Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black)

by Microsoft

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 2.4 x 21.7 inches ; 4.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000MR1XWK
• Item model number: 9VU-00001
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (40 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #52 in Electronics > Computers & Add-Ons > Game Hardware > PC Game Hardware > Gaming Keyboards
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 7, 2004

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description The Microsoft Reclusa gaming keyboard sets a new standard in gaming innovation. Reclusa will help set gamers apart from their competitors with advanced features and best-in-class design elements such as ambient backlighting, Hyperesponse gaming key action for maximum response with minimal latency, and two built-in gold-plated USB ports. With

Backlighting keeps you in control in any lighting situation. See more features.

A smart cabling system allows you to stow away the USB cable.

this keyboard, you get the best of both worlds--the latest in Razer gaming technology with the comfort and reliability you expect from Microsoft.

You'll also be able to improve your efficiency with 12 custom-programmable buttons that include two 360 degree jog-dials and two bumper buttons conveniently located on each side of the keyboard for faster control and optimized gameplay. What's more, you'll never lose sight of your keys in the dark with the cool blue ambient backlighting. Get the edge over your opponents in dim lighting conditions. There's also a detachable wrist rest for maximizing comfort and ergonomics.

Store your macros onto five different profiles with the Razer Reclusa Configurator to suit your gaming needs. With "on-the-fly" gaming detection, switching profiles has never been so convenient. Gaming detection allows you to automatically switch to the appropriate profile when a particular game is launched. Meanwhile, a smart cabling system allows you to stow away the USB cable when not in use or shorten it when necessary. Lastly, two gold-plated USB connector ports maximize connectivity and maintain transmission integrity.

Product Description

Blue LED Backlighting - Ambient backlit keys allow gaming in low-or no-light conditions. : Razer Hyperesponse Gaming Key Action - Reduces key latency for maximized response : Two 360-Degree Jog-Dials - One on each side of the keyboard for quick access during gameplay. : Four Bumper Buttons - Programmable buttons that enable easy access to common keyboard commands : Six Programmable Gaming Hot Keys - Create and store different macros and keystrokes for each game profile so gamers can combine several moves with the touch of one key : On-The-Fly Profile Management - Users can create and store Key Mapping and Macros for each game profile; keyboard software also automatically assigns different game profiles for supported games : Detachable Padded Wrist Rest - Ergonomically designed for exceptional comfort : Approximate size - 551mm (length) x 236mm (breadth) x 61mm (height) : USB Cable with gold-plated port - Gold-plated USB Port Provides additional peripheral plug-in access with maximum conductivity.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Nice backlit keyboard with extra features, lackluster drivers/USB support, July 7, 2007

By 

Christopher C. Atkins - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black) (Personal Computers)

(updated 11/21/2008)

This is a great keyboard. After a month of use, I've gotten used to the extra keys (at first, I was pressing macro keys instead of Ctrl/Shift) and I love the visual impact of its sleek design. The "throw" of the keys is perfect -- not too much like a membrane, and fairly quiet, but just the right amount of tactile response.

The backlighting is similarly impressive, enabling you to type/play in the dark (even touch-typists need to see, sometimes). The USB cord docking feature is very nice -- it allows you to have the cord snake out of three convenient positions along the backside of the keyboard.

I haven't really noticed an enhanced response rate between the keys and software, but it's certainly no slouch.

The volume control (top right dial) is a welcome addition -- but why not a "mute" button? I can't find a way to program a "mute" command via the Reclusa software.


Now for some downsides.

The macro software is somewhat lackluster. It switches on-the-fly for running programs, but there are no presets (other than the defaults) -- you'll have to hunt for .EXE files and assign keys to their profiles. To top it off, there are only 5 profiles available. Most gamers would probably prefer dozens. One key ejects the CD/DVD -- not helpful during a game, to be sure. The mail/web browser keys are in the same boat -- why enable them for full-screen game software?

The ESC key is in an awkward position. It's somewhat blocked by the (otherwise pretty) top layer of translucent plastic.

It's too easy to hit the right (or left) side buttons with a mouse. Disabling them helps, somewhat.

To top it off, connecting a Razer Copperhead (mouse) in one of the USB "convenience" on the top left/right causes the keyboard to remain unresponsive when rebooting the host PC. Once fully booted, connecting the mouse works. Connecting other common devices (like a flashcard reader) sometimes results in a "low power" message in Windows XP.


If not for the dismal support software and the fact that mine came with what looks like a small "blister" or crack under the top layer of translucent plastic, I'd call this an excellent gaming keyboard. If there was a chance the software would be improved, over time, I'd mark it higher, but most companies release completely new versions of hardware with software, nowadays, opting to never improve on the original versions for current customers. 3/5 stars, 4 if they improve the drivers.

*update: driver updated, fixes a few things. Wrist pad has since broken off -- build quality may be somewhat lackluster, here. Lighting is still excellent, but I notice a significant brightness difference between the (always-on) NumLock indicator and the (never on) CAPS LOCK lights. If your PC is on 24/7, the keyboard stays lit, so LED brightness apparently degrades, over time.

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A stong contender, August 16, 2007

By 

AreYouKidding? - See all my reviews

This review is from: Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black) (Personal Computers)

In my quest for a solid gaming keyboard I ordered the Reclusa for a great price. I'm typing this right now on it and I must say, it's quite comfortable. The keys I naturally reach for are in the right spot. This has been a problem for some of the wireless keyboards I'm using on my HTPC and PS3. The spacing is very good and there isn't a lot of extra bulk/width like the current G15 on the market. The volume "knob" is also a nice touch as it's easier to dial-in versus the common Up/Down buttons.

Pros:

- Zero lag. I know this is hard to measure, but it's a gaming keyboard and that's one of the reasons I bought this. It's good to know that when I hit a key, what I want to happen, happens.
- Clean, blue backlighting is just the right brightness level in all lighting conditions
- Size. Not too big (cough, current G15) not too small.
- Two built-in USB ports.
- Wristpad is very comfortable.
- Volume knob/jog dial instead of up/down buttons.
- Customization. Shortcuts and marcos are within easy reach of the "home position" or the "WASD" position.

Cons:

- No mute key. Seriously. If the volume knob would push in (think Xbox 360 controller) it would be a great mute button.
- When you stand the keyboard up (you know, those little legs in the back) it loses the rubber grip it had on the desk and it's not as sturdy. I usually use my keyboard in this inverted position so it's going to take me a while to get used to it flat.
- The shape is a bit dated. Square, edgy, cut is in. Egg-shaped is out.
- Shiny/glossy plastic part (where the Microsoft logo is) is bound to get scratched up. I know, nitpicky, but it's going to happen.

Conclusion:

All in all, a great gaming keyboard in the ~$50 range.

Note: Make sure to get the latest driver/software from Microsoft. Version 1.02 (came out July 20th 2007) fixed a bug which did not allow programming of modifier (CTRL/ALT/SHIFT) keys.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Reclusa, July 4, 2007

By 

O-Dawg (Indianapolis) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black) (Personal Computers)

This is a nice keyboard for the money. Good key response, feels solid. There are a couple extra keys for macros, not overkill like the G11 from Logitech. All black with no silver accents, so it looks sharp. Has good coverage as far as the blue lights are concerned. The function keys along the top are a little dark, but its not bad. Has a nice leather'ish wrist rest that comes along with it.

The only problem I have had with this is (I believe) software related. The Razor utility that comes along with it that allows you to program the different keys. It worked great for a couple weeks for me, then I started having problems. Seems like something is always pushing the right direction arrow key. Or pushing left then right over and over again. It isn't right away, I can get about 4-5 minutes of good use out of it before this happens. If the utility loads you can not stop this problem, even if you terminate the process. If you pull the USB and re attach, sometimes you can get another good 5 mins out of it. I had to uninstall the Razor software to correct the problem. Rendering the extra keys useless.

Still, I'd rather lose those keys than the functionality of the entire keyboard. I'm sure they will release a revision at some point to correct it. Its still only v 1.0