The Razer Cynosa V2 is a great wired gaming keyboard with full RGB backlighting and programmable macros. It has rubber dome switches that feel light to type on, but may feel too mushy for some people and can be compared to the generic keyboards that accompany most PC purchases. It has programmable macros and full RGB backlighting, both of which can be customized in the Razer Synapse 3 companion software. Unfortunately, there's no onboard memory, and it feels cheap. Overall, this could be a great choice for casual gaming but isn't suited for competitive hardcore gamers.
Our Verdict
The Razer Cynosa V2 is a great keyboard for gaming. Despite scoring much better than the original Razer Cynosa Chroma, it offers a very similar typing experience and feels almost identical. It has customizable RGB backlighting. Unfortunately, it uses ABS plastic keycaps which feel very slippery. Also, the switches are very light and may not be the best choice for hardcore gaming.
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Customizable RGB backlight.
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Programmable macros.
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Multiple incline settings.
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Mushy rubber dome switches.
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Slippery ABS plastic keycaps.
The Razer Chroma V2 is a wired-only keyboard and can't be paired with mobile devices.
The Razer Cynosa V2 is an okay keyboard for office use. It's quiet and shouldn't disturb those around you. The tactile rubber dome switches and long pre-travel distance should help reduce typos, but they may feel too mushy for long days of typing. Also, ergonomics are only acceptable as it doesn't include a wrist rest. The companion software, Razer Synapse 3, isn't available on macOS or Linux.
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Long pre-travel should prevent typos.
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Multiple incline settings.
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Customization software not available on Linux and macOS.
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No wrist rest.
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No multi-device pairing.
The Razer Cynosa V2 is a decent keyboard for programming. Typing quality is only okay, and you shouldn't feel any fatigue over extended periods. Build quality is also just okay, as it's made of cheap plastic and uses ABS plastic keycaps. Also, there's no multi-device pairing, and the companion software isn't available on Linux or macOS.
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Customizable RGB backlight.
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Programmable macros.
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Multiple incline settings.
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Customization software not available on Linux and macOS.
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No wrist rest.
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No multi-device pairing.
The Razer Cynosa V2 is bad for use with a home theater PC. It's a wired-only keyboard, which isn't ideal if your couch is a good distance away from the computer. Also, it doesn't have a trackpad for navigation.
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Customizable RGB backlight.
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No wireless capabilities.
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No trackpad.
- 7.9 Gaming
- 1.1 Mobile/Tablet
- 6.5 Office
- 6.4 Programming
- 3.4 Entertainment / HTPC
Changelog
- Updated Jun 21, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update introduces new Backlight Features and Backlight Clarity test boxes. We've also added a new Switches test box, added additional test comparisons to our Hardware Customizability test box that we introduced with our last Test Bench. For an in-depth look at our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated May 26, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update adds several new tests addressing Hardware Customization, Macro Keys And Programming, and Wireless Mobile Compatibility. We've also added new objective evaluations to the Typing Noise test, and we've simplified several tests and removed several others that were no longer relevant. For an in-depth look at all our changes, you can see our full changelog here.
- Updated Feb 05, 2021: Converted to Test Bench 1.0.
- Updated Sep 22, 2020: Review published.
- Updated Aug 19, 2020: Early access published.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Razer Cynosa V2 in black, and there are no other variants.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The Razer Cynosa V2 is an upgraded version of the Razer Cynosa Chroma. It uses rubber dome tactile switches that have a long pre-travel distance, which should help reduce typos but may feel too mushy for competitive gamers, who may want to consider the Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition Chroma V2 instead. While the Cynosa V2 has two incline settings, it lacks a wrist rest like the Razer Ornata V2. The full RGB backlighting and programmable macros can be customized in the Razer Synapse 3 companion software.
See our recommendations for the best gaming keyboard, the best wireless keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards.
The SteelSeries Apex 3 and the Razer Cynosa V2 are both full-size membrane gaming keyboards. While the Razer scores higher for gaming, it's only so because it has individually-lit keys, while the SteelSeries has 10-zone backlighting. The SteelSeries has a lower input lag, and its keys are a bit easier to actuate because they require less force. It allows for higher incline settings and includes a wrist rest to provide a more comfortable typing experience. Also, its build quality is much better than the Razer.
The Razer Ornata V2 and the Razer Cynosa V2 are fairly similar gaming-wise. The Ornata V2 has slightly lower latency, and it provides a better typing experience as its Mecha-Membrane switches don't feel as mushy as the rubber dome switches on the Cynosa V2. They both have two incline settings, but the Ornata V2 includes a detachable wrist rest.
The Corsair K55 RGB and the Razer Cynosa V2 are both full-sized keyboards with rubber dome switches. The Razer has individually-lit RGB backlighting, and its keys require much lower operation force, making its keystrokes feel lighter. The Corsair only has zone backlighting, but it has significantly lower latency, a detachable wrist rest, and companion software compatible with macOS.
The Razer Ornata Chroma is a better keyboard than the Razer Cynosa V2. The Ornata has a better typing experience due to the unique mecha-membrane switches that provide clicky feedback. That said, the V2 is much quieter and has dedicated media keys.
The Razer Cynosa V2 and the Corsair K55 RGB PRO are entry-level gaming keyboards with rubber dome switches. The Razer has RGB Backlighting with individually-lit keys and one more incline setting, but it lacks a wrist rest, and its companion software isn't compatible with macOS. On the other hand, the Corsair has significantly lower latency, but its keys have marginally higher pre-travel travel distance and are a bit heavier to press. And while it has RGB backlighting, it's zone-lit, so you can't customize individual-key lighting.
The Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition Chroma V2 is a better keyboard than the Razer Cynosa V2. The TE may only have one incline setting but has a detachable wrist rest. Furthermore, it uses Razer Yellow switches, which feel linear and will be better suited for gamers. That said, the Cynosa has dedicated media keys.
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.
The EVGA Z12 is slightly better overall than the Razer Cynosa Chroma. Although they both use rubber dome switches, the ones on the EVGA are lighter and have a shorter pre-travel distance. The EVGA also has extra macro keys, which the Razer doesn't have. However, the Razer has individually lit RGB backlighting while the EVGA only has zone-lit backlighting.
The Razer Cynosa V2 is better for gaming than the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL. They each have rubber dome switches, and the ones on the Razer are lighter to press and have a shorter pre-travel distance than those on the SteelSeries, which is a big reason why it's better. Also, the Razer has individually lit keys, while the SteelSeries is limited to zone lighting. However, the SteelSeries offers better typing and build quality because the keys feel more stable and less mushy. The SteelSeries is also smaller, so there's more space on your desk for your mouse, but that means it doesn't have a numpad.
Test Results
This is a full-sized keyboard that's about as large as the original Razer Cynosa Chroma. If you want a smaller, TKL keyboard with non-mechanical keys, then check out the SteelSeries Apex 3 TKL.
The Razer Cynosa V2 has a mediocre build quality. The entire thing is made of lower-grade plastic and has a similar level of flex as the Razer Cynosa Chroma. Our unit has a slight kink in it and doesn't sit flat on the table; however, your experience may vary. The keycaps are doubleshot ABS plastic and feel slippery. The keys are pretty stable, except for the spacebar, shift, and enter keys. The incline feet are stable in the lower position but less so when using the higher setting. Razer claims that it's spill-resistant, but we don't test for this.
The ergonomics on this keyboard are okay. The board naturally sits at a 2-degree incline, and there are two additional incline settings if you need to raise it higher. Some people might need a wrist rest, but sadly, there isn't one included in the box. If you want something with a wrist rest, consider the Razer Ornata Chroma.
This keyboard has outstanding RGB backlighting. The keys are individually-lit, and the frosted plastic plate between them and the lights make the colors more gradient and smooth. The backlighting can be customized on Razer's Synapse 3 software, and you can easily control the brightness via hotkeys.
The Razer Cynosa V2's rubber cable retains kinks fairly easily.
The Razer Cynosa V2 is a wired-only keyboard.
The Razer Cynosa V2 has 'Game Mode' and 'Sleep Mode' buttons, as well as dedicated media keys. All keys are macro-programmable, including the media keys, either through the Razer Synapse 3 companion software or directly on the keyboard itself.
The Razer Cynosa V2 uses rubber dome switches. They don't require much force to actuate and feel mushy to press. The long pre-travel distance can help reduce typos but also results in a less responsive gaming experience. If you're looking for a similar keyboard that has mechanical switches, check out the Keychron C2.
It doesn't do much to differentiate itself from generic keyboards that come standard with the purchase of a PC. The keycaps are cheap, slippery ABS plastic that attracts the oil from your fingertips. The tactile switches also feel mushy, which may be disappointing for gamers, but shouldn't cause any noticeable fatigue over long periods of use.
Typing on this keyboard is quiet and shouldn't disturb anyone around you.
The latency is a bit high for a wired keyboard. It shouldn't be noticeable to most people, but it's not ideal for competitive gamers. If you're looking for a similar keyboard with exceptionally low latency, check out the Corsair K55 RGB PRO.
The Razer Cynosa V2 is compatible with Razer Synapse 3, where you can customize the RGB backlighting and program macros. Unfortunately, Synapse 3 isn't available on macOS and there's no onboard memory, but since you can save up to six profiles to the cloud with an account, you can bring your settings from one computer to another. If you want a keyboard with software support for macOS, take a look at the Logitech G213 Prodigy. If you're interested in a similar keyboard with software support for macOS and onboard memory, check out the Corsair K55 RGB PRO XT.
On Windows, all default buttons work. On macOS, the Scroll Lock and Pause/Break keys adjust screen brightness if you have an Apple display. On Linux, all default buttons work.