Razer seems to be making keyboards to suit everyone these days, including full-size ones with linear optical switches, smaller 60% and 65% ones for space-saving, and even analog ones for those who want controller-like precision. However, looking at the company's product line, it appears to be missing one important growth area: low-profile gaming keyboards.

Now, to solve this problem, Razer has introduced the DeathStalker V2 Pro. It is a premium low-profile gaming keyboard, but in typical Razer fashion, it comes with a very high price tag.

The benefit of low-profile switches is simple: shorter key travel means faster typing and the potential for a more racy typing experience Razer's Linear Red Low Profiles are optical, meaning they operate at the speed of light and should be the best keyswitch not only for professional gamers, but for the average person as well.

To tell the truth, however, I was less than impressed with Razer's low-profile optical switches. I'm not typically a big fan of linear switches in general, but these switches are scratchy, especially compared to the MX Speed Silver Low Profiles found on Cherry's MX Board 10.0N RGB (opens in new tab) that I've seen in the past, It felt a bit soft; after a few rounds of CS:GO, the Linear Reds were responsive and relatively trouble-free, but the key inputs were a bit soft, so I quickly replaced the board with something with a more solid feel after use.

If you are a fan of Razer products, you might think I am spoiling your parade a bit. There is absolutely no deck flex, the metal and plastic frame is sleek looking, and like the MX 10.0N, the DeathStalker V2 Pro makes no claim to being a gaming keyboard, except for the RGB lighting. The addition of physical buttons on the topside to switch between devices offers a welcome tactile experience amidst the right-and-left-hand array of physical controls.

Battery life on wireless keyboards has traditionally been a bit of a sticking point, and Razer itself is no stranger to this, but the DeathStalker V2 Pro is durable. With the backlight at around 50%, it can last 40 hours of use, which is comparable to that found on Asus' ROG Claymore II, for example. However, Razer says that with the backlight turned off, the battery can be recharged for up to 10 days, allowing for more than a week of powerful gaming. In terms of backlighting, this RGB is typical Razer, with strong coverage under the keys, and the colors themselves look vivid and crisp. Here at least the lighting adds to the overall beauty of the product, as opposed to cheapening it, as is sometimes the case with other keyboards I have tested.

As is often the case with Razer keyboards, the connection is made via either Bluetooth (Bluetooth 5.0 in this case) or Razer's HyperSpeed dongle, the HyperSpeed dongle being a great option for those who like to sit on the couch and play games on their PC. It provides a convenient, latency-free connection over long distances; Bluetooth is certainly a stable option and provides good tethering between peripherals and the PC, but drops out over long distances.

Razer's Synapse 3 is also thoughtful in terms of software, offering a good level of configuration with the same features as usual, such as lighting control and button remapping; it can sync lighting with Philips Hue smart bulbs and via Amazon Alexa You can also control the lighting.

The Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro is an attractive choice for those seeking a premium, thin gaming keyboard with the brand's typical flair and great features. It is solidly built, looks great, and offers some of the most vibrant lighting of any gaming keyboard on the market today. However, the most important aspect of any keyboard is definitely its feel, and we can't help but feel a little underwhelmed by the optical linear red option used on this keyboard. Also, at £250/$250, it's not a half-bad price, and frankly, you can do better for the money.