Razer Lycosa
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Small form, big punch
Razer isn’t usually a hardware company we’ve come to expect for hidden functionality. Typically, whatever they put out, they accentuate certain parts or functions. The Mako speakers have a very bright, unique control pad, the Lachesis mouse has a blinking Razer logo…they all have their little things. The Lycosa keyboard, however, is the quiet, refined Razer product.

The whole bundle, including keyboard, driver installation disc, manuals and stickers.
A standard sized keyboard, the Lycosa is not like the Tarantula with macro keys on the sides or super large. It’s really sized as your standard Dell business keyboard; not minimalist like the
Everglide DKT, but physically, it has more in common with a $10 board than gaming boards.
This is why the Lycosa stands out. Like most people who play with the keyboard and mouse, there isn’t always much space on the desk to waste, so larger keyboards mean less mouse mobility. The Lycosa is made to have the best of both worlds, small size and optimal functionality.
The board itself uses low-profile keys, very close to laptop keyboards, that has a good feel to it. The keys have a rubber coating on them, which makes them more tactile than standard keys. They tend to be sticky at times as well. It also takes some getting used to, though I found them to be quite accommodating after some use. A removable wrist-rest is screwed on the bottom, and is easy to remove, but with a screwdriver.

Hard to read keys are troublesome for even the most experienced typists and gamers.
On the back there is the microphone and speakers ports, as well as USB port for either a mouse or headset. The Lycosa is not a USB hub, and has two USB connectors; one for the keyboard and one for its spare port.
Using a completely black design was an interesting design choice. Stylish and almost gothic (the art form, not lifestyle) in nature, the glossy cover is easily filled with fingerprints and stains, but for the most-part looks great for those with nimble fingers. The clear lettering, made so for use of the backlight, are difficult to see without the backlight on, even with daylight. It isn’t odd to look for specific keys on this board.