For gamers and avid computer users, choosing the right keyboard is crucial. The right keyboard can provide hours of comfortable typing, improved accuracy, and functionality. As someone who has been using Razer keyboards for years, I was excited to get my hands on the latest Cynosa V2 keyboard.
If Razer is dragging itself a reputation as a “premium” brand with high prices, the brand also offers much more accessible products like the Razer Cynosa V2 keyboard that we are testing today. In this review, I’ll discuss the features, design, performance, and overall experience of using the Razer Cynosa V2 keyboard.
Table of Contents
The first thing I noticed when unboxing the Razer Cynosa V2 keyboard was its sleek design. Razer has always been known for its visually stunning gaming peripherals, and this keyboard is no exception. The keys are individually backlit, which is perfect for gaming in low-light environments. The Cynosa V2 features a spill-resistant design, which is reassuring for anyone who has ever accidentally spilled their drink on their keyboard. The keyboard is also equipped with a braided USB cable, which is both durable and aesthetically pleasing.
One of the most significant changes made to the Cynosa V2 is the upgrade to Razer Chroma lighting technology. This technology allows you to customize the backlighting on the keyboard with 16.8 million different color options. For gamers who enjoy matching their peripherals to their gaming setups, this is a fantastic feature. You can also sync the backlighting with other Razer Chroma-enabled devices using the Razer Synapse software.
The keys here have the advantage of not being too high, which allows the whole to remain fairly homogeneous and discreet, especially if we compare the Cynosa V2 to somewhat “eccentric” models like the Roccat Vulcan. We also appreciate the cutouts of the characters which are perfectly executed and which facilitate reading. Unfortunately, this experience is somewhat marred by the quality of the plastic of these keys which tend to slip at your fingertips. However, we take advantage of RGB lighting key by key that is quite appreciable to find on a model at this price.
The Cynosa V2 is also equipped with keys dedicated to multimedia controls. Arranged at the top right of the frame, they allow you to navigate between our songs as well as to control the sound volume. Even if this is starting to become the norm on keyboards for players, we appreciate to find these little “extras” on the manufacturer’s entry level. Note that with this arrangement, the status indicators have here been moved above the directional keys.
If we regret the absence of a wrist rest, users will appreciate the presence of retractable feet allowing 3 different inclinations. The relative thinness of the keyboard will also not break your wrists too much during long sessions of use.
Let’s stay under the keyboard where Razer had the good idea to set up a gutter system to allow the cable to be passed where desired. It is thus possible to bring out the cable to the left, center or right of the keyboard. Unfortunately, the six-foot-long cable is not detachable or braided, and Razer seems to have been right on this point.
In terms of design and ergonomics, Razer delivers here a tasteless keyboard that goes to the point. Its plastic design allows it to be quite light and discreet while offering splash resistance. We particularly appreciate here the freedom offered by its retractable feet and the gutters present under the frame.
Very Complete Functionalities With Synapse
Like all Razer peripherals, the potential of the Cynosa V2 will be fully unlocked thanks to the Synapse driver. The software is one of the most complete on the market, notably with compatibility with Philips Hue lighting or even Amazon Alexa. We also take advantage of the Chroma Studio, allowing you to configure and finely synchronize all compatible RGB lighting.
Let’s return to the interface of our keyboard, the first tab of which will allow the configuration of the different keys. As often, we will have the possibility here of reassigning the keys one by one with various and varied functions: mouse keys, keyboard keys, macros, Windows functions, the possibilities are almost endless.
Just like Roccat on its Kova AIMO in particular, Razer offers a feature allowing to double the assignments of the keys. Called HyperShift, this feature allows, thanks to a dedicated shortcut key, to assign a second function to all the keys on the keyboard. A still interesting feature that can meet the needs of some users.
The second tab is dedicated to managing the RGB lighting. The interface here is very succinct and Razer clearly pushes for the use of Chroma Studio. Here we take advantage of a simple list of preconfigured effects that are quite effective, but to go further, it is therefore worth heading to Chrome Studio.
We then find a more classic interface where we can choose the keys one by one to apply the effects of our choice. The very practical layer operation allows for welcome flexibility and all the steps are guided through a short tutorial. Here, everyone can customize the keyboard and all compatible devices according to their tastes.
All settings can obviously be saved in profiles. These profiles should logically be associated with games or applications in order to be able to switch automatically depending on the use that is made of the keyboard. Synapse turns out to be a very good ally of the Cynosa V2 with full functionalities and a rather intuitive interface.
Logically Reduced Performance
The keys therefore offer a very soft feel typical of membrane keyboards. The performance is therefore well below what can offer a keyboard equipped with mechanical or optical switches. No surprises on this point and there is no need to go further in our explanation since there is nothing more to say.
On the other hand, if the choice of membranes can be justified for a reasonable price placement, Razer still seems to have had a heavy hand on the calculator. Indeed, for 60 dollars, it is now possible to find mechanical keyboards or even certain membrane keyboards more interesting than this Cynosa V2.
The Razer Cynosa V2 keyboard is also equipped with a set of built-in media controls on the function keys. This feature allows for quick access to music and volume controls without having to switch to a separate application. The keyboard also has a game mode function, which disables the Windows and Alt+Tab keys to prevent accidental interruptions during gameplay.
Another noteworthy feature of the Cynosa V2 is its software compatibility. The keyboard works seamlessly with Razer Synapse, which allows you to customize the Chroma lighting settings, macros, key bindings, and more. The software is user-friendly, making it easy for users to customize the keyboard to their liking. You can save up to five different profiles to match your gaming, typing, or customization preferences.
Price And Availability Of The Razer Cynosa V2 Keyboard:
Conclusion
GOOD POINTS :
- Quality RGB lighting.
- Multimedia keys.
- Convincing overall ergonomics.
- Complete and efficient pilot.
NEGATIVE POINTS :
- Performance in decline.
- Tasteless design.
- Fully plastic.
- High tariff.