Keyboards are used on PCs everywhere. You can’t do much without them, and anything can be done with them. They’re an essential part of PC ownership. Thus, there are companies out there that spare no expense to create great keyboards for PC usage. Razer is one of them with their keyboard, the Razer Pro Type Ultra.
What Is The Razer Pro Type Ultra
The Razer Pro Type Ultra is a full-sized Keyboard created by Razer as an improvement to the previous iteration, the Razer Pro Type. It’s an office keyboard, meant to be used for work-related purposes rather than conventional gaming.
Razer Pro Type Ultra Specs
For those asking for the specs of the Pro Type Ultra, here they are:
- Is said to have Silent and linear keyboard switches
- Comes with a soft-touch coating with an ergonomic design
- leatherette wrist rest with plush for extra comfort
- Switch type: Razer’s™ Yellow Mechanical Switches
- Size: Full-Sized keyboard
- Lighting: White LED Backlit keys
- Onboard memory: No onboard memory
- Media keys: Has Playback Control and Volume Media keys.
- Passthrough: No way to use passthrough other USB devices.
- Connectivity: Has a way to wireless connect to PCs via Bluetooth® and Razer™ HyperSpeed (2.4GHz). In addition to this, also can use a Wired USB-C connection.
- Keycaps: ABS plastic that comes with an additional soft-touch coating
- Battery life: Up to 214 hours when using Bluetooth and 207 hours when using Razer HyperSpeed
- Dimensions: 17.4 x 5.2 x 1.6″/441 x 133 x 40mm
- Weight: 2.13 lbs/0.966kg
What Do You Get In Box?
These are the things that a buyer gets when they purchase the Razer Pro Type Ultra:
- Pro Type Ultra keyboard (White and Gray only)
- Razer sticker
- USB-A to USB-C cable
- Plush wrist rest
- Wireless Dongle (2.4GHz)
- Manual and Quick Start Guide
Razer Pro Type Ultra Features
And lastly, these are the features available on the Pro Type Ultra:
- Key Roll-Over: 10-Key Roll-Over
- Fully Programmable Keys: Yes
- Synapse: Synapse 3
- Gaming Mode: None
- 1000Hz Ultrapolling: None
- Additional Game Keys: None
- On-The-Fly Macro Recording: None
- USB Pass-Through: None
- Dedicated Media Controls: Only playback and Volume Control Keys
Razer Pro Type Ultra Review
Build Quality
First on list is the build quality of the Razer Pro Type Ultra. Just like the previous version of the Razer Pro, the Pro Type Ultra is pretty similar to Razer’s previous version and has a similar style. It’s just over 1 ½ inches in height, around 5 ¼ inches deep, and just shy of 17 ½ inches wide. It’s a chunky keyboard to be sure, but it’s also one with sense in its overall dimensions. In terms of key sizes and colors, they’re full-sized, with a bit of white/off-white coloring.
In terms of its keyboard key layout, it’s pretty typical stuff that you can expect from non-gaming keyboards with a few exceptions. First off, it’s not a 75% and below the keyboard, it’s a full 100%, with every key from full-sized keyboards added in. There are also a few keys that swapped places. Specifically, the ‘Fn’ key isn’t on the left of the spacebar, but the right. Several keys also have additional functions. For example, the function keys of the keyboard double as media, volume control, and backlight control keys. There are also scroll lock LEDs in addition to a full-sized number pad on the right side. As we said, it’s a full, 100% keyboard with all the keys.
Next on the list is the Razer logo brand is placed right above the arrow key array to show branding. Underneath the keys is a silver metal plate for the face, and the main housing of the keyboard is white-colored plastic. There are 4 grips made out of rubber in all the corners and the feet of the keyboard are adjustable, giving users great flexibility. Last but not least is a magnetic cutout that has a removable plate, giving users a place to store the USB-A dongle when it’s not used. On the back-right are a USB-C port and a 2.4GHz/Bluetooth switch.
Design
The updated Razer Pro Type Ultra does have a few minor differences over the Razer Pro Type. The design, for the most part, is identical, however. But there are a few things that make this keyboard’s design great, and some that are a bit on the annoying side of things.
The Razer Pro Type Ultra’s overall white-colored form factor is a bit disconcerting if we’re being honest. It clashes with the light of a room and hurts the eyes a bit when looking down on it. Sadly, for users that don’t want keyboards with that glare, the Razer Pro Type Ultra doesn’t come in other colors. In addition to this, the Razer Pro Type Ultra also has white LED-backlit lights, adding to the glare. This is the main complaint about its design. Other than that, the Razer Pro Type Ultra is a pretty functional keyboard for use in the office.
Functionality and Ease of Use
The Razer Pro Type Ultra has some cool things on it that help users on doing their work. The keys are programmable there’s a 10-key rollover, and it has some media controls. However, that’s where the fun ends. This keyboard isn’t a gaming keyboard in any way, shape, or form. It doesn’t have the usual things that help gamers play their games, like additional game keys or on-the-fly macro recording.
However, the ease of use of the Razer Pro Type Ultra compensates for this a bit. There’s a little switch on the top right that when flicked, swaps between Bluetooth and Razer™ HyperSpeed. In addition to this, users can use the keyboard when connected by wired USB, something that’s not on the keyboard’s predecessor. Overall, the Pro Type Ultra is a pretty great keyboard for work-related purposes. Just don’t use it when gaming.
Wireless Features
As you can already tell from the available specs, the Razer Pro Type Ultra has both Bluetooth Razer Hyperspeed for wireless use. One thing that has to be taken note of though is the different battery life spans for both features. The Bluetooth Wireless mode can last for a total of 8 days and 22 hours. Meanwhile, the Razer Hyperspeed Mode will only last for around 8 days and 15 hours. Not that much change, but it’s something to take note of. In terms of speed, the Razer Pro Type Ultra has a 2.4GHz Dongle to access wireless connectivity. Other than that, the keyboard has no other wireless features.
Responsiveness
In terms of the Razer Type Ultra’s responsiveness, both Bluetooth Wireless and Razer Hyperspeed function normally and have pretty OK responsiveness when used. Well, barring some things we’ll talk about below. Just make sure to keep the keyboard at a reasonable range from the PC when using. Using the keyboard at a further range than usual can cause the keyboard’s responsiveness to be lower than its specs suggest.
However, there are a few moments when the Razer Type Ultra’s wireless modes wouldn’t register keystrokes properly. Some words might miss a few letters for example once the user is on a roll when typing. This isn’t a problem when connected via the USB cable.
Switch Quality
The Razer Pro Type Ultra makes use of its switches. Specifically, Razer’s™ Yellow Mechanical Switches. One thing to take note of is that the switch quality of the Razer Pro Type Ultra is pretty good overall. It’s louder than most mechanical switches on the current market, but it’s not that noticeable. It’s pretty good, and very responsive, even with high usage of around 100+ WPM.
Is It Hot Swappable?
Unfortunately, what you see is what you get from the Razer Pro Ultra. There’s no way to hot-swap any of the switches already attached to the keyboard. It’s kind of upsetting if we’re being honest, as a lot of other keyboards can hot-swap as of the time of writing. Understandably, Razer would want to use their switches for their keyboards. However, customization is practically what makes the keyboard industry going. But alas, it’s not to be for the Razer Pro Type Ultra.
Razer Pro Type Ultra Vs Razer Pro Type
Overall, the Razer Pro Type Ultra is a better version of its predecessor. Razer made a few good additions to the Razer Pro Type Ultra that make it better in every way. For example, the user can now use the Razer Pro Type Ultra when connected via a USB port. On the Razer Pro Type, that’s not the case, which leads to a lot of grief. However, the spotty performance during wireless mode makes this a bit of a letdown anyways. Kind of hard to talk about if we’re being honest.
Razer Pro Type Ultra VS Competitors
Now that we’ve talked a bit about the Razer Pro Type Ultra, let’s talk about other keyboards. We’ll start with the Logitech MX Keys followed by the Ducky One 3, and lastly, the SteelSeries Apex Pro.
Logitech MX Keys
For those that want a more straightforward keyboard, the Logitech MX Keys is their best bet. It’s one of the more popular office model keyboards available on the market due to several factors. Firstly, the keyboard offers users a quiet and pretty comfortable typing experience. Meanwhile, the whole keyboard looks not only sleek and cool-looking but also pretty professional. Its form factor is made out of plastic though, which is a bit sad. However, flex and warping aren’t that much of a problem due to some additional metal parts to aid in durability.
As an additional benefit, like the Razer Pro Type Ultra, the Logitech MX Keys is a wireless keyboard. Specifically, it works with Logitech’s unifying receiver. This means that having just one receiver plugged into the PC is all the user needs to use all Logitech hardware like mouse and keyboard. Bluetooth is also an option for the Logitech MX Keys though, and up to 3 devices can be paired in, which is nice. The one thing that hampers the Logitech MX Keys is the fact that it’s a full-sized keyboard. However, if the user is using this keyboard on a full office desk, this isn’t a problem. Small spaces will be a bit of a challenge though.
Ducky One 3
Next on the list is the Ducky One 3, which is a pretty satisfying keyboard for those that want mechanical switches. The keyboard also comes in a variety of different colors, though it’s not recommended to go full yellow, you’re just liable to torture yourself, and sizes. The size range for the Ducky One 3 goes from full-sized to compact, which means there’s something for everyone in terms of form factor. Unlike the Razer Pro Type Ultra though, the switches are hot-swappable, and there’s no need to use soldering to attach the switches, which is a massive plus.
Last but not the least, the Ducky One 3 is also a pretty decent keyboard for gaming, surprisingly enough. It can handle hard keypresses like a champ and is pretty durable all told. Overall, a great keyboard to get if you can find one.
SteelSeries Apex Pro
Last but not least is the SteelSeries Apex Pro, a high-performance keyboard that can do both work and gaming. Its fast latency, good switches, and pretty comfortable design make it a real contender for the Razer Pro Type Ultra. The OmniPoint Switches are pretty gnarly, and the keyboard uses them to great effect. For those that want to customize, the OmniPoint Switches can accurately adjust the individual key pre-travel distance between 1 to 3.8 millimeters. Ergo, switches aren’t a necessity when the SteelSeries Apex Pro is concerned.
It also comes with an OLED screen on the top right corner that gives users the ability to make adjustments on the fly. No need to use the software at all. Last but not the least, there’s also the wrist rest which is pretty plush, and very comfortable. All in all, the SteelSeries Apex Pro is well worth the money, and one that can do both gaming and work.
Try Out The Razer Pro Type Ultra
If you’re looking for an office keyboard with an okay build, then yes, the Pro Type Ultra is a good keyboard to get. It has good functionality, both wireless and wired options for usage, and is pretty sturdy. However, gamers should probably stay away from this keyboard, as it doesn’t have many of the functions that gamers would want. Customizers should also look away from this keyboard, as the switches cannot be hot-swapped nor can any of the keycaps be exchanged.
