ConclusionsÂ
The Arctosa has generated mixed feelings from me towards it. On the one hand, the macros and profiles features work well, and the responsiveness of the keys is great. As a gaming keyboard, there are enough features there to earn that tag. But on the other hand, I can’t help but be disappointed by the overall finish to the Arctosa. It feels and looks like a cheap keyboard. There really is no other way to put it. When I opened the box and saw the media control panel, I thought that this would lift the keyboard to a higher level, as I thought it was a touch sensitive panel at first. I was shocked to find that it was just a strip of cheap plastic covering the media control switches. I did feel slightly robbed by this. The keyboard, when in use, felt very much like a laptop’s keyboard. The keys don’t have a lot of return, and are quite clicky when depressed. As I said though, the macros and profiles settings work extremely well, and are simple to set up. Whilst gaming, the keyboard did also feel much more responsive than my usual keyboard.
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Although the keyboard does feel cheap in construction and materials, it is presented nicely. From the packaging to the design of style of the keyboard, it all ties in nicely and looks great. The Razer logo on the wrist rest does demand attention and the piano finish on the plastic body does look nice. Unfortunately though, this isn’t enough to offset the negative aspects of the keyboard. Considering that you could purchase the Razer Lycosa, which has a touch sensitive panel, USB ports and an overall improvement in build quality, for just £13 more than the Arctosa, I would much rather consider the Lycosa as my gaming keyboard. The Arctosa is obviously intended to be aimed at the entry level market, but I do feel that the price could have been set more sensibly. Had the keyboard been given a lower RRP, I could have been more forgiving of it’s faults.
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Our thanks go to Razer for providing the review sample. The Razer Arctosa is available to purchase at
Scan for £39.81. You can discuss this review within
our forum.
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The Good Â
+ Macros and Profiles
+ 1000MHz Polling
+ Media Controls
+ Nice styling
+ Attractive overall packaging
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The Mediocre
* Media Control Panel not touch sensitiveÂ
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The Bad
– Feels cheap
– Styling let down by cheap feel.
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