Razer’s DeathStalker V2 Pro Mechanical Keyboard Is Just an Inch Thick

Razer just debuted its new Low-Profile Optical Switches with the DeathStalker V2 Pro, a mechanical gaming keyboard that’s just an inch thick. It’s available in wired, wireless, or tenkeyless configurations, plus it comes with options for clicky or silent optical switches.

Optical switches use an IR light to detect when keys are pressed. This can significantly reduce the travel distance and size of a keyboard—the new DeathStalker V2 Pro has just 2.8 mm of travel, for instance, and keypresses actuate at 1.2 mm. (That’s nearly half the travel of other mechanical options, like Cherry MX Reds, which have 4 mm of travel and actuate at 2 mm.)

Now, there aren’t too many optical gaming keyboards out there. Razer is taking a risk here, just as it did with the original DeathStalker keyboard, which used membrane keys. But some gamers recognize optical keys as a groundbreaking technology; a shorter key travel can make games feel more responsive.

Aside from its unique optical switches, the DeathStalker V2 Pro features ABS laser-etched keycaps and a Chroma RGB backlight. The Bluetooth model can toggle between three devices at the tap of a button and features optional wired connectivity over USB-C.

If gamers agree that the DeathStalker V2 Pro is comfortable, then it will be a huge success. There aren’t a lot of gaming keyboards that use optical switches. That said, the $250 price tag for the full-sized model isn’t super appealing.