Microsoft Reclusa gaming keyboard reviewed

Microsoft and Razer's collaboration on a gaming mouse has been pretty well received, but it looks like their attempt at a gaming keyboard may not have been quite as successful, at least if ExtremeTech's review is any indication. While they liked the Reclusa's design and nifty blue backlighting, they were less than impressed by the comparative lack of macro keys (just ten of 'em), which are limited to only eight keystrokes apiece -- and, as neat as that backlighting is, they would have appreciated a way to turn it off. That said, they still think the keyboard should be more than enough to satisfy casual gamers, although they recommend those with more demanding needs stick to their G11 or G15.

[paloooz @ May 4th 2007 6:40PM]

It looks terrible.

[John @ May 4th 2007 6:48PM]

reclusa? as if to offend and remind gamers that they're losers and recluses in their homes?

[DrF @ May 4th 2007 8:30PM]

Haha, that's exactly what came to mind when I read the article.

[pgl @ May 4th 2007 6:57PM]

But... but... It has knobs!!!

[Revrant2394 @ May 4th 2007 7:17PM]

John: Ugh.

Anyway, the G15 keyboard blows, worst money I've spent in a long time, so I'll taking ExtremeTech down a few notches in my book, I'd probably like this one, I always wondered, why can't extreme gaming keyboards be comfortable? I'd like to see an Ergonomic 4000/Gaming keyboard hybrid, after all, who needs comfort more than people who game for hours?

[Zeus the God @ May 4th 2007 7:52PM]

John, John, John. That's just not right. Us gamers have lots of friends, and don't just sit down in our basements doing nothing but play games. I don't think that really happens.

I like the design, but I would have to see one and try it first. I might just stick with my Saitek Eclipse, though, as it does just fine for me.

[Mr. Vage @ May 4th 2007 8:27PM]

No keyboard can be called a gaming keyboard if it has a Windows key between the left Ctrl and Alt that can easily be pressed by accident. No keyboard can be a good keyboard unless the Caps Lock key is removed and then violently smashed into little pieces. Therefore, all keyboards suck.

[quackshot @ May 5th 2007 10:48AM]

The G15 has a switch to turn off the Windows key.

[andy @ May 4th 2007 8:58PM]

Ok, I'm NOT saying gamers are recluses, but it's still a very poor choice of name. Why would you name a product, _any_ product, a word that resembles "recluse"? That's an embarassing marketing blunder, at best, and at worst, very insulting.

[mike @ May 4th 2007 11:43PM]

ok, I'm NOT saying gamers are recluses, but it's still a very poor choice of name.

--

Obviously. Xbox Live guys have 'virtual' friends... Wii owners just invite their "human" friends over to play Wii. Make sense?

Recluse can in no way be interpreted as a compliment. haah

[obiwan @ May 5th 2007 1:40AM]

It's ugly, it has a bad name, it has a built in wrist pad (which I would destroy and replace with my own choice), and did I (and everyone else) mention it has a horrible name?

[Zeus the God @ May 5th 2007 1:50AM]

@andy:

Maybe because of the way it looks. Like how the front end tapers, in a way, while the back is wider and a bit more round.

[TrueDis @ May 5th 2007 6:26PM]

Reminds me of Rita Repulsa. Go go power gamers!

[Anonymous @ May 7th 2007 5:49PM]

"Reclusa" like the "recluse" spiders, guys. Razer's other keyboard is called the Tarantula, it's only natural to name their other keyboard after a spider.

[EliteGamer -EG- @ Oct 13th 2007 9:06AM]

Hay nobody told you to buy that game-keyboard!

But when i was buying an game-keyboard then i addressed myself to gamer veterans an there was 3 options the G15 the Microsoft Reclusea an the Razor Tarantula.
They all were very good, good designed, but each had plusses and minuses some were confortable then other, other had more special shortcut buttons, price etc..
So for my first choise was the Tarantula ... it was an favorite chosen by the gamers cuz Razor never disappointed the gamers with their superior hardware for elite playing but the price was high rated and not all could buy it, so i ended up with the G15 like the G15 mouse it was good designed but it had a lack of minuses the price with the tarantula was not big of difference but night gaming was very disturbing with the small LCD got alot of times confused :S
and the third thing the Options witch you can optimize for your own playing... well i prefer only up to 5 optimization configures ..
And then i read form razerzone.com that the Reclusea is an exact copy of Tarantula but it was an Microsoft hybrid wit the same options as the original but it was not so expensive from all 3 ant it had an sweet design it was comfortable and very handy and the options for customization were easy... so i decided to buy it and so i did.. the only thing that bothered me were the the keys they were small but very sensitive, so i needed some practice for learning the thing... and believe me i sure had up to 30% efficient in killing other no0bs in BF2142 lol and im really happy with this baby .
Cheers!
Ps- no mater what i wrote you should have your own opinon.

[ekin @ Jan 23rd 2008 2:48AM]

Ok kids, this is a nice keyboard, despite what you say about the name (who cares btw). The keys are soft responsive and comfortable. I use this with my razor copperhead mouse and the blue light go together well and i like the usb ports. I am very satisfied. 8/10

[alexluvkajol @ Nov 25th 2008 7:02AM]

WTH, i bought reclusa it rox! VERY comfortable for a gaming keyboard, 8hrs continuous gaming no problem! only a fit would stand in the way now.