Razer's latest venture into the world of productivity peripherals has caught my attention, and for all the right reasons. The Pro Type Ergo is an intriguing blend of ergonomic design and gaming aesthetics, a unique take on the traditional productivity keyboard.
The Split Personality
What immediately stands out is the keyboard's split design, a feature often associated with gaming keyboards. Razer has taken this concept and infused it with an ergonomic twist, creating a comfortable typing experience. The wave design allows for natural hand and finger positioning, and the permanent wrist rest is a welcome addition, especially for those who spend long hours at their desks.
The size of the Pro Type Ergo is a notable feature. It's a big keyboard, and a significant departure from the compact keyboards I usually use. This change in size took some adjustment, but I found the extra space surprisingly accommodating.
A Unique Layout
The split layout of the Pro Type Ergo is unlike any other I've encountered. Razer has implemented larger keys for certain letters, like the 7, T, G, and H, to prevent mistouches. An interesting touch is the inclusion of two B keys, a feature I haven't seen before. The split space bar with a backspace bar in between is also a unique design choice, one that took some time to get used to.
I usually rely on my left index finger to hit the Y key, but with the Pro Type Ergo, this required a bit of a stretch. I found myself adapting and using my right hand more often, which was an unexpected change in my typing habits.
Precision and Comfort
The ultra-low-profile scissor switches provide a precise and comfortable typing experience. The travel distance of these keys is minimal, making them less suitable for gaming but perfect for productivity tasks. The curved keycaps, shaped like fingertips, guide your fingers to the center of the keys, a feature I appreciate immensely. It's a far cry from the flat keys we often see on laptops, and I prefer the comfort and precision of the curved design.
Adjustability and Battery Life
Razer has included four adjustable feet, allowing users to set the keyboard at their preferred height. This attention to adjustability enhances the overall ergonomic experience. However, the battery life is a point of concern. With RGB lighting on, I only managed around six days of use, which is significantly shorter than Razer's claimed 30-day battery life with RGB off. This is something to keep in mind, especially if you're someone who forgets to switch off their keyboard when not in use.
Programmable Keys and Connectivity
The Pro Type Ergo offers additional programmable keys, a feature often associated with gaming keyboards. You can assign custom functions to the dial and create up to 100 macros via Razer Synapse. The AI Prompt button, while not particularly useful in its current state, opens up possibilities for future AI integration.
The connectivity options are impressive, with USB-C, 2.4 GHz wireless, and Bluetooth capabilities. You can connect up to three Bluetooth devices, each stored in the keyboard's memory, and access them via dedicated buttons. These features showcase Razer's commitment to providing a versatile and modern productivity tool.
Final Thoughts
The Razer Pro Type Ergo is a testament to the company's ability to merge gaming aesthetics with productivity-focused design. The lighting adds a touch of fun to an otherwise serious keyboard, and the programmable buttons offer endless customization possibilities.
After an initial learning curve, the Pro Type Ergo provides an extremely comfortable and accurate typing experience. The split-type design may take some getting used to, but it becomes second nature with time.
If you're in the market for a keyboard that prioritizes comfort and accuracy, especially for long periods of use, the Razer Pro Type Ergo is worth considering. Despite the shorter-than-average battery life, it's a well-designed and feature-rich keyboard that has earned its place as my go-to PC typing companion.
