2. Backlight illumination with WASD
cluster lighting option
3. Fully-programmable keys with macro
capabilities
System requirements:
PC with built-in USB
Windows XP/x64/Vista/Vista64/Win 7
CD-ROM drive
Internet connection (for driver
installation)
35 MB of free hard disk space
Introduction
The Razer Lycosa has a slim keycap design and low profile signature. Deemed
"The Nexus of Dominion" by Razer it is a true gaming keyboard. With
backlight functionality it allows one to game into the early hours of the
morning if need be. The weight and the feel of the keyboard make it easy to
transport around if you need to. With macro abilities and the different setting
for the backlighting one if bound to find a setting they like most with this
keyboard. I first did a video review of this keyboard but after using it I have
come to really enjoy the style that this keyboard has.
Features and Design
Like the my review of the
Razer Arctos the Lycosa gives the gamer a low profile keyboard with a very nice
slick design and the abilities for Macros. But unlike the Arctosa you have
backlighting with this keyboard. The ability to write a macro for any key you
want is a very big plus in my book. Some keyboards only allow you to write
macros to certain areas of the keyboard. You don't have that problem with the Lycosa.
If it's a key it has the ability to be programmed as a macro.
The overall feel of the
keyboard might take some time for someone to get used to who is coming from a
full size keyboard as the Lycosa isn't as long as a full size keyboard. The
problem I had with the Arctoso (fingers slipping off the keys) is a thing of
the past with the Lycosa. The special rubber coating really helps you to hit
that one key that might be the difference between life and death online.
The touch panel is a very
nice feature of this keyboard. With the Lycosa you don't have any indention
that you are having to press down like with the Arctos. It is truly a touch
panel that picks up the slightest feel of your finger over the panel. With no
parts that are actually moving I would consider this to be a feature that would
make the keyboard last much longer in the long run with gamers who play a great
deal.
On the back side of the
Lycosa there is a USB, speaker and microphone jack for headphones. The
Arctosa did not have this feature.
The detachable wrist rest
makes it convenient to take it off if you don't have the space for it on your
keyboard or just don't like the feel of it. I myself found it very nice to keep
on as it slopes perfectly to the keyboard and caused less strain on your
wrists.
You are given the choice of
10 customizable software profiles as well. I myself don't need that amount at
this time but for those of you who play different games it would be very easy
to switch profiles on the fly for sure.
This keyboard does have a
gaming mode option that will deactivate the windows keys to allow you to play
in-game without accidentally being kicked out by hitting one of the Window keys.
This can be very annoying but it's a thing of the past with this keyboard.
Switching profiles is a
breeze as one just has to hold down the Razer logo and then press the F1-F10
keys to change profiles on-the-fly.
Macros and Software
Razer does a great job with the driver control software for the Lycosa
as they did with the Arctosa. I had no problems installing the software it and
the interface makes it very easy to set up your macros and program different
profiles for the keyboard. You have a total of 10 profiles for the keyboard so
one should always have enough "profile space" to suit their needs
whatever they may be.
The media control panel, which also allows you to change profiles by pressing
the Razer logo and pressing any of the F1 through F-10 keys, is very easy to
use.
Keys
The keys were very easy to move across on the Lycosa. With the
rubberized coating you really get a good grip on the keys which prevents your
fingers from slipping off. The blue backlighting is very good. Unlike some
keyboards that light around the keys the blue backlighting is very definite on
the keys of the Lycosa as you can see in the pictures. The blue light is bright
as well. During the day you will have no problem noticing the cool blue that
seems to be all the rage when it comes to in the night colors for gaming.
Conclusion
All in all
I think the Razer Lycosa is a great keyboard for a gamer. Not just and FPS
gamer as well though I can say it did handle very well in Call of Duty 4 Modern
Warfare. The Lycosa is a very good gaming keyboard and I would assume it would
attract FPS players the most but MMO ones as well. I am currently using it for
Aion Online and I have really liked it. The price mark for the keyboard might
be a bit step for some but one has to pay for the extras in life. All in all I
give it two thumbs up!
Pros:
Slim Keycap
Design
Backlighting
on keyboard
Fully
programmable keys with macro capabilities
Cons:
Keys can
feel a bit loose at times but they are solid.
