Razer Arctosa Gaming Keyboard

Introduction 
 
Razer Arctosa Gaming KeyboardI had never been into gaming peripherals much until a year or so ago, when I bought a Razer gaming mouse. I had mostly got by on pretty generic input devices before upgrading to a dedicated gaming device. I was impressed with it, not just for the performance it offered, but with the overall package. Razer have got their branding and corporate identity down to a tee. The logo is immediately identifiable and well known and regarded amongst PC gamers. I have been given the opportunity to review their latest keyboard, the Arctosa, which is the little brother of the Lycosa and am looking forward to putting it under the microscope.
 
Founded in 1999, Razer are well known and well regarded for their gaming input devices. They offer a wide range of mice, mouse-mats and keyboards, specifically aimed at the gamer segment of the market. Most of their products follow a simple, but stylish, design theme. Today, we shall be taking a look at their latest keyboard offering, the Razer Arctosa. Will it live up to the pedigree which is associated with Razer products? First though, let’s find out a little about the company and the keyboard’s specifications:
 
 
“Razer collaborates with gamers to develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge gaming peripherals utilizing proprietary technologies that give gamers the competitive edge. We reinvented the computer gaming industry by bringing this competitive edge to gamers when professional computer gaming was in its infancy. In the mid 90s, with the advent of networked gaming and competitive first-person-shooter (FPS) games, gamers found that their legacy peripherals were inhibiting rather than enhancing their gameplay.”
 

“Headquartered in Carlsbad, California, Razer collaborates with gamers to develop, manufacture and market cutting-edge gaming peripherals utilizing proprietary technologies that give gamers the competitive edge. Razer products have earned critical praise and won multiple awards from around the world for their precision, sensitivity, usability and distinctions in product design. Engineered to near perfection, Razer’s reputation of being the leader in gaming peripheral technology is embodied in every single Razer product.

Razer – For Gamers. By Gamersâ„¢.”

(Taken from the Razer website)
 

 
 
 
Razer Arctosa Gaming Keyboard Features & Specifications
 
Slim Keycap Structure with Hyperesponse™ Technology 
The Hyperesponseâ„¢ keys of the Razer Arctosa reduce key latency and maximize response for critical actions during competitive gameplay ensuring fast, accurate and consistent actuation response in the intense frenzy of competitive gameplay.

Selective anti-ghosting capability around WASD gaming cluster
The Razer Arctosa addresses “ghosting” signal failure that occurs when you press multiple keys simultaneously on traditional keyboards. Selective anti-ghosting around the WASD gaming cluster on the Razer Arctosa allows more commands to be entered at any one time without the “ghosting” signal failure.

Fully-programmable keys with macro capabilities
Too many keystrokes to enter and too little keys? Sometimes we wish we had more fingers (or maybe an additional arm for that can of soda or beer while we’re in the middle of a raid.) The next best thing would be fully programmable keys with macro capabilities that enable instantaneous, multiple commands with a single keystroke. Buy armor and weapons or execute complex manoeuvres with a single key with the Razer Arctosa. Some things are better than extra fingers (or arms).

•Fully-programmable keys with macro capabilities
•Selective anti-ghosting for WASD gaming cluster
•Slim keycap structure with Hyperesponse™ technology
•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
•Detachable wrist rest
•Approximate size:
470mm (length) x 165mm (width) x 20mm (height) – without wrist rest
470mm (length) x 222mm (width) x 20mm (height) – with wrist rest

System Requirements
•PC with built-in USB
•Windows® XP / x64 / Vista / Vista64
•CD-ROM drive
•Internet connection (for driver installation)
•35MB of free hard disk space

(Taken from the Razer Arctosa product page)
 

 
 
So that’s the introduction over and done with, now it’s time to take a look at the Arctosa, up close and personal, starting with the packaging and contents on the next page.