LOW PROFILE GOODNESS

RAZER DEATHSTALKER V2 PRO

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The Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro was built to compete with the Logitech G915. There aren’t many other contenders in the very niche category of low-profile mechanical keyboards. The Deathstalker V2 Pro feels like a more refined version of the G915. While the G915 had noticeable key wobble, particularly on the larger switches, the keys on the Deathstalker are a lot more stable. Part of that may be due to the fact that Razer’s switches use more traditional MX-style switch stems, whereas Logitech relies on flimsy stilts on the keycaps that slot into the switches. Razer’s switches are also optical, bringing a flagship feature from its Huntsman line to the Deathstalker.

My review unit comes with linear, red switches, featuring built-in silicone dampeners. Razer says it has gone through multiple iterations to get the density just right, finding the balance between noise reduction and an overly mushy bottom-out.

The switches are quiet, without the usual thock of a full-height keyboard. The downside is that they do still feel a bit like membrane switches when bottoming out. Fortunately, the 2.8mm travel distance means that the process of actuation feels nothing like a rubber dome. These switches actuate at 1.2mm, fairly early on, and have an average force of 45g.