Razer Pro Type Ultra Review

This is a high-end mechanical keyboard with a price tag to match. Our gauntlet of practical tests helped us confirm that you will get what you pay for with the Razer Pro Type Ultra.

Performance Comparison

Typing Experience

Typing on the Razer Pro is a great, albeit imperfect, experience. It features Razer's proprietary Yellow linear switches with no alternative switch styles available to choose from. Mechanical keyboard enthusiasts might lament the inability to swap out for different switches, especially those who are accustomed to receiving tactile feedback. I even had to concentrate further while typing to avoid making typos.

When testing each of our wireless keyboards, we took exacting force-displacement measurements to determine precisely how strenuous the typing experience can be.

The actuation point is also only 1.3mm into the keystroke, though it's worth noting that it can be difficult for the typist to sense the moment of actuation without a tactile bump in the switch to provide feedback.

The keys on the Pro Type Ultra stand quite high, and the travel distance of a full press is 3.34mm. This can create the illusion that typing on this keyboard is actually slower compared to lower-profile alternatives. However, the bottoming-out is neither too hard nor too mushy, providing a crisp cradle at the end of the quick stroke of the key. I found the soft, supple wristrest to greatly enhance my typing experience overall. It is a definite plus to the package deal when so many included wristrests feel cheap and deflated.

Comfort

Our test results led to the conclusion that luxurious comfort is the defining feature of the Razer Pro Type Ultra. The actual act of typing on this board is not as tiring as with many other high-profile options due to its low threshold of operating force and the minimal actuation point distance.

The keys have a soft texture to them, which itself is a comforting sensation that doesn't make you feel like you're tapping away on a harsh and unforgiving surface. What sets this keyboard apart from the rest, particularly other high-profile keyboards, is the ease with which you can reach all the keys.

There is the option to adjust the incline angle from the default 3º to either 6º or 9º to suit your needs. The included wrist rest is a huge help as well, ensuring that even those with the smallest hands will get the elevation they need to climb up the rows without overextending.

Notably, the wristrest does not attach to the body of the keyboard in any way. Some might see this as a boon, as the material may be too plush for some users' tastes. However, the lack of an attaching mechanism means the rest is liable to shift out of place, especially if you are a vigorous typer.

Performance

The Razer is a keyboard that strives to place material quality over practical functionality. This doesn't mean that it sacrifices too much in terms of performance, though, and in fact, it holds up incredibly well even against the most performance-focused wireless boards on the market. To prove this, we had each of our testers record their results in a series of words-per-minute and typing accuracy tests.

Out of over a dozen wireless keyboards I tested, I achieved my second-highest words-per-minute score with this keyboard at 87 WPM. I'm more accustomed to low-profile keyboards, so I believe someone more accustomed to high-profile mechanical keyboards might squeeze even more performance out of this product.

Regarding accuracy, one of our three testers found better-than-usual results, while one made more errors relative to their average. Typists who expect to feel tactile “bump” while typing on a mechanical keyboard might struggle to find their stride during their first few days on this keyboard.

What is indisputable about the Pro Type Ultra's performance is its input delay or lack thereof. Whether you use this keyboard over wire, wireless, or Bluetooth, you will enjoy remarkably low latency for both typing and gaming.

If you use this as a gaming keyboard, be aware that we found different key rollover and key conflict thresholds for each connection type. Use this board via a standard wireless connection to reap the benefits of an impressive 14-key rollover limit.

Typing Noise

It is important to take typing noise ratings with a grain of salt, as this can easily be the most subjective metric for rating a keyboard. Some prefer a quiet or deathly silent keyboard, while others appreciate a mechanical keyboard's satisfying aural feedback. In our process of rating typing noises based on volume, quality, and contribution to the overall typing experience, we found the Razer to be an unimpressive entry in our testing lineup.

The sound produced by this keyboard is not the same “clicky” or “clacky” sound that many might associate with mechanical keyboards. I described it as “thocky,” while another tester noted that the sound comes when you release the key rather than when you press it down. Overall, it's an unusual sound scenario that does not necessarily detract from the typing experience, but it also does not have the satisfying tone that enhances it.

The average volume of a key press on the Pro Type Ultra came in at 50 decibels. The space bar registered slightly louder than other keys and was notably scratchy and rattly. I also noted that the typing sound reverberated in a small room more than that of other wireless keyboards they tested, making it clear that it might not be the most appropriate choice in certain office settings.

Convenience

The Razer Pro Type Ultra is a pricey keyboard, but you will enjoy great performance and comfort at the cost. What you are really paying for, above all else, is convenience. Not only does the included wrist rest save you from buying a third-party accessory, but the keyboard also serves you in several other meaningful ways.

My favorite perk is the Razer Synapse software, which enables you to customize the board's functionality in practically any way you want. You can also connect this keyboard with up to five devices simultaneously, three of which are via Bluetooth connection. It is also worth noting that this keyboard is compatible with MacOS despite only having keys with Windows labels.

In addition to the convenience features that made our jaws drop, the Pro Type Ultra includes some basic quality-of-life features we would expect of any wireless keyboard at this price point. You get multiple connection options, a storage compartment for the wireless USB dongle, and white backlighting that adds to the board's sleek, futuristic look.

Should You Buy the Razer Pro Type Ultra?

The price of the Razer Pro Type Ultra can be a tough ask, but you get a lot of functionality packed in. If you want a keyboard that types fast, is comfortable, and has various convenient features, you have a clear-cut choice: Buy multiple products or fork over the cash for this keyboard. On the other hand, if you are just looking for a functional typing tool, there is an easy argument to make that the Pro Type Ultra is an excessive product.

What Other Wireless Keyboards Should You Consider?

The Razer Pro Type Ultra is a space-consuming mechanical keyboard with a high MSRP. If you want a superb keyboard that is neither mechanical, loud, nor high-profile, then consider the Logitech MX Keys S or its tenkeyless “Mini” version. If you are dead set on a mechanical keyboard, consider the Keychron V5 Max, one of our other favorite wireless mechanical keyboards.