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.
- Customizable RGB backlight.
- Programmable macros.
- Multiple incline settings.
- Mushy rubber dome switches.
- 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.
- Long pre-travel should prevent typos.
- Multiple incline settings.
- Customization software not available on Linux and macOS.
- No wrist rest.
- 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.
- Customizable RGB backlight.
- Programmable macros.
- Multiple incline settings.
- Customization software not available on Linux and macOS.
- No wrist rest.
- 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.
- Customizable RGB backlight.
- No wireless capabilities.
- No trackpad.
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.
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Differences Between Sizes And Variants
We tested the Razer Cynosa V2 in black, and there are no other variants.
Popular Keyboard Comparisons
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 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 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 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 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.
Test Results
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