Razer Lycosa Gaming Keyboard Hands-On

Razer’s Tarantula gaming keyboard is easily one of the PC gamer’s favorite gaming peripherals, and Razer has built on this success with the new Lycossa Gaming Keyboard.

The previous Tarantula was unique in that it offered backlighting on the keys that gamers use most: the standard WASD keys used for movement.  This new keyboard has a nice blue backlight on every single one of its keys, making gaming (or computing) in the dark much easier.  In addition, Lycosa’s keytops have a rubberized coating, which not only gives the keyboard a more comforable feel, but helps keep your sweaty fingertips securely on the buttons.

Further assisting gamers are the included headphone, microphone, and USB port integrated into the keyboard.  I am extremely happy to see the return of a USB port on a keyboard, as this was one of the best features of Microsoft’s ergonimic keyboards from several years ago.  Since that time there haven’t been many keyboards with an integrated USB hub, perhaps because of the problems Microsoft ran into when connecting high-power devices like USB cameras.

The solitary USB port on the Lycosa is meant to be used with a gaming mouse, so it is uncertain if there will be issues when using USB cameras or other peripherals that require the USB port’s full five volts (like CoolIT’s beverage chiller).  Even if you use a wireless gaming mouse (such as Logitech’s MX Revolution), you will certainly get less interferance by having the receiver close by.

The Lycosa keyboard and Lachesis mouse use the same 1000Hz Ultrapolling technology to help reduce lag.  From my experience there really isn’t any lag on a wired keyboard or mouse, but then again I’m not a world-renowned gaming champion, either.  The wriest rest is very comfortable, and reduced strain on my hands, compared to using a standard keyboard.

Here’s some of the PR directly from Razer, including the specifications and dimensions:

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. Annihilate your enemies and reign supreme on the battlefield. You now have the tactical advantage on every terrain, and your enemies’ fates are in your hands.

Keyboard with non-slip rubber Finish With its non-slip rubber finish, the Razer Lycosa offers optimum tactile comfort and makes slipping up in the heat of action a thing of the past. backliGht illumination with WASd cluster liGhtinG option Make darkness your ally. While your enemies fiddle in the shadows, command precision and take hold of their fate with backlight illumination on the Razer Lycosa. With the right keys lit up, you can always be sure of your next move. Macro-proGrammable keys Be one step ahead of the competition with fully-programmable keys with macro capability that enable instantaneous command executions. GaminG cluster with anti-GhostinG capability Overcome the frenzy of war, for you can now press any combination of keys in the gaming cluster at one go without the ghosting effect (for a conventional keyboard, signal failure occurs when three to four keys are pressed simultaneously). Slim keycap structure with Hyperesponse technoloGy The Hyperesponse™ keys of the Razer Lycosa™ reduce key latency and maximize response for critical actions during competitive gameplay.

Technical Specifications

• Backlight illumination with WASD cluster lighting option
• Fully-programmable keys with macro capability
• 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): 469mm (length) x 168mm (width) x 15mm (height)

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)