Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black) by Microsoft
|
List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
|---|
(Click here)
Digital camera reviews of Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black)
Digital camera Review: A stong contender
Summary: 5 Stars
In my quest for a solid gaming keyboard I ordered the Reclusa for a great price. I'm typing this right now on it and I must say, it's quite comfortable. The keys I naturally reach for are in the right spot. This has been a problem for some of the wireless keyboards I'm using on my HTPC and PS3. The spacing is very good and there isn't a lot of extra bulk/width like the current G15 on the market. The volume "knob" is also a nice touch as it's easier to dial-in versus the common Up/Down buttons.
Pros:
- Zero lag. I know this is hard to measure, but it's a gaming keyboard and that's one of the reasons I bought this. It's good to know that when I hit a key, what I want to happen, happens.
- Clean, blue backlighting is just the right brightness level in all lighting conditions
- Size. Not too big (cough, current G15) not too small.
- Two built-in USB ports.
- Wristpad is very comfortable.
- Volume knob/jog dial instead of up/down buttons.
- Customization. Shortcuts and marcos are within easy reach of the "home position" or the "WASD" position.
Cons:
- No mute key. Seriously. If the volume knob would push in (think Xbox 360 controller) it would be a great mute button.
- When you stand the keyboard up (you know, those little legs in the back) it loses the rubber grip it had on the desk and it's not as sturdy. I usually use my keyboard in this inverted position so it's going to take me a while to get used to it flat.
- The shape is a bit dated. Square, edgy, cut is in. Egg-shaped is out.
- Shiny/glossy plastic part (where the Microsoft logo is) is bound to get scratched up. I know, nitpicky, but it's going to happen.
Conclusion:
All in all, a great gaming keyboard in the ~$50 range.
Note: Make sure to get the latest driver/software from Microsoft. Version 1.02 (came out July 20th 2007) fixed a bug which did not allow programming of modifier (CTRL/ALT/SHIFT) keys.
Digital camera Review: An O.K. keyboard.
Summary: 3 Stars
Let me start with the pros.
Pro:
1) Affordable
2) Blue LED Illumination.
3) Easy to type on.
4) Programmable buttons.
5) Great Software.
Now, for the good stuff.
Cons:
1) Useless side buttons. They are easy to hit. They put a Eject CD button right next to the enter on the keypad.
2) Blue LED does NOT turn off. There is no option to turn it off. The software doesn't have anything either.
3) Top of the keyboard attracts dust and gets scratched up WAY too easily.
4) Not worth the $60.00 price tag.
5) The lights are dim in many places.
6) Can't program the "Windows" key to something else.
Overall, it isn't bad. The cons outweigh the pros easily. The buttons are easy to hit, and very smooth. There is ghosting with the arrow keys, if you use them. Kind of frustrating the lights can't be turned off. Or, even turned brighter. Might as well spend 10-20 more and get the Razor keyboard itself.
Digital camera Review: Attractive and functional
Summary: 5 Stars
I've had my Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black) for over a year now and I have very few complaints. I use a custom gaming laptop and wanted a full size keyboard to play with and I started shopping amazon. To be honest, I was just looking for a black usb keyboard that would match my laptop. I found the gaming keyboards and began the long process of reading all the reviews (g11, razer, etc) They all seemed like close contenders and share many of the same features. Ultimately, I had to assess how much I needed those extra features and that led to my decision to try out the Reclusa.
The Reclusa is laid out like almost any other standard keyboard. In addition to the normal keys it comes with ten additional keys and two jog dials. Due to the way I use my setup, the right side buttons are useful, the left ones are a pain in the rear. One reviewer complained that the the Eject key (R3) was too close to num pad Enter key and so, he kept hitting it. My problem is the exact opposite. Tab, Shift and Cntl all sit very close to Open Explorer (L1), Open Outlook(L2) and Open Windows Media (L3), none of which I ever use! You mash keys during battles and I get pissed when the screen lags for a split second as my laptop tries to spawn six copies of explorer behind the fullscreen mode. And I never need or use the left side jog dial.
With that said, the Reclusa is both functional and aesthetic. It's smooth surfaces and round edges contrast to the garish, squared-off chunky look of the other gaming keyboards. It's blue glowing backlight is a huge bonus for playing in the dark and it's illumination level is just right. Which is good because MS didn't offer a dimmer switch to adjust the brightness. I agree with the other reviewers that failing to put in a 'mute' key is also a drawback. Making the jog dial a depress-able button would've solved that easily.
As for it's programmability, I can't speak to that. I don't require 90 macros to play the games I like so I don't use that feature at all. The glossy plastic that covers the top of the keyboard face is, as other reviewers have noted, a total dust magnet. As for it being easily scratched. Mine has not a single scratch on it.
It is heavy and solid. You can pound on this thing without it moving at all. The keyboard does not bend in the middle like some of the other competing keyboards.
Pros:
Great price.
Very responsive.
Solid feel.
Multiple USB ports.
Lovely blue backlight.
Comfortable and functional wrist pad.
Big buttons that can take some abuse.
No sleep or power buttons. (nothing more aggravating than trying to switch weapons on the fly during a 180 degree jumpshot on a pursing enemy and hitting the 'power off' button instead of F12)
Attractive yet functional (and durable) keyboard that combines all the basics with some neat extras.
Cons:
No mute button.
Backlight brightness is not adjustable.
No software interface that allows you to disable any key at will.
Left side buttons launch MS products I never use. (this IS a an MS product after all) It would be more tolerable if those buttons could be programmed to launch Firefox and Winamp instead.
After one year, the paint is completely gone off the top of the A, S, W, D, E, R, F and G keys, although the others look new.
Bottom line. I love this keyboard and would buy it again. The cons are not game breakers and no keyboard is perfect. Although the Logitech G11 is certainly a good contender and has some nifty features the Reclusa does not, it also has more buttons than I would ever use.
Digital camera Review: Awesome Keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
I purchased the Microsoft Reclusa a little over a month ago, and I must say that this is an awesome keyboard. The board has a great feel when typing and is very responsive to the slightest touch. It is also a comfortable board to type on and comes with an optional wrist pad (I prefer not to use those).
As a gaming keyboard it has been great! The board software is easy to use, and makes setting up macros hassle free... I have read reviews where people are disappointed that the Reclusa does not have more macros, but for my purposes it has been perfect. The board also has two knobs that can be set up to control volume or can also be used to store macros.
The blue led looks awesome. The light coming from under the keys creates a perfect illumniation for typing/ gaming late at night. Though the led cannot be adjusted, I feel that it gives off the perfect amount of light.
I use my computer for gaming and word processing/ web applications. I have concluded that this board offers the perfect combination for gaming and comfortable typing, and I would highly recommend it.
Digital camera Review: Awesome game board
Summary: 5 Stars
Had no problem with this. Works great, if your looking for a less expensive gaming keyboard this is the one to get.