Razer Deathstalker Ultimate review: sleek and deadly like its namesake

The Razer Deathstalker Ultimate is a membrane keyboard from Razer featuring backlit chiclet keycaps and the Razer SwitchBlade User Interface. Priced at a whopping S$369.90 ($291.66), it’s also the most expensive keyboard the gaming peripheral company has to offer. Is it worth it, though? Read on to find out.

With the ordinary Razer Deathstalker priced at just S$129.90 ($102.42), it’s clear that the additional S$140 ($110.40) in cost comes from the addition of the SwitchBlade UI. Built into the right side of the keyboard where the number pad would ordinarily be, the Switchblade UI is comprised of a touchpad and ten programmable keys.

Each key is bound to an app developed especially for the SwitchBlade. The default binds range from using the trackpad to accessing Facebook and the Internet. When using the latter apps, the touchpad becomes a mini touch-controlled screen, similar to a mobile phone. There’s also a number pad, for those who felt its absence in the Deathstalker Ultimate. More apps – albeit limited in number – can be downloaded and then programmed onto any of the ten keys via the Razer Synapse.

Whether or not you find the SwitchBlade a useful addition depends heavily on your personal preference, as well as the types of games you play. I did not find its presence particularly useful nor was it a hindrance, since I hardly touch the numberpad on typical keyboards and am quite content with my standard keys.

Hardcore gamers, however, will find the SwitchBlade a nice addition to their gaming routines, especially if they play games that have SwitchBlade apps developed for them already. Alternatively, if you’ve simply been curious about Razer’s new UI addition, the Deathstalker Ultimate is a good chance for you to try it out, since the only other Razer product bearing the SwitchBlade UI is the Razer Blade laptop.

Keyboard-wise, the Deathstalker Ultimate works like a dream. Its chiclet keycaps are slim and have just enough tactile feedback to make typing very satisfying. A big kudos to them for being quiet – I remember having to sell off my Blackwidow because the mechanical keys were just too noisy for gaming at 3:00am when you stay with your grandma.

The Deathstalker Ultimate keycaps are backlit – and can be made to change colour and frequency of pulse via the Synapse as well. Each key has a smooth matte coat, and the lettering on each keycap sticks out just a little. At the base of the keyboard, where your wrists would rest, is a layer of black rubber – just to give your hands a little grip on the smooth plastic.

The only thing I dislike about the chiclet keycaps is that they are not removeable. While the keycaps fit the keyboard well, there are still little gaps around the keys that can trap dust and other random small particles like crumbs. Once inside, these bits cannot get back out, and you can’t remove the keycaps to clean them either. I just hope nothing starts breeding inside the Deathstalker Ultimate.

On top of the standard keyboard layout, the Deathstalker Ultimate adds a function key and additional functions like volume control, media play/pause buttons, and intensity of backlight. There are also physical keys to access the macro recorder and the gaming mode, not to mention there are an additional five keys on the left solely for macros. Gamers will appreciate how the gaming mode allows you to disable common, game-hindering shortcuts like the Windows key and alt + f4. As with the Razer Orbweaver, these macros can be rewritten via the Razer Synapse.