bit-tech Shopping: Razer Tarantula Gaming Keyboard

• Multimedia Keys
• Programmable Keys
• Windows Keys

• Dock
• Headphone Jack
• Keyboard - 6 pin mini-DIN (PS/2)
• USB - Universal Serial Bus "A"

Rating: 8

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Integrated palm rest, replaceable keys, quiet, multiple profiles, matched with my Razer DeathAdder mouse.

Weaknesses: The browser keys on left and media keys on right are pretty stiff (Logitech multimedia keyboard). It could be to prevent from accidental press of these keys. Nevertheless, they require extra effort.

Summary: Despite the stiffness of multimedia and special keys, the standard 105 keys are very quiet and a pleasure to use. Most special keys with the exception of zoom buttons (on bottom left corner) works in Visa. Zoom keys doesn't seem to work with Internet Explorer. I am surprised to discover that sleep ("Zzz") button work with Vista as earlier reviews on other sites stated it didn't work. All multimedia keys on right side works with Vista Windows Media Player.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3 Days

Strengths: Multiple ProfilesBattle Dock

Weaknesses: typing area a little smaller than normal.softer keys than I'm used to.

Summary: Great keyboard, once you get used to the slightly cramped typing area.The powered USB ports come in handy. So far absolutely no problem using this keyboard with Windows Vista as others have reported.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 1 Week

Strengths: -Great feel- Programmable keys- Excellent bonus controls

Weaknesses: - None

Summary: I purchased this keyboard for everyday use. It has been excellent. The programmable keys come in very handy. The tattoo like graphics are not exactly subtle, but I can live with them since the keyboard itself is outstanding.Highly reccommended!

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2

Strengths: Dead sexy, removable/rearrangeable keys that are remappable in the software, anti-ghosting(!), profile switching, nice key action, nice for Dvorak keyset learners

Weaknesses: Battledock feature is gimmicky and extraneous, keyboard requires one too many usb ports, cannot switch the tactile keys J and F with non-tactile keys

Summary: Summary:The thing just looks good. I already owned a Razer Deathadder mouse when I first got this and the combo matched nicely. Black with a blue glow is my personal favorite color scheme and matches my computer case. Matte wrist texture also matches Deathadder texture. Two usb connections seem a bit excessive to me as I only have two in the back of my computer and two usb connections in the front, but many newer computers are chock full of these connections eliminating the problem. I did remap and rearrange my keys to start learning to type Dvorak style. The included tool for removing keys was very helpful and the keys came right off without too much effort. Remapping keys in the software was also easy enough. There was one minor problem I had in doing this, however; the F and J keys were manufactured slightly differently and could not replace any other keys. I got around this with some makeshift stickers to cover the printing on the keys. This keyboard is actually a good choice for a Dvorak learner because you can map two profiles, one in QWERTY and one in Dvorak. If you just started learning Dvorak you can switch to QWERTY when 5 wpm just won't cut it and then go back to Dvorak to practice some more.Performance:Nice typing action that feels like a hybrid between a laptop keyboard and a standard keyboard. Sections of keys well laid out and do not feel cramped up. Once in 300 or so keystrokes might be registered twice but is not a big problem.--Why it might not be for you:Black and blue is not your color scheme. Unfortunately blue is the only glow available, while the Saitek Eclipse can be set to glow an array of colors. You want your keys lit up. A few competitor keyboards have all the keys backlit, such as the Eclipse and Razer's own Lycosa keyboard. I have read that Razer could not put in the electronics for both the backlighting and anti-ghosting and so anti-ghosting is the predominant feature. Go with the Lycosa if you want a Razer and if backlighting is more important to you than the anti-ghosting capability. Another way around this is to buy the Battle Light attachment (~$20) for the Battle Dock but its just not the same as true backlighting.

Rating: 10

Time with product: 2 Days

Strengths: Greatest looking keyboard, shiny except the handrest, quiet keys, blue light, 10 keypress at a time which prevents ghosting, macro keys, profiles...

Weaknesses: not fully lit, only the macros and a few other keys are lit.

Summary: Great keyboard that improved my gaming on PC. You don't even have to press hard on the keys which is great. matches perfectly with my monitor, copperhead, PC. I would recommend it for everyone, go buy it!