- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Our Verdict
- Test Results
- Compared to others
- Discussions
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 decent keyboard for mixed use. It's best suited for gaming, because of its customizable RGB backlighting and programmable macros. It has an okay typing experience, with tactile rubber dome switches that shouldn't cause any fatigue. It's wired-only, which means it likely won't work with most tablets or other mobile devices.
-
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 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. While it doesn't have a wrist rest, ergonomics are still decent as it has two incline settings to help you optimize your comfort level. 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 okay 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.
- 7.0 Mixed usage
- 8.5 Gaming
- 1.8 Mobile/Tablet
- 6.6 Office
- 7.0 Programming
Test Results
This is a full-sized keyboard that's about as large as the original Razer Cynosa Chroma.
The Razer Cynosa V2 has a mediocre build quality. The entire thing is made of a lower-grade plastic and has a similar level of flex as the Razer Cynosa Chroma. The keycaps are made of an inferior ABS plastic that feels slippery and cheap. The incline feet are average quality but will support the keyboard if you happen to slide it. Razer claims that it's spill-resistant, but we don't test for this.
The ergonomics on this keyboard are okay. There are two incline settings, but it doesn't come with a wrist rest. That said, you shouldn't experience any noticeable fatigue when using it. 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 that feel tactile and heavy. Despite this, they don't require much force to actuate and feel mushy to press. Also, the high pre-travel distance can help reduce typos but also results in a less responsive gaming experience.
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 enough that it shouldn't disturb anyone around you.
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.
This keyboard has decent compatibility. It's fully operational on Windows, but Razer Synapse 3 doesn't work on macOS or Linux. Also, 'Print Screen', 'Pause/Break', and 'Scroll Lock' don't appear to work on macOS.
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 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 Razer Ornata V2 is a better keyboard than the Razer Cynosa V2. They both have two incline settings, but the Ornata includes a detachable wrist rest. It uses Razer Meca-Membrane clicky switches, which combine the softness of rubber domes and the clickiness of mechanical switches, which should create a better gaming experience. It also has a dedicated volume wheel on the keyboard. That said, the Cynosa V2 is a quieter keyboard.
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 Cynosa is much quieter and has dedicated media keys.
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.
Recommended Articles
Gain early access to all tests results for new products
Prices will now be listed directly in reviews and tables
Have 5 votes per product category to choose which product we’ll review next
Gain unlimited access to detailed test results in tools and results (no blurred results)
