Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard Review

Microsoft and Razer have teamed up to develop the Microsoft Reclusa gaming keyboard. With the wealth of great gaming keyboards on the market from the likes of Logitech and Razer, the Reclusa has a tough road ahead to make a name for itself. Does the Microsoft Reclusa have what it takes to make it in the PC gaming world? Read on to find out.

Gallery

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Benchmarks

Features & Specifications
Razer’s contribution to the Microsoft Reclusa keyboard is the software and the Hyperesponse gaming key action, which is supposed to reduce key latency for better response. The Reclusa drivers are easy to use, like other Razer products, but don’t offer as much programmability as the Razer Tarantula or Logitech G15. The price for the Microsoft Reclusa is $69.95, placing it in the same price category as many other gaming keyboards on the market.

The Microsoft Reclusa has a jog dial on the right and one on the left of the keyboard. The left dial acts by default like the scroll wheel on a mouse; you can use it to scroll web pages up and down. The wheel on the left is mapped to volume control by default. Each wheel can be programmed for macros when turned left or right. Rather than macros, you can also program the wheels to launch applications for each direction.

Along each side of the keyboard are five programmable keys that have default labels on them for things like opening your home page, opening your email and media controls. Via the software, you can also map these keys to macros that can handle up to eight key strokes and accept programmable delays between presses. If the total amount of macros isn’t enough for you, one of the keys can be mapped to a shift feature allowing for more programming options. Just like the scroll wheels, you can also map the buttons to open specific programs as well. Two of the buttons on each side wrap around to the edge of the keyboard so you can press them from the side as well as from above the keys.

Microsoft Reclusa in Use
All of the keys on the Microsoft Reclusa are backlit with a blue light, that reminds me very much of the Saitek Eclipse 2. On each of the top corners of the Microsoft Reclusa sits one USB port that will work with low power USB items. You can’t plug higher demand USB mice into the ports, but lower demand mice and gadgets work fine in these ports.

Unlike many of the backlit gaming keyboards on the market, the Microsoft Reclusa doesn’t allow you to dim or turn off the blue lighting. With the Reclusa, the lighting is on all the time. This isn’t a big deal to me, though some may find it an issue. The backlighting itself is good with all the keys lit evenly.

The padded wrist rest is comfortable and has a vinyl coating rather than hard plastic and it is removable if you don’t like wrist rests. Under the keyboard are two plastic elevators that raise the rear of the Reclusa by about ½ an inch. The keys on the recluse have a feel nearly identical to that of the Saitek Eclipse. The keys are not overly clicky, and offer decent typing feel though not as good as the Razer Tarantula in my book.

I’m not a huge fan of macros in game, though those that rely on macros in RPG games should seriously consider the eight-keystroke limit before buying the Microsoft Reclusa. Other programmable keyboards like the G15 from Logitech may be more suited to your needs if long macros are your style.

Verdict

Conclusion

Pros

• Decent typing feel
• Comfortable design
• Good software

Cons

• Macros limited to eight-keystrokes
• No dimming options on backlighting

Verdict
When all is said and done the Microsoft Reclusa is a good gaming keyboard. Those into long macros may want to shop elsewhere, but the vast majority of gamers will find that the Microsoft Reclusa is a great compromise between a dedicated, hardcore gaming keyboard and a general use daily keyboard.

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