Gaming tech company Razer has promoted its new Tartarus Pro gaming keypad to follow its predecessor, the Tartarus V2 Chroma. The keypad is reported to make some games easier to play, but at a very expensive price.
The analog optical switch keypad, which retails at $129, is available in both classic black and mercury white. With 32 programmable keys that benefit hardcore MMO players, the Tartarus Pro is designed with analog optical switches that register different scaling levels depending on how hard you push the keys, allowing for more player control. Razer explains this by describing how half-pressing on the key will enable your character to walk, while a full press makes the character run. The keypad also features adjustable actuation and dual-function keys that support the 32 programmable macro keys, equipped with an 8-way directional thumbpad for navigation.
The macros and stored profiles can be useful when you need to prepare a strategy in advance and quickly execute it when involved in the encounter. Some gamers were hoping that Razer would update its older models to be compatible with the Synapse 3, confronting Razer’s financial gain of making all newer models run on S3 while leaving older products in the dark. Other fans of Razer’s products suggested that the company release a wireless Naga mouse in time for the new World of Warcraft expansion pack, as they commented that their Naga would need to run on S3 in order to be compatible with the Tartarus V2.
The gaming community has also emphasized that these keypads only appeal to a very niche audience and expressed its redundancy if players already have a perfectly good keyboard. Razer thinks differently and continues to promote the benefits of these keypads for MMO players as well as its smaller size that takes up little desk space. It really comes down to player preference and if they feel more comfortable on a regular keyboard or if preset macros that can be activated in one tap are more beneficial to them.
Its performance is reported to be impressive pertaining to the optical switches and seems to be a great accessory for MMOs as well as Final Fantasy XIV. While it can be handy to have all your controls available in one hand, it still doesn’t eliminate the need for a full keyboard if you need to type in-game chats, for example. In short, the keypad is an accessory and can’t be solely used for all gameplay needs, but it is a nifty addition to your gaming den.
Source: Razer
