Razer has introduced the Tartarus V2 Pro, a new gaming keypad designed for players who want more programmable controls without using a full keyboard.
The device is priced at $199.99 in the United States and £199.99 in the United Kingdom. It is available through Razer's own stores and partner retailers.
The Tartarus V2 Pro follows earlier models in the Tartarus family and keeps the same general idea: place a large number of controls within easy reach of one hand. This makes it particularly relevant for MMORPGs, strategy games, and other titles that rely heavily on keyboard shortcuts.
The new model adds Razer's latest analog optical switch technology, a TMR thumbstick, adjustable actuation, and support for features normally found on its higher end gaming keyboards.
| Feature | Razer Tartarus V2 Pro |
|---|---|
| Price | $199.99 / £199.99 |
| Programmable inputs | 31 total |
| Main keys | 27 |
| Switch type | Analog optical |
| Thumb control | TMR thumbstick |
| Polling rate | Up to 8,000Hz |
| Profiles | Up to 24 keymaps |
| Software | Razer Synapse |
| Wrist rest | Adjustable |
Analog switches allow more control from each key
The Tartarus V2 Pro uses analog optical switches rather than traditional mechanical switches.
These switches support adjustable actuation, meaning you can control how far a key needs to travel before an input is registered. Razer also supports assigning multiple actions to a single key depending on how deeply it is pressed.
That can be useful in games where one key may need to handle different actions without forcing your hand to move across a larger keyboard.
The keypad also includes Rapid Trigger and Snap Tap, technologies already used in Razer's Huntsman V3 Pro keyboard range.
Rapid Trigger allows inputs to reset faster as a key moves, while Snap Tap is designed to prioritize directional input changes in competitive games.
The 8,000Hz HyperPolling rate is another feature aimed at players who care about low latency and fast input response.
TMR thumbstick adds movement controls
Razer has also included a TMR thumbstick.
TMR technology is designed to avoid some of the wear related issues associated with conventional potentiometer based sticks. The company describes the stick as drift resistant, which could be useful for players who use the keypad heavily over long periods.
The thumbstick works alongside the 27 main keys and additional programmable controls, bringing the total number of inputs to 31.
Razer Synapse lets you configure up to 24 keymaps, giving you room to create separate layouts for different games or genres.
Ergonomics are a major part of the design
The Tartarus V2 Pro is not only aimed at players who want more shortcuts. Its shape is also designed to reduce the amount of movement required from one hand.
An adjustable wrist rest lets you change the fit depending on hand size and desk position.
That could make the keypad useful for players who find standard full size keyboards uncomfortable for long sessions, although the actual benefit will vary from person to person.
The compact arrangement could be especially practical in games such as World of Warcraft, where players often rely on many abilities and key combinations.
Competitive shooters are another possible use case because the keypad combines rapid input features with a high polling rate and analog switches.
The Tartarus V2 Pro remains a specialized accessory rather than something every PC gamer will need. At $199.99, it is also expensive compared with many conventional gaming keyboards.
For players who specifically want a one handed control setup with a large number of customizable inputs, however, it offers a combination of analog keys, a TMR thumbstick, extensive remapping, and adjustable ergonomics in a compact format.
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