Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard Review

The Microsoft Reclusa - a gaming keyboard released by Microsoft in a joint venture with Razer. If you are familiar with gaming PC accessories, then you will need no introduction to Razer. But why would you consider the Reclusa when there is the option of Razer's Tarantula gaming keyboard? For one, there is the price. The Tarantula retails for SGD$179, while the Reclusa is a cheaper alternative at SGD$110. Then let's take a look at the Reclusa.



On first sight when you open up the box, you will notice the keyboard is jet black in colour with a removable hand rest, which is padded and has a nice touch to it. You will also notice that this keyboard has quite a large footprint, and it is a wired one.

Therefore, you have to have enough desktop space to let this keyboard sit on. Being wired is supposedly to offer better response for gaming.

Examining it closer, you will see that this keyboard has a nice visual feel to it, with blue backlighting for the keys.





A gamer's trademark, especially if you have a blue Razer mouse, it will fit the theme nicely.

However, if you do not like the backlighting, you cannot dim it down or turn it off. It is there, whether you like it or not. This is not such a big deal. There are a few nice touches to this keyboard besides the gaming aspect of it. The USB is gold plated, there are two USB ports left and right of the keyboard (which I really like), and there is a nice compartment for for cables underneath the keyboard. Very thoughtful design, and it works well.


This being a gaming keyboard spots quite a few features such as low latency keys for superior gaming response, two 360 degree jog dials on each side, four programmable buttons for common tasks, six programmable hotkeys, and on the fly profile management. All these have one goal, and that is to make your gaming experience easier and more complete by offering user customizations.

All in all, I feel that it is a value for money gaming keyboard, but not without its flaws. As a personal take, I would save up and get the Tarantula from Razer instead.