profile Optical Switch ✔Razer Linear Low Profile Optical Switch ✔ Razer Clicky Low Profile Optical Switch Cherry Kailh Choc V2 Blue (CPG135301D03)Kailh Choc V2 Red (CPG135301D01) ✔Razer Clicky Low Profile Optical Switch ✔Razer Linear Low Profile Optical Switch ✔ Kailh Choc V2 Red (CPG135301D01) Cherry MX BlueCherry MX Low Profile RedCherry MX RedKailh Choc V2 Blue (CPG135301D03)Kailh Choc V2 Red (CPG135301D01) ✔Razer Clicky Low Profile Optical Switch ✔Razer Linear Low Profile Optical Switch ✔ Characteristic: linear tactile (“clicky”) linear Travel: 2.8 mm 3.2 mm Signal point position: 1.2 mm 1.5 mm 1.3 mm Resistance at signal point: 45 g 43 g Resistance at pressure point: – 45 g – Lifetime (keystrokes): 70 million 50 million

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Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro TKL (Image: Razer)
Razer DeathStalker V2 (Image: Razer)
Razer DeathStalker V2 (Image: Razer)
Razer DeathStalker V2 (Image: Razer)
Razer DeathStalker V2 (Image: Razer)
Razer DeathStalker V2 (Image: Razer)

With the new buttons and flat, doubleshot-lettered ABS keycaps, the DeathStalker keyboards reach a height of 2.43 centimeters at their highest point. The equipment includes a programmable scroll wheel as well as a media button, RGB lighting and a USB-C connection for data transmission. If more than pre-programmed lighting effects are required, the keyboard must be programmed with Synapse 3. Up to five profiles fit on the integrated memory.

In the Pro version, the keyboard can also transmit via Bluetooth 5.0 and Razer's proprietary HyperSpeed ​​protocol with a higher polling rate. The company promises an operating time of 40 hours on battery power with alternating light effects at half brightness.

Price remains high

DeathStalker keyboards were never cheap. The V2 generation remains true to this tradition and lets the basic model start at around 200 euros in the third quarter of the year. In the same period, the V2 Pro will be available in stores in a compact tenkeyless layout for around 220 euros. Only the most expensive model is already available: the V2 Pro can now be purchased for around 250 euros from Razer itself and selected dealers.