Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black) by Microsoft
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List Price: Category: CE See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black)
Digital camera Review: Microsoft Reclusa Keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
I am sold on this board. The aesthetics are great! The blue backlit keys enable me to play in the dark without sacrificing key visibility. It seems exceptionally well made too. I originally bought the Razer Tarantula keyboard, but this one BLOWS IT AWAY for half the cost (and the Tarantula does no thave backlit keys). BUY THIS BOARD!Digital camera Review: Microsoft Reclusa keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
Simply love this keyboard! Illuminated so keys are always easy to find in low lighting. Well worth low cost. Highly recommend.Digital camera Review: My lighted Reclusa keyboard
Summary: 5 Stars
I love this product. It has all the features I hoped for. It is easy to use & looks great. I'm sorry I did'nt get sooner.Digital camera Review: Nice backlit keyboard with extra features, lackluster drivers/USB support
Summary: 3 Stars
(updated 11/21/2008)
This is a great keyboard. After a month of use, I've gotten used to the extra keys (at first, I was pressing macro keys instead of Ctrl/Shift) and I love the visual impact of its sleek design. The "throw" of the keys is perfect -- not too much like a membrane, and fairly quiet, but just the right amount of tactile response.
The backlighting is similarly impressive, enabling you to type/play in the dark (even touch-typists need to see, sometimes). The USB cord docking feature is very nice -- it allows you to have the cord snake out of three convenient positions along the backside of the keyboard.
I haven't really noticed an enhanced response rate between the keys and software, but it's certainly no slouch.
The volume control (top right dial) is a welcome addition -- but why not a "mute" button? I can't find a way to program a "mute" command via the Reclusa software.
Now for some downsides.
The macro software is somewhat lackluster. It switches on-the-fly for running programs, but there are no presets (other than the defaults) -- you'll have to hunt for .EXE files and assign keys to their profiles. To top it off, there are only 5 profiles available. Most gamers would probably prefer dozens. One key ejects the CD/DVD -- not helpful during a game, to be sure. The mail/web browser keys are in the same boat -- why enable them for full-screen game software?
The ESC key is in an awkward position. It's somewhat blocked by the (otherwise pretty) top layer of translucent plastic.
It's too easy to hit the right (or left) side buttons with a mouse. Disabling them helps, somewhat.
To top it off, connecting a Razer Copperhead (mouse) in one of the USB "convenience" on the top left/right causes the keyboard to remain unresponsive when rebooting the host PC. Once fully booted, connecting the mouse works. Connecting other common devices (like a flashcard reader) sometimes results in a "low power" message in Windows XP.
If not for the dismal support software and the fact that mine came with what looks like a small "blister" or crack under the top layer of translucent plastic, I'd call this an excellent gaming keyboard. If there was a chance the software would be improved, over time, I'd mark it higher, but most companies release completely new versions of hardware with software, nowadays, opting to never improve on the original versions for current customers. 3/5 stars, 4 if they improve the drivers.
*update: driver updated, fixes a few things. Wrist pad has since broken off -- build quality may be somewhat lackluster, here. Lighting is still excellent, but I notice a significant brightness difference between the (always-on) NumLock indicator and the (never on) CAPS LOCK lights. If your PC is on 24/7, the keyboard stays lit, so LED brightness apparently degrades, over time.
Digital camera Review: Nice keyboard for the price
Summary: 5 Stars
This is nice for the price ,,only paid around 40$ at Amazon...be know that this keyboard is fairly big in size and does have some heft to it,,but it is well built ,works well and has a lot of xtra features.Its no razor keyboard but I also paid twice as much for the razor