Razer’s latest wireless mechanical keyboard has a low profile and a high price

Enlarge / Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro. (credit: Razer)

Peripherals and PC maker Razer this week introduced a new wireless mechanical keyboard that resurrects one of its most creepily named products. The DeathStalker V2 Pro—as well as its wireless, tenkeyless version and wired, full-sized version—manages to be just 1 inch tall at its thickest part by using low-profile mechanical switches that rely on light-based actuation. They're the first keyboards to use Razer's Low-Profile Optical Switches.

Optical mechanical switches actuate when the switch's stem interacts with an infrared light beam within the switch's housing. Razer already sells optical switch keyboards, like the Razer Huntsman Mini Analog, whose keys are also pressure-sensitive. But this is the first time the company has made its optical mechanical technology so short.

The wireless keyboard works over Bluetooth, a dongle, or a cable. (credit: Razer)

The linear optical mechanical switches have a travel distance of 2.8 mm, and they actuate at 1.2 mm with a force of 45 g. For comparison, Cherry MX Reds, have 4 mm of travel and actuate at 2 mm with a force of 45 g.