Razer Lycosa

A learning curve with a keyboard? You have to be kidding. Not really. Razer has come up with fast-response keyboard known as the Lycosa. Sleek in design, the keyboard allows for 10 different profiles, has only one USB input for a gaming mouse as well as inputs for a headset with microphone.

Before the user experience, here are the specifications of the keyboard:

• Keytop with non-slip rubber finish

• Backlight illumination with WASD cluster lighting option

• Fully-programmable keys with macro capability

• Gaming cluster with anti-ghosting capability

• Slim keycap structure with Hyperesponse™ technology

• TouchPanel™ easy access media keys

• Gaming mode option for deactivation of the Windows key

• 10 customizable software profiles with on-the-fly switching

• 1000Hz Ultrapolling™ / 1ms response time

• Earphone-out and microphone-in jacks

• Detachable wrist rest

• One integrated USB extension port

• Approximate size: 469mm (length) x 168mm (width) x 15mm (height) – without wrist rest 469mm (length) x 221mm (width) x 15mm (height) – with wrist rest System Requirements

Note that part that said it had a gaming mode that deactivated the Windows key – that is a function that is more than welcomed. Ok, now about that learning curve … most keyboards have raised edges for the keys, not the Lycosa. This is a flat keyboard in terms of differentiating between the keys. That means in a darkened room it is very easy to drop down on the wrong keys and begin typing nonsense. Coupled with the occasional instance in which the lighting goes off, it can be a bit frustrating to start typing only to see what you are typing is utter nonsense. But Razer did promise a keyboard that was hyper responsive and the Lycosa delivers on that. And in spite of the lack of definition on the key pads themselves, the non-slip coating feels very good. And the way the keystrokes feel – you know, you press down to actuate the key command; some keyboards clack like an old typewriter – when depressed is very nice.

The keyboard is not perfect by any means. Problems encountered are the occasion activation and pop-up of the Windows Media Player and the keyboard lights dimming without instruction to do so. In regards to the Windows Media Player, one of the settings includes the ability to pick the default media player from four possible options – Windows Media Player, iTunes, WinAmp and Real Player. For whatever reason, it seems the keyboard just arbitrarily opened the Windows player – which might be attributed to accidentally brushing the media keys.

And programming macros does have limitations in terms of keystrokes (eight), but macros are easy enough to program on this keyboard. However, you can’t create macros on the fly. This has to be done within the software.

The Lycosa has two pop-out stands on the top end to canter the level slightly. They seem sturdy enough and, while not recommended, a cat walking across them didn’t knock them down.

The Lycosa was used in a variety of games, both strategy and massively multiplayer online titles, including arena-combat titles where the speed input and actualization is a matter of connectivity as much as keyboard input speeds. But in each case the Lycosa was a boon to the gaming. The keys are accessible and response time translates well. And while not necessarily a scoring category, the keyboard just feels good.

The Lycosa is not a perfect keyboard but it is a really good one and much fun to use. If you are looking for a gaming keyboard, this is definitely one to consider.

Pros:
Keys feel good and respond well. The backlighting on the keys is also a solid feature.

Cons:
Macros are limited in terms of keystrokes and for a while there, the backlighting would turn itself off. Since manipulating the profile, that has not happened. The default setting didn’t seem to do it, though. 

Overall: 9.2
While not the end-all of gaming keyboards, the Lycosa is a fast and sleek peripheral device that adds to the gaming experience. It is a pleasure to use, and while it does have a few deficiencies, the good elements outdistance the not-so-good by a wide margin.