Razer Cynosa v2 Keyboard Review

Razer has brought out its new low-tier entry into the keyboard market. At a cheaper price point than most gaming keyboards with a bunch of RGB and other features included, the Cynosa v2 could be something that Razer can build off and expand further with and quite possibly might finally replace my main gaming keyboard. Does the Cynosa v2 have the stuff to defeat the reigning champ? Let’s take a look…

Product: Razer Cynosa v2 RGB Gaming Keyboard
Product Type: Full Keyboard
Maker: Razer
Cost: USD$59.99/AUD$119.90
Available: Now

TECH SPECS

Switch Type: Soft cushioned gaming-grade keys
Key Feel: Soft and Cushioned
Key Type: Membrane keys
Sizes: Full Size
Lighting: Razer Chroma™ backlighting with 16.8 million customizable color options
Wrist Rest: None
Onboard Memory: None
Media Keys: Dedicated media keys
Passthrough: None
Connectivity: Wired
Keycaps: ABS plastic
Other Information:

• Individually customizable backlit gaming-grade keys
• Quiet, cushioned keystrokes
• Durable spill-resistant design
• Cable routing options
• Razer Synapse enabled
• Fully programmable keys with on the fly macro recording
• N-key rollover
• 1000 Hz Ultrapolling
• Compatible with Xbox One for basic input

Getting the Razer Cynosa v2 RGB Gaming Keyboard (here on out referred to as the Cynosa v2) I was a little doubtful about using it after spending YEARS using my HyperX Alloy FPS mechanical keyboard as my go-to keyboard for all things from gaming to typing articles for The Outerhaven. However, after spending a couple of days getting used to using a truly full-sized keyboard again (The previous one was a compact full keyboard, so the keys were closer together) I was quite impressed with how easily I was able to start getting my typing speed back to full speed again and how easily I was able to move around in many games that I’ve been playing during my COVID-19 Stage 4 lockdown here in Australia. The sound of the Cynosa v2 keys is a lot lower thanks to that Cynosa v2 being a membrane-based keyboard over mechanical cherry MX keys that I was used to. This means that when I spend some time playing games on stream or via video recordings with the Outerhaven crew that it will not show up in the sound recordings as much as the mechanical ones did.

Being a bit of a touch typer, it would be good to see the Cynosa v2 work more with me than against me. The slick plastic keys do tend to make me slip up on hitting the correct mark every now and again, and it does take a toll on my typing speed. What is worse is when I slip on a key during a crucial World of Warcraft raid (Most times during the difficult N’Zoth boss fight since everyone is at end game now) and getting killed because my fingers are not being kept on the right keys for movement thanks to some sort of embezzled keys like my old keyboard has, and since these are two different brands I’m not too sure that I would be able to do a simple key swap without hurting the keys of the Cynosa v2. But that is something that I will get used to as my fingers get used to using the more normal and standard key-caps that the Cynosa v2 has included, though I would suggest to Razer that they look into some sort of grooved or “rough” style interchangeable key-caps for the WSAD keys on the keyboard to help gamers keep a grip during their games.

Now it wouldn’t be a Razer product without some customization options, right? Well, of course, the Cynosa v2 has some of those options. As a part of the Razer Synapse 3 software control program that is standard for all modern Razer products, you get to customize the Cynosa v2 with specific key-binds for your games to help you do all sorts of fun things with macro commands that will run from your computer with the press of a button. Alongside that the Cynosa v2 also works with the Synapse RGB color suite, allowing you to create a color pattern or style that suits your eyes and gaming needs, or you can use some of the pre-programmed ones that the software suite comes included with. Personally I have mine set to a low-level white background as it doesn’t hurt my eyes and I can see the keys clearly. If you have any of the games that are included in this link, then you can also use custom special lighting and key-binds automatically when booting up the game, pretty cool.

The Cynosa v2 is a very solid keyboard from top to bottom. The lower sound when using the keyboard has been a welcome addition to my gaming set up and having a goof full-sized keyboard again really has made a difference when it comes to my typing, however, when it comes to my gaming, things are pretty much normal for the games that I play. Unfortunately, I don’t play a lot of the games that are supported by the official games list for special bits and pieces, so I haven’t had much experience with it. At the moment the Cynosa v2 is a really good keyboard and I think it’s going to be one that is going to sit on my desk for quite a while longer. Finally, we have a new champion with keyboards!