Razer has announced the Tartarus V2 Pro, bringing some of the company’s latest keyboard and controller technology into its dedicated one-handed gaming keypad. The new model comes with Razer Analog Optical Switches Gen-2, true 8000 Hz polling, 31 programmable controls, and a full-sized TMR thumbstick designed to avoid stick drift.
Gaming keypads have always occupied an interesting space between a conventional keyboard and a controller. They are particularly useful for MMO players who want a large number of abilities and macros within easy reach, but the Tartarus V2 Pro is clearly trying to appeal beyond that audience with analog controls and features normally associated with competitive gaming keyboards.
At the heart of the keypad are Razer’s Analog Optical Switches Gen-2, with adjustable actuation anywhere between 0.1 mm and 4.0 mm. Rapid Trigger is supported as well, with sensitivity configurable down to 0.1 mm.
It’s technology we’ve recently seen Razer push heavily across its gaming keyboards, including the Razer Huntsman V3 Pro Low-Profile TKL 8KHz that I’m still reviewing. Bringing the same level of adjustment to a Tartarus makes quite a lot of sense considering how customisable these keypads already are.
There are 31 programmable controls in total, so you could potentially map a substantial collection of abilities, shortcuts and macros without moving your hand back to a regular keyboard.
The other interesting addition is the full-sized TMR thumbstick. Unlike the smaller directional controls found on some previous gaming keypads, Razer says this one offers smooth analog movement while using TMR technology to eliminate stick drift. Three dedicated buttons sit alongside it and can also be configured according to the game or layout you are using.
This combination could make the Tartarus V2 Pro particularly good for games where you want analog movement from your thumb while keeping the rest of your fingers available for abilities and other commands. Whether that feels more natural than simply using a keyboard and mouse will obviously come down to personal preference, but there is certainly plenty of flexibility here.
More adjustment for your hand as well as your keys
Razer has also redesigned the wrist rest rather than simply concentrating on what’s happening underneath the keys.
The wrist rest can slide forwards and backwards as well as rotate left or right, allowing players to change both its distance and angle. Considering everyone positions their hand differently on a keypad like this, having more control over the wrist position should be useful during longer sessions.
The keys themselves use textured doubleshot PBT keycaps, while the switches are individually lubricated and sit within a dense foam layer. Razer rates the switches for 100 million keystrokes.
8000Hz polling and extensive profile customisation
The Tartarus V2 Pro supports true 8000 Hz HyperPolling, putting its maximum polling rate well above the conventional 1000 Hz peripherals many gamers still use.
It also supports Razer’s Advanced Input Control features including Snap Tap, Snap Flex, and Dynamic Keystroke. Players can configure up to 24 keymaps spread across three onboard profiles through Razer Synapse, making it possible to have different configurations ready for different games or genres.
Importantly, you don’t always need to open Synapse to change how the keypad behaves. Actuation points and Rapid Trigger settings can be adjusted directly from the Tartarus V2 Pro, with an onboard LED array providing visual feedback.
That level of customisation is the biggest appeal of something like the Tartarus V2 Pro. A regular gaming keyboard can obviously handle the same games, but the Tartarus gives you a much more concentrated collection of programmable controls around a single hand, with individual actuation settings and analog movement thrown into the mix.
The Razer Tartarus V2 Pro is available now in Australia for AU$329.95. It is available through Razer.com, RazerStores, and selected retailers worldwide.
