Preview : Razer Tarantula Gaming Keyboard

Reviewed by Angie Quidim
July 20, 2006

Manufacturer: Razer Platform(s): PC Website: Click Here Review Rating: 6 out of 10

Razer has pulled out all the stops to make sure gaming professionals have top notch equipment ready to go. The Taratula is no exception. The time and development taken to produce this sleekly designed peripheral was well spent. Ergonomically designed the Tarantula is quite comfortable in terms of finger positioning, key pressure and spacing. It shouldn't just be used as a gaming keyboard though it is marketed as one.

But what goodies has Razer included in this new product?

Technical Specifications as per Razer:

•  Anti-Ghosting capability to prevent key jamming when multiple keys are simultaneously pressed.
•  Optimized Hyperesponse™ Gaming Keytop for reduced key latency and maximum response 32kb onboard memory Powered by Razer Synapse™ with up to 5 onboard customizable profiles
•  10 programmable gaming hot keys for storing macros and keystrokes, storable in each profile
•  On-the-fly gaming profile gets activated automatically once a program/game is loaded
•  Fully interchangeable keys to allow different key placement around the board
•  Normal keys can be programmed to act as other keystrokes
•  Headphone-out and microphone-in jacks for convenient access
•  Media center keys to control media programs like Windows Media Player
•  2 USB Ports for convenient peripheral plug-ins
•  Ergonomic Design
•  Gold plated USB connector for maximum conductivity

Although it is a wonderful product, one would have to see the price tag on this one before making a decision to purchase. There are a lot of bells and whistles that can make the average non gaming consumer tickle with delight ( especially with the programmable macros and the media center controls). But is the price right. Products on the market right now comparable to this can cost upwards of about $200. We can only see as the product releases hopefully later this year.