PC & Console Peripherals

Razer Ornata V2: The new edition of a popular keyboard

The V2 at the end of the name clearly states, as with many other Razer products, that the Razer Ornata V2 is not a new keyboard, but a second version. Accordingly, the first Ornata and the Chroma version, which saw the light of day in 2016, have been expanded by a few features.

The Razer Ornata keyboards are basically simply built gaming keyboards without many bells and whistles. They are especially identified by hybrid key switches. However, these have caused various opinions among peripheral fans for years regarding the high price – but more on that later.

Nevertheless, the Chroma version has won many enthusiasts over the years and is considered one of the most popular keyboards from Razer. We have now taken a closer look at what differences the V2 delivers.

Since we never had the predecessor in the test, we have dealt with the device in detail despite minimal changes in the V2.

Specifications

Button switch type Razer hybrid mecha membrane switch
Material Plastic, synthetic leather (palm rest)
Sampling rate 1000 Hz
Onboard memory None
On-the-fly system With FN keys
Cable connection USB
Multimedia buttons 3 pieces, digital knob
Rollover technology Anti-ghosting
Weight 1.6 kg
Colors Black
Price € 139.78 *

Externals

The structure of the Razer Ornata V2 presents itself as a trapezoidal case made of plastic. At the back, there are a total of three openings, through which the cable can be laid – depending on the direction in which the PC is placed and the cable must run accordingly. This keeps the part of the cable that lingers on the desk within limits. Small, but good idea from Razer.

In addition, the Ornata V2 comes with a palm rest that is well padded and thus comfortable for a long time. It is covered with imitation leather, into which the snake logo is punched. Thanks to magnets, the palm rest can be removed and attached as you like.

We could paint a pretty picture now, but that’s not what we’re known for at Basic Tutorial. Nothing about the keyboard looks high-end, and the feel doesn’t change that either. Only the leatherette wrist-rest impresses with a bit of elegance. You are usually only used to this look from 20-euro keyboards on Amazon.

Only the keycaps look appealing and flatter the fingers with their smooth surface.

After the exterior could not fully convince us, we now turn our attention to the keys and switches as well as the RGB lighting, in the hope that our image of the Razer Ornata V2 will improve.

Hybrid key switches are something different

The Razer hybrid mecha membrane switches are installed. These combine the typical properties of mechanical switches with those of rubberdome keyboards. Thus, the keys of the Ornata V2 offer mechanical clicking and a soft stroke.

And indeed, operating the Razer keyboard is a dream. The soft keystrokes are always noticeable and are a great change from other keyboards that are purely mechanical or conventional.

In this case, we can only leave good things about the Razer Ornata V2. Here, the peripheral manufacturer has perfectly combined two technologies, but this is not a novelty. The hybrid switches were already installed in the first two versions. However, the installed technology brings anti-ghosting rollover.

Three media keys and a rotary control are new

At this point we come to the most noticeable and biggest change of the V2 compared to the first versions. The status LEDs give way – formerly at the top right – to three media buttons and a digital rotary control on the new model, and are now located above the arrow keys.

The three media buttons can be used to start or stop music, but also to select the next or previous track. Nothing wild so far. The rotary control in button size, which can be used to finely adjust brightness and volume, for example, attracts attention. Visually and haptically, it strongly reminds us of the double-length knob on Corsair’s K100 RGB. However, Razer’s knob differs again in material: like the rest of the keyboard, it’s made of plastic!

By the way, all the buttons, not just the medial ones, can be programmed individually. However, not onboard, since the Razer Ornata V2 has neither memory nor MCU. Instead, macros can be saved via Razer’s Synapse 3 software.

Generally a nice gimmick with the cog, the three media keys on the other hand are a standard feature even on cheaper models.

RGB Lighting and Controls

Just like the Chroma version, the V2 has been equipped with RGB backlighting. Here, every single button can be controlled individually and can be stored with 16.8 million colors.

This can be controlled via Razer Synapse. Lighting effects can also be set and selected there. Macros can also be set up via the software.

Conclusion

In summary, we note that the Razer Ornata V2 has received few new features. These include the media buttons as well as the digital dial and the openings at the back for cable routing. However, we were most impressed by the already existing hybrid switches.

At 109.99 Euros, the V2 costs just as much as the first and Chroma versions did at their launch.

At this point, we would like to join the discussion about the high price of the Ornata keyboards and note that you can get much higher-quality and more comprehensive keyboards in the gaming sector for the same money; for example, the Lioncast LK300 Pro. Even Corsair has something in the price range. Although not with an aluminum case, but with onboard memory.

Of course, looks are always subjective, but we think Razer could have also updated the look of the Ornata V2. Furthermore, the innovations are just standard features that should be on any new gaming keyboard.

In short, the Ornata V2 probably appeals more to Razer fans. It can hardly compete with keyboards in its price segment.

Razer Ornata V2

Workmanship
Features
Ergonomics
Software
Value for money

82/100

In our opinion, the Razer Ornata V2 offers too little innovation and could have used a significant visual upgrade.

Simon Lüthje

I am co-founder of this blog and am very interested in everything that has to do with technology, but I also like to play games. I was born in Hamburg, but now I live in Bad Segeberg.

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