The Razer DeathStalker Chroma Gaming Keyboard Review

Conclusion

I always try to use every keyboard that we review as my personal keyboard for at least a week. My typical weekly usage includes a lot of typing (about 100-150 pages), a few hours of gaming and some casual usage, such as internet browsing and messaging. Because typing covers the majority of my typical schedule, it became apparent that using the DeathStalker Chroma took some adjustment beyond what I would normally expect. The reason for that is that the short travel distance of the chiclet keys can be very tiring after long typing sessions, especially if someone has been using a mechanical keyboard for several years. As a result, it is almost as if the muscles need to be retrained to deal with the extra force needed.

That being said, the keys of the DeathStalker Chroma are of good quality and the keyboard is usable by typists. The keys are very firm and consistent, a vital part of that process. But it is the nature of the chiclet keys, their very short travel distance and relatively high actuation force, that can be overly tiring to someone used to mechanical keyboards with soft switches. Even then, fatigue comes after several hours of heavy use.

When it comes to gaming, the DeathStalker Chroma is very responsive as a keyboard and comfortable to use for many hours. Razer claims that the short travel distance also offers quicker actuation and faster response times. Actually, the 2 mm travel distance is not far from the distance a mechanical key travels to the actuation point, which is not at the bottom of its travelling distance. I did not notice and there should not be any notable difference between actuation times.

The largest problems that I faced when using the DeathStalker Chroma were mostly related to the software. Since my current game of choice is an action RPG, I have a few macros that all include mouse movements. The Razer Synapse software cannot include any mouse functions into its macros, so I had to resort to third party software such as AutoHotKey, compile the macros as .exe files and then insert them into the gaming profile of the keyboard as program launches. I also use a lot of macros to insert common text responses for the game, but also code for my professional needs. Although the Razer Synapse software can do that, it was far less complicated and configurable to write these macros with the third party software that I am usually using. Therefore, the actual functionality of the entire Razer Synapse software was reduced to change the backlighting to my favorite color, program two individual profiles and repurpose some keys to execute external programs (that were the macros I compiled with another software). This results in two very distinct levels of macro software - on the surface basic use (such as this) or more advanced control (where I use other software).

The functionality of the DeathStalker Chroma is further reduced by the lack of any extra macro or even media keys. If none of the main keys can be sacrificed, another profile with a modified layout needs to be programmed for each game/application, with repurposed main keys that are of no use in that particular application. Since there are no keys for profile/mode switching, the user will most likely have to rely on the automatic profile switching found in the software. This whole process can be rather inconvenient and reduces the overall versatility of the DeathStalker Chroma. The lack of dedicated media control keys is another issue that will not be appreciated by enthusiasts, especially since the Fn+key combinations are all based on the function keys, which are the most likely to be reprogrammed as macro keys for in-game use. If, for example, the F1 key is reprogrammed to execute a macro, then the Fn+F1 combination cannot be used to mute the sound, which will not be very convenient if you are gaming online and the phone starts ringing.

As far as quality goes, the DeathStalker Chroma appears very simplistic at a quick glance, to the point that it can be mistaken for a common keyboard, but its structural integrity and feeling do not disappoint. Razer did a fine job designing a keyboard that will look elegant and yet not too plain, making it a fine match for most gaming or high tech office systems. We only have our doubts about the design and the size of the permanently attached wrist rest, and particularly about its glossy surface. Finally, the keys are very firm, consistent and do not wobble at all.

In conclusion, the DeathStalker Chroma is a good quality keyboard and a viable alternative for those seeking a programmable and backlit keyboard with chiclet keys. The lack of any extra media or macro keys does reduce the functionality of the keyboard for advanced users, but that should not be of critical importance for most casual gamers. Razer could also improve the software and make the online registration noncompulsory, as the mandatory online registration seems a bit excessive if you just want to use the product out of the box. However, we feel that the largest issue with this keyboard is its retail price. The DeathStalker Chroma is currently retailing for $92, a rather high price for an electronic keyboard with chiclet keys. Programmable mechanical keyboards can be found retailing around this price and RGB models are not much more expensive. This reduces the market potential of the DeathStalker Chroma to just those that are highly attracted to its design or find the chiclet keys much more to their liking than mechanical keys. With a lower retail price, the DeathStalker Chroma can appeal to a much wider audience, covering all advanced users and gamers that want a programmable keyboard but do not want to reach the high retail price of advanced mechanical keyboards.