▷Razer Tartarus Pro review: a versatile tool 🥇

Razer Tartarus Pro è a gaming keypad and at the beginning I did not understand its charm nor its usefulness. In short, if I already have a mouse and a keyboard with which to do everything, what is the plus of a third device that takes up space on my already crowded desk? What more can you offer me?

Today it's been 10 days since that first impact. The Razer Tartarus Pro and I have forged an intimate bond and now I'm ready to tell you why you should have a gaming keypad too.

What is a gaming keypad?

For the less experienced among you, we open a small parenthesis: what is a gaming keypad? It is a mini-keyboard composed of a limited number of buttons rearranged in a more ergonomic structure.

All this allows you to enjoy four main benefits:

you can play without a keyboard, thus gaining space on the desk;
you have available a more comfortable device, for the delight of your wrist;
you can count on a large number of keys easily accessible with one hand;
good software also allows you to create macros and shortcuts of all kinds.

Now that we have clarified what it is, let's go into the review of this Razer Tartarus Pro.

Razer Tartarus Pro review: why analog optical switches?

The design of this keypad is undoubtedly traditional. On the top we have 19 numbered keys and a scroll wheel, both vertical and horizontal. On the right instead we find the button that allows you to change profiles: there are 8 available, associated with a different combination of the small side LEDs. Also available an 8-way directional thumb-pad ed an additional programmable key, by default associated with the Spacebar.

The inevitable palm rest, divided into two distinct areas: the lower part - dedicated to your wrist - is reinforced with a comfortable pad, while the upper one, designed for the palm of the hand, is slightly rubberized.

Nothing surprising so far. In fact, the real news are gli Analog Optical Switch chosen by Razer. I know, the name doesn't tell you anything, but let me give you an example. So imagine being in any game and wanting to make your character walk - and not run -. The button is the same, how can you guide tell him what action to take? This is where analog optical switches, designed for, come into play record different levels of input according to the pressure exerted on the key. This means that by lightly pressing the button you can walk, while pressing it firmly the character will start running. All of this allows you to emulate the motion normally associated with a controller stick.

It is not Razer who decides what the level of pressure associated with a light touch or a deep one should be, but you. You can indeed adjust the sensitivity of the keys using Synapse, the now famous software of the American company.

Optical analog switches offer you another important advantage, namely the double function. This means that to each key of your Tartarus Pro you can associate two functions, one that is activated with a light pressure and the other with a deep one.

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What else can I do with Razer Synapse?

Razer Synapse is your best friend when it comes to personalizing the experience. In fact, the program allows you to define the behavior of the LEDs, to synchronize the RGB effects with those of all the other Razer devices in your possession, to create new profiles suitable for your needs (I remind you that you can go up to 8) and of customize all 32 keys of the Razer Tartarus Pro.

Think that every single key can be associated with a different functionality which can be a traditional keyboard button, the behavior of a mouse or a joystick, a Windows shortcut, the opening of a program and much more. Add to this the two levels of pressure and the possibility of associating a key with a different function based on the chosen profile.
Mathematics is not my forte but this description should help you understand that the possible combinations are so many.

The user experience: how is the Razer Tartarus Pro in everyday life?

As I mentioned in the opening words of this review, I had never used and appreciated a keypad before Tartarus Pro, yet now it has entered my daily routine. For what reason? First of all why it's not just a gaming device. Indeed, for me it is above all a work tool. In fact, I created a couple of profiles dedicated to Adobe Premiere Pro and Photoshop, which allowed me to speed up video editing and image creation. Sure, it is not a painless step, at the beginning you will have to get used to the new peripheral and try to use it instead of the keyboard, but it is a sacrifice that will quickly be repaid from the result and the general saving of time.

We can do the same for gaming, above all if you are a fan of MMOs and FPSs. Also in this case you can create a profile dedicated to your favorite video games and thus eliminate the use of the keyboard. Among other things, you will gain something in terms of health since the palm rest will allow you to keep your hand in a much more natural position.

Razer Tartarus Pro review: buy it or not?

The Razer Tartarus Pro is undoubtedly a great gaming keypad: it's comfortable, hyper-customizable and the analog optical switches really make a difference.

But who is this product suitable for? Surely ai PC gamer more hardened, to those who want to improve their performance and who are willing to invest a few days to get used to this tool. It is also perfect for those who work with complex programs which require many key combinations that can actually be replicated with Synapse's features. Razer Tartarus Pro can really speed up your work.

All this as long as you are willing to spend 149,99 euro, still an adequate price for such a versatile peripheral. Defects? Actually none, but there is a feature that I hope will be implemented soon, namely the ability to download the profiles of other users. In short, why recreate the Overwatch configuration if someone has already done it?