14 DAY TRIAL // Introduction
Razer's latest gaming keyboard, the Lycosa, has been around ever since November 2007 and I was keen to get my hands on it for quite some time. The name "Lycosa" comes from a really mean-looking tarantula spider, which is located somewhere on the lands of Italy. So it seems that Razer meant to keep our attention on arachnids, as far as gaming keyboards go. Nevertheless, the new one looks quite promising and was especially designed for those of you who really know what terms like "OWNING" or "GODLIKE" mean.
Package
Straight out of the box, the Lycosa keyboard provides the user with everything he/she will need to get some serious gaming started. Upon opening the box, you will be faced with a neat pack containing a CD, quick start guide, catalog, a sticker and a Certificate of Authenticity signed by your favorite RazorGuy. While the sticker and catalog might be nice, you will actually need only the start guide and the software CD. Once you are through with this bundle part, you will be able to get your hands on this slim gaming keyboard. And when I say slim, I mean it has 24 mm in height.
Installation
At the first glance, the keyboard doesn't show you that much, as it pretty much looks like your standard 104-keys all black keyboard. But I wouldn't really call it standard, as its design is something quite eye-catching, from an aesthetic point of view. Try to plug it in and you will start to notice some of its key features. If you have expected this wired keyboard to be available with a single USB plug, you are in for a surprise. Not only does it feature two USB plugs, but it also provides two Mic and Headphone jacks. The Lycosa sports an integrated USB hub and two earphone-out and microphone-in jacks which cannot be handled by a single USB connection, it would seem. Still, if you get pass this inconvenience of needing so many things to be plugged in, you will benefit from an easy installation process.
Once the keyboard is plugged in, it will impressively light-up, thus letting you further realize what its features are. Besides the blue-illuminated keypad, which as far as gaming keyboards go is something of a standard, Razer also equipped this keyboard with a built-in wrist rest. In the middle of that wrist rest you will find a large Razer logo, which isn't lit as the rest of the keyboard, so don't fear that any snakes will light-up in the dark.
Performance
Completing the installation of the provided software will require a system boot, after which you will be ready to freely customize your Razer keyboard. One feature that doesn't need configuration is letting the user choose between the two lighting modes, which can be controlled through the upper right built-in TouchPanel. The TouchPanel also lets you control media applications. With a single, soft touch of a button you will be able to chose if you either want the entire keyboard lighted or just the WASD keys. I had a small issue with this feature (if you can call it so), but I don't know if it's an issue on all of the Razer Lycosa keyboards or just the model I received for testing. It seems you don't fully need to press the touch panel buttons in order to achieve the desired effect, because placing your finger at a small distance above the TouchPanel does the trick.
The Razer Driver Control lets you pick whatever media application you want your TouchPanel to control, having to choose between Winamp, Real Player, Window Media Player and iTunes. Additionally, you will be able to change the light mode of your Lycosa keyboard. Once that is done, the real gaming features take the stage. The Lycosa keyboard offers users the possibility of configuring and macro assigning each individual key, letting your keyboard adapt to your gaming skills. Macro assigning is something highly important with gaming keyboards, as most gamers need to have all their gaming controls within reach for fast and decisive action. What is nice about the Lycosa is that it allows you to configure and save up to 10 different keyboard profiles. So basically regardless of what your gaming preference is you will be able to benefit from Lycosa's support.
To further enhance your instant gaming action, this feature allows each individual profile to be switched on for a designated software application. Practically you will be able to start any of your favorite games and the keyboard will automatically recognize your predefined keyboard configuration. This feature, instant gaming action, should come in handy to almost any gamer out there. Razer also equipped the Lycosa with a keytop with non-slip rubber finish, which is noticeably pleasant and provides the gamer with a better grip. The non-slip rubber finish also makes the keyboard feel very different from any other similar product. Though I have to say that in time it will lose its characteristics if it happens to find itself in the hands of a really passionate gamer.
As far as performance goes, the Lycosa is nothing less of expectations. The WASD cluster illumination is visible enough even in better lighted environments so in darker rooms, you should have no problem finding the keys. The Lycosa's stated 1ms response time is nothing to be argued about as this keyboard will most certainly not let you down, when faced with serious gaming. The use of the Gaming mode is rather pointless, as you can choose to disable the Windows key, through the Razer drive control. Offering support for directly connecting a headset, through the built-in audio jacks does provide some improvement in your gaming experience, but in the end it all comes down to the gamer skills.
The Good
Razer's product is a very strong and reliable choice for gaming gear. But still, I've been using the G15 keyboard for a long time now and I have to say I wouldn't give it away for the Lycosa. The pros of the keyboard are mainly featured in its design. The slim laptop-like look makes the Lycosa appear nice and feel excellent. The illuminated keyboard is an attractive feature, and somewhat to be expected from a gaming keyboard, but falling under the real pros are its customizable keys. Allowing the user to fully configure his keyboard is what the Lycosa is best at.
The Bad
On the bad side, the stylish design really makes the keyboard harder to clean and you will have a tough time getting the fingertip marks off your product. Not allowing the user to detach the wrist rest without the use of a screwdriver is inconvenient and the TouchPanel can be a headache if you are trying to clean it up, while the keyboard is connected. The keys' blue light is rather low and lets the user fully notice the keys from only a limited range of angles.
The Truth
Overall, the Lycosa is an interesting enough keyboard which performs rather well while providing a number of gaming features in a slim and stylish look. Easy to install but harder to keep clean, the Lycosa is far from your standard keyboard. Considering that its price tag is pretty close to Logitech's G15, acquiring the Lycosa is really a matter of the user's choice.