The Razer Deathstalker has been around for a while, originally designed as a low-profile, chiclet-style keyboard with membrane keys. With the V2 Pro, the keyboard gets an upgrade and that's quite something. Razer throws the membrane fuss overboard in favor of optical switches, also gives the keyboard HyperSpeed Wireless and Bluetooth, and thus makes the whole thing a noble keyboard that is not only located in the high-end range in terms of price.
I love low-profile keyboards, simply because I need the keyboards not just for gaming, but for work as well. Especially those who type a lot will quickly learn to appreciate the short keystrokes of the flat keyboards. Since my dearly beloved Logitech G915 gave up the ghost some time ago, I became all the more curious when Razer announced the upgrade of the Deathstalker, especially the change from membranes to optical switches made me sit up and take notice.
Razer relies on several models at the same time. There is the "normal" Deathstalker V2 as a wired version for 199.99 euros, the V2 Pro Tenkeyless without a number pad for 219.99 euros, and the example that finally reached us for the test, namely the V2 Pro as a full keyboard and wireless. There are also two switch variants, namely linear and clicky. The new Deathstalker is certainly not cheap, for the V2 Pro a whopping 249.99 euros is called, which puts the keyboard in the high-end league alongside the Huntsman models. A clear difference to the once relatively inexpensive original Deathstalker, with which the new model actually has little in common.
As soon as you unpack it, it becomes clear that the Deathstalker has reached a completely different level. The super flat and compact keyboard does not waste any space and only takes up the most necessary space. Additional keys have largely been omitted, except for a media key and a volume wheel above the number block. Incidentally, both are very high-quality control elements – the rotary control is made of metal and has a clearly noticeable grid. The processing is at a high level, including a robust aluminum cover plate. The fact that you are not being served cheap goods here is something you notice at first touch.
The keycaps make a pretty flawless impression. Lettering is crisp and easy to read, and the lighting (using Razer's Chroma system, of course) is even and clear. What is impressive is that the keycaps are very insensitive to fingerprints or sweat. According to Razer, this is ensured by a new type of coating that also prevents wear and tear over a longer period of time and, according to the manufacturer, should even be more durable than double-shot keycaps. Well, the future will tell, we'll keep an eye on it.
The keyboard can be connected in three ways. A USB-C cable can be used both as a charging cable and to fire up the wireless dongle. This already implies that wireless operation is also possible using Razer's LightSpeed technology in the 2.4 GHz range. Practical: the dongle not only has a Type-C input but also a USB-A output so that a charging cable can be connected there in passthrough mode, without having to change anything first.
The conclusion is Bluetooth 5.0 for up to three devices at the same time, which can be controlled directly using buttons on the back. There is also a switch there that allows you to toggle between Bluetooth, 2.4Ghz mode and disabled wireless options. Pretty handy if you want to use the keyboard on several devices in addition to the PC, for example on a tablet and smartphone.
Razer's HyperSpeed Wireless is already a tried and tested technology, and one that won't let us down with the Deathstalker V2 Pro, not least thanks to the adaptive frequency selection to avoid any interference with other devices. It is also practical that the wireless dongle can not only be used for the keyboard, but also for one of the newer mice from Razer. One dongle instead of two - a good thing. A word about the battery life in wireless mode: it's around 40 hours with RGB at half brightness, so it's quite solid.
The biggest change compared to the earlier Deathstalker, however, is that it is no longer a membrane keyboard. Instead, new low-profile switches are used, which are essentially based on the switches of the Huntsman - just much flatter. These are optical switches, which means that the signals are recorded by a light barrier instead of by a mechanism. This means that the keys are not only extremely fast and precise but also significantly more durable, as there is no mechanical wear.
In the version we have with a linear switch, the trigger point is only 1.2 mm with a key travel of 2.8 mm and a trigger force of 45G. The Clicky variant has a 1.5 mm trigger point, also 2.8 mm stroke, and 50G. Exciting: Razer uses silicone dampers for the linear variant so that the stroke is relatively quiet. In addition, you get a slightly softer typing experience that is a bit reminiscent of membrane keyboards but is firmer and more precise overall. The keyboard is incredibly precise, whether you're gaming or working. You have to get used to the short release distances, but it only takes a few minutes. Especially if you have previously worked with low-profile keyboards.
Especially for me as a prolific writer, the short strokes are a poem, as the fingers do not tire as quickly and scurry across the keys as quickly as never before. I have to say that I fell in love with the typing feel of the Deathstalker V2 Pro within a few minutes, even if I usually prefer the clicky touch behavior to the linear one for work. Feels absolutely brilliant both when typing and when gaming, especially since there is still noticeable typing feedback.
As usual, the keyboard is configured via Synapse software and is quite clearly laid out. You can expect the usual features, including gaming mode, key assignments, lighting control, and energy-saving functions as well as a charge level indicator. Incidentally, the latter can be read via hotkeys in at least rudimentary form using LEDs above the arrow keys. Some other options, especially with regard to the lighting, can alternatively be controlled via hotkeys. Not particularly exciting but everything you need.
CONCLUSION
Excellent, albeit expensive, noble keyboard
Okay, I'm officially in love. Sure, almost 250 euros is a lot of money for an input device, but the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro manages to convince in all respects. It starts with the compact, no-frills design and high-quality workmanship. Razer relies mercilessly on comprehensive functionality and dispenses with unnecessary frills, but leaves us at least one media control. Connectivity is beyond doubt with wireless, Bluetooth and, if necessary, USB cable.
Above all, however, it is the optical low-profile switches with their silicone dampers that have completely conquered my heart. It doesn't matter whether you're gaming or working, the typing feel and the feedback of the keys are almost unbeatable. While the Logitech G915 and the Razer Huntsman were my favorites up to now, the Deathstalker V2 Pro pushed them to the bench in no time. Yes, the V2 Pro is expensive, but for the money, you get one of the best keyboards on the market today.
Note: We keep such high-end keyboards in use in the long term, if possible. So if there are still flaws in the coming months, we will of course supplement the test immediately.
Pros
- excellent workmanship
- fast and precise switches
- great typing feel
- flat and slim design
- Dongle with passthrough and possible parallel use for a mouse
- up to three devices via BlueTooth
- fast and reliable 2.4 GHz wireless technology
- high-quality keycaps
Cons
- high price
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