Razer is reviving the low-profile DeathStalker series with the new Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro. Instead of using chiclet switches, the V2 range will now come with Razer Low-Profile Optical Switches that promises smooth operation, fast performance, and low key travel. Its modernization also includes 16.8 million RGB lighting, wireless connectivity, and much more.
| Switches | Razer Low-Profile Optical Switches; Red Linear (45gf), Purple Clicky (50gf) |
| Switch Durability | 70 Million Keystrokes |
| Layout | 104-key, Mute Button, Volume Wheel |
| Connectivity | Razer HyperSpeed Wireless 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.0, USB Type-C |
| Build | 5052 Aluminum Alloy Top Case, Floating Keycaps |
| RGB Lighting | Razer Chroma RGB, 16.8 Million Color Options |
| Software | Razer Synapse 3, Razer Chroma RGB |
| Keycaps | Laser-Etched, ABS Keycaps, Cherry-Style Mount |
| Features | On-Board Memory and Cloud Storage (up to 5 profiles), N-Key Roll Over, Detachable Cable, 4,200mAh Battery |
| Weight | 755g (without cable) |
| Dimensions | 450 x 133 x 23mm |
| Accessories | Braided USB-C to USB-A Cable, USB-C to USB-A Female to Female Adapter, 2.4GHz Adapter, Manual, Stickers |
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro comes in the usual Razer packaging – black and green motif with its features boldly displayed. Inside is the keyboard itself, a USB-C to USB-A female to female adapter, and a braided USB-C cable. Its 2.4GHz adapter is smartly hidden in a nook at the underside of the keyboard.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro has a standard 104-key layout with a few additional multimedia keys. Everything is kept flat even the keycaps and general profile to keep a sleek design. The chassis itself is made out of aluminum that feels tough and has minimal flex.
Located at the right-hand side is a mute toggle and a volume rocker. The latter has notches so there is some resistance when its used to control volume.
Over at the back is a USB-C port and a couple of buttons: three buttons to switch Bluetooth profiles and a toggle for 2.4GHz, Wired, or Bluetooth.
The keyboard is powered by a 4,200mAh battery when used over wireless. Razers says that the battery can last up to 40 hours of usage with medium brightness on its RGB lights. Charging is easily done over the USB-C port.
Notification lights for toggles are placed in the middle of the navigation cluster. Five lights are available for Caps Lock, Num Lock, Scroll Lock, Macro Mode, and Gaming Mode.
The keyboard comes with Razer’s new low-profile optical switches. Two variants are available: a lighter 45gf Red Linear and a 50gf Purple Clicky. The former has an actuation point of 1.2mm while the latter activates at 1.5mm. Total travel distance of both switches are around 2.8mm, which means that the switches will bottom out when being used.
We have for review is the Red Linear version. Their optical design lends a smoother feel since there’s no contact leaf to actuate the switches. These are much smoother than regular contact-based switches in the market like the vanilla Cherry Red MX Switches.
The low resistance of the Red Linear switches, however, make them easier to accidentally press when you’re just resting your fingers on the keyboard. There is some slight mushiness when bottoming out and the return noise sounds rather plasticky.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro sports laser-etched ABS keycaps with a flat profile. They are concave in the middle instead of being complete flat like some laptop keyboards. They are not particularly thick and they feel rather economical. They can be easily replaced, however, since the switches have Cherry-style mounting posts.
The typing sound of the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is pretty average. The optical Red Linear switches are fairly silent except from bottoming out. They do have a plasticky sound on the return stroke when they hit the housing. There is some stabilizer rattle apparent on the larger keys, which is unacceptable for such an expensive gaming keyboard.
The keyboard will automatically try to download the Razer Synapse app once it’s connected to a PC. Razer Synapse acts as a command center for the keyboard and other compatible devices. Users will be able to set profiles to specific games, macros, adjust its RGB lighting, toggle Gaming Mode, and even adjust the keyboard’s power settings.
Razer Synapse and the DeathStalker V2 Pro offers a comprehensive RGB lighting system as expected. There are tons of presets plus a lot more options if users delve in to the Chroma Studio tab. The keyboard supports per-key lighting and 16.8 million colors so combinations and design are left up to the imagination.
While the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro comes stuffed with feature, it also comes with a hefty price tag of PhP 14,590 in the Philippines. Its low-profile optical switches are fast and smooth, the RGB lighting is comprehensive, its design is sleek, and Razer has put multiple options for wired and wireless connectivity.
Its ABS keycaps are thin and feel cheap but they can be easily replaced as the switches have Cherry-style mounts. While we mentioned that the switches feel great, overall typing experience is sub-par due to the loud rattle of the stabilizers and the plasticky return stroke.
With the abundance of mechanical keyboard in the market, the Razer DeathStalker V2 is eclipsed by others by typing experience alone. But those who like the Razer ecosystem, its exhaustive RGB lighting, and the smoothness of optical-based switches will still find plenty to love.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 series keyboards are now available in the Philippines in three variants:
These keyboards are available via the official Razer website, Shopee, Lazada, and authorized retailers nationwide.
