Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard Review

[Meshuggah]

The first time we heard about a partnership between Microsoft and Razer, we couldn't help but imagine those pesky Mac commercials where you pair an older, pudgy "PC" guy with the younger, hip, "Mac" guy. This time, the older and familiar Microsoft isn't waging a cold war against newer and edgier Razer, but instead teaming up to release a newer breed of gaming peripherals. The first offspring from this partnership came in the form of the Habu Gaming Mouse, which we liked a lot, despite a problem with the first unit we were sent.

Now that Microsoft and Razer have covered the gaming mouse, they're shifting their attention to gaming keyboards. The Reclusa Gaming Keyboard is, more accurately, a Microsoft keyboard "powered by Razer." It may easily look like a generic keyboard at first glance, but on closer inspection, there's a cluster of macro keys on each side of the keyboard and a pair of 360? jog dials. Razer's chief contribution to the Reclusa, according to the box, is its "hyperesponse gaming key action," which is claimed to reduce key latency and maximize key response, along with adding customization options for macro keys and profiles.

Also, to add a bit more bling to a long, oval shaped keyboard,the Reclusa glows with blue LED backlighting>?perfect for gamers in low light or no light conditions.

Microsoft's newest gaming keyboard is going up against some hefty competition in the gaming keyboard market. There's Logitech's popular G11 and G15 gaming keyboards, also with blue LED backlighting, and the WASD-friendly Timber Wolf (formerly known as the Wolf Claw Type II) and Ideazon MERC keyboards. Does the alliance with Razer bolster Microsoft's position in the crowded and competitive gaming hardware industry? For a cool $70, we sure hope so. Continued...

I personally like it, although I do wish they would make a wireless version.

[primexx]

looks ugly.

[Harlem39s Finest]

i don't know about functionality but it looks way better than logitech g15.

[Slimy]

looks ugly.

Really? I like the smooth rounded look :)

[+Warwagon MVC]

Should have used the comfort curve design, its much better looking

[slickice11]

Where are all the macro keys? I only see 6

[Veedems Veteran]

Should have used the comfort curve design, its much better looking

The comfort curve would never be used on a gaming keyboard. Gamers would avoid it because of the fact they'd have to learn how to reposition their hands to access all the correct buttons.

[zzap]

It looks terrible!

[Nicholas-c Veteran]

ewww ewww!!!!!

i love my logitech G15 that is a real gaming keyboard

[MasterC]

It looks terrible!

I second that :x

[Neillithan]

I use the Wolfking Warrior, but not the Timberwolf because I prefer an ergonomic keyboard.

For a keyboard, I use the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Keyboard 4000.

[.Markus]

If I were to pick up a Microsoft keyboard, it'd be this:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseand...ls.aspx?pid=080

[MrCobra]

That is one fugly keyboard.

[Leddy]

I like my G15 better.

[Favvi]

If I were to pick up a Microsoft keyboard, it'd be this:

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/mouseand...ls.aspx?pid=080

me too!

[+wd40 Subscriber²]

The Wireless Entertainment Desktop 7000 keyboard sucks at gaming... believe me I know because I have one. It's a good keyboard for everything else.

[SnowRanger13]

hmm looks not bad but I think I like my Logitech G15 better. I really wonder what you could use the nobs for... hmmm

[ahfunaki]

Wow that is one ugly keyboard...

[Banne]

lol people looks mean NOTHING its how the keyboard performs ! IHMO hell i would use the old style IBM keyboard if it did whats its meant to do

[nvllsvm]

Nasty-a$$ looking keyboard.

[J400uk]

Wow, that sure is one hell of an ugly keyboard!

[gentoogod123]

Why do people keep saying its ugly? its a keyboard, its not used to pick up girls or guys, you dont take it to the bar or out on dates with you. Its a keyboard, its used to type and play pc games, if it does that, who gives a sh&* what it looks like. Then again most people nowadays pick an os thats pretty and games only on graphics so I typed all this for nothing.

[Purple Haze]

What's so ugly about it? It's not like they made it out of a template of Rosie O'Donnell's face.

[primexx]

Why do people keep saying its ugly? its a keyboard, its not used to pick up girls or guys, you dont take it to the bar or out on dates with you. Its a keyboard, its used to type and play pc games, if it does that, who gives a sh&* what it looks like. Then again most people nowadays pick an os thats pretty and games only on graphics so I typed all this for nothing.

For one, I personally find the huge keys to be really ugly. I own a touch-keyboard for my own desktop.

For two, compared to other Microsoft hardware, it IS ugly as hell. Read Markus-J's link.

[gentoogod123]

For one, I personally find the huge keys to be really ugly. I own a touch-keyboard for my own desktop.

For two, compared to other Microsoft hardware, it IS ugly as hell. Read Markus-J's link.

ya for sure thats a nice keyboard and i plan to get it, but i was saying whats the point in judging that keyboard on looks, its a keyboard.