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Published: May 06, 2009 Author: Michael Chiu Editor: Amber Lupala Provider: Xoxide Share this article:

Testing and conclusion

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There is a nice “easy access” section in the upper right of the keyboard that allows you to adjust audio and media playing applications. The middle Razer logo also allows you to switch between 10 different customizable profiles, which comes in handy in gaming situations and when programming macros, as we’ll discuss later.

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The bottom of the keyboard is pretty plain; the only thing of note is that you can adjust the tilt using two tabs that extended from the bottom of the keyboard. Overall, I was a little disappointed that you can’t connect peripherals to this keyboard, such as USB devices, headphones, or microphones. Many gaming keyboards offer these features that are very convenient.

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The keyboard fits nicely into a standard keyboard tray and has a comfortable feel to it, thanks to the removable wrist rest. When you turn the computer on, the number lock/caps lock/scroll lock LEDs glow a nice blue when active.

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The real standout feature of this keyboard is the amount of customization and macro programming you can do; essentially every button can be programmed as a macro and just about everything you enter using the keyboard can be recorded as a macro. The software is user-friendly and works well. I also like the multiple profiles you can program, I used different profiles for different games and also for different users. Switching between them is a breeze thanks to the easy access button on the keyboard.

To test out the pad, I used it during a few gaming sessions of Call of Duty 2, Quake 4, and World of Warcraft. While I don’t profess to be an expert FPS gamer, I have played my fair share of PC games (including too many hours of WoW recently), and the keyboard takes very little practice before getting used to the feel. I found my character movements (using WASD) to be smoother and quicker. The buttons are easy to reach and responsive, and the macros and additional buttons make gaming much easier.

Conclusion
The Razer Arctosa Gaming keyboard is a no-frills keyboard that excels in macro programming and customization for a variety of gaming situations. The keyboard has a good layout that works well for gaming and everyday use. The design has a sleek look, thanks to the all-black keys. However, don’t expect any additional USB ports, unique key layouts, or headphone jacks with this keyboard. But if you’re looking for a solid gaming keyboard that you can make your own, check out this one.

Pros:
+ Great keyboard layout that works well for both gaming and everyday use
+ User friendly software makes macro programming a breeze
+ Included write rest
+ Easy access keys making switching profiles easy

Cons:
- No unique gaming features
- No USB and audio connectors

Thanks to Xoxide for providing the product for this review.