If you're coming from controller to Mouse and Keys this would be perfect transition. It quite does not hit the same for players already use traditional Keyboards.
Yeah I've just bought one today. It hasn't arrived yet. I've been gaming for 30+ years but always with either a joystick, thumbstick or dpad. I've recently got a PC and I'm trying to make the transition but I just don't get along with WASD.
I may have found a great reason to NEED one of these. I code and game. Switching hand positions between typing and gaming was a PITA. Now that I use the V2 for gaming and the keyboard for coding, my hand memory is established on each exclusive input device.
Yeah I get the whole muscle memory thing, which is why I use my game board for Games like WoW, my 60% keyboard for fps, and for productivity I use a steam deck.
I've used these for over 10 years now (from nostromo to orbweaver) for gaming and the one thing everyone always points out is the "spacebar" placement. But they don't think to use the dpad for space. I always map mine as "down" which is towards you, as space, "up" which is away from you as escape, the top and bottom dpad keys i normally put my map on bottom and whatever fits for the particular game on top. I use the small key for crouch in shooters. The "spacebar" key i use for grenades and whatnot. Gonna be switching to a Tartarus v2 because after 5 long years of abuse, my orbweaver keys are starting to double press lol. I literally cannot game on a keyboard anymore though. Razer keypads are just better.
Thanks! yeah this Razer keypads are designed for giants lmao! I bought a 2nd hand(tartarus chroma) one because I wanted to try it but a brand new one is unreasonably expensive
I think it solves many big issues in the pc world: 1. if you need an azerty keyboard but you don't want to switch to qwerty just for the better gaming experience 2. you want an analogue stick for movement no matter what 3. you need extra space for you mouse when you are playing an fps game on low sensitivity 4. you simply need all these extra keys for whatever application you're using 5. you have some kind of handicap like missing a finger or an arm, this could work. 6. you are gaming on a laptop and you don't have the money or space for a full blown setup so this is always gonna be better than whatever keyboard is build into the laptop.
I have it. In my opinion, it doesn't make much sense for KBM gamers. I remapped movement to the thumbstick. As a former console gamer, it feels more right. I hate WASD!
I use controller sometimes depending on the game. Hades I'm used to using a stick for it on switch, but I just can't get used to using the dpad here for movement, I'm still stuck on WASD!
I'm thinking of buying it for World of Warcraft. I wanted to know if you could reach all the buttons while using the analog for movement. That way you don't loose buttons to the WSAD thing for movement, freeing up 4 buttons which in MMORPG is a lot... Especially when it's in the middle of your keypad
This is what I’m thinking of, it’s just better , I got between controller and KB/M a lot now and missing that thumb movement, looking at all the reviews for Tartarus v2 before spending $80
I went from was to strictly controller for over a decade, now getting back to keyboard o ny because the game I am playing needs it for the mouse. With the analog maybe I can combine the two. I just order one, will see how it goes.
A lot of industry professionals use these for work. The Logitech G13 is still king but aren't in production anymore. So this is the less ideal but only alternative it seems. Thanks for the honest review.
I'm buying one today. Actually it's already bought. I'm going to pick it up from Best buy in a few hours. I play a series of video games called combat mission and you're moving around tanks and infantry and doing many functions so I think it's going to be really good
Razer should really market it differently, I have a v1 model and I use it only for work for about five or seven years now. This thing is a shortcut beast and really helps you to enter the flow. I tried gaming on it, but it kinda sucks for that, I'd rather use a keybord or a gamepad.
I use it to play healer in WoW and it's downright amazing for that. It let's me do movement with my thumb, freeing 4 buttons at my most fingerstips for my most important skills which require more speed than movement in WoW. What sucks though is that there is STILL a bug in the drivers that's been around for ages that causes the keys to stick. This is a software bug as it doesn't happen without Synapse running, but that means giving up all the customization options just because Razer is too lazy to fix a bug that's been around for almost 5 freaking years now.
Gaming keypads are actually very useful in that theyre very flexible with regards to positioning or angle of use. Its a nice addition to a full sized keyboard. And for gaming laptops, its a heavensent.
i bought one 10 molnth ago and after hmm 4 weeks this is a QoL change for me. I still use wasd (on the keypad of course^^) for moving but for the thumbjoystick i put needed skills for my games for example forward is sprint up is rezzing (in ff14^^) and so on last month i was at my best friend for a week for hardcore gaming and I FORGOT MY KEYPAD at home, it was sooooooooo stressy to play at my friend without one that i ordered a second one just to stay at his house^^
I'm also going to be using it for almost a month soon, and for me personally it didn't take too much time to get used to it. At first I played some rpg games and really only needed some extra keys that I would use when needed but when I got into FPS and third person shooters it made WASD gameplay much easier and I even think faster (cuz mecha-membrane keys are definitely faster than whatever laptop stuff I was using). In conclusion, I have to get used to my laptop keyboard again! ;D
It's great! I do realize that if I'm playing a game where I jump a lot with the spacebar that my hand gets sore. And yeah, I'm def not used to playing on regular keyboard at the moment haha
I had the n52 Belkin Nostromo game pad that the Tartarus is a direct descendent of. I now have a Tartarus Pro. I can definitely feel the difference in the keys. The Tartarus Pro allows the user to program multiple actions into one key press based on how deep you actuate the key. Yes, that's the level of customization that is possible with this thing. Combine that potential with the macros that can be programmed and what you got is a fully customizable input device that is unlike any other. Ergonomically, the Tartarus will most likely be positioned on the desk at the left of a keyboard. Which is a much more natural and comfortable position for the left arm to rest. If I was gaming on laptop, I would get this thing to keep the heat of my hands off the laptop and enjoy the perk of better cooling performance. Plus being able to adjust my comfort level by using a game pad seems like a good thing. The Tartarus is not a necessity just like a RTX 30 series graphic card or RGB everything are nessecary for gaming or anything that make your experience feel more immersive and good. I can survive without one but I would much rather enjoy having one. Understanding and learning to use this device is easy. There is a map of they keys laid out in Razer Syanpse software. I'm happy with the Tartarus. It completes my setup. I had the Nostromo n52 and therefore knew how to already use the Tartarus to get the most out my sessions.
I'm glad you've had a good experience with the Tartarus! I imagine you have the one with the full mechanical switches since you mentioned it allows you to program different keystrokes based on pressure actuation?
I was eyeing this for over a year and finally bought it. I used it for about a week. I'm not sure if it was just the one I got, but most of the buttons don't actually activate when you've fully pressed the key, you really need to put a bit more weight onto it. It leads to situations where I'm sprinting, and without taking my finger off the key my character stops sprinting because the keypress is no longer being recognized. The keys require so much more force to fully press than my keyboard that it just doesn't feel responsive. It looks super cool and is comfortable, but its functionality is like a 6/10 for me.
Oh man, I'm sorry about that. Perhaps it's the one you got? I don't seem to have that issue. Definitely see if you can get it fixed/returned or whatnot.
@@seandnguyen yea, I did. seems to just be a thing with razer products. I've tried 5 of them and each one was returned or put up on a local marketplace within a week. The only razer product I used for more than 2 weeks was their 15$ mousepad lol
you can use it for everything, if you can train your brain just set up the profiles to feel comfie and you can use it to play anything! ive been using them sense the first version came out. so years cant live without it. people need to give it a chance.
The #1 reason to use one of these is freeing up fingers normally used to hit directional keys, i.e. WASD. On this pad, your thumb does all movement by itself (with 2 other buttons in proximity for whatever) and presto you suddenly have more fingers.
the only reason I got this was for the thumbstick. Coming from controller and making the swtitch WASD is not natural. Thumbstick for movement is natural as the early arcade games used a joystick. I mean we control aircrafts with a joystick not WASD. So I would say this is probably marketed more for those type of players. I use the Tartarus in Warzone and its taken the aches and pains of having to relearn movement coming from controller. This will help those type of players. Having said that the only issues I have and I see a lot of people having is the keys getting stuck and the only way to unstuck it is to spam whatever key is stuck. I think this is an issue with the software and Razer needs to sort that out. It happens to me but not enough for me to want to learn WASD. Nope never gonna happen. I love aiming with a mouse and moving with my thumb. nice vid and keep the good work.
@@coolhawk2003 To be totally honest, I haven't used it half as much as I thought I would... Ended up just using my normal keyboard because I couldn't be bothered re programming the keys hahaha
@@camerongough545 o shity reason and I though you can just plug can play. Besides didn't you have to do the same for the keyboard at first? I play with controllers and have never used stock setup. I find there's always better layouts. Buying a laptop and looking into these for home setup. No need for full keyboard. I much prefer more space for my mouse big time .
@@coolhawk2003 you can just plug and play, but I found it best to re program keys because for most games I’d need a specific key that wasn’t already on
I use game boards for games like World of Warcraft, but for fps I tend to stick to the keyboard. To rectify desk space problems, I strongly recommend 60-70% keyboards.
I have been using the Razer Orbweaver since 2019, and I cannot game on my PC without it now! lol I use the D-pad for movement, and bind all the other keys in mostly the same layout for all my games, which helps a ton with remembering what does what, and learning new games quicker. I also never use the common "space bad" on the device for space, I always end up using it for my Map button. It's not placed to be used with the D-pad for movement, otherwise you can't move while jumping at the same time, so instead I use the lower scroll wheel click as a space bar button.
I mapped out the CAPSLOCK button and moved the SHIFT and CTRL keys upward. Button 11 is now SHIFT and button 16 is now left CTRL. I kept the thumb button as my left ALT button and use it as my push-to-talk button in Discord.
It's a dpad with a thumbstick on it, not an analog stick. This is the main reason it is useless to me. Being originally from the console world, I find wasd for movement so unergonomic. Why use 3 fingers to move when you can just use your thumb ? Not to mention the ability to WALK/RUN without pressing an additional key Try the Azeron, they are the only one with a true analog stick AND there's a left handed option. Its is handmade in Latvia though, and comes at HUGE premium. If you think 50$ is already too much, you are not ready
got the Pro version £129 today as BD gift. At first, not so much, after about 2 hours, loving it! my desk has 2 levels/layers, so i just moved my keyboard up 1 layer and i have the main desk just for this device and my mouse, and i can still use my keyboard as it's still in front of me, i just have to raise my arms to type (im talking about in the middle of gaming) when im doing something that needs my keyboard (anything else other than gaming), i just switch them up and down. So with that said, space-wise its huge improved. as for the buttons and mapping-wise: i remapped 11 from caps to shift, and 16 from shift to comtrol. I also find the space (20) is really uncomfortable to reach, so i remapped the space to the round button above the D-pad, which i feel amazing to use, even better than space bar. the button 20 remapped to Esc which usually needed to pause game or setting etc. all and all, loving it but i think the V2 is good enough, as the improvement from Pro isnt really necessarily.
Just brought one of these and I am loving the customization. Very handy and a good tool for both working and gaming. was considering the elgato stream deck instead of this but this was much cheaper
@@seandnguyen aw that sucks because I'm right-handedI think they need to start making things for left-handed and right-handed for the same price and the same look and everything
You had mentioned that this product isn't going to improve your gaming abilities when I think differently, in fact this product has improved my gaming abilities in fortnite, since I'm able to use the analog/Joystick. Being able to use the Joy stick on this product makes editing in fortnite simple, since I'm able to set up my Hotkeys exactly the way I'm most comfortable using them all. It does take time to get used to but thats with anything you first learn but once you become good at it, it makes playing certain games way better. Sure I probably could've used just a key board but then Id have no analog stick. Also the keyboard problem: I just ordered a big enough Mouse pad that fits my PC keyboard on top, Tartarus on the left, and my mouse has plenty of space to the right and center of the mouse pad. Now if I could just get my reaction time down, consistently commit to play after play, and be fast at it, I just might win games, lol!
Honestly, if it works for you, then that's all that matters! Hahah - I'm glad you're getting great use of it and you feel it's improving your gaming abilities :)
it's 95 EUR atm in Finland. We didn't have this in stores before and just now they came in. I am thinking of buying it but wanted to see some gameplay footage and reviews before blowing money on it.
False. This has improved my gaming by far the most I struggled with regular keyboard so much and this shape helps me use my pinky more and the analog is OP. I don’t use the multi function for the keys but certain games it’d be amazing to use
Awesome product. No more reaching for x g t many others. I put shift on side mouse button and got double everything close. Amazing. Wish it was Mech brown switch’s tho
I am not usually negative about this kind of thing, but omg I cannot believe the number of people who mindlessly get this thing and continue using WASD movement on the keypad. Why would you buy this device for gaming with the expectation that you are going to use it just like you would a keyboard. Holy crap so many people COMPLETELY overlook the dang directional pad. Try this for the love of all that is holy....Crouch-Jump through a window sideways (strafing) while swapping weapons. Just do it. Do that with a keyboard and then with the nostromo/tarturus using D-Pad for movement. I just can't believe the number of people that do not use this thing as is OBVIOUSLY intended and then walk away saying non-sense like, "Oh, it's just a more expensive keyboard". ugh! When playing on a keyboard, certain simple things are more complicated based on default button mappings. I've done both. I've used variations on this design since the Belkin Nostromo. This device, when used properly does many things... * it frees up cognitive load trying to arrange your fingers for certain tasks because the button layout is simpler * The simplicity of having straight forward buttons at your fingers tips and being able to hit four or so buttons at once that do things OTHER THAN movement is a godsend. Simply layout of the keypad... * Set 16 to be crouch * Set 11 to be jump * Set 6 to be Tab * Set 1 to escape * 2-5 to F1-F4 * 7-10 to 1-4 * 12-15 to 5-8 * 17-19 to [0, -, =] * Set the dpad to WASD This general layout means you can swap weapons or activate horkeys or swap weapons in a moments notice. You can crouch and jump on same finger. Your pinky should be able to hit 16 & 11 at same time to perform a crouching jump, too. You can do all of this while running around like a boss with the thumb. Tab & Escape & the function keys are still close by, too. You're still aiming with the mouse. I generally used a logitech G700 series mouse. They stopped making that, so I swapped to ROCCAT LEADR. On those mice, there are more buttons near the left-click. I generally map those buttons to things that "feel like" they should be main activities (F for interact, 1st person 3rd person swap etc). The thumb buttons on the mouse I use for things like sprint/walk/reload/etc.
I whish I saw this video before. is it possible to map it as an additional keys - I wanted to save a bit and use it for my stream lab as a deck instead of of buying stream deck that cost a hole lot more.
i dream about that thing when play Lineage2. you need 10-15 macro key, 10 regular key and you don't need accuracy in movement. So for MMO this is great.
This really helped me when playing RPG games, I don't get the strain on my left hand I am experiencing esp. when playing intensely concentrated and when commands are not that configurable in the game. Been using it for over a month now. Downside I think is when the cushion dries up you need to find a replacement for it.
Been using this since it was the Belkin Nostromo (yep, Razer purchased the design.) It's change a bit over the years but stays mostly the same. I'm currently using the Tartarus V2 because also got it fo 49.99. Overall I'm really satisfied with it and the clicky membranes aren't bad at all. And that's coming from someone using Kailh Box Navy switches on their primary board. The issue I have is, like you mentioned, the wrist/palm rest. It feels too big. I have trouble reaching the 01-05 keys, which wouldn't be bad, but I just can't get my thumb in place to use the 20 key which is JUMP! So I have trouble jumping! It just feels like it's set too low and too far back relative to anything else. This design would be perfect if they could make one just a little bit smaller. I'm not sure who this is designed for. My hands are fairly average in size. Hell, I play bass and guitar without issue. Why does this keypad make my hands feel tiny?
Does the configuration stay with the device? Lets say you are using KBAM on a console - does your color and key configuration stay with the device once it is configured, or does it have to be plugged into the machine the configuration app is loaded on?
I punch very rarely, but I use my mouse button to punch. I wouldn't say my performance has "increased," nothing can quite replace raw skill, but this does feel comfortable and I have been using it on 100% of my FPS games since this video came out.
Please respond I’ve been wanting to pick up one of these keyboards and was wondering if you could map WASD to the analog joystick to the right of the keyboard to move
great review, but ..... i don't really like that spacebar positioning , it looks like it is even farther away than the WASD keys on a conventional board 🤔
@@seandnguyen yup definitely , i guess we right now have to stick with these until more ergonomical options are also launched , cause i don't want to destroy my laptop keys 😂
In fortnite I use the space bar to toggle Harvest tool, but you can set what you like, and I use jump for middle mouse button (press down on mouse roller). It takes time getting used to but I play just as good as I did with a keyboard, if not better. I can edit with ease with this product, where I had trouble trying to even build before.
not needing the keyboard except to type probably is the main advantage. I constantly hit the side of my keyboard when playing fps with my mouse. I'm using a razer strider extended mousepad and my keyboard is positioned mostly in the middle. Not sure i'd get one for that alone though.
theres not a lot of options with a joy stick but I ordered this one recently. Seems best for the price. I use a controller a lot but love using a mouse for fps but wasd sucks for movement haha.
Excellent review sure Azeron looks great but the price is too steep for my wallet. ;( So I will be getting the Tartarus V2 deathadder V2 bundle when I get paid. :)
You *can* it's not quite the same as a full on analog stick, feels more like a DPAD with an analog stick in it. I prefer using WASD to move, but that's just me
Hey I'm thinking of picking up one of these second-hand and I have a 5 month old. I really need something that I can play games with with one hand and sort of rest my baby on my other arm/hand. Does anyone think this product would be able to help because gaming is impossible at the moment
It can be! As long as you're okay with switching over to your laptop's keyboard to type in all/team chat when you need. You do miss a few extra buttons like T, G, V if those are a big deal to you, but those actions can be remapped to the d-pad. Also if as long as you're okay with the mecha-membrane keys, which aren't full mechanical, but still feel fairly nice. I think it can work if you're looking for something portable to bring with you on your laptop that is semi-mechanical.
Honestly my biggest issue with these keypads is that the selection is atrocious nowadays. It seems you can't get an orbweaver anymore, the logitech g13 isn't made anymore, it's basically a tartarus or a cheap chinese knockoff. I was spoiled by my G13 having 22 buttons rather then 19, plus an analogue joystick, and now that my g13 is super old and showing some wear I feel like I have no good options to replace it (tartarus doesn't have a real joystick and not enough buttons for MMO's which is mostly what I play). Anyone know of any real competitor for a g13? (real joystick, 22 buttons). I'm surprised there isn't a bigger market for these things considering hoy much of a difference I feel it makes while gaming (just having a joystick frees up 4-6 movement keys including ctrl+alt modifiers meaning 8-18 more keys to be bound depending how you slice it).
I understand the joystick is not analog. I understand it's basically a d pad with a joystick top. But if you play with wasd anyways on keyboard, and you map that to the d pad, you'd be moving within the same parameters you already operate (wasd), but in 1 finger. Is it more natural to roll and rotate if needed? You now have all 4 fingers of your left hand available how is that not valuable? Is the joystick on the d pad that much different than fingers on wasd? Enough that it makes it worse somehow?
fix your lightning dude.....you're holding a black product on a yellow background. Differentt parts of the product are not distinguisable from each other..
I think this product is for someone who wants to use an analog stick instead of keys. You are a traditional keyboard user, so I think your review is a bit bias and does not provide feedback for players using the analog for movement.
the tartarus is a very usufull tool for me besides using it fro shortcuts and controlling adobe programms it also acts as a numpad when not in adobe software... since i onle have a 68 keyboard its perfect... i wish it would be wireless
3:13 “larger hands. Like me” Don’t lie hehe 😅 You have small hands. Like me!)) But it’s good to have ones anyway 😳😕 Edited: Okay okay I see, you have big hands 😔
@@seandnguyen yeah sure thing. A lotta folks who might be missing fingers or have any non-standard hand shapes can allocate buttons and arrangements they otherwise wouldn't be able to pull off on a standard, flat mechanical keyboard. Disabilities vary of course but this and other one handed inputs are v popular with disabled gamers, myself included. I'm mostly just really arthritic and can't get a grip on buttons to play games with. If you know the wow player Swifty, he's missing a pinky on his left hand for example and can't reach left CTRL, ALT or SHIFT like at all so he uses a tartarus in tandem with a razer naga to remap all the buttons he needs for modifiers and harder-to-reach inputs
I'll admit I didn't consider that demographic. I asked someone else and never got a response, but could you elaborate how this helps handicapped gamers? I'm unaware, but am genuinely curious. :) TY!
@@seandnguyen One of my buds had suffered a stroke and has limited movement in his fingers. As you can probably tell, this won't be perfect, but he has said it's easier to move his thumbs for more precise movements. We've done more research and found better options but this was our first thought. I didn't meant to sound too aggressive. Great review tho👍
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If you're coming from controller to Mouse and Keys this would be perfect transition. It quite does not hit the same for players already use traditional Keyboards.
Yeah I've just bought one today. It hasn't arrived yet.
I've been gaming for 30+ years but always with either a joystick, thumbstick or dpad. I've recently got a PC and I'm trying to make the transition but I just don't get along with WASD.
I may have found a great reason to NEED one of these. I code and game. Switching hand positions between typing and gaming was a PITA. Now that I use the V2 for gaming and the keyboard for coding, my hand memory is established on each exclusive input device.
Nice! Glad you've gotten a good amount of use out of it!
Yeah I get the whole muscle memory thing, which is why I use my game board for Games like WoW, my 60% keyboard for fps, and for productivity I use a steam deck.
I code an game too, I just have two desks/setups for each one :D
I've used these for over 10 years now (from nostromo to orbweaver) for gaming and the one thing everyone always points out is the "spacebar" placement. But they don't think to use the dpad for space. I always map mine as "down" which is towards you, as space, "up" which is away from you as escape, the top and bottom dpad keys i normally put my map on bottom and whatever fits for the particular game on top. I use the small key for crouch in shooters. The "spacebar" key i use for grenades and whatnot. Gonna be switching to a Tartarus v2 because after 5 long years of abuse, my orbweaver keys are starting to double press lol. I literally cannot game on a keyboard anymore though. Razer keypads are just better.
Damn, I never thought of using the dpad as jump. Thank you for the input!
Thanks! yeah this Razer keypads are designed for giants lmao! I bought a 2nd hand(tartarus chroma) one because I wanted to try it but a brand new one is unreasonably expensive
I think it solves many big issues in the pc world:
1. if you need an azerty keyboard but you don't want to switch to qwerty just for the better gaming experience
2. you want an analogue stick for movement no matter what
3. you need extra space for you mouse when you are playing an fps game on low sensitivity
4. you simply need all these extra keys for whatever application you're using
5. you have some kind of handicap like missing a finger or an arm, this could work.
6. you are gaming on a laptop and you don't have the money or space for a full blown setup so this is always gonna be better than whatever keyboard is build into the laptop.
Definitely! Just that the "dpad" isn't that much of an "analog stick" It'd be great if it was a full fledged one though!
I have it. In my opinion, it doesn't make much sense for KBM gamers. I remapped movement to the thumbstick. As a former console gamer, it feels more right. I hate WASD!
I use controller sometimes depending on the game. Hades I'm used to using a stick for it on switch, but I just can't get used to using the dpad here for movement, I'm still stuck on WASD!
I'm thinking of buying it for World of Warcraft. I wanted to know if you could reach all the buttons while using the analog for movement. That way you don't loose buttons to the WSAD thing for movement, freeing up 4 buttons which in MMORPG is a lot... Especially when it's in the middle of your keypad
This is what I’m thinking of, it’s just better , I got between controller and KB/M a lot now and missing that thumb movement, looking at all the reviews for Tartarus v2 before spending $80
See now this is one of the main reasons I'm considering this. That and less buttons in a smaller space.
I went from was to strictly controller for over a decade, now getting back to keyboard o ny because the game I am playing needs it for the mouse. With the analog maybe I can combine the two. I just order one, will see how it goes.
A lot of industry professionals use these for work. The Logitech G13 is still king but aren't in production anymore. So this is the less ideal but only alternative it seems. Thanks for the honest review.
I'm buying one today. Actually it's already bought. I'm going to pick it up from Best buy in a few hours. I play a series of video games called combat mission and you're moving around tanks and infantry and doing many functions so I think it's going to be really good
Razer should really market it differently, I have a v1 model and I use it only for work for about five or seven years now. This thing is a shortcut beast and really helps you to enter the flow. I tried gaming on it, but it kinda sucks for that, I'd rather use a keybord or a gamepad.
I use it to play healer in WoW and it's downright amazing for that. It let's me do movement with my thumb, freeing 4 buttons at my most fingerstips for my most important skills which require more speed than movement in WoW.
What sucks though is that there is STILL a bug in the drivers that's been around for ages that causes the keys to stick. This is a software bug as it doesn't happen without Synapse running, but that means giving up all the customization options just because Razer is too lazy to fix a bug that's been around for almost 5 freaking years now.
Gaming keypads are actually very useful in that theyre very flexible with regards to positioning or angle of use. Its a nice addition to a full sized keyboard. And for gaming laptops, its a heavensent.
Especially since gaming laptops the keyboards are poop (at least compared to a full sized mechanical)
i bought one 10 molnth ago and after hmm 4 weeks this is a QoL change for me. I still use wasd (on the keypad of course^^) for moving but for the thumbjoystick i put needed skills for my games for example forward is sprint up is rezzing (in ff14^^) and so on last month i was at my best friend for a week for hardcore gaming and I FORGOT MY KEYPAD at home, it was sooooooooo stressy to play at my friend without one that i ordered a second one just to stay at his house^^
I'm also going to be using it for almost a month soon, and for me personally it didn't take too much time to get used to it. At first I played some rpg games and really only needed some extra keys that I would use when needed but when I got into FPS and third person shooters it made WASD gameplay much easier and I even think faster (cuz mecha-membrane keys are definitely faster than whatever laptop stuff I was using). In conclusion, I have to get used to my laptop keyboard again! ;D
It's great! I do realize that if I'm playing a game where I jump a lot with the spacebar that my hand gets sore. And yeah, I'm def not used to playing on regular keyboard at the moment haha
I had the n52 Belkin Nostromo game pad that the Tartarus is a direct descendent of.
I now have a Tartarus Pro. I can definitely feel the difference in the keys. The Tartarus Pro allows the user to program multiple actions into one key press based on how deep you actuate the key. Yes, that's the level of customization that is possible with this thing. Combine that potential with the macros that can be programmed and what you got is a fully customizable input device that is unlike any other.
Ergonomically, the Tartarus will most likely be positioned on the desk at the left of a keyboard. Which is a much more natural and comfortable position for the left arm to rest.
If I was gaming on laptop, I would get this thing to keep the heat of my hands off the laptop and enjoy the perk of better cooling performance. Plus being able to adjust my comfort level by using a game pad seems like a good thing.
The Tartarus is not a necessity just like a RTX 30 series graphic card or RGB everything are nessecary for gaming or anything that make your experience feel more immersive and good. I can survive without one but I would much rather enjoy having one.
Understanding and learning to use this device is easy. There is a map of they keys laid out in Razer Syanpse software.
I'm happy with the Tartarus. It completes my setup. I had the Nostromo n52 and therefore knew how to already use the Tartarus to get the most out my sessions.
I'm glad you've had a good experience with the Tartarus! I imagine you have the one with the full mechanical switches since you mentioned it allows you to program different keystrokes based on pressure actuation?
I was eyeing this for over a year and finally bought it. I used it for about a week. I'm not sure if it was just the one I got, but most of the buttons don't actually activate when you've fully pressed the key, you really need to put a bit more weight onto it. It leads to situations where I'm sprinting, and without taking my finger off the key my character stops sprinting because the keypress is no longer being recognized. The keys require so much more force to fully press than my keyboard that it just doesn't feel responsive. It looks super cool and is comfortable, but its functionality is like a 6/10 for me.
Oh man, I'm sorry about that. Perhaps it's the one you got? I don't seem to have that issue. Definitely see if you can get it fixed/returned or whatnot.
@@seandnguyen yea, I did. seems to just be a thing with razer products. I've tried 5 of them and each one was returned or put up on a local marketplace within a week. The only razer product I used for more than 2 weeks was their 15$ mousepad lol
you can use it for everything, if you can train your brain just set up the profiles to feel comfie and you can use it to play anything! ive been using them sense the first version came out. so years cant live without it. people need to give it a chance.
agreed, it seems weird at first, but even after this long I'm still using it for my FPS games
The #1 reason to use one of these is freeing up fingers normally used to hit directional keys, i.e. WASD. On this pad, your thumb does all movement by itself (with 2 other buttons in proximity for whatever) and presto you suddenly have more fingers.
the thumbstick is really stiff and slippery
Try using the thumb pad for movement and remapping the 20 keys for function
I've tried it a few times, I'm just not used to it, maybe I don't play enough MMOs ahaha
This is the way and you can have it lay on your lap/leg. Imo that is the way to use these products going back to the first Belken.
the only reason I got this was for the thumbstick. Coming from controller and making the swtitch WASD is not natural. Thumbstick for movement is natural as the early arcade games used a joystick. I mean we control aircrafts with a joystick not WASD. So I would say this is probably marketed more for those type of players. I use the Tartarus in Warzone and its taken the aches and pains of having to relearn movement coming from controller. This will help those type of players. Having said that the only issues I have and I see a lot of people having is the keys getting stuck and the only way to unstuck it is to spam whatever key is stuck. I think this is an issue with the software and Razer needs to sort that out. It happens to me but not enough for me to want to learn WASD. Nope never gonna happen. I love aiming with a mouse and moving with my thumb. nice vid and keep the good work.
I ordered one today. I've wanted one for a while... It's the directional pad for me. I 100% don't need it, but I love Razer Products.
How you like it? Still have one?
@@coolhawk2003 To be totally honest, I haven't used it half as much as I thought I would... Ended up just using my normal keyboard because I couldn't be bothered re programming the keys hahaha
@@camerongough545 o shity reason and I though you can just plug can play. Besides didn't you have to do the same for the keyboard at first? I play with controllers and have never used stock setup. I find there's always better layouts. Buying a laptop and looking into these for home setup. No need for full keyboard. I much prefer more space for my mouse big time .
@@coolhawk2003 you can just plug and play, but I found it best to re program keys because for most games I’d need a specific key that wasn’t already on
@@camerongough545 thanks for the feedback. Cheers 🍻
I use game boards for games like World of Warcraft, but for fps I tend to stick to the keyboard. To rectify desk space problems, I strongly recommend 60-70% keyboards.
I have been using the Razer Orbweaver since 2019, and I cannot game on my PC without it now! lol I use the D-pad for movement, and bind all the other keys in mostly the same layout for all my games, which helps a ton with remembering what does what, and learning new games quicker. I also never use the common "space bad" on the device for space, I always end up using it for my Map button. It's not placed to be used with the D-pad for movement, otherwise you can't move while jumping at the same time, so instead I use the lower scroll wheel click as a space bar button.
I mapped out the CAPSLOCK button and moved the SHIFT and CTRL keys upward. Button 11 is now SHIFT and button 16 is now left CTRL. I kept the thumb button as my left ALT button and use it as my push-to-talk button in Discord.
Oooh, that makes sense, that works!
man just do like me and remove cap lock and remap it to shift and put CTRL on the last one below it
Edit: still using my super old razer nostromo.
It's a dpad with a thumbstick on it, not an analog stick. This is the main reason it is useless to me. Being originally from the console world, I find wasd for movement so unergonomic. Why use 3 fingers to move when you can just use your thumb ? Not to mention the ability to WALK/RUN without pressing an additional key
Try the Azeron, they are the only one with a true analog stick AND there's a left handed option. Its is handmade in Latvia though, and comes at HUGE premium. If you think 50$ is already too much, you are not ready
what model azeron have you been using
got the Pro version £129 today as BD gift.
At first, not so much, after about 2 hours, loving it!
my desk has 2 levels/layers, so i just moved my keyboard up 1 layer and i have the main desk just for this device and my mouse, and i can still use my keyboard as it's still in front of me, i just have to raise my arms to type (im talking about in the middle of gaming) when im doing something that needs my keyboard (anything else other than gaming), i just switch them up and down.
So with that said, space-wise its huge improved.
as for the buttons and mapping-wise:
i remapped 11 from caps to shift, and 16 from shift to comtrol.
I also find the space (20) is really uncomfortable to reach, so i remapped the space to the round button above the D-pad, which i feel amazing to use, even better than space bar.
the button 20 remapped to Esc which usually needed to pause game or setting etc.
all and all, loving it
but i think the V2 is good enough, as the improvement from Pro isnt really necessarily.
Just brought one of these and I am loving the customization. Very handy and a good tool for both working and gaming. was considering the elgato stream deck instead of this but this was much cheaper
Downside compared to a streamdeck is you can't "customize" the designs and such, but this does have a bit more use than a streamdeck!
@@seandnguyen yeah exactly. I haven't tried the stream deck but I think this is more ergonomic as well
But it's good for drawing too That's actually one of the reason why they actually made this keyboard is for artists
Really? How is it good for drawing? I'm curious! (I'm also lefthanded so this def wouldn't work for me as an artist haha)
@@seandnguyen you could hotkey or your shortcuts for your drawing tablet to the keyboard and stuff it's really easy to use
@@seandnguyen aw that sucks because I'm right-handedI think they need to start making things for left-handed and right-handed for the same price and the same look and everything
Are you saying I don’t need a one handed keypad or I don’t need this one in particular?
You had mentioned that this product isn't going to improve your gaming abilities when I think differently, in fact this product has improved my gaming abilities in fortnite, since I'm able to use the analog/Joystick. Being able to use the Joy stick on this product makes editing in fortnite simple, since I'm able to set up my Hotkeys exactly the way I'm most comfortable using them all. It does take time to get used to but thats with anything you first learn but once you become good at it, it makes playing certain games way better. Sure I probably could've used just a key board but then Id have no analog stick. Also the keyboard problem: I just ordered a big enough Mouse pad that fits my PC keyboard on top, Tartarus on the left, and my mouse has plenty of space to the right and center of the mouse pad. Now if I could just get my reaction time down, consistently commit to play after play, and be fast at it, I just might win games, lol!
Honestly, if it works for you, then that's all that matters! Hahah - I'm glad you're getting great use of it and you feel it's improving your gaming abilities :)
it's 95 EUR atm in Finland. We didn't have this in stores before and just now they came in. I am thinking of buying it but wanted to see some gameplay footage and reviews before blowing money on it.
False. This has improved my gaming by far the most I struggled with regular keyboard so much and this shape helps me use my pinky more and the analog is OP. I don’t use the multi function for the keys but certain games it’d be amazing to use
Awesome product. No more reaching for x g t many others. I put shift on side mouse button and got double everything close. Amazing. Wish it was Mech brown switch’s tho
I am not usually negative about this kind of thing, but omg I cannot believe the number of people who mindlessly get this thing and continue using WASD movement on the keypad. Why would you buy this device for gaming with the expectation that you are going to use it just like you would a keyboard. Holy crap so many people COMPLETELY overlook the dang directional pad.
Try this for the love of all that is holy....Crouch-Jump through a window sideways (strafing) while swapping weapons. Just do it. Do that with a keyboard and then with the nostromo/tarturus using D-Pad for movement.
I just can't believe the number of people that do not use this thing as is OBVIOUSLY intended and then walk away saying non-sense like, "Oh, it's just a more expensive keyboard".
ugh!
When playing on a keyboard, certain simple things are more complicated based on default button mappings. I've done both. I've used variations on this design since the Belkin Nostromo. This device, when used properly does many things...
* it frees up cognitive load trying to arrange your fingers for certain tasks because the button layout is simpler
* The simplicity of having straight forward buttons at your fingers tips and being able to hit four or so buttons at once that do things OTHER THAN movement is a godsend.
Simply layout of the keypad...
* Set 16 to be crouch
* Set 11 to be jump
* Set 6 to be Tab
* Set 1 to escape
* 2-5 to F1-F4
* 7-10 to 1-4
* 12-15 to 5-8
* 17-19 to [0, -, =]
* Set the dpad to WASD
This general layout means you can swap weapons or activate horkeys or swap weapons in a moments notice. You can crouch and jump on same finger. Your pinky should be able to hit 16 & 11 at same time to perform a crouching jump, too.
You can do all of this while running around like a boss with the thumb. Tab & Escape & the function keys are still close by, too.
You're still aiming with the mouse. I generally used a logitech G700 series mouse. They stopped making that, so I swapped to ROCCAT LEADR. On those mice, there are more buttons near the left-click. I generally map those buttons to things that "feel like" they should be main activities (F for interact, 1st person 3rd person swap etc). The thumb buttons on the mouse I use for things like sprint/walk/reload/etc.
i want to place macro of addresses on each of the keys and don't want my regular keyboard to trigger the macros on the tartarus. is it possible?
I whish I saw this video before. is it possible to map it as an additional keys - I wanted to save a bit and use it for my stream lab as a deck instead of of buying stream deck that cost a hole lot more.
i dream about that thing when play Lineage2. you need 10-15 macro key, 10 regular key and you don't need accuracy in movement. So for MMO this is great.
I just bought one from Amazon to use for shortcuts with my Wacom tablet.
This really helped me when playing RPG games, I don't get the strain on my left hand I am experiencing esp. when playing intensely concentrated and when commands are not that configurable in the game. Been using it for over a month now. Downside I think is when the cushion dries up you need to find a replacement for it.
wouldn't you want to walk using the analog instead of ASWD??
Been using this since it was the Belkin Nostromo (yep, Razer purchased the design.) It's change a bit over the years but stays mostly the same.
I'm currently using the Tartarus V2 because also got it fo 49.99. Overall I'm really satisfied with it and the clicky membranes aren't bad at all. And that's coming from someone using Kailh Box Navy switches on their primary board.
The issue I have is, like you mentioned, the wrist/palm rest. It feels too big. I have trouble reaching the 01-05 keys, which wouldn't be bad, but I just can't get my thumb in place to use the 20 key which is JUMP! So I have trouble jumping! It just feels like it's set too low and too far back relative to anything else.
This design would be perfect if they could make one just a little bit smaller. I'm not sure who this is designed for. My hands are fairly average in size. Hell, I play bass and guitar without issue. Why does this keypad make my hands feel tiny?
Thx for the great review. Ordered the product now even I do not need it. Life is great!
I didn't need it either, but I've been using it for all my games, hahaha. Enjoy it!
Nobody has answered if I can use the Joystick for FPS movement instead of the keys.....
Does the configuration stay with the device? Lets say you are using KBAM on a console - does your color and key configuration stay with the device once it is configured, or does it have to be plugged into the machine the configuration app is loaded on?
I want one of these because I constantly knock my mouse in to my keyboard even if it's a smaller model. Great review!
Thanks! Hopefully this works for you to not hit your mouse anymore!
Can you set the dpad/joystick as movement?
What's the name of the song in the beginning, also nice review!
I don't remember, but the artist is in the description!
@@seandnguyen Oh okay, thank you still. Have a good one!
Hey, how do you punch on apex legends? I use V to punch which button is configurable. Has your performance increased at this game? Thanks review.
I punch very rarely, but I use my mouse button to punch.
I wouldn't say my performance has "increased," nothing can quite replace raw skill, but this does feel comfortable and I have been using it on 100% of my FPS games since this video came out.
Please respond I’ve been wanting to pick up one of these keyboards and was wondering if you could map WASD to the analog joystick to the right of the keyboard to move
great review, but ..... i don't really like that spacebar positioning , it looks like it is even farther away than the WASD keys on a conventional board 🤔
I admit, it's quite far, it does take some getting used to, it's not *that* bad now, but during high intensity it makes my hand get sore.
@@seandnguyen yup definitely , i guess we right now have to stick with these until more ergonomical options are also launched , cause i don't want to destroy my laptop keys 😂
In fortnite I use the space bar to toggle Harvest tool, but you can set what you like, and I use jump for middle mouse button (press down on mouse roller). It takes time getting used to but I play just as good as I did with a keyboard, if not better. I can edit with ease with this product, where I had trouble trying to even build before.
can play in fhone?
not needing the keyboard except to type probably is the main advantage. I constantly hit the side of my keyboard when playing fps with my mouse. I'm using a razer strider extended mousepad and my keyboard is positioned mostly in the middle. Not sure i'd get one for that alone though.
I mean it helps me not get so overwhelmed when playing warzone and I'm used to playing on a 65% bought it to not have to think so much
theres not a lot of options with a joy stick but I ordered this one recently. Seems best for the price. I use a controller a lot but love using a mouse for fps but wasd sucks for movement haha.
Excellent review sure Azeron looks great but the price is too steep for my wallet. ;( So I will be getting the Tartarus V2 deathadder V2 bundle when I get paid. :)
Good luck! Hope they work for you :)
This has made my workflow so much faster as a 3D Artist
Hello! Can I use this on PS4 pro? Thanks!
Is it feasible to use the analogy stick for movement instead of WASD. Using a PS3 nav controller now but want more key options?
You *can* it's not quite the same as a full on analog stick, feels more like a DPAD with an analog stick in it. I prefer using WASD to move, but that's just me
Hey I'm thinking of picking up one of these second-hand and I have a 5 month old. I really need something that I can play games with with one hand and sort of rest my baby on my other arm/hand. Does anyone think this product would be able to help because gaming is impossible at the moment
Is it all Mechanical key?
I bought mine for HDR TV gaming. I've got TV installed opposite to my monitor, and switching my keyboard back and forth is somewhat uncomfy.
You haven't talked about macros at all. Binding each button different macros is a lifesaver for most mmos.
honestly the mecha membrane keys feel really nice for what they are. its weird i usually hate membrane keys
i only have the keyboard of my laptop, so i dont want to buy a full meca keyboar. Is it a good option?
It can be! As long as you're okay with switching over to your laptop's keyboard to type in all/team chat when you need. You do miss a few extra buttons like T, G, V if those are a big deal to you, but those actions can be remapped to the d-pad.
Also if as long as you're okay with the mecha-membrane keys, which aren't full mechanical, but still feel fairly nice.
I think it can work if you're looking for something portable to bring with you on your laptop that is semi-mechanical.
@@seandnguyen thanks for your feedback, have a nice day
Honestly my biggest issue with these keypads is that the selection is atrocious nowadays. It seems you can't get an orbweaver anymore, the logitech g13 isn't made anymore, it's basically a tartarus or a cheap chinese knockoff.
I was spoiled by my G13 having 22 buttons rather then 19, plus an analogue joystick, and now that my g13 is super old and showing some wear I feel like I have no good options to replace it (tartarus doesn't have a real joystick and not enough buttons for MMO's which is mostly what I play).
Anyone know of any real competitor for a g13? (real joystick, 22 buttons). I'm surprised there isn't a bigger market for these things considering hoy much of a difference I feel it makes while gaming (just having a joystick frees up 4-6 movement keys including ctrl+alt modifiers meaning 8-18 more keys to be bound depending how you slice it).
My opinion is too loud buttons compared to nostromo. Otherwise look better and more buttons.
Hey great review, just wondering do you know the bottom out force for the switches?
Not off the top of my head unfortunately!
@@seandnguyen ok no worries thank you:)
I understand the joystick is not analog. I understand it's basically a d pad with a joystick top.
But if you play with wasd anyways on keyboard, and you map that to the d pad, you'd be moving within the same parameters you already operate (wasd), but in 1 finger. Is it more natural to roll and rotate if needed? You now have all 4 fingers of your left hand available how is that not valuable?
Is the joystick on the d pad that much different than fingers on wasd? Enough that it makes it worse somehow?
I do need, I'm crap with wasd keys, and have years of console muscle memory using thumbsticks for movement.
did you get one? im in the same boat. grew up on controller
07:59 always buy a short keyboard with this thing. like a razer tournament. so space is no prob more
I order one for on My Playstation 5. Till now I played with the hori tac pro.
This dude has it! He will be big! Keep at it. Nice work
Thanks buddy! Hope I can keep making content for you to enjoy!
Seems to be missing at least a dozen keys to work with most games, well all the games I play anyways.
fix your lightning dude.....you're holding a black product on a yellow background. Differentt parts of the product are not distinguisable from each other..
For sure! Slowly working to improve, thank you for the input! :)
Ok you triggered me, I will make a review of this and absolutely convince you it's not a toy but a real thing
this looks to be for a left hand mouse user.. which is odd since i'm right handed.
Yes i want it but razer has already taken all my money
That's okay, save up!
Do you use it for video editing at all?
I mainly just use my keyboard!
I played world of warcraft on this back in the day I don't think I can play on anything else other then this
7:31 i used a slide out under desk keyboard trey
actually, seeing as I can currently only use one hand, I kinda need one
Definitely recommend!
It's better for artists who need the desk real estate for a tablet mouse
yes and be warned, that the D pad will wear out in 2 months of use.
I haven't run into this issue (yet) but I also don't use the dpad too much.
I think this product is for someone who wants to use an analog stick instead of keys. You are a traditional keyboard user, so I think your review is a bit bias and does not provide feedback for players using the analog for movement.
Sounds like it's for laptop users at home
that big hand flex
you know what they say about big hands ;)
big gloves.
the tartarus is a very usufull tool for me besides using it fro shortcuts and controlling adobe programms it also acts as a numpad when not in adobe software... since i onle have a 68 keyboard its perfect... i wish it would be wireless
I feel like this is more useful for gaming with a laptop
It is! Gaming laptop keyboards aren't quite the best (compared to a full mechanical)
@@seandnguyen I play on a Legion 5i and was thinking about getting one of these, if you have one do you recommend it?
You are wrong, it doesn't have an analog stick.
3:13 “larger hands. Like me” Don’t lie hehe 😅 You have small hands. Like me!)) But it’s good to have ones anyway 😳😕
Edited: Okay okay I see, you have big hands 😔
omg this wasnt made for first person shooters. your talking to pc gamers some of us spend 1000$ on a graphics card 70$ is nothing lol/
using for DCS in VR - so many controls and macros, HOTAS not even enough!
how's it working for you?
Idk it 100% reduces toxicity in lol since
С этой штукой удобно играть в РПГ лёжа на диване, подключив комп к телевизору.
And also, it's not an "analog stick" 🙏
It's p good for folks with disabilities too
That's awesome! Could you explain how? I'm not entirely sure and would love to learn more.
@@seandnguyen yeah sure thing. A lotta folks who might be missing fingers or have any non-standard hand shapes can allocate buttons and arrangements they otherwise wouldn't be able to pull off on a standard, flat mechanical keyboard. Disabilities vary of course but this and other one handed inputs are v popular with disabled gamers, myself included. I'm mostly just really arthritic and can't get a grip on buttons to play games with. If you know the wow player Swifty, he's missing a pinky on his left hand for example and can't reach left CTRL, ALT or SHIFT like at all so he uses a tartarus in tandem with a razer naga to remap all the buttons he needs for modifiers and harder-to-reach inputs
same day juice died 2019 tho :(((
Great for Mmorpg
For sure! Unfortunately, I haven't played an MMO in a while
ok
In all honestly if ppl aren't going to use the thumbstick for movement then this isn't the item for you. That's the whole point to this thing
To each their own though, I don't use the thumb stick for movement, but I still use it for all my FPS games.
only for the thumb buttons alone this is worth it.
Him: “Nobody really *Needs* it”
All the handicapped gamers out here: -_-
I'll admit I didn't consider that demographic.
I asked someone else and never got a response, but could you elaborate how this helps handicapped gamers? I'm unaware, but am genuinely curious. :) TY!
@@seandnguyen One of my buds had suffered a stroke and has limited movement in his fingers. As you can probably tell, this won't be perfect, but he has said it's easier to move his thumbs for more precise movements.
We've done more research and found better options but this was our first thought. I didn't meant to sound too aggressive. Great review tho👍