Razer launches water-resistant Cynosa Chroma and Cynosa Chroma Pro keyboards

Last month, SteelSeries unveiled its splash-proof Apex 150 keyboard, built to protect the electronic internals from water damage. Razer isn’t too far behind, launching its new water resistant Cynosa Chroma and Cynosa Chroma Pro starting at $60.

Just like the SteelSeries Apex 150, Razer has opted to use membrane switches with its Cynosa Chroma and Cynosa Chroma Pro, instead of the now oversaturated mechanical market, however the company states that its own “soft cushioned” keys are actually better than other rubber dome peripherals.

Razer claims that this is possible through custom tuning responsiveness and actuation distance, and while it is not impossible for a membrane keyboard to rival the performance of that shown by a mechanical variant, it’s best to wait until reviewers get a hands on to put that to the test.

Starting at $60, Razer states that the “Cynosa is the most full-featured entry-level keyboard for gamers” available. This is particularly noticeable with the company’s signature per-key Chroma lighting, spill resistance, programmable macro keys, 10-key rollover with anti-ghosting and 1,000Hz polling rate, with Razer Synapse 3 compatibility.

The only thing setting the two models apart is that the Cynosa Chroma Pro improves upon the Chroma illumination by adding an underglow to the lighting, as seen above, as well as 24 customisable zones, all for $20 extra.

Razer is currently keeping the Cynosa Chroma Pro as an exclusive on its own store, selling the model for a more premium $80, whereas the standard model will be available for $60 worldwide from third party retailers later this year.

KitGuru Says: I’m unsure if the Pro packs enough features to warrant the price increase, but that is entirely subjective. Do any of you still use rubber dome keyboards? What would you prefer to use?

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