razer deathstalker ultimate gaming keyboard with lcd panel quotation

Razer has announced the DeathStalker Ultimate, a gaming keyboard equipped with a 4-inch integrated touchpad that doubles as an auxiliary LCD display. The peripheral was announced at Gamescom 2012, and it"ll cost $249.99 when it ships in September. You"ll likely note that the gaming peripheral bears a striking resemblance to the RazerStar Wars: The Old Republic branded keyboard — the design is identical, and while the DeathStalker lacks a cheery color palette and strips of LED lighting, it bears the same 10 customizable LCD keys and integrated touchpad.

The DeathStalker Ultimate joins a long line of keyboards with integrated LCD displays — the most recent addition beingMad Catz"s Strike 7. But Razer is attempting to build out a selection of touchscreen apps with its Switchblade UI, coupling its ability to display critical character and game data with tools to take screenshots or check email and browse YouTube while you game. We got an early glimpse of the Switchblade UI on a keyboard with the Razer Blade laptop where it proved to be a so-so touchpad, but promised to make for an awesome independent peripheral — it isn"t quite there yet, but putting it on a keyboard remains a step in the right direction. If the $250 price tag doesn"t give you pause, the DeathStalker Ultimate will begin shipping in September. A $79.99 variant is available for the rest of us, but it scraps the auxiliary display in favor of a traditional number pad, and offers fewer backlighting options.

How many different products can modern manufacturers incorporate a touch screen? You know, with that question now out in the open air, I’m not sure I want the answer. Touch screens are popping up like mad. I have one on my phone, of course, a digital video recorder, a fan controller for my PC, and now I have one on two different keyboards. If you want more epic gaming products, take a look at our best gaming keyboards list.

The main feature list is nothing particularly noteworthy until you get to the touch screen. The chiclet-style keys are fully programmable, the backlighting is tri-color, and can be customized via Synapse 2.0 software. We have 1000Hz ultra polling with a 1ms response time. A dedicated game mode can be set so you can disable certain keys, which tend to get accidentally pressed while gaming. These include Alt, the Windows key, and others. Also, while in Gaming mode or logged in to Synapse 2.0, users get a 10-key rollover, where 10 keys can be pressed simultaneously, and all are recognized. Yet the features that set the Deathstalker Ultimate apart from the rabble are the aforementioned multi-touch LCD track-panel and the sophisticated 10 dynamic display keys (80Hz response time)

How about “elegance” is that for you? Because this one radiates it like a high fashion GQ model. From the solid, less-modular look to the lowered chiclet-style keys to the 800×600 capacitive multi-touch screen interface. The Razer Deathstalker Ultimate is a showstopper! You can even display your favorite images on the touch screen for a more tailored appeal. These can be pulled right from your computer directories. I should note this feature is untested as I could not get my images to appear on-screen. But that’s a minor crumb from a very rich table.

It’s a nuisance for sure, but Synapse 2.0 seems “…better. Stonger. Faster”. In the past, it was plagued with freezing and crashing. There is no sign of that. Bravo Razer! Moreover, it’s intuitive and makes creating and editing macros just as easy as the Smart Technology used by Mad Catz. I did run into a couple of issues. One is mentioned above–the wallpaper problem. The other… The LCD touch screen replaces a traditional Numpad. You can pull up a virtual Numpad, which looks very similar to what you see on your touch screen smartphone when looking at the dial pad. But sometimes, when I hit a series of numbers, only the first digit appears and removes the cursor from whatever field or file I was working in. I have to manually move the mouse cursor back to the file and then punch in the numbers using the garden variety keys found at the top of the keyboard. I’m sure this can be fixed, but currently, it makes the Numpad app quite unreliable.

Again, this is a full capacitive touch screen. It supports gestures such as two-finger scrolling up, down, or sideways. You can also use 3-fingers to single-swipe left and access the game profiles(3-finger swipe right to return), the screenshot app, and a title-specific set of timers. The timers are more fluff. But the game profiles…? There are profiles tailored to Team Fortress 2, Battlefield 3, Counter-Strike: GO, and SWTOR. Choose one of these profiles, and a nice corresponding game title image will appear on the touch screen. For instance, if you select BF3, then you must choose which class you plan to play (Recon, Assault, etc.) right from the touch screen. The 10 display keys then show an image that corresponds to one of the in-game actions. Go prone, switch to your pistol, or specialty item, are but a few of the baked-in options. You can even customize and edit this further. Or go and create a completely different profile. You can also have the display keys show your custom-created button images. It’s kind of neat but not really what I want from a touch screen-on-a-keyboard solution.

I wish there was something here more compelling regarding the apps. Both the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 and Deathstalker fall short of a game-changing killer app. The best each offers is the screenshot dealy on the Deathstalker Ultimate, and the Team Speak integration on the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7. Razer, like Mad Catz, is aware that gamers want more from their screens. So hopefully, we will see more apps in the future.

But I can’t complain a lick about the general keyboard performance. The Deathstalker Ultimate is not a mechanical keyboard by any means. Yet I really like typing on it–a lot!! I thought I preferred the mock-mechanical feel of the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 over the Deathstalker Ultimate. But I can type so much faster on these lowered chiclet-style keys. There is no lag, and everything seems very responsive. The flat keys have a bit more surface area and are easy to reach all around. I have no issues with typing or gaming.

There you have it–a big complicated review for an equally sophisticated product. The Razer Deathstalker Ultimate is an impressive board that needs a bit more time to realize its full potential. Only a couple of apps are majorly useful to gamers. I am confident more sought LCD functions will trickle down eventually. Let’s not forget Razer now has its own GameBooster client that does video capture, among many other things. Theoretically, this could be tacked on to work with the Deathstalker Ultimate multi-touch LCD screen. Until then, you get an obscenely stylish all-black keyboard, a large cache of fun but not particularly useful applications, and general-use performance that is as handsome as the aesthetics.

Bottom Line: The Deathstalker Ultimate is unlike any keyboard we’ve seen thus far. The full capacitive keyboard will turn many heads. Plus, general keyboard performance is excellent. I can easily recommend this one as I know Razer is committed to enhancing the longevity of that touch screen with more gamer-targeted applications.

PC enthusiasts expect to pay extra for premium peripherals, and Razer’s new Deathstalker Ultimate ($250) pushes that expectation to the breaking point by including a flashy new touchscreen interface that’s unlike anything we’ve ever seen in a gaming keyboard.

The keyboard chassis is light and durable, sporting shallow chiclet-style keys that look great but feel shallow. A rubberized wrist rest along the lower edge attracts dust and crumbs like a vacuum but keeps you comfortable during extended typing sessions. Like most Razer keyboards the DeathStalker Ultimate is fully programmable, and includes five extra macro keys on the left edge, a dedicated on-the-fly macro recording key, and a gaming mode key that functions as a toggle which disables the Windows key (and the Alt+Tab and Alt+F4 key combinations, if you like). Alongside these Razer staples you’ll find a new key sporting the Razer logo, which you can tap to revert the LCD trackpanel and accompanying keys built into the right side of the chassis back to their default interface.

The standout feature of the DeathStalker Ultimate is the Switchblade user interface, ten programmable LED keys and a 4-inch LCD multi-touch trackpanel built into the right side of the keyboard. By default the keys are bound to common tasks like logging into Twitter or launching a calculator app (and they sport equally common-place icons) but you can customize them to do pretty much anything with the Razer Synapse 2.0 device management software.

It’s a really neat gimmick that works surprisingly well without a lot of setup time. The trackpanel works well for basic navigational tasks (selecting and editing files, navigating a web browser, etc.) and works as well as just about any laptop trackpad I’ve tested; the gesture controls are a nice touch that let you pull off tricks like propelling your browser backwards or forwards through your browsing history by swiping three fingers left and right.You will need to download the Razer Synapse software in order to take advantage of the dynamic keys and adaptive screen, though; otherwise, it’s just a fancy trackpanel with a glowing Razer logo.

As of this writing the Razer Synapse driver software is easy to download and frustrating to use. Conceptually, it’s great: download Synapse and create a free Razer account, then customize your peripherals and your settings will be saved to Razer servers automatically, meaning you can take your Razer gear anywhere and simply download Synapse to have access to your custom configuration. In practice, Synapse runs slowly and sports an unintuitive interface. Most frustrating of all, during testing Synapse had a hard time reliably detecting Razer peripherals; while testing the DeathStalker Ultimate I had to install Razer Synapse three times across three different PCs, and each time I had problems convincing the software that I had in fact connected our review keyboard. I was able to solve the problem on all of our test machines by either rebooting the PC or reinstalling the software, but it was always a headache. I’ve never had this problem with Synapse while testing other Razer peripherals, so it may be an issue with the DeathStalker Ultimate; if so, a driver update may have solved the problem by the time you read this.

Once you do register the DeathStalker Ultimate with Synapse the ten dynamic keys transform into the afore-mentioned pre-programmed array of common apps; tapping one will open the linked program on the touchscreen, so if you tap the YouTube key the touchscreen displays a list of popular videos while the ten LED keys morph into shortcuts for common YouTube commands (Search, Watch Later, Account, etc.) The same goes for Twitter, Gmail, and the other pre-programmed apps on the Switchblade home interface; each will run on your keyboard’s LCD trackpanel as though it were a second display, a neat but ultimately fairly useless gimmick. If you use the trackpanel to watch video or listen to music the audio will play through your PC’s primary audio output device, as though you were simply playing media in a separate app on your desktop.

The Switchblade apps were a little buggy during testing; you can scroll through websites on the trackpanel just like you were viewing them on a tablet, dragging your fingers to move and tapping on the LCD screen to make selections, but often the trackpanel would become unresponsive when launching apps. More than once I had an app crash completely, leaving the trackpanel blank (though still functional as an input device) until I unplugged and reconnected the keyboard.

If you play a lot of games on your PC you may appreciate the custom layouts and game-specific functions that can be downloaded from Razer Synapse. These profiles typically assign a bunch of game-specific commands to the dynamic keys (along with gorgeous custom icons) and employ the trackpanel screen as a secondary display for various in-game functions like changing classes, displaying health and energy bars, tracking match statistics, etc. Only a handful of games (Team Fortress 2, Battlefield 3, The Old Republic, etc.) are supported as of this review, but it’s possible that more developers will partner with Razer in the coming months to release downloadable profiles for the DeathStalker Ultimate that utilize the Switchblade interface. Hopefully any future updates will take advantage of the 4-inch LCD display to provide information that can’t already be easily gleaned from playing a game normally; as it stands, I didn’t have a better experience playing games with the DeathStalker (using Team Fortress 2 and The Old Republic profiles where applicable) than without it.

To the contrary, I had a slightly harder time gaming with the DeathStalker Ultimate because my fingers were accustomed to the satisfying tactile feedback of a mechanical keyboard and my eyes were accustomed to looking at my screen, not my keyboard. Having one of the ten dynamic LED keys light up with a custom “Call for Medic” icon when you start playing Team Fortress 2 is great in theory, but in practice you will spend precious extra seconds glancing down at your keyboard to hunt and peck the right key before it becomes second nature. You can save yourself those precious seconds (and a significant chunk of change) by skipping the DeathStalker Ultimate in favor of a mechanical keyboard designed for gaming. Razer themselves offer a number of great options, including my personal favorite, the BlackWidow Ultimate.

Building a beautiful LCD touchscreen and ten programmable LED keys into a gaming keyboard is a neat idea, but in practice the Switchblade interface feels more like a gimmick than a useful feature. Opening apps like Twitter or Facebook on your keyboard instead of your browser is pointless, and the Switchblade’s custom game interfaces are frustrating because you have to look away from the action onscreen to use them. Early adopters and LAN partiers in need of a little extra braggadocio may embrace the Deathstalker Ultimate purely on the promise of being able to check Twitter on their keyboard between bouts of Counter-Strike, andMMORPG players will appreciate the extra screen space and programmable hotkeys afforded by the Switchblade UI; everyone else is better off saving some money and investing in a sturdy mechanical gaming keyboard instead.

Razer, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, set a technological benchmark today with the release of its new Razer DeathStalker Ultimate gaming keyboard, featuring Razer"s award-winning Switchblade User Interface (UI).

The Switchblade UI on the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate is the same acclaimed, customizable LCD trackpad and LED keypad combo introduced on the Razer Switchblade concept, which can currently be found in production on the Razer Blade gaming laptop and the Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ gaming keyboard. This unique interface transforms gaming keyboard functionality into a customizable control panel with 10 dynamic, adaptive tactile keys that can be used to bind commands, macros, skills and spells for an unparalleled in-game competitive advantage. Each key can display any image by using Razer"s Synapse 2.0 software, offering gamers the smartest keyboard on the market.

The LCD panel below the keys is capable of two modes. The first setting displays critical in-game information, such as damage dealt and heals-per-second on the new Star Wars™: The Old Republic™ Battle Logger application, or countdown timers that keep track of in-game events with the Razer Gamer Timer application. This display also allows for intuitive multitasking, running external applications like YouTube and most social media platforms, which allows gamers to stay connected to the world by instantly updating their status for friends and followers to see, all on the LCD panel.

The second mode of the panel functions as a highly sensitive, multi-touch trackpad with intuitive gestures built-in, offering an alternative method of navigating games or PC desktops.

The Razer DeathStalker Ultimate features an anti-ghosting infrastructure of up to 10 keys in game mode. Users may actuate as many keys as they have fingers, and have them all register accurately and swiftly in-game.

Powered by Razer Synapse 2.0, the world"s first cloud-based storage software, the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate automatically saves all of a user"s custom settings and profiles for the gaming keyboard on a cloud server. These settings can then be accessed from any computer, with any Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, to ensure the keyboard is instantly ready for use.

"With the Switchblade UI on the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, we wanted to offer gamers an enriching and intuitive gaming experience built for total game control," said Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, president of Razer USA. "We continue to work closely with independent software vendors to integrate the API of their games on the Switchblade UI, so that you can see more of the game as you play. I"m excited that we are making such cutting-edge technology available to gamers everywhere, and look forward to bringing more game-specific apps."

In addition to the revolutionary Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, Razer also introduced the Razer Deathstalker gaming keyboard. The Razer DeathStalker maintains a standard keyboard layout, replacing the Switchblade UI with a numpad instead. The Razer DeathStalker features the same unique design and features of the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate – a 10-key anti-ghosting infrastructure, chiclet-style keycaps, and Synapse 2.0 support.

COLOGNE (GamesCom 2012) –Razer™, the world leader in high-performance gaming hardware, announced the development of a Software Development Kit (SDK) for the award-winning Switchblade User Interface (UI). Game developers and users of the Razer Blade,Star Wars™:The Old Republic™gaming keyboard, and the newly launched Razer DeathStalker Ultimate will now be able to develop applications with the new Software Development kit.

The Switchblade UI"s 10 dynamic adaptive tactile keys and LCD panel allow for two modes that offer a full, vibrant display and a trackpad. Users will be able to utilize the award-winning features of the SwitchBlade UI in creating applications of the developer"s choosing.

With the newly developed SDK, developers can freely create new applications for the Switchblade UI with possibilities ranging from informative guides, mini-maps, inventory slots, and other elevating features, all based in a free and open development model. Interested applicants may submit their inquiries to (SBUI_support@razerzone.com) or visithttp://www.razerzone.com/switchblade-ui/sdkfor a chance to craft out the apps of their choosing.Developers are required to have knowledge of C++ and C Sharp programming.

"With the development of the SDK for the Switchblade UI, we are pleased to offer every game developer the ability to create applications that will enhance their immersive experience for their favorite games," said Robert "RazerGuy" Krakoff, president of Razer USA. "I am eager to see the types of applications that can be made by our passionate and creative fans inside the development community."

The Switchblade UI on the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate is the same acclaimed, customizable LCD trackpad and LED keypad combo introduced on the Razer Switchblade concept, which can currently be found in production on the Razer Blade gaming laptop and the Star Wars: The Old Republic gaming keyboard. This unique interface transforms gaming keyboard functionality into a customizable control panel with 10 dynamic, adaptive tactile keys that can be used to bind commands, macros, skills and spells for an unparalleled in-game competitive advantage. Each key can display any image by using Razer’s Synapse 2.0 software, offering gamers the smartest keyboard on the market.

The LCD panel below the keys is capable of two modes. The first setting displays critical in-game information, such as damage dealt and heals-per-second on the new Star Wars: The Old Republic Battle Logger application, or countdown timers that keep track of in-game events with the Razer Gamer Timer application. This display also allows for intuitive multitasking, running external applications like YouTube and most social media platforms, which allows gamers to stay connected to the world by instantly updating their status for friends and followers to see, all on the LCD panel.

The second mode of the panel functions as a highly sensitive, multi-touch trackpad with intuitive gestures built-in, offering an alternative method of navigating games or PC desktops.

The Razer DeathStalker Ultimate features an anti-ghosting infrastructure of up to 10 keys in game mode. Users may actuate as many keys as they have fingers, and have them all register accurately and swiftly in-game.

“With the Switchblade UI on the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, we wanted to offer gamers an enriching and intuitive gaming experience built for total game control,” said Robert “RazerGuy” Krakoff, president of Razer USA. “We continue to work closely with independent software vendors to integrate the API of their games on the Switchblade UI, so that you can see more of the game as you play. I’m excited that we are making such cutting-edge technology available to gamers everywhere, and look forward to bringing more game-specific apps.”

In addition to the revolutionary Razer DeathStalker Ultimate, Razer also introduced the Razer Deathstalker gaming keyboard. The Razer DeathStalker maintains a standard keyboard layout, replacing the Switchblade UI with a numpad instead. The Razer DeathStalker features the same unique design and features of the Razer DeathStalker Ultimate – a 10-key anti-ghosting infrastructure, chiclet-style keycaps, and Synapse 2.0 support.

Experience a revolutionary and innovative level of gaming immersion and control with the Razer Deathstalker Ultimate gaming keyboard, designed with Razer’s award-winning Switchblade User Interface. It features 10 fully programmable dynamic, adaptive tactile keys and an LCD panel capable of two modes: one for displaying critical in-game information, and another that serves as a highly sensitive trackpad with natural gesture recognition built-in, making the Razer DeathStealker Ultimate the world’s smartest gaming keyboard.

An anti-ghosting infrastructure of up to 10 keys over the entire keyboard ensures no key is left behind as you orchestrate your multi-key press of destruction. The Razer Deathstalker Ultimate is also Razer Synapse 2.0-enabled, and has customizable multi-colored backlit keys to give this hardcore gaming keyboard a personalized look.

Razer’s Switchblade technology jumps from the Switchblade laptop and into the Razer Deathstalker Ultimate gaming keyboard, a sleek, versatile, and powerful gaming keyboard. There’s no denying the Switchblade tech is extremely cool, but it could be even better if it was easier to reach–both economically and ergonomically.

The Razer Deathstalker Ultimate is low-profile keyboard with Chiclet-style keys and Razer’s Switchblade technology, which was first implemented commercially in their Switchblade laptop (now in its second generation).

The Switchblade consists of a built-in touchscreen and 10 physical buttons, each of which has its own customizable LCD screen so you can make them look like and do nearly anything. In addition, games that directly support the Switchblade (such as Team Fortress 2, Battlefield 3, and others) can populate it with their own functions (switching weapons, etc.)

The Switchblade touchscreen can also function as a trackpad, and two mouse buttons are located directly below it. But the Switchblade’s real purpose is to give you mighty Pwnage Powers for gaming—and the ability to do things like check email, Facebook, Twitter, or other services without leaving your game (so you can brag about your pwnage powers).

The Switchblade works much like smart phone-style screen, although without haptic feedback. You can run apps inside of it and use familiar gestures to swipe, pinch, and zoom to view and interact with content.

Many features of the Deathstalker Ultimate, such as Gaming Mode, Macro Recording, and its Synapse 2.0 software drivers, are now common among Razer’s recent PC gaming products (including, for example, the Razer BlackWidow Tournament Edition.) Also, like the Razer

The Deathstalker Ultimate also features back lit keys that can be set to any color of your choosing (including a ‘cycle’ mode to cycle through all the colors).

Like the Razer BlackWidow keyboards, you can record macros on-the-fly—but on the Deathstalker Ultimate you can use the Switchblade screen to do it and view your macros and timing as you create the macro.

One interesting thing about the Deathstalker Ultimate is that it features a very nice wrist rest with a cool rubber surface. It’s an excellent wrist rest generally speaking, but it can’t be removed. The wrist rest also adds some good, solid heft to the Deathstalker; although (on a side note) cat hair sticks to it like glue. The Deathstalker Ultimate isn’t as heavy as a mechanical keyboard, but it’s definitely no lightweight.

The ‘killer feature’ of the Deathstalker Ultimate is, of course, it’s 4.05” touchscreen, which comes pre-configured with a variety of apps. In addition, it can be customized with additional widgets, and you can, of course, customize the LCD-buttons with your own icons and macros to basically look like and do just about anything.

Web Browser—access the Internet on the screen with full support for pinch, zoom, etc. Potentially very useful for looking up game tips, guides, hints, etc.

I definitelylove the Switchblade UI, its customization options, apps, and fully capable touchscreen on the whole. On a lark I configured the Switchblade buttons and track pad with nothing but “LOLcats” (there’s a picture in the slideshow), and then populated them with Tribes: Ascend voice emotes and other game functions. (I don’t know why, but I really get a kick out of pressing a LOLCat button for “Cast Magic Missile” and actually casting a magic missile in a game. I think even Serious Cat was amused.)

It all worked beautifully, and the Synapse 2.0 software makes it easy to set up without having to edit pictures to specific dimensions or change file formats. You can use virtually any picture file in a common image format (.JPG for example) as an icon for the Switchblade buttons or used as trackpad ‘wallpaper’. Admittedly, I think the Synapse 2.0 software could make the process easier by employing a simple ‘bulk import’ function to quickly create a gallery of buttons. (The current implementation requires you add/change images one at a time).

The keys: I would love the Deathstalker keys on a laptop, but otherwise I greatly prefer mechanical keyboards. Given the choice between the mechanical keys of Razer’s awesome BlackWidow Ultimate (my favorite) and the low-profile Chiclet keys on the Deathstalker, I’ll take the BlackWidow any day.

Ergonomics: Secondly, there’s the placement of the Switchblade itself. It’s harder for me to reach and use in fast-paced games such as Tribes: Ascend, Torchlight II, and Borderlands 2, some of the games I played with it. As a right-handed gamer, I generally use my left hand for 95% or more of all keyboarding, which includes using key-based macros. I just don’t like taking my hand off the mouse, and found myself using the left-hand M1-M5 macro keys in preference to Switchblade macro keys (unless I had an overwhelming desire to press a LOLCat button—yeah, that still makes me chuckle like an idiot).

I do like being able to check my email or browse the web without leaving a game, which also has a lot of potential gaming-related uses. But again, ergonomics rears its ugly head. Even though you can use the Switchblade to check your email, Facebook, or Twitter without leaving a game, you still have to look down (i.e. away from your game) to do it. And the viewing angle (straight down) also makes typing more awkward.

The Deathstalker Ultimate’s Switchblade may be technically more advanced and have better software the V.E.N.O.M. touchscreen on the S.T.R.I.K.E. 7 keyboard, but ergonomics and usability ultimately trump cool tech.

This was further proved (to me, anyway) when I configured the STRIKE7 in one of its alternate configurations—which is essentially a speedpad with a touchscreen—and then placed it to the left of the Deathstalker. I did this initially just for fun, but found that even moving the STRIKE7 touchscreen/speedpad to the left of the Deathstalker put it too far away for me to want to use it much. In this set up, I have to move my entire hand approximately 1 hand span (let’s say 4-5 inches or so) to reach the V.E.N.O.M. touchscreen – too far for quick access under typical circumstance.

Don’t get the impression that I don’t like the Deathstalker Ultimate; I just think it’s a product that could be significantly improved from a usability standpoint. However, I’m also well aware that not every gamer shares my preferences. And your mileage will vary depending on your own preferences—maybe you love right-hand macro keys, you’re left handed, or you prefer games that allow you to take your hand off the mouse without getting shot in your virtual face. In that vein, I think that RTS, strategy, and MMORPG games may be inherently better suited to the Switchblade—as long as you love those games enough to drop $250 on a keyboard.

I offered these thoughts to the folks at Razer in an email while composing my review. And in all honesty, I actually think the Switchblade technology would be a more compelling desktop companion as a stand-alone accessory (At a lower price point), or possibly paired with a speed pad like Razer’s Nostromo. Alternately, a keyboard that enabled you to simply move the Switchblade to where it works best for you would be good too.

I suspect my absolute dream keyboard would be a Razer Black Widow Ultimate (with its awesome mechanical keys) paired with an adjustable tilt-screen Switchblade UI, conveniently located on the left-hand side of the keyboard in the area around the ESC-F1-F2 keys (although the price of such a beast would probably send shivers down one’s spine).

The Deathstalker Ultimate keyboard swaps the traditional number pad for a 4in touchscreen, 10 customisable OLED macro keys and five generic macro keys. Its Chiclet-style keys have user-customisable backlighting, so you can illuminate the keyboard with any colour you choose. The Deathstalker Ultimate also has a braided USB cable, which should help prevent tangles, and a 1,000Hz USB polling rate, which means the USB connection is as fast as possible and should eliminate input lag. To the left of the keyboard are the five macro keys that let you execute a series of commands with one key press.

It’s an incredibly slim keyboard, with an integrated wrist rest covered in soft-touch rubber for added comfort, but the keys are fairly spongy and not particularly responsive, especially when compared to high-end mechanical keyboards. However, this is a keyboard designed for gaming, not typing, and the most interesting aspect of the Deathstalker Ultimate is its gorgeous 4in touchscreen.

The touchscreen’s essentially the same type of display you’ll find in a modern smartphone. It looks incredibly sharp and produces vivid colours. It also doubles as a touchpad, and Razer has sensibly fitted two buttons below it for left and right clicks. Conveniently, it can operate as a number pad should you need one.

Razer preinstalls a small selection of apps to help you make the most of the display, and these let you see your Facebook status updates, check Twitter or browse the web without interrupting what’s on screen, among other functions. These are novel additions, but we think most people would rather use a phone or a tablet to perform these functions.

It’s the custom apps designed for games that truly set the Deathstalker Ultimate apart from the competition. Star Wars: The Old Republic, Battlefield 3, Counter Strike: Global Offensive and Team Fortress 2 were all supported at the time of writing, but Razer has released an APK that’ll let anyone build an app for their favourite game.

Each app assigns specific actions to the touchpad and the 10 OLED macro keys above it, along with dynamic images that change depending on your position in the game. Each macro key has a glass cap but, annoyingly, they look blurred unless you’re using the keyboard when seated. Even so, it’s easy to find the right key when in a fire fight. You can also label keys with text or an icon, and this makes it much easier to see and remember the function of a key.

Sadly, the Deathstalker Ultimate also has its disadvantages. You must connect it to two USB ports in order to power both the keyboard and the touchscreen, which means you could quickly run out of free USB ports if you’re using a gaming laptop or small form factor PC.

The real concern is that the touchscreen and OLED keys, however useful, add significantly to the price of the keyboard. It lacks the mechanical keys we’re used to seeing in top-end gaming kit, using membrane keys instead. Considering you can buy mechanical keyboards from other manufacturers for significantly less than the price of the Deathstalker Ultimate, we don’t think the added extras are worth the much higher price.