The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is a wireless gaming keyboard and a continuation of Razer's DeathStalker lineup. Like previous entries in the series, this version has a low-profile design, meaning it's significantly thinner than typical gaming keyboards. This new version offers dedicated media controls and newly designed keycaps, which Razer claims are tougher and more resistant to developing shiny tops than standard ABS keycaps. Also, while older versions used membrane switches similar to those found on most laptop keyboards, the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro uses a low-profile version of the optical, mechanical switches used on Razer's other high-end gaming keyboards.
Our Verdict
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is an outstanding gaming keyboard. It has extremely low latency and feels very well-built. The linear optical mechanical switches on this unit feel very light and have a very short pre-travel distance, making them feel very responsive. The low profile design also makes it comfortable to use without a wrist rest. The keycaps are made of ABS plastic, but they feel good on the fingertips and aren't flimsy or cheap feeling. Unfortunately, the keys wobble noticeably during use, especially some of the modifier keys.
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Feels sturdy.
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Extremely low latency.
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Full RGB backlighting.
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All keys are macro-programmable.
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Keys wobble somewhat, especially the modifier keys.
Although not designed for this use, the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is good for office use. It has an impressive build quality, and its low-profile makes it fairly comfortable to type on without a wrist rest. The linear low-profile optical switches on this unit are quiet, and you can wirelessly pair this keyboard with up to three devices via Bluetooth. Unfortunately, the typing quality is only decent as the switches feel mushy, and the spacing between keys feels a bit cramped. The keys also wobble somewhat, though it's only noticeable while typing on some of the modifier keys.
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Feels sturdy.
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Has a low-profile design; comfortable to use without a wrist rest.
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Connects wirelessly with a USB receiver or via Bluetooth.
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Keys wobble somewhat, especially the modifier keys.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is a satisfactory keyboard for mobile and tablet use. It feels solidly built and connects wirelessly via Bluetooth, but it's a fairly heavy, full-size keyboard that isn't designed for portability.
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Feels sturdy.
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Connects wirelessly with a USB receiver or via Bluetooth.
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Keys wobble somewhat, especially the modifier keys.
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Poor portability.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is an impressive keyboard for programming. It feels very sturdy and is fairly comfortable to type on thanks to its low-profile design. It has full RGB backlighting and full macro-programmability on any key. Plus, you can pair it with up to three devices simultaneously using Bluetooth. This keyboard is also fully compatible with all major operating systems, though the software is only compatible with Windows.
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Feels sturdy.
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Has a low-profile design; comfortable to use without a wrist rest.
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Full RGB backlighting.
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All keys are macro-programmable.
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Keys wobble somewhat, especially the modifier keys.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is very good for use with an entertainment or home theater setup. It connects wirelessly with its USB receiver or via Bluetooth and has full RGB backlighting with shine-through legends, meaning you can see the keys in a darkened room. It also has a dedicated multi-function media button and a volume roller. However, it lacks a trackpad, so you'll still need a mouse to navigate on-screen menus.
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Full RGB backlighting.
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Has dedicated media controls.
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Connects wirelessly with a USB receiver or via Bluetooth.
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Keys wobble somewhat, especially the modifier keys.
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Keys wobble somewhat, especially the modifier keys.
- 8.6 Gaming
- 7.6 Office
- 7.2 Mobile/Tablet
- 7.8 Programming
- 7.4 Entertainment / HTPC
- 8.7 Raw Performance
- Updated Nov 29, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3.1, which adds a new estimated PCB latency test to the Single-Key Latency section and a new Analog test to the Switches section of this review. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Oct 27, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3, which overhauls how key input is evaluated. We've added new tests for Single Key Latency, Multi Key Latency, Data Transmission, and Chord Split. We've also introduced a new Raw Performance usage and adjusted how the Gaming and Office usage scores are calculated. You can see the full changelog here.
- Updated Jun 20, 2023: We've corrected an error in the result of the Switch PCB Socket test in the Hardware Customizability section of this review. The result has been changed from Non-Cherry Pinout to Non-Customizable Design because the PCB has no conventional pin sockets.
- Updated Jun 12, 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 19, 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 Mar 08, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro in the Extra Features section of this review.
- Updated Feb 13, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Corsair K100 AIR in the Dimensions section of this review.
- Updated Sep 08, 2022: Added in a comparison to the newly reviewed Razer Ornata V3.
- Updated Sep 02, 2022: Review published.
- Updated Aug 25, 2022: Early access published.
- Updated Aug 24, 2022: Our testers have started testing this product.
- Updated Aug 22, 2022: The product has arrived in our lab, and our testers will start evaluating it soon.
Differences Between Sizes And Variants
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro we tested and reviewed is the full-size, wireless version with linear Red Low-Profile Optical Switches. There's also a wired version available called the Razer DeathStalker V2 and a wireless TenKeyLess (TKL) version called the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro TKL. The wired and wireless Pro versions are available with either linear Red or clicky Purple Low-Profile Optical Switches, while the TKL variant is only available with linear switches. All versions are only available in a black colorway. You can see the label for our unit here.
Compared To Other Keyboards
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is a continuation of Razer's DeathStalker lineup of gaming keyboards. Like the original 2012 version, this keyboard has a low-profile design, but otherwise, it's been completely redesigned, both visually and under the hood. Unlike the original DeathStalker, which uses membrane switches, this version uses a low-profile version of the optical switches used on Razer's other high-end gaming keyboards. One of the major criticisms of the original version was the cheap-feeling, chiclet-style keycaps. In response, Razer upgraded the keycaps on this newer version, so they're doubleshot, low-profile ABS keycaps with laser-etched legends. Razer also claims these new keycaps are more durable than most ABS keycaps and not as prone to shine. Altogether, this is a high-performance option for anyone interested in a low-profile gaming model, which has been a somewhat neglected niche of the gaming keyboard market that, for the last few years, has mostly been dominated by the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED.
For more recommendations, see our picks for the best keyboards, the best gaming keyboards, and the best mechanical keyboards. Or, for more options from Razer, check out our article for the best Razer keyboards.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro and the Logitech G915 LIGHTSPEED are both low-profile, wireless keyboards that offer outstanding gaming performance. The Razer is available with either low-profile clicky Purple or linear Red optical switches, while the Logitech is available with GL Tactile, GL Clicky, or GL Linear mechanical switches. You can program macros to any key with the Razer, but the Logitech only has five programmable macro keys. Both keyboards have smaller, TenKeyLess versions available, and the Razer also has a wired version.
The Corsair K100 AIR and the Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro are low-profile mechanical gaming keyboards. The Corsair is thinner and has better overall gaming performance with lower latency and a higher maximum polling rate of 8000Hz. On the other hand, the Razer has linear, tactile, and clicky switch types available, while the Corsair is only available with a tactile switch type.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro and the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro are full-size mechanical gaming keyboards. The DeathStalker V2 Pro is a wireless model with a low-profile design. It's available with linear Red or clicky Purple Razer low-profile optical switch types. On the other hand, the BlackWidow V4 Pro is a wired-only model with somewhat better gaming performance and a higher maximum polling rate of 8000Hz. It's available with liner Yellow or clicky Green Razer switches.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro and the Razer Huntsman V2 are high-end keyboards with outstanding gaming performance. The DeathStalker is a wireless, low-profile keyboard available in full-size or TKL form factors. It also has a wired version and is available with either clicky or linear low-profile switches. On the other hand, the Huntsman V2 is a wired-only keyboard available in either a full-size or TKL form factor with either clicky or linear switches. It also has PBT keycaps, an included wrist rest, and a higher maximum polling rate of 8000Hz.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is a high-end, low-profile mechanical gaming keyboard, while the Razer Ornata V3 is a budget gaming keyboard with membrane switches that "click" to sound like a mechanical switch. Also, the DeathStalker is wireless and connects with a USB receiver or Bluetooth. The DeathStalker is a better choice for competitive gamers who need very low latency, while the Ornata V3 is a decent out-of-the-box option for beginners or those who prefer the feeling of a membrane switch.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro and the Keychron K3 (Version 2) are wireless, low-profile keyboards. The Razer has significantly better gaming performance, dedicated media keys, and you can program macros to any key. It's available in either a full-size or TKL form factor and also has a wired variant available. The Razer is available with Razer low-profile optical switches. On the other hand, the Keychron is only available in a compact (75%) form factor, its media keys are hotkeys, and you can't program macros to any key. It's available with either Gateron low-profile mechanical switches or Keychron low-profile Optical switches; the latter option is also hot-swappable.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro and the NuPhy Air75 are wireless, low-profile keyboards with remarkable gaming performance. The Razer is available in a full-size or TKL form factor and has a wired variant available. The Razer's keycaps are made of ABS plastic, and it has dedicated media keys. It's available with clicky Purple or linear Red low-profile optical switches. On the other hand, the NuPhy is only available in a wireless, compact (75%) form factor. It has PBT plastic keycaps, but its media keys are only hotkeys. It's available with a choice of either Gateron clicky Blue, linear Red, or tactile Brown low-profile switches.
Test Results
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is a full-size, low-profile keyboard. There's also a smaller TenKeyLess version of this keyboard, the Razer DeathStalker Pro TKL. If you're interested in a low-profile gaming keyboard with an even slimmer design, check out the Corsair K100 AIR.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro has excellent build quality. The bottom part of the chassis is made of plastic, and the top plate is made of solid aluminum. The board is quite stiff and only flexes slightly. The low-profile keycaps are about half the height of most normal keycaps and are made of ABS plastic. Razer claims these keycaps are tougher than normal ABS plastic keycaps and resistant to becoming shiny over time. The legends are shine-through, which means the backlighting shines through them, making them easier to read in the dark. Unfortunately, many of the keys wobble somewhat, especially some of the modifier keys, including the Tab, Ctrl, Alt, and FN buttons. That said, this isn't as noticeable on larger keys with stabilizers. There are five rubber pads under the board and rubber pads under the incline feet that do a decent job of keeping the board in place on desks or mousemats.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is fairly comfortable to use, even without a wrist rest, due to its low-profile design. It also has plastic feet on the underside which flip out to provide two incline settings.
This keyboard has full RGB lighting with individually-backlit keys. The customization software lets you control the color, brightness, and RGB effects.
The white-only setting produces a good, pure white without any color mixing, and the key legends are shine-through, which means you can read the legends clearly in darker environments.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro has a simple braided USB-A to USB-C cable. Unfortunately, it retains some kinks from being packaged.
This keyboard connects wirelessly using Razer's HyperSpeed 2.4 GHz USB receiver or Bluetooth. You can also pair up to three devices simultaneously via Bluetooth.
Razer advertises this keyboard has an approximate battery life of around 40 hours. However, they provide a slider tool on the product's website to help you estimate your battery life based on your usage.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro has quite a few extra features. You can record macros directly on the keyboard and save them to onboard memory. You can also set a 'Game Mode' hotkey, which will disable the Windows key when pressed. You can customize it to also disable the Alt+Tab and Alt+F4 hotkeys.
This keyboard has various hotkeys and a set of dedicated media controls, including a volume roller and a multi-function button with Play/Pause and Next Track/Previous Track functions depending on the number of times you tap it. Note that you cannot reprogram this multi-function button using the customization software. There are additionalcontrols on the back edge of the chassis to switch between connection types and paired devices. If you're interested in a similar gaming keyboard with additional dedicated macro keys on the left side of the board, check out the Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro.
- Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro
- USB-A to USB-C charging cable
- Razer HyperSpeed 2.4 wireless receiver
- USB receiver extender
- USB caps
- User documentation
- Stickers
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro offers a decent typing experience overall. Although the keycaps are ABS plastic, they feel high quality, and Razer claims they're designed to avoid oil shine over time. However, these keycaps are wider than standard keycaps, so the keys feel a bit cramped together. Also, the switches feel a bit mushy, and the keys all wobble somewhat. Thankfully, this isn't noticeable while typing except on some of the modifier keys, including the CTRL, Tab, and FN keys.
The linear Red switches on this keyboard are quiet, but if you buy this keyboard with the clicky Purple switches, the typing noise will be louder.
This Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro has linear Red Low Profile Optical switches, which have a smooth actuation without a tactile bump and feel very light. They have a very short pre-travel and total travel distance, making them very responsive and well-suited for fast-paced gaming. This keyboard is also available with clicky Purple Low Profile Optical switches. If you're interested in a low-profile non-mechanical keyboard, the Razer Ornata V3 uses membrane switches with a distinct click that sounds like a mechanical switch, but feels like a membrane switch.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro has outstanding click latency and feels very responsive for gaming in all genres.
The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro uses Razer's Synapse 3 software, which is easy to use and well laid out. It offers plenty of customization features, allowing you to customize the RGB lighting, set macros to any key, and reassign keys. You can also enable a 'Game Mode' to disable Alt+Tab or Alt+F4 commands and assign a Hypershift button to enable a secondary layer of programmable keys.
This keyboard is fully compatible with all major desktop and mobile operating systems, but the customization software is only compatible with Windows. The Pause, Print Screen, Scroll Lock, and Insert keys don't do anything on Mac devices, which is standard.