Razer DeathStalker family revamped

The Razer DeathStalker keyboard line has had a complete revamp, boasting Razer Low-Profile Optical Switches, Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, and laser-etched key caps. Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, has announced the return of the DeathStalker keyboard in the form of the new DeathStalker V2 Pro, DeathStalker V2 Pro Tenkeyless, and DeathStalker V2.1.

Source: Razer. New DeathStalker models have been launched.

The new DeathStalker V2 line is ideal for gamers looking for a clutter-free desktop setup and high-profile performance. Both linear and clicky variants of Razer Low-Profile Optical Switches are offered. Adding to the premium experience are a slim-line aluminum top plate for superb durability, and laser-etched keycaps with an ultra-durable coating.

“The original DeathStalker became a fan favourite due to its innovative chiclet style design and next-level typing feel within a sleek low-profile form factor,” said Chris Mitchell, Head of the PC Gaming Division at Razer.

“With the new DeathStalker V2 range, we’ve kept the low-profile aesthetic of the original keyboard, but included our latest technology innovations, such as Razer optical switches and Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, to give gamers a fast, feature-packed gaming keyboard experience.”

Featured in every member of the DeathStalker V2 line, the new Razer Low-Profile Optical Switches bring lightspeed switch actuation to low-profile keyboards, using an infra-red beam of light to register keypresses. This leads to zero debounce delay on each key press, giving a faster, more responsive keyboard for gaming and a cleaner, crisper feel for typing.

With fewer physical contact points, reducing overall wear and tear, Razer Low-Profile Optical Switches have been tested to 70 million presses, out-performing competitor switches by as much as 40%. Both switch types allow the keys to sit lower on the keyboard baseplate for more natural hand and wrist position. As a result, gamers will experience minimal wrist fatigue even with long hours of usage, without a wrist rest.

The Linear Low-Profile Optical Switch has an actuation point of 1.2 mm with 2.8 mm of total travel and an actuation force of 45 g. The Clicky variant actuation point is 1.5 mm, with tactile feedback at the same point, and a full travel of 2.8 mm from 50 g of actuation force. Topping off the Low-Profile Optical Switches are laser-etched keycaps with an ultra-durable coating, which helps the keycaps outlast even the likes of doubleshot PBT. Durability is further enhanced with a 5052 aluminum alloy top-plate.

The DeathStalker V2 Pro and DeathStalker V2 Pro Tenkeyless both feature Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Razer's proprietary high speed wireless technology. Using a combination of optimised data protocols, an ultra-fast radio frequency and Adaptive Frequency Technology (which scans available frequencies to use channels clear from interference), Razer HyperSpeed Wireless delivers a fast, stable and reliable wireless connection, on par with traditional wired connections. Featuring multidevice pairing, gamers can connect both DeathStalker V2 Pro and a compatible Razer mouse to just one single HyperSpeed Wireless dongle for greater freedom and convenience, while still keeping latency to a minimum.

In addition to this, the DeathStalker V2 Pro and DeathStalker V2 Pro Tenkeyless also feature Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, giving users the flexibility to connect to up to three devices at once, without the need for re-pairing between devices. They can just switch between devices with the press of a single button.

With battery life of 40 hours of continuous usage for the DeathStalker V2 Pro, and 50 hours for the DeathStalker V2 Pro Tenkeyless, both are supplied with a detachable Type C cable for charging or use while charging, so even the longest gaming marathons don’t have to be paused due to lack of power.

The DeathStalker V2 range offers a keyboard for every user. The DeathStalker V2 Pro brings a fully featured wireless keyboard to users wanting a cable-free setup. For those looking for a clutter-free, minimalist setup or with limited desktop space, the DeathStalker V2 Pro Tenkeyless delivers the same wireless functionality, speed, and responsiveness as the full-sized DeathStalker V2 Pro. Even on the tenkeyless version, the media button and roller are retained for convenience. The DeathStalker V2 gives users the same functionality and speed as the DeathStalker V2 Pro, but eschews wireless connectivity in favour of a detachable Type C cable connection.

All Razer DeathStalker V2 keyboards are fully compatible with Razer Synapse 3 for up to 16.8 million colours customisation though Razer Chroma RGB, and come with hybrid on-board memory for storing user settings when using the keyboard away from home.

Details

Razer DeathStalker V2 Pro

Razer Low-profile Optical Switches

70-million keystroke lifespan

Razer HyperSpeed wireless technology

Razer HyperSpeed multidevice support

Connect via Razer HyperSpeed Wireless (2.4 GHz), Bluetooth, or Type C

Multifunctional media button and media roller

Ultra-durable coated ABS keycaps

Razer Chroma RGB customisable backlighting with 16.8 million colour options

40-hour battery life

Razer Synapse enabled

Hybrid on-board memory and cloud storage – up to five profiles

Fully programmable key with on-the-fly macro recording

N-key roll over

Gaming mode option

Detachable braided fibre Type C cable

5052 aluminum alloy top case

S$319 / RM999 manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP)

Available on Razer.com & and Singapore authorised resellers 16 August: Lazada, Shopee and physical stores.

Available at Malaysia authorised resellers 26 August: Lazada, Shopee and physical stores.

 

Razer DeathStalker v2 Pro Tenkeyless

Razer Low-profile Optical Switches

70-million keystroke lifespan

Razer HyperSpeed wireless technology

Razer HyperSpeed multidevice support

Connect via Razer HyperSpeed Wireless (2.4 GHz), Bluetooth, or Type C

Multifunctional media button and media roller

Ultra-durable coated ABS keycaps

Razer Chroma RGB customisable backlighting with 16.8 million colour options

50-hour battery life

Razer Synapse enabled

Hybrid on-board memory and cloud storage – up to five profiles

Fully programmable key with on-the-fly macro recording

N-key roll over

Gaming mode option

Detachable braided fibre Type C cable

5052 aluminum alloy top case

S$299 / RM929 MSRP

Available at Razer.com & authorised resellers - Q322

 

Razer DeathStalker v2

Razer Low-profile Optical Switches

70-million keystroke lifespan

Multifunctional media button and media roller

Ultra-durable coated ABS keycaps

Razer Chroma RGB customimp;sable backlighting with 16.8 million colour options

Razer Synapse enabled

Hybrid on-board memory and cloud storage – up to five profiles

Fully programmable key with on-the-fly macro recording

N-key roll over

Gaming mode option

Detachable braided fibre Type C cable

5052 aluminum alloy top case

S$249 / RM799 MSRP

Available at Razer.com & authorised resellers – Q322

Razer announces three new value-for-money peripherals

Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, has announced three new gaming peripherals: the BlackWidow keyboard, Kraken headset, and Basilisk Essential mouse.

Source: Razer. The Razer BlackWidow keyboard.

The new Razer BlackWidow keyboard has many of the same features as the flagship BlackWidow Elite. The BlackWidow is fitted with Razer’s tactile and 'clicky' green mechanical switches.

Designed for gaming by Razer, the green mechanical switch features a tactile bump and distinctive click sound, with optimised actuation and reset points for best-in-class gaming and typing. Using Razer’s improved dual-side wall switch design, key wobble is minimised while increasing accuracy and responsiveness. Each key is rated to last up to 80 million keystrokes.

The BlackWidow offers Razer Chroma with individual key lighting of 16.8 million colors controllable via Razer Synapse 3. With Razer Hypershift, every key can be a macro key, or be assigned secondary functions through Razer Synapse 3. The Razer BlackWidow also features onboard hybrid memory and cloud storage, allowing you to preserve your personalised settings (such as lighting profiles, key binds and macros) when used with different computers.

The new Razer Kraken headphones replace the Kraken Pro V2. Taking design and hardware cues from the flagship Kraken Tournament Edition, the Kraken features large 50 mm drivers to deliver clear, powerful sound. The improved retractable microphone cuts out even more background noise for better team communication. 

Long-term comfort is assured with thicker headband padding and all-ear gel cooling cushions. The Kraken Pro V2 has leatherette ear cushions. The ear cup padding features a moisture-wicking breathable fabric on the contact surface, a cooling gel layer and hidden eyewear channels built into the foam layer.

The Kraken is also available in a Quartz Pink edition, and as the Razer Kraken for Console, featuring a new color variant of black with blue highlights.   

The Razer Basilisk Essential mouse stays true to the unique right-handed ergonomic form factor of the original Razer Basilisk and has seven configurable buttons utilising Razer’s mechanical mouse switches, with a durability of up to 20 million clicks.

The thumb-operated multi-function paddle, an award-winning feature in the original Basilisk, can be programmed for any function the gamer needs. Powered by a native, gaming-grade 6,400 dots per inch (DPI) optical sensor, the Razer Basilisk Essential features Razer Chroma with customisability of 16.8 million colours and variety of effects available through Razer Synapse 3.

Details:

Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for the BlackWidow keyboard: US$119.99

MSRP for the Kraken: US$79.99, which is also the MSRP for the Razer Kraken Pro V2.

MSRP for the Basilisk Essential: US$49.99

All three are available on Razer.com now, and worldwide March 2019

Razer BlackWidow Lite is a mechanical keyboard for work and play

Source: Razer. The Razer BlackWidow Lite in the centre.

Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, has unveiled the Razer BlackWidow Lite, a mechanical keyboard designed for work and play.

The BlackWidow Lite keyboard boasts the powerful performance of a Razer mechanical gaming keyboard with a sleek, minimalistic profile that is ideal for professional environments. Equipped with Razer Orange mechanical switches that provide near-silent, tactile feedback, the Razer BlackWidow Lite ensures the best typing experience possible while being discreet.

Each switch has been also tested for exceptional durability of up to 80 million keystrokes. The Razer BlackWidow Lite also ships with separate o-rings for extra sound dampening and fatigue control.

The BlackWidow Lite joins the Razer Atheris and the Razer Goliathus Mobile Stealth in Razer’s performance-productivity peripherals roundup, complementing the company’s other workhorses, including the Razer Blade Stealth laptop, Razer Phone 2 and Razer HammerHead USB-C ANC earbuds.

“We play hard, but we work just as hard,” said Min-Liang Tan, Razer co-founder and CEO. “One third of our daily lives are spent in front of desks, so we want you to experience a keyboard that makes typing feel great. The BlackWidow Lite keyboard was engineered to be the perfect companion for work and for play.”

The Razer BlackWidow Lite has a compact, tenkeyless layout (without a numeric keypad) and includes a detachable braided cable for easy storage and portability. Individually white-backlit keys on the keyboard enable productivity in low light, with fully adjustable brightness controls. Advanced options and granular control are available with Razer Synapse 3, a cloud-based hardware configuration tool that lets users assign macros, set shortcuts, and more.

Details:

The keyboard costs S$149.90 and can be ordered on Razer.com, with selected availability in stores worldwide.

Product specifications:

• Razer Orange mechanical switches - silent and tactile for discreet typing
• 80 million-keystroke lifespan
• Individually white backlit keys 
• Included o-rings and keycap puller
• Razer Synapse 3-enabled
• Detachable braided fibre cable with strap
• 10-key rollover with anti-ghosting
• Gaming mode option to disable windows key and alt+tab
• Fully programmable keys with on-the-fly macro recording
• 1,000 Hz ultrapolling*
• Aluminum matte top plate
• Instant trigger technology for the fastest typing response times

*Ultrapolling is a technology developed by Razer that heightens the frequency of the keyboard reporting actuation information back to the computer.

Razer unveils esports accessories

Source: Razer. From left: the BlackWidow Elite keyboard,
the Mamba Wireless mouse and the Kraken Tournament
Edition headset.

Razer, the global lifestyle brand for gamers, has announced the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset, the BlackWidow Elite keyboard and the Razer Mamba Wireless mouse.

Razer Co-Founder and CEO Min-Liang Tan said: “Since founding Razer, we’ve pushed to make products with unprecedented technology to give gamers the greatest advantage possible.

"At the same time, our long history working with the world’s top esports athletes gives us unique insight into what features work best and should be conserved or finetuned.

"Our newest Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset, BlackWidow Elite keyboard and Mamba Wireless mouse are perfect examples of how leading-edge technology combines with time-honoured design for the win.”

David Tse, Global Esports Director for Razer, added, “This next generation of Razer tournament gear enables our @TeamRazer esports athletes to even further dominate the competition through functional superiority. Each of these peripherals are at the top of their family, delivering extreme performance and customisation for our most discerning gamers.”

Razer Kraken Tournament Edition headset

The Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is the world’s first gaming headset to support THX Spatial Audio. THX Spatial Audio creates realistic depth and immersion by simulating 360° sound with pinpoint accuracy. This technology combined with custom-tuned 50 mm drivers provide clarity, and a punchy bass.

The headset also delivers full audio controls via a USB audio controller. The controller allows on-the-fly bass level adjustment, and a customised mix between game and team chat volume through Game/Chat Balance. 

The headset has been designed with cooling gel-infused ear cushions, hidden eyewear channels, and an improved ultra-soft padded headband for comfort.

With its 3.5 mm combo audio jack, the Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is also cross-platform compatible, working with the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and mobile devices.

Razer BlackWidow Elite keyboard

The Razer Blackwidow Elite is the first in the BlackWidow line to have Hybrid On-board Memory and Cloud Storage and up to five profile configurations that can be saved for use anywhere.

This is a gaming keyboard designed for peak performance, with improved Razer Mechanical Switches, dedicated media keys, Multi-Function Digital Dial and Razer Hypershift, which allows every key to become a macro key via Razer's Synapse 3 software. 

Beyond gaming, the Razer BlackWidow Elite also features a Multi-Function Digital Dial and three media keys. A USB 2.0 and audio pass-through and wire routing allow for easy cable management. 

Razer Mamba Wireless mouse

This mouse combines a Razer 5G Advanced Optical Sensor with 16,000 DPI and resolution accuracy of 99.4% - the highest available on the market - with Razer’s proprietary adaptive frequency technology, which ensures the most stable wireless connection possible, and battery life of up to 50 hours on a single charge. 

The mouse also comes with Razer Mechanical Mouse Switches, durable up to 50 million clicks, and seven buttons that are programmable via Razer Synapse 3. With Hybrid On-board Memory and Cloud Storage, gamers can save up to five profiles to their mouse for easy access.

Details:

The S$279.90 Razer BlackWidow Elite is already available.

The S$159.90 Razer Mamba Wireless is available September 2018.

The S$159.90 Razer Kraken Tournament Edition is also available September 2018.

Google brings free Wi-Fi to Mumbai Central Station, introduces Indic keyboard app

Source: Google Asia Pacific blog.

Starting 22 January, those passing through Mumbai Central station in India will have access to free, high-speed Wi-Fi, courtesy of Google. The service is part of a project announced in September 2015 to provide high-speed public Wi-Fi in 400 train stations across India.

Working with Indian Railways, which operates one of the world's largest railway networks, and RailTel, which provides Internet services as RailWire via its fibre network along many of the railway lines, Google's Access & Energy team plans to cover 100 of the busiest stations in India before the end of 2016, with the remaining stations following in quick succession.

"We’re hoping those of you from — or travelling through — Allahabad, Jaipur, Patna and Ranchi, will be as excited to learn that your stations are up next!" said Gulzar Azad, Head of Access Programs in India for Google in a blog post.

"Commuters will be able to tell if there is high-speed Wi-Fi available if they can see the ‘RailWire Wi-Fi’ network in Wi-Fi settings. If you see it, select it and follow the simple steps below to gain access on your phone and up to two additional devices, like a laptop or tablet — you’ll just need an Indian mobile number to get an access code for each device."

Azad said the Wi-Fi will initially be free, with a drop in speed after the first hour online. The long-term intention is to charge for the service in some way for self-sustainability.

The news follows an 18 January announcement that Google has developed a touch-based keyboard for the easier input of Hindi—and ten other Indian languages—with a phone or tablet. The Google Indic Keyboard app has been downloaded over 10 million times, and supports the alphabet used for that language, a transliteration keyboard, and handwriting input. Both Latin characters and native characters are recognised.

"By making mobile input easier for almost one billion speakers of Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, Punjabi, Tamil and Telugu, we also hope to see more engaging content in these languages on the web," said Linda Lin, Product Manager, Google in a separate blog post.

January 2016 also saw the launch of YouTube home pages customised for Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka, in the local language and domain. YouTube was previously available in Nepali, Sinhalese and Urdu.

Interested?

View the associated video
How to watch YouTube videos offline
Download the Google Indic Keyboard from the Play store

Acer introduces three 2 in 1 notebooks

Acer has expanded its 2-in-1 notebook line with the new 11.6" Aspire Switch 11 series and a new Switch 10 that boasts a 1080p Full HD 10.1" display. The Aspire Switch 2-in-1 lines combine a Microsoft Windows-based notebook and tablet in one flexible device.

Source: Acer. The Aspire Switch 10.

Thin, lightweight and durable, the Aspire Switch series was made for work and on the road. Four modes are enabled for touch, typing, viewing, and sharing. The magnetic detachable Acer Snap Hinge has two hooks to firmly connect the tablet to the keyboard and a two-way connector that holds the tablet for two-sided viewing. This design enables easy transitioning between modes, latch-free keyboard docking and additional storage capability.

Source: Acer. The Aspire Switch 11.

"Our new models sporting larger 11.6" screens with durable Corning Gorilla Glass 3, an anti-fingerprint coating and a responsive Chiclet keyboard should be a hit with both students and professionals alike,” Jerry Kao, GM of Acer Notebook Business Group said.

“2-in-1s offer a great value proposition to consumers who want a laptop and a tablet in one device,” said Navin Shenoy, VP of Intel PC Client Group and GM, Mobile Client Platform Division. “Acer’s new line of 2-in-1s provides more compelling choices that elegantly work, share and play in a variety of modes – all powered by the outstanding performance of Intel processors.”


Two models are available in the Aspire Switch 11 series. Engineered for power users, the Aspire Switch SW5-171 features a Full HD 1080p display and a HD webcam for enjoying images and videoconferences in sharp detail. Up to a fast 4th generation Intel Core i5 processor delivers plenty of power for multitasking and fueling casual games and movies. It’s also outfitted with 4GB memory and up to a 128 GB* SATA hard drive for storing a large archive of data and applications. Connectivity to external storage, peripherals and other digital devices is provided via full-sized USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports.

Designed for mainstream users, the Aspire Switch SW5-111 is outfitted with a 1,366 x 768 resolution display. It offers an Intel Atom Z3745 quad-core processor, 2GB memory and up to 64GB* eMMC storage. Two USB 2.0 ports – one full sized and the other micro – provide connectivity to peripherals and digital devices. A 2.0MP front camera with Full HD 1080p audio/video recording enables videoconferences and capturing images on the fly.

Both models include Microsoft Windows 8.1 for full PC productivity, micro HDMI for connecting a full-size display via just one cable and MicroSD for reading a wide variety of SD cards. Wireless connectivity is enabled with Bluetooth 4.0 and 802.11 a/b/g/n.

The Aspire Switch 10 offers a new model, the SW5-012 that features a Full HD 1,920 x 1,200 or a HD 1,280 x 800 10.1" display. One of the thinnest 2-in-1 devices on the market, it measures less than 8.9 mm thin in tablet mode and 20.2 mm with the keyboard dock.


The tablet weighs 0.585 kg while the combined tablet and keyboard is 1.17 kg. It delivers battery life of up to 8 hours** (HD) and 7 hours** (Full HD) for almost a full day of computing. This model provides solid performance offering up to 32/64GB* of storage, 2GB of RAM and an Intel Atom quad-core processor. It offers a 2MP HD webcam with 1,920 x 1,080 resolution and 1080p Full HD audio/video recording. The Switch 10 SW5-012 also comes with Microsoft Windows 8.1 with Bing and Microsoft Office 365 Personal*** at no additional expense, so users can create and edit Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint documents virtually everywhere.

Zero Air Gap technology delivers sharp images, while Acer LumiFlex optimises screen visibility during outdoor activities, even in bright sunlight. IPS technology provides wide viewing angles and accurate colors from edge to edge. The Precision Touchpad supports six touchpad gestures and delivers greater sensitivity and palm rejection by distinguishing between intentional finger gestures vs. accidental contact by the palm of the hand.

Built-in Acer BYOC**** means users can easily access and manage their data anywhere. Acer BYOC Apps offer real time information, data management, and data security across multiple devices for immediate synchronising.

Optional accessories include an Acer Active Pen that provides fast, precise input for those who prefer to handwrite notes, an Acer Snap Case that protects and packs the tablet and keyboard for easy carry, and a micro USB cable that serves as a connection and charging hub.

The Acer Aspire Switch 11 series will be available in October in EMEA with prices starting at €399. The Acer Aspire Switch 10 series will be available in September in EMEA with prices starting at €329. To find out about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office or retailer via www.acer.com.

*Accessible capacity varies: (MB = 1 million bytes; GB = 1 billion bytes)
**Actual battery life varies depending on product specifications, computer settings and applications or features launched. Maximum capacity for all batteries diminish with time and use.
***Office 365 Personal one-year subscription must be activated required within a limited time. Specifications vary depending on region.
****Acer BYOC is supported on Windows 7 and Windows 8 Desktop, Windows RT, Android 2.3 or later, and iOS 5.1 or later. To set up your personal Acer BYOC service, you'll need at least one PC and one mobile device with the Acer BYOC Apps installed and must designate one PC as your Personal Cloud Storage.

Six times the power with Duracell batteries

Source: Duracell. In celebration of 50 years of portable power, Duracell partners TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION, the fourth film in director Michael Bay's global franchise, in a showdown of good versus evil.

Duracell, the battery people, celebrates 50 years of portable power this year. While the shape of the classic battery hasn't changed much, advances in battery technology have improved battery life considerably. 

The latest Duracell CopperTop AA and AAA batteries with Duralock Power Preserve Technology, the type used in wireless mice and keyboards, last six times longer than ordinary batteries* and are rated for reliable operation in temperature extremes from -20°C to 54°C. A higher compression seal and enhanced crimp leakage resistance reduce the likelihood of leaks. The Duracell batteries also have up to a 10-year guarantee in storage. 

“Duracell is the world’s No. 1 battery brand and that drives us to innovate and excel. When you choose Duracell batteries, you are choosing 50 years of innovation powering the devices that keep us connected, protected and entertained,” said Stefan Sallandt, Commercial Director of Duracell Asia.

*Based on technical tests on digital cameras vs. ordinary zinc carbon batteries.