Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)First, I'm not a gamer. I enjoy a good FPS but generally get pwned by kids 30 years younger than me. I didn't buy this keyboard for it's gaming features. I needed to replace my Logitech MX5000 BT keyboard because it was driving me crazy with it's connection issues. The criteria I had for the replacement was that it be wired (I've tried too many flaky wireless solutions); that it preferably have laptop style keys; that it be relatively quiet (so my wife can sleep in the next room); and that the keys have a switchable backlight (more on that later). The Lycosa met these requirements for me.
The keyboard itself is really nice looking, not too big, and very low profile. The high gloss body finish does show finger prints and dust. The keys have a matte rubber finish that feels good under the finger tips.
I'm almost a touch typist and I have been intrigued by the Das Keyboard II but I just wasn't really ready to commit to a completely unmarked keyboard. The Lycosa is actually a nice compromise in this regard because I can turn off the backlight completely and have a virtually unmarked keyboard.
Speaking of backlighting, it is true that the backlighting for the keyboard it somewhat dim, especially when viewed from a slightly slouched seating position. If you are not very familiar with the standard keyboard layout and you like to slouch when surfing or gaming, then this is probably not the keyboard for you. However, when sitting in a normal typing position the lighting is perfectly adequate even in a well lit room. I do understand the desire to want to control the brightness of the backlight. Maybe that can be supported through a driver or firmware update at some point in the future. It is interesting to note that when the keyboard backlight is in "WASD" mode, that the lit WASD keys are significantly brighter than normal full keyboard backlight mode.
I want to mention that I continue to use my Logitech MX1000 BT mouse and that I have the BT receiver for the mouse plugged into the USB port on the back of the Lycosa and it is working well.
The Lycosa will not be the right keyboard for everyone. If you need to be able to see you keys all the time, look elsewhere. If your a confdent typist and are looking for a nicely designed, high cool-factor, keyboard, then this one is worth considering.
Other keyboards I considered:
Razer Tarantula: Didn't like the industrial design as much and only the side keys were illuminated. Did like the photo-editing keys on the left side (I'm a photoshop user). Didn't have laptop style keys.
Saitek Eclipse: Popular keyboard. Terrible design IMHO. Ugh.
Saitek Eclipse II: Well reviewed. Only slighty better ID than the Eclipse. Backlight was too ambient making keys harder to identify. Keys felt a bit smaller than I'm used too when I was playing with one.
Das Keyboard II: Very high quality, totally unmarked keyboard. I might have to get one someday just for the pure novelty.
Logitech DiNovo Edge: Really nice looking and well reviewed. Nice laptop style keys. Not wired. Very expensive. Too expensive. Oh yeah, I almost forgot, it's expensive.
I intentionaly steered clear of the Microsoft and Logitech herds of keyboards because that's what I've used for the last 20-some years and and I've never had one I truly liked. In fact the last keyboard that I truly enjoyed using was the original model-m keyboard that came with my original IBM PC in 1983. These are still made today, but did not meet my "quiet" requirement.
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Annihilate your enemies and reign supreme in the gaming world with the Razer Lycosa Gaming Keyboard. With an awesome host of features, the Razer Lycosa is on an unstoppable mission to destroy and dominate. Execute complex combat maneuvers with swift dexterity. Launch your assaults timed to perfection. You now have the tactical advantage on every terrain, and your enemies' fates are in your hands. Gaming cluster with anti-ghosting capability Slim keycap structure with Hyperesponse technology TouchPanel easy access media keys Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response time Earphone-out and microphone-in jacks Detachable wrist rest One integrated USB extension port Approximate size without wrist rest (L x W x H) - 18.5 x 6.6 x 0.6 inches (469 x 168 x 15 mm) Approximate size with wrist rest (L x W x H) - 18.5 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches (469mm x 221mm x 15mm)Minimum System Requirements Windows XP / x64 / Vista / Vista64 PC with built-in USB ports CD-ROM Drive (for drivers) At least 35MB of hard disk space (for drivers)
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