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View Full Version : Razer Lycosa Gaming Keyboard


Darksaber
01-02-2008, 12:10 PM
[page=Introduction & Packaging]
Introduction
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Barracuda-HP1/images/razerlogo.jpg

Razer has been around for quite a while now and most people probably know them for their high end gaming peripherals. The company has released various keyboards and input devices, both for gamers and Apple users. The Lycosa is once again a Razer exclusive part, which has not been co-developed with another company like Everglide or Microsoft. It is a pure gaming keyboard, with compact dimensions and a specific button surface.

The Lycosa is currently available with a US and German Layout.

Specifications

Keytop with non-slip rubber finish
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: 469mm (length) x 168mm (width) x 15mm (height) – without wrist rest & 469mm (length) x 221mm (width) x 15mm (height) – with wrist rest


Packaging & Contents
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/packfront_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/packfront.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/packrear_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/packrear.jpg)
Looking at the package, it is apparent that you are looking at a Razer product. The large, bright green Razer symbol along with the black backdrop should make it easy to find. And even if you are not in the store for a new gaming keyboard or have not heard of the Lycosa before, the large image of the input device on the front should give you a good idea what is inside the box. Simply turn over the package for further detail. The text on the back is in English, as the device itself has a US layout.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/packopen_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/packopen.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/manualcd_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/manualcd.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/software_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/software.jpg)
Once the package is opened, the first thing you will notice is the manuals and CD. These have been placed in the center of the package and Razer also includes a few stickers for your personal use.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/lycosanew_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/lycosanew.jpg)
The Lycosa is placed inside a foam bag to protect it further against light bumps and scratches. The overall packaging is very good, but nothing out of the ordinary.

[page=A Closer Look]
A Closer Look
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/lycosa_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/lycosa.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/controllsoff_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/controllsoff.jpg)
Looking at the Lycosa for the first time, two aspects become apparent. First, the compact design and weight (or better lack thereof). The keyboard is incredibly light and can easily be transported to and from a LAN party. Secondly, the lack of any extra buttons like those found on the Logitech G15. Razer has designed the Lycosa with only the gamer in mind. There is no additional setup or learning curve involved with the Lycosa. Simply plug it in and enjoy the benefits of the input device.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/razerlogo_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/razerlogo.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/cableconnection_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/cableconnection.jpg)
Razer has decided to ship the Lycosa with a wrist rest. Even with this additon the keyboard can be considered compact, but you may also remove it, by unscrewing three screws on the underside. While this option is great, you may not have a screw driver at your immediate disposal, to remove or attach the rest. The Razer logo can be found on the middle of the handrest. Razer has also indented the cable connector so it will not stick out during travel. This little design also helps when wrapping the cord around the keyboard for transportation.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/connections_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/connections.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/connectors_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/connectors.jpg)
A very useful feature of the Lycosa are the microphone and headphone jacks along with the USB port. This means you can plug in your audio, as well as your gaming mouse straight into the keyboard. To avoid any problems, the seperate USB connector needs to be plugged in seperately into the system as well.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/label_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/label.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/standoff_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/standoff.jpg)
There is nothing out of the ordninary on the underside of the Lycosa. A simple, black & white sticker holds all the usual information and there are two small, plastic standoffs. We also spotted a "2" written on the underside of one of the standoffs.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/lycosalit_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/lycosalit.jpg)
Once the keyboard is plugged in, the blue glow perfectly lights up each key. They can be seen well both during the day and at night. Thanks to the flat key design each key is still visible when sitting at the usual angle in front of it - not just from above.

http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/touchcontrol_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/touchcontrol.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/wasd_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/wasd.jpg)
Remember where I mentioned, that there are no extra buttons on the Lycosa? Well Razer has chosen to place the multimedia functions in the top right corner. This is also where you can toggle the backlight between on, off and to just lighting up the WASD keys. This latter feature is perfect as you will always find right back to your main keys and are not distracted by the surrounding ones. The downside is the lack of customizability of this feature. It would have been good to be able to add further buttons like crouching or jumping functions to this setting.

[page=Software]
Software
Installing the software is very easy, fast and does not require a reboot - just as you would expect from a gaming product. Razer has kept the settings utility in the same format as it has been for all the other Razer devices, so you should feel right at home. You are asked to register your product during installation of the software, we will not cover this aspect in our review.

Installation Process:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture001_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture001.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture002_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture002.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture003_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture003.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture004_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture004.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture005_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture005.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture006_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture006.jpg)

Razer Driver Control:
http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture007_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture007.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture008_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture008.jpg) http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture009_small.jpg (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Lycosa/images/capture009.jpg)
The above screenshots show the three main areas to control every aspect of the Lycosa. It looks much like the control panel for the Tarantula (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Razer/Tarantula) or Reclusa (http://www.techpowerup.com/reviews/Microsoft/Reclusa) interface. It gives you the ability to store different profiles for different applications or games. Each of them holds macros, which are specific chains of key presses. With these macros, things like buying weapons and armor in Counter-Strike can be bound to a single key.

[page=Performance & Conclusion]
Performance
The most noticable change between the Lycosa and previous gaming keyboards are the flat keys with a rubber surface. If you have been using the Logitech G15 or Tarantula. This is the only real change, which you may not like. I personally never liked flat keys as it was harder to feel the grooves between the keys or I easily slipped and pressed the wrong key in the worst possible moment. Such mistakes can cost you a round or even mean that you will lose at a competition. Razer has solved that problem by using a rubber layer on the keys. This has two advantages: the most apparent is the added grip, which makes costly slip-ups a thing of the past and it reduces the overall noise of the keyboard. The Lycosa is by far one of the quietest gaming keyboards I have ever used.

Gaming
Using the Lycosa in various games is great. Even though I am not fan of the flat keys, the Lycosa would be the only keyboard with such keys where I could see myself switching to this format. This is simply a no frills gaming keyboard, which has all the attributes where it counts. The keystrokes feel great and the pressure point of each key is very soft but still offers enough force, so that you can be sure that the action of the key is also performed. At no time did I have any problems with multiple, fast button presses or any sort of "beep" from the PC, which is a sign that the key strokes cannot be performed.

Office & Windows Work
Using the flat keys for normal Office and Windows work does not feature any real downsides. Typing long essays or reviews is fine, and the included wrist rest really helps to keep any discomfort to a minimum. Users who are used to raising their fingers higher to reach the next key, will notice an increase in speed. This translates into more words per minute, but may also mean a few extra spelling mistakes. If you are used to typing on a notebook or do not want to bother your roommate during longer sessions with loud keystrokes, the Lycosa is the perfect desktop companion.

Value & Conclusion
<table width="100%" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" id="result">
<tr><th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/dollar.gif</th>
<td>
The Razer Tarantula costs $79.99 at the Razer Store, you can buy it directly from Razer here (http://www.razerzone.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2_21&products_id=76).
</td>
</tr><tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbup.gif</th>
<td>
Performance
Compact Design
Very light weight
Very quiet
Touch controls
Audio & USB connector
Drivers
Build quality
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<th>http://www.techpowerup.com/images/thumbdown.gif</th>
<td>
May be a bit too pricey for the casual gamer
Flat keys may not be your thing
USB port requires an additional USB plug on PC.
Macro length is limited
</td></tr>
<tr><th>9.4</th>
<td>
I must say that I was really impressed with the Lycosa. While I was afraid that the flat key design - a first for Razer - would be the big downside of the keyboard, this was not the case. The added surface of the keys and the absolutely perfect pressure points really fix the two biggest drawbacks of such a design. The backlight can also be seen much better, as the light source is closer to the surface and the angle at which you view the keys is much better. The one aspect which caught me by surprise is the touch control at the upper right corner. While you may wonder where those media controls are - something almost every manufacturer of keyboards offers at almost every price range - the surprise when you first use the touch based control, makes up for it. It is really hard to say anything negative about the Lycosa. The only gripe may be your empty wallet if you are not an avid gamer.
While the $80 US Dollars are not as much as the Tarantula, it is still a lot more than a standard keyboard without any extras. If you are a hardcore gamer, especially one who has been waiting for the perfect flat key design, there is really no excuse to skip the Lycosa.
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</table>

WarEagleAU
02-06-2008, 11:00 PM
Wow, impressive and I like it alot. I think the G15 adds a bit more to it for the same price, but Id be hard pressed not to say I dont like this KB or wouldnt buy it.

pbmaster
02-07-2008, 03:43 AM
I love mine. Only thing I can say is when I press the light button once it cycles through all of em lol

SK-1
02-07-2008, 03:46 AM
The flat keys took me a while to get used to, but I am very happy with my purchase.

CH33T03S
02-07-2008, 03:51 PM
Looks like a good keyboard!

riptor3086
02-09-2008, 12:37 AM
No thanks, i lilke...no love my jesus of jesus boards Logitech G15 v2. and this hideous looking thing got bad reviews on attack of the show

SK-1
02-09-2008, 01:18 AM
No thanks, i lilke...no love my jesus of jesus boards Logitech G15 v2. and this hideous looking thing got bad reviews on attack of the show

dude,..first off, Attack of the show is a great resource, for snot nosed pre-adolescent kids.
This "show", talks about all things NON TECH.If you want to find out if masturbation will stunt your growth, then Attack is great! I would as soon take my grandmothers advise before this poor excuse for a "show".
Second,..Hideous looking?? sure.:wtf:

Zerocwl
02-21-2008, 01:09 PM
dude,..first off, Attack of the show is a great resource, for snot nosed pre-adolescent kids.
This "show", talks about all things NON TECH.If you want to find out if masturbation will stunt your growth, then Attack is great! I would as soon take my grandmothers advise before this poor excuse for a "show".
Second,..Hideous looking?? sure.:wtf:


im with u man its no Screensavers. without Leo Laporte and Kevin Rose on that channel its a joke.

SK-1
02-21-2008, 06:28 PM
im with u man its no Screensavers. without Leo Laporte and Kevin Rose on that channel its a joke.

You know, I kinda felt bad after posting that. I think I came down on that member too hard:o
But, I totally agree with you:toast: