LOW PROFILE GOODNESS

RAZER DEATHSTALKER V2 PRO

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.

The keycaps are ABS plastic instead of more durable PBT. However, Razer has added a unique coating that is supposed to guard against wear and tear and further improve the longevity of the keycaps. I haven’t used the keyboard long enough to speak to how effective this is, but it does create a nice matte texture.