We cut to an extreme closeup along the top edge of the keyboard—highlighting a switch that enables it to toggle between 2.4GHz and Bluetooth mode. The switch slides to 2.4GHz mode. I've been testing gaming keyboards and other PC gaming peripherals for about 10 years. As a keyboard enthusiast, I also own a collection of mechanical keyboards that I've amassed over the years. Apart from that, the Razer Deathstalker V2 Pro TKL requires no tweaking. It’s an absolute pleasure to use, despite the fact that its keys do feel slightly mushy. The keycaps are soft to the touch, and the optical switches are lightning fast, boasting an actuation of 1.2mm and requiring only 45g of force. That allows it to be very responsive, even with minimal pressure, which I also found helps keep finger and wrist fatigue at bay. The camera cuts to the top right corner of the keyboard, highlighting the addition of a roller and media button for convenient control.

The aging Logitech G915 (and G915 TKL) is the most apparent mainstream competition to the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro. However, I found that keyboard unremarkable when I bought it in 2020, and I still feel that way. For one, the keycaps are straight-up trash, and not only do they get terrible key shine, but the printed letters/numbers are also likely to wear off over time. You also get just one Bluetooth profile (instead of three), its construction is flimsy, being all plastic, it has slightly less battery life (30 hours vs. 40), and it uses mechanical switches instead of optical. Save any open documents on your computer and close all other programs before attempting the update. The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is a continuation of Razer's DeathStalker lineup of gaming keyboards. Like the original 2012 version, this keyboard has a low-profile design, but otherwise, it's been completely redesigned, both visually and under the hood. Unlike the original DeathStalker, which uses membrane switches, this version uses a low-profile version of the optical switches used on Razer's other high-end gaming keyboards. One of the major criticisms of the original version was the cheap-feeling, chiclet-style keycaps. In response, Razer upgraded the keycaps on this newer version, so they're doubleshot, low-profile ABS keycaps with laser-etched legends. Razer also claims these new keycaps are more durable than most ABS keycaps and not as prone to shine. Altogether, this is a high-performance option for anyone interested in a low-profile gaming model, which has been a somewhat neglected niche of the gaming keyboard market that, for the last few years, has mostly been dominated by the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED.Digital lines appear along the wrist and fingers, highlighting optimal angles for long-lasting support and comfort. We cut to a shot of the keyboard with its switches revealed. They actuate with such speed that a green energy erupts from a central key, supercharging the keyboard. One thing that's sure though is the frame feels solid and you certainly feel like you've got a premium keyboard in your hands. It's wonderfully low profile and sits comfortably on the desk in a way that means your wrists aren't raised as you type. Far more pleasant than standard keyboards in our mind. There are several connectivity options available for versatility. Naturally, it has Razer’s 2.4Ghz HyperSpeed Wireless via the included wireless dongle, but it’s also got three Bluetooth 5.0 connections so you can connect four different sources at once and easily switch from one to the other. And you won’t have to worry about losing that dongle when traveling, as there is a garage underneath.

Optical switches tend to have a bit more resistance than mechanical switches, which does put some people off. The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro splits the difference, much like the Logitech G915 (although we do think that the Logitech does it slightly better), so it still satisfies mechanical switch fans without being as bouncy as the linear Vulcan Pro. As a result, it delivers a satisfying and comfortable typing experience, whether you’re in the middle of a game or typing work documents.

Troubleshooting

Simultaneously, the keyboard’s Razer Chroma RGB lighting goes into overdrive as it changes colors at a rapid pace. The Deathstalker V2 Pro can be configured using Razer Synapse, which, while not my favorite companion software suite, offers a decent customization experience.

The multi-functional media button and metal media roller are things I often forget this keyboard has since it’s been so long since I’ve used one, but they work pretty well here. As you would hope, that media scroller can be remapped via Razer Synapse software to many functions (by default, it’s system volume), including adjusting screen brightness, mic volume, scrolling, switching apps, Windows zoom, or even Office zoom. The fact Razer kept these features on even the TKL version is noteworthy. The keyboard floats out from thin gap in the passage just as it seals shut, before dramatically rotating into full view. In Synapse, you can remap almost all of the DeathStalker V2 Pro’s primary keybinds (the Windows key, the “Razer HyperShift” function key, and — curiously — the multimedia button cannot be remapped), as well as most of the keys’ secondary keybinds in “HyperShift” mode. The DeathStalker V2 Pro’s small footprint means it doesn’t have any programmable macro keys beyond the usual Fn row, so Razer’s HyperShift, which gives you an entire second keyboard worth of programmable macro keys, is particularly handy here. If you prefer to stay tethered for the most reliable connection, however, you can connect it to your laptop or PC with the included USB-C cable. That means that you can also use it while charging. The DeathStalker V2 Pro can store up to five onboard profiles. Wireless Experience and Battery Life on the DeathStalker V2 Pro

Welcome to Razer Insider

At the rear, the maximum height of the DeathStalker V2 Pro is just 26.6mm. (Image credit: Daniel Rubino) The DeathStalker V2 Pro offers three connection options: 2.4GHz wireless, Bluetooth 5.0, and wired (via USB-C). For gaming, and anything where latency and lag might be an issue, you’ll want to connect using the 2.4GHz wireless connection, which features Razer’s “industry-leading” HyperSpeed wireless tech, which is — according to Razer — 25 percent faster than any other wireless tech. (Of course, 2.4GHz wireless is already a pretty speedy, low-latency connection.) A band of red light casts over the center portion of the switch, causing the area to turn holographic. In a flash, the keyboard blinks sideways to reveal another pedestal with an energized Bluetooth icon.