Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black)
by Microsoft
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List Price: Category: CE See more product details |
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Customers in the UK,
Buy this product at amazon.co.uk
for British Pounds
Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black)
Customer Review: Nice backlit keyboard with extra features, lackluster drivers/USB support
Summary: 3 Stars
(updated 11/21/2008)
This is a great keyboard. After a month of use, I've gotten used to the extra keys (at first, I was pressing macro keys instead of Ctrl/Shift) and I love the visual impact of its sleek design. The "throw" of the keys is perfect -- not too much like a membrane, and fairly quiet, but just the right amount of tactile response.
The backlighting is similarly impressive, enabling you to type/play in the dark (even touch-typists need to see, sometimes). The USB cord docking feature is very nice -- it allows you to have the cord snake out of three convenient positions along the backside of the keyboard.
I haven't really noticed an enhanced response rate between the keys and software, but it's certainly no slouch.
The volume control (top right dial) is a welcome addition -- but why not a "mute" button? I can't find a way to program a "mute" command via the Reclusa software.
Now for some downsides.
The macro software is somewhat lackluster. It switches on-the-fly for running programs, but there are no presets (other than the defaults) -- you'll have to hunt for .EXE files and assign keys to their profiles. To top it off, there are only 5 profiles available. Most gamers would probably prefer dozens. One key ejects the CD/DVD -- not helpful during a game, to be sure. The mail/web browser keys are in the same boat -- why enable them for full-screen game software?
The ESC key is in an awkward position. It's somewhat blocked by the (otherwise pretty) top layer of translucent plastic.
It's too easy to hit the right (or left) side buttons with a mouse. Disabling them helps, somewhat.
To top it off, connecting a Razer Copperhead (mouse) in one of the USB "convenience" on the top left/right causes the keyboard to remain unresponsive when rebooting the host PC. Once fully booted, connecting the mouse works. Connecting other common devices (like a flashcard reader) sometimes results in a "low power" message in Windows XP.
If not for the dismal support software and the fact that mine came with what looks like a small "blister" or crack under the top layer of translucent plastic, I'd call this an excellent gaming keyboard. If there was a chance the software would be improved, over time, I'd mark it higher, but most companies release completely new versions of hardware with software, nowadays, opting to never improve on the original versions for current customers. 3/5 stars, 4 if they improve the drivers.
*update: driver updated, fixes a few things. Wrist pad has since broken off -- build quality may be somewhat lackluster, here. Lighting is still excellent, but I notice a significant brightness difference between the (always-on) NumLock indicator and the (never on) CAPS LOCK lights. If your PC is on 24/7, the keyboard stays lit, so LED brightness apparently degrades, over time.
Customer Review: Decent
Summary: 3 Stars
I tend to buy things based on price and reviews. I don't like spending a ton of money on something that'll be obsolete in a year, if you know what I mean.
Anyway, I wanted a simple backlit keyboard and this was on sale (cheaper than current price). The backlight works great; I can see the keys just right even in total darkness. The keyboard is wider than avg b/c of the extra keys. I use the computer a lot for gaming but I'm pretty simple so I don't use the extra macro keys. I didn't install the software in hopes that the extra keys would not work. Well, unfortunately, the "cute" shortcut keys (home, email and music) on the left (next to the tab, caps lock and shift) were already enabled. Urgh! Plenty of times instead of hitting the caps lock (for example) I would accidently hit the email key. Very frustrating b/c this causes my Outlook to launch and minimizes my game! Terrible when you're about to score a point. Still trying to figure out how to disable these keys. Other than that, one of the little tabs for the wrist pad has already broken off.
Overall, its a decent backlit keyboard. I would not recommend it for gaming IF you're not going to use the macros.
Customer Review: An O.K. keyboard.
Summary: 3 Stars
Let me start with the pros.
Pro:
1) Affordable
2) Blue LED Illumination.
3) Easy to type on.
4) Programmable buttons.
5) Great Software.
Now, for the good stuff.
Cons:
1) Useless side buttons. They are easy to hit. They put a Eject CD button right next to the enter on the keypad.
2) Blue LED does NOT turn off. There is no option to turn it off. The software doesn't have anything either.
3) Top of the keyboard attracts dust and gets scratched up WAY too easily.
4) Not worth the $60.00 price tag.
5) The lights are dim in many places.
6) Can't program the "Windows" key to something else.
Overall, it isn't bad. The cons outweigh the pros easily. The buttons are easy to hit, and very smooth. There is ghosting with the arrow keys, if you use them. Kind of frustrating the lights can't be turned off. Or, even turned brighter. Might as well spend 10-20 more and get the Razor keyboard itself.
Customer Review: Is it the Keyb too sensitiive or is my fault?
Summary: 2 Stars
I really like this keyb. It is absolutely fancy, mmatch my PC coolors and add a soome style to my desk.
Hoow dooes it works? Not that goood IMO. Great when gaming, but so far horrible typing a docuument.
II come from a very standard keyb, one of those for 10 bucks att any store, and typing docs and email i never had typo issues. Noisy clicks, mayybe yes, not fanncyy look, ok.. for 10 bucks, but no typo mistakes whatsoever.
The Reclusa, looks nice, has a soft keyb, not too noisy, but for me is a nightmare to type on. mayybe tooo sensitiive, but thhere is no way to really fix thhe problem. I already set evverything I could at low sensitivity. Ok I''ll show you what I mean:
-- Starting now, I am typing withhout fix alll the typo errors gennerated by thhe kkeyboard. As you can see, it''s a nightmare. of course iit possibble it s mme, althou withh my old keybb iit never hhappened and at mmyy office i have no issues wiithh a bbasic DDELLL kkeybb. ----
So, now you have an idea. I am tryinng to get used to it. Writiing a documents takes ages now and I am not happy for this. It is possible I will send it back if i cannot improve my typing skills on it.
I will give it a shot, and that s why I set 2 stars. otherwise it would be only 1 star. All the othher functionalities are absolutely OK and a snap to programm.
Unfortunately, if u cannot use a keyb to type, in my mind it fails the reasoon why it exists.
Customer Review: Too flimsy
Summary: 2 Stars
I have had this keyboard for approximately 6-8 months and I just have to say that I am dissappointed in the quality of this keyboard. I have had other Microsoft keyboards that are not supposed to be gaming keyboards that have lasted me longer than this one did. I will not be buying this keyboard ever again.