Razer Tartarus V2 and Pro are two among their newer keypads which are all similarly built over the well-known predecessor Orbweaver that has been leading the keypad segment for quite some time already. These models however, are not exactly the same and overall. Originally released in December 2017, Razer Tartarus V2 is a keypad with pretty much all the features that you’d need or expect for gaming. The latest version is a 32-key pad with a directional stick, and now with a full RGB lighting suite.
There are a few things separating the Orbweaver Chroma and Tartartus V2 – price, keys, and adjustability.
I’ll get into all the details.
But first, why Razer? Aren’t there other options?
Not really – it’s either Razer, or a no-name keypad from a dicey brand with questionable reviews.
Logitech used to make the G13, but it’s been discontinued for a couple of years.
The Nostromo Speedpad n52 was one of the first keypads with mass popularity. It hasn’t been around for about a decade, though.
Razer bought the rights to the Nostromo from Belkin and made it for a while, then came out with the Orbweaver and Tartarus lines to add more keys and features.
Read on. I’ll break down all the differences and why you should pick one keypad or the other.
Features
Since you’re here, you probably have a good reason for considering a keypad.
If you’ll be using a gamepad for World of Warcraft, Fortnite, real-time strategy games, and more complex FPS games like Battlefield, Fortnite, and Rainbow Six can benefit from a streamlined key layout and customization.
The keys are better aligned to your fingers than the “WASD” keys on a keyboard you’d usually use for movement.
Keypads aren’t only for gaming. To some, they’re better than keyboards for productivity apps.
Tartarus V2
3D modeling, Photoshop, Illustrator, and other pro software can take advantage of a keypad’s customization and layout.
It’s a good idea to think about how you’ll be using the keypad, and what features matter to you.
What features do the Orbweaver and Tartarus share?
Tartarus V2 Fortnite
Keys and buttons are fully customizable in the Razer Synapse software.
Both models have a similar ergonomic design for better comfort over long sessions.
Your thumb can reach a spacebar, directional pad, and thumb key to give you a lot more options than a keyboard.
The rest of your fingers can reach at least 20 programmable keys.
Hypershift can be assigned to any key. By holding it down, every other key can be given a second function.
Each key can be assigned macros of unlimited length.
Both the Orbweaver and Tartarus have full RGB lighting which can be configured down to the individual key.
So what’s different?
Keys and Buttons
One of the biggest differences between the Orbweaver and Tartarus is in the keys themselves.
The Orbweaver uses mechanical keys, while the Tartarus V2 has Mecha-Membrane keys.
The Orbweaver Chroma’s mechanical keys are Razer’s “green” key switches with 50g of actuation force. They’re tactile and clicky, with a great feel. Similar to Cherry Blue switches.
That doesn’t mean you should ignore the Tartarus V2. The Mecha-Mechanical keys, despite not being fully mechanical, have a good tactile feel as well. No mushy keys here.
If it’s fully mechanical keys or nothing for you, you’ll want the Orbweaver Chroma. Otherwise, continue on to the rest of the features.
The Orbweaver has 30 programmable keys, and the Tartarus V2 has 32.
The discontinued Tartarus V1 had only 25, so either is a step up.
The difference between 30 and 32 keys comes down to the added scroll wheel on the Tartarus V2.
It takes the place of one standard key, and can be given three functions – scroll up, scroll down, and press.
I find the extra scroll wheel is most helpful for zooming or scrolling through inventory items.
The thumb pads are different as well.
The Tartarus V2 gives you two options. It has a joystick cap for the thumb. This can be removed to expose a d-pad, similar to what you’d find on a console controller.
The Orbweaver has a hat button, also 8-way. I find it’s more wobbly and less precise than the Tartarus’s options. It’s best to program it for 2 or 4 functions so you don’t misclick.
One more thing on keys – there is also a model called the Tartarus Pro. About the only difference between the Tartarus Pro and V2 is that the pro has analog keys.
Analog keys respond to different levels of pressure from your fingers. The only good use I can think of is for analog keys is the throttle on racing games. But, you’re better off using a wheel and pedals if you’re serious about those.
I’d recommend most people skip over the Tartarus Pro and stick to comparing the Orbweaver Chroma and Tartarus V2 gaming keypads.
Shape and Adjustment
Razer Tartarus V2
One big disclaimer on the shape – these keypads are for your left hand only.
Lefties who use their mice left-handed will need to look elsewhere. Seems the only options are off-brand keypads.
That said, Razer’s stuff is quite comfortable for left-handed use – more so than a typical keyboard.
The Orbweaver offers a lot more adjustment than the Tartarus.
This makes the Orbweaver a better choice if you have especially long or short fingers.
On the Orbweaver Chroma, you can do the following:
- Slide wrist rest forward or back
- Tilt the angle of the palm rest
- Slide the thumb buttons closer or further away
On the Tartarus, you only get one level of adjustment. The hand rest can be pulled off and repositioned. Forward position for shorter hands, back position for longer hands.
Value
Both models come with a 2-year warranty, which is pretty good compared to the 1-year warranty many peripherals come with.
The Tartarus V2 has a lower selling price than the Orbweaver.
Typically, it’s about $30 less on Amazon.
Overall, the Tartarus is a better value.
It largely has the same features – with the exception of mechanical keys and some additional adjustment.
Conclusion
The Mecha-Mechanical keys on the Tartarus V2 are surprisingly good. The addition of the scroll wheel is nice. The thumb pad gives you more options and is more precise.
Top that off with a lower price, and the Tartarus V2 looks like the better way to go for most people.
Should anybody go with the Orbweaver Chroma instead?
If you have short or very long fingers and value comfort, yes, you should opt for the Orbweaver. It’s far more adjustable.
Or, if you’re dead-set on fully mechanical keys, the Orbweaver is the one to buy.
Otherwise, save some money. I think you’d be quite pleased with choosing the Tartarus V2 instead.
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The Razer Tartarus V2 is a full-featured keypad showing off a brand-new, yet traditional, look. Razer has taken the Tartarus back to its roots with a layout that is a lot more evocative than their initial Razer Nostromo. The keypad includes a matte black coating, accompanied by non-textured keycaps. Razer is additionally maintaining the very same font as the Blackwidow V2. Similar to previous models, the palm-rest is adjustable and now includes a fake leather pad for added convenience as well as support. While this is a terrific suggestion, I would have liked to see the pad be a bit thicker, as you’re able to feel the plastic base in longer gaming sessions. It is most definitely action in the ideal direction, and I am grateful to see more assumed right into elements such as this.
The Tartarus V2 features Razer’s new Mecha-Membrane modern technology. These brand-new buttons incorporate the soft cushioned touch of a membrane rubber dome with the crisp responsive click of a mechanical switch. Each essential actuates mid-height for fast feedback. After hrs of gameplay, you would certainly think the responsive comments and click of the keys would certainly get old, yet it’s just the contrary. I look forward to hearing and also the sensation that click. There is nothing like having a physical action to verify your press. As an owner of the prehistoric Belkin n52te keypad, I needed to place the Tartarus to the test as well as see exactly how it measured up versus a widely known good friend. Quickly you can discriminate in reaction time as well as even lowered fatigue over expanded playtimes. The added tricks offer to supply a huge quantity of expandability. If you have smaller-sized hands, you might need to stretch to reach them, though.
Chroma is Razer’s RGB lighting system embedded in the majority of their line of peripherals. Just like the Blackwidow V2, each secret has a top-placed RGB LED that can be independently customized. Within Synapse 3.0, you’ll discover Chroma Studio. This brand-new collection enables you to prepare your gadgets to match the exact layout on your work desk. By doing so this you can quickly program Chroma effects that sync between your devices. My individual fave was the causal sequence. Whenever I push a trick, a smooth blue surge takes a trip throughout all my devices perfectly.
See Also: Razer Huntsman Gears 5 Edition Driver Download
Razer Tartarus V2 Features
- High-Performance Mecha-Membrane Switches: Provides the tactile feedback of mechanical keypress on a comfortable, soft-cushioned, membrane, rubber dome switch suitable for gaming.
- 32 Mecha-Membrane Keys for More Hotkeys and Actions: Perfect for gaming or integrating into creative workflows with fully programmable keys.
- Thumbpad for Improved Movement Controls: The 8-way directional thumbpad allows for more natural controls for console-oriented players and a more ergonomic experience
- Fully Programmable Macros: Razer Hypershift allows for all keys and keypress combinations to be remapped to execute complex commands.
- Ultimate Personalization & Gaming Immersion with Razer Chroma: Fully syncs with popular games, Razer hardware, Philips Hue, and gear from 30+ partners; supports 16 8 million colors on individually backlit keys.
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