Introduction
If Razer is dragging itself a reputation as a “premium” brand with high prices, the brand also offers much more accessible products like the Razer Cynosa V2 keyboard that we are testing today.
The Razer Cynosa V2 // Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid
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The Razer Cynosa V2 is a keyboard gamer membrane fairly simple and offered at a price of 69.99 euros at its release. It has key-by-key RGB lighting as well as various keys dedicated to controlling multimedia content.
With such a placement, it therefore logically comes into direct confrontation with the Corsair K55 or even with certain mechanical and affordable models that can be found in other manufacturers.
A tasteless design
Regarding the design, Razer made in simplicity. We take advantage here of an entirely black plastic frame making the keyboard relatively light. This simplicity also translates into a rather imposing set which unfortunately takes up a lot of space on the desk with its very wide frame.
As is often the case with membrane keyboards, the keys are placed here in recesses allowing their height to be limited. This design, combined with the reflective plate below, also improves the distribution of the RGB lighting of the keys.
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The keys have the advantage here of not being too high which allows the whole to remain fairly homogeneous and discreet, especially if we compare the Cynosa V2 to a little “eccentric” models like the Roccat Vulcan. We also appreciate the cutouts of the characters which are perfectly executed and which facilitate reading. Unfortunately, this experience is somewhat marred by the quality of the plastic of these keys which tend to slip at your fingertips. However, we take advantage of RGB lighting key by key that is quite significant to find on a model at this price.
The keyboard has multimedia shortcuts // Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid.com
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The Cynosa V2 is also equipped with keys dedicated to multimedia controls. Arranged at the top right of the frame, they allow you to navigate between our songs as well as to control the sound volume. Even if this is starting to become the standard on keyboards for players, we appreciate finding these little “extras” on the manufacturer’s entry level. Note that with this arrangement, the status indicators have here been moved above the directional keys.
If we regret the absence of a wrist rest, users will appreciate the present of retractable feet allowing 3 different inclinations. The relatively thin keyboard will also not break your wrists too much during long sessions of use.
The gutter system is very practical // Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid.com
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Let’s stay under the keyboard where Razer had the good idea to set up a gutter system to allow the cable to be passed where desired. It is thus possible to bring out the cable to the left, center or right of the keyboard. The cable of about six feet is unfortunately not removable or braided and Razer seems to have been essential on this point.
In terms of design and ergonomics, Razer delivers here a tasteless keyboard that goes to the essentials. Its plastic design allows it to be quite light and discreet while offering splash resistance. We will especially appreciate the freedom offered by its retractable feet and the gutters under the frame.
Very comprehensive features with Synapse
Like all Razer peripherals, the potential of the Cynosa V2 will be fully unlocked thanks to the Synapse driver. The software is one of the most complete on the market with, in particular, compatibility with Philips Hue lights or Amazon Alexa. We also take advantage of the Chroma Studio, allowing you to configure and finely synchronize all compatible RGB lighting.
Let’s go back to the interface of our keyboard, the first tab of which will allow the configuration of the different keys. As often, we will have the possibility here of reassigning the keys one by one with various and varied functions: mouse keys, keyboard keys, macros, Windows functions, the possibilities are almost endless.
Just like Roccat on his Fight AIMO in particular, Razer offers a feature to double key assignments. Called HyperShift, this feature allows, thanks to a dedicated shortcut key, to assign a second function to all the keys on the keyboard. A still interesting feature that can meet the needs of some users.
The second tab is dedicated to the management of RGB lighting. The interface is very succinct here and Razer clearly pushes for the use of Chroma Studio. Here we take advantage of a simple list of fairly effective preconfigured effects, but to go further, it is therefore advisable to focus on Chrome Studio.
We then find a more classic interface where we can choose the keys one by one to apply the effects of our choice. The very practical layer operation allows welcome flexibility and all the steps are guided through a small tutorial. Here, everyone can customize the keyboard and all compatible devices according to their tastes.
All settings can obviously be saved in profiles. These profiles must logically be associated with games or applications in order to be able to switch automatically according to the use which is made of the keyboard. Synapse turns out to be a very good ally of the Cynosa V2 with full functionalities and a rather intuitive interface.
Some shortcuts are available directly on the keyboard // Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid.com
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Finally, note that the keyboard offers some shortcuts using the “fn” key. It is then possible to manage the intensity of the lighting, activate the game mode or quickly put our PC to sleep.
Logically behind performance
It’s hard to praise the performance of the Razer Cynosa V2 since it is equipped with quite classic membrane keys. If we appreciate the silence when typing, the softness of the whole remains the main negative point of this keyboard.
The Cynosa V2 will not replace a mechanical keyboard // Source: Edouard Patout for Frandroid.com
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The keys therefore offer a very soft feel, typical of membrane keyboards. The performance is therefore well below what can offer a keyboard equipped with mechanical or optical switches. No surprises on this point and it is not necessary to go further in our explanations since there is nothing more to say.
On the other hand, if the choice of membranes can be justified for a reasonable price placement, Razer still seems to have had a heavy hand on the calculator. Indeed, for 70 euros, it is now possible to find mechanical keyboards or even certain membrane keyboards more interesting than this Cynosa V2.
Razer Cynosa V2 keyboard pricing and availability
Razer Cynosa V2 keyboard is available at the suggested price of 69.99 euros.
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