Razer Cynosa Chroma  Keyboard Review

Reviewed Jan 23, 2020 at 09:16am
Test bench update Apr 16, 2021 at 12:02pm
Tested using Methodology v1.0 
Razer Cynosa Chroma

Track

0.0
Gaming 
0.0
Mobile/Tablet 
0.0
Office 
0.0
Programming 
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 

Track

 0
Notice: This keyboards was replaced by Razer Cynosa V2
The Razer Cynosa Chroma is a decent gaming keyboard with full RGB backlighting and programmable keys. Its rubber dome switches feel light to type on, but may be too mushy for those who prefer mechanical switches. While Razer's Synapse 3 software has a good amount of customization options, it can be unstable at times and the keyboard doesn't have on-board memory to save profiles. Overall, although there are a few gamer-oriented features, the keyboard is fairly basic, and the typing experience is hard to differentiate from your average, run-of-the-mill office keyboard.

Our Verdict

0.0
Gaming 

The Razer Cynosa Chroma is decent for gaming. Although the rubber dome switches feel mushy and aren't as responsive, every key on the keyboard can be set to a different function or a macro with the Synapse 3 software. Unfortunately, it lacks dedicated macro keys for MMO games, but the full RGB backlighting is great for those who like to game in a dark room or to highlight important keys.

Pros
  • Customizable RGB backlight.
  • Programmable keys.
Cons
  • Mushy rubber dome switches.
  • Mediocre ergonomics.
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Mobile/Tablet 

The Razer Cynosa Chroma has no wireless capabilities and can't be used with mobile devices.

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Office 

The Razer Cynosa Chroma is mediocre for office use. The keyboard is fairly easy to type on and doesn't make a lot of noise, but the mushy feeling of the rubber dome switches and high actuation point can cause a bit of fatigue over time. Sadly, it doesn't come with a wrist rest and compatibility with Linux and macOS is limited, as the Synapse 3 software is only available for Windows.

Pros
  • Customizable RGB backlight.
  • Programmable keys.
Cons
  • Mushy rubber dome switches.
  • Mediocre ergonomics.
0.0
Programming 

The Razer Cynosa Chroma is okay for programming. It provides a fairly light typing experience, but the high actuation point can be tiring and feel less responsive overall. Although it lacks dedicated macro keys, every key on the keyboard can be reprogrammed. The full RGB backlighting is a nice addition for those who code in the dark, but Linux and macOS users won't be able to customize it in any way.

Pros
  • Customizable RGB backlight.
  • Programmable keys.
Cons
  • Mushy rubber dome switches.
  • Mediocre ergonomics.
0.0
Entertainment / HTPC 

Pros
  • Customizable RGB backlight.
  • Programmable keys.
Cons
  • Mushy rubber dome switches.
  • Mediocre ergonomics.
  • 0.0
    Gaming
  • 0.0
    Mobile/Tablet
  • 0.0
    Office
  • 0.0
    Programming
  • 0.0
    Entertainment / HTPC
  • Changelog

    1.  Updated Apr 16, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
    2.  Updated Jan 23, 2020: Review published.
    3.  Updated Jan 20, 2020: Our testers have started testing this product.

    Check Price

    Matte BlackCynosa Chroma
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    Walmart.com
    Matte BlackCynosa Chroma
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    Differences Between Sizes And Variants

    The Razer Cynosa Chroma doesn't have any variant; however, there's a Pro version that is nearly identical but with RGB underglow lighting beneath the keyboard.

    Popular Keyboard Comparisons

    The Razer Cynosa Chroma is a decent gaming keyboard, but for around the same price, there are much better options, such as the  Logitech G413. The Logitech is a mechanical keyboard that provides a much better typing experience, and its customization software is available for both Windows and macOS. For more options, check out our recommendations for the best cheap keyboards, the best gaming keyboards under $100, and the best gaming keyboards.

    Razer Cynosa V2

    Track

    The Razer Cynosa V2 is a slightly better keyboard than the original Razer Cynosa Chroma. The V2 has dedicated media keys, but that aside, offers a near-identical experience.

    HyperX Alloy Core RGB

    Track

    The Razer Cynosa Chroma and the HyperX Alloy Core RGB are similar keyboards in most uses, as they're both budget membrane keyboards with RGB backlighting. The only real difference is that the Razer has more customization options due to its software support, and the HyperX has dedicated media keys instead of hotkeys.

    SteelSeries Apex 3

    Track

    The SteelSeries Apex 3 is significantly better than the Razer Cynosa Chroma in most uses. The typing experience and build quality are much better on the SteelSeries, and it comes with a wrist rest for better comfort. However, the Razer has individually lit RGB backlighting, but its customization software is only available for Windows users, while the SteelSeries Engine software is available for Windows and macOS.

    Corsair K57 RGB WIRELESS

    Track

    The Corsair K57 RGB WIRELESS is better than the Razer Cynosa Chroma. Both use rubber dome switches and have full RGB backlighting, but the Corsair is wireless, has dedicated macro keys, and comes with a wrist rest, while the keys on the Razer are a bit lighter to press. 

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    Test Results

    perceptual testing image
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    RATINGS
    Category:
    All
    Design
    Dimensions
    Size
    LockedFull-size (100%)
    Height
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    WidthLockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth
    LockedLock" (Lock cm)
    Depth With Wrist Rest
    LockedN/A
    Weight
    LockedLock lbs (Lock kg)

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    0.0
    Build Quality
    Keycap MaterialLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Ergonomics
    Board Design
    LockedLocked
    Minimum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Medium Incline
    LockedLock°
    Maximum Incline
    LockedLock°
    Wrist RestLockedLocked

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    0.0
    Backlighting
    BacklightingLockedLocked
    Color
    LockedLocked
    Individually Backlit Keys
    LockedLocked
    Color Mixing
    LockedLocked
    Effects
    LockedLocked
    Programmable
    LockedLocked

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    Cable & Connector
    ConnectivityLockedWired
    Detachable
    LockedLocked
    LengthLockedLock ft (Lock m)
    Connector (Keyboard side)
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Wireless Versatility
    Bluetooth
    LockedLocked
    Bluetooth Multi-Device Pairing
    LockedLocked
    Proprietary Receiver
    LockedLocked
    Battery Type
    LockedLocked

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    Extra Features
    Media Keys
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programmable Keys
    LockedLocked
    Trackpad / TrackballLockedLocked
    WheelLockedLocked
    USB Passthrough
    LockedLocked
    NumpadLockedLocked
    Windows Key Lock
    LockedLocked
    Lock IndicatorLockedLocked

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    In The Box

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    Typing Experience
    Keystrokes
    Mechanical
    LockedNo
    Key Switches
    LockedLocked
    Feel
    LockedLocked
    Operating Force
    LockedLock gf
    Actuation Force
    LockedLock gf
    Pre-Travel
    LockedLock mm
    Total Travel
    LockedLock mm

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    0.0
    Typing Quality

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    Typing Noise
    SAMPLE
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    Razer Cynosa Chroma Typing Sample Sample
    Noise
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Latency
    SAMPLE
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    Razer Cynosa Chroma Latency Video Sample
    Latency Wired
    LockedLock ms
    Latency Receiver
    LockedN/A
    Latency Bluetooth
    LockedN/A
    Software and Operating System
    0.0
    Software & Programming
    Software NameLockedLocked
    Account Required
    LockedLocked
    Profiles
    LockedLocked
    Onboard Memory
    LockedLocked
    Cloud Sync
    LockedLocked
    Macro Programming
    LockedLocked
    Ease Of Use
    LockedLocked
    Software Windows Compatible
    LockedLocked
    Software macOS Compatible
    LockedLocked

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    0.0
    Keyboard Compatibility
    WindowsLockedLocked
    macOSLockedLocked
    LinuxLockedLocked
    AndroidLockedLocked
    iOSLockedLocked
    iPadOSLockedLocked

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