Microsoft Reclusa Gaming Keyboard (Black) Reviews

• Nice backlit keyboard with extra features, lackluster drivers/USB support

  
  By A1AYR1B16M9BDC on 2007-07-07
  (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.
  
  

• A stong contender

  
  By A282RNKOO2P5RT on 2007-08-16
  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.
  
  
  

• Reclusa

  
  By A2T3HR3W55KM32 on 2007-07-05
  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
  
  

• Good deal for what it got, is razer after all.

  
  By A31Q7NE0NP3IH4 on 2007-07-25
  For 50 plus dollar, might seen been too much for just a keyboard, of course is for everyone, but for gamer, or want a keyboard that is cool looking and conform, this is the one you want. No need to spend nearly 100 dollar for the other keyboard, this got the feature you need but does suffer some cons.
  
  Pro: Blue Backlight all time
  Conform keyboard and pad
  Fast key reponse
  Good amount of key for shortcut and hotkey
  Good Look
  2 USB PORT
  Volume and Zoom Control
  Price good for what it offer
  
  Cons: No razer logo anywhere on the keyboard eventhough it is co production from microsoft and razer.
  Back can't be turn off when the pc is on.
  Missing couple key hot key such as no mute, skip, homepage etc..
  No headphone or microphone, bu tno keyboard at this price ranger included.
  
  Overall, no doubt this is the best keyboard if youn plan to spend a above average mid range price tag for a gaming keyboard. To be honese i think this keyboard look better than any logitech keyboard has to offered.
  
  

• Keyboard is a pain to use

  
  By A1IYKCCZXRLQAE on 2008-01-12
  The special purpose buttons are preset mostly to media functions (eject, play/pause) and document functions (copy, paste, etc.). Most of the backlighting bleeds between the keys, and the function keys barely light up at all.
  
  Basic keyboard functions such as sleep are absent and cannot be added to using the included software. Microsoft's more basic media keyboard has more special keys as well as having five programmable keys that are easier to program.
  
  The main defect of the Reclusa is that the extra keys are full size and sit too close to the standard keys, making it easy to hit them by mistake. This was particularly the case with the Eject button which is right next to the numeric keypad's Enter key.
  
  The key faces are flatter and some will find this less comfortable.
  
  Apart from the USB ports, this keyboard does not have much else to recommend it. I sent mine back for a refund.
  
  
• Good board for those with more to do than just play games
  By A1JMEEHT46BQ76 on 2007-11-19
  Pros:
  - Sticky feet. As long as the board is not tilted on its rear feet, this thing is going NOWHERE.
  - Backlit keys. Very nice implementation. Easy to see unlike Saitek II which were much too dim.
  - Short cut keys. Very handy for both games and non-game applications.
  - Good feedback on key presses. You'll know when you pressed a key.
  
  Cons:
  - Very stiff keys. Requires heavier key press than normal keyboards. Seems optimized for WASD pressing rather than report writing. This means some mistyping in non-game situations but not too bad once you get used to the stiffness.
  - Smooth plastic microsoft bezel. This collects dust out of the air like a swiffer collects dust off the floor. Pretty annoying but does not affect function.
  - BIG. The keyboard is much bigger than it seems like it should be. If you have a small desk and you want to use the wrist rest be warned - it may not fit. Check the product dimensions first!
  
  
• Good for the money
  By APM1PMZDXABFM on 2007-07-18
  I just got my Reclusa the other day after owning a Logitech G15 for several months. The reclusa has a nicer feel then the G15 key wise and is more natural for typing. I was always uncomfortable typing on the G15. There are ample macro keys for a normal user and the jog dials are a nice touch. Although I wish Microsoft/Razer would have made them also a push buttonso you could use them as macro keys or a mute button if the drivers ever are updated to include that. All in all it's a nice keyboard, but I should have gotten a Tarantula from Razer for a little more money. For the money it is a good keyboard.
  
  
• Great keyboard so far
  By A2GIZTFZNP9C6E on 2007-08-03
  It's a very nice keyboard for the price
  Keys are fairly quiet, the lighted keys are great for using in the dark, The hand rest is squishyish foam which is nice, and comfortable.
  Only complaint is that it has fairly large knobs on each side, one to zoom and one to control the volume, which is nice, but it just looks kind of weird.
  Goes well with the matching Habu Mouse
  No problems with the install software either.
  
  
• Awesome Keyboard
  By A1BUZWWJMDXMDQ on 2008-02-13
  I purchased the Microsoft Reclusa a little over a month ago, and I must say that this is an awesome keyboard. The board has a great feel when typing and is very responsive to the slightest touch. It is also a comfortable board to type on and comes with an optional wrist pad (I prefer not to use those).
  
  As a gaming keyboard it has been great! The board software is easy to use, and makes setting up macros hassle free... I have read reviews where people are disappointed that the Reclusa does not have more macros, but for my purposes it has been perfect. The board also has two knobs that can be set up to control volume or can also be used to store macros.
  
  The blue led looks awesome. The light coming from under the keys creates a perfect illumniation for typing/ gaming late at night. Though the led cannot be adjusted, I feel that it gives off the perfect amount of light.
  
  I use my computer for gaming and word processing/ web applications. I have concluded that this board offers the perfect combination for gaming and comfortable typing, and I would highly recommend it.
  
  
• Just what I was looking for!
  By A3MV7VFR1269U9 on 2007-07-15
  This key board is perfect for my needs. I was looking at the G-15 because it got such great reveiws, but I felt it was to freakin ugly. The Reclusa's keys are smooth and responsive and the blue glowing keyboard is the perfect blend of asthetics and functionality. I could not be more pleased. Get one now!
  
  
• Outstanding
  By ASFW1DG1HIFVS on 2007-09-03
  I bought this keyboard to replace the dozens of keyboards I have tried in the past. I could never get one that suited me. The lighting is great and the keystroke response is excellent. This is a definite recommendation if you're up late at night doing work or playing games.
  
  
• Microsoft Reclusa Keyboard
  By A2Z88SBB4YFURC on 2007-09-12
  I am sold on this board. The aesthetics are great! The blue backlit keys enable me to play in the dark without sacrificing key visibility. It seems exceptionally well made too. I originally bought the Razer Tarantula keyboard, but this one BLOWS IT AWAY for half the cost (and the Tarantula does no thave backlit keys). BUY THIS BOARD!
  
  
• Way to go Microsoft
  By A2YRH4KXYR7TE2 on 2007-10-01
  Same as some other customers i originally bought Tarantula and exchanged it for this one two days later. Tarantula might have more features but unless you are used to a laptop keyboard feel, Reclusa by far outbids it in comfort. The moment i hit a button on this beast i knew that im keeping it, words cant describe how soft and easy to press they are. Im a hard core gamer, I have tried every major gaming keyboard out there and besides the fact that Reclusa is a little shy on features it is still one of the best gaming keyboards in my point of view.
  
  P.S It feels like a brand new Mercedes-Benz without navigation system.
  
  
• Soft, smooth, comfortable
  By A3O4QH2CG52R2Y on 2007-11-19
  Very easy to install (plug and play), just install the cd for customize the functions keys. Just keep in mind something the keyboard will be on all the time the pc is on... Amazing response. Buy it!
  
  
• Excellent Keyboard
  By A28UQDBJ70VBLI on 2007-11-28
  I am very happy with this keyboard. My computer is in my home theater room and I often use it during commercials while I am watching TV in the evening. The lighted keyboard is really nice as I don't have to turn on any lights.
  
  
• Not bad
  By A18E575CBP5B4Y on 2007-12-15
  I purchased this as a replacement for a vendor provided keyboard that came with the system and in general am very happy. I use the system 4+ hours per day for both gaming and work. The backlit feature makes the system for me - great in low light situations, especially late night gaming. My only complaint, the pad in the front of the keyboard has cheap plastic attachment clips, one of which I broke the first day - however, as long as the keyboard stays stationary on my desk, it is not an issue - if you move your keyboard around a lot, the pad will quickly get left behind.
  
  
• Quality all the way
  By ALMSEOGUYLCNQ on 2007-12-21
  It took me about 3 months to decide on getting a Reclusa and a Razer Diamondback. I would never have anything else. I was lookin at the saitek eclipse keyboards, along with a few others at fry's (when my interest really became sparked!), and i couldn't make up my mind. I went with my gut instinct and trusted M$ would make a better keyboard (despite backlight is NOT as bright as saitek or others, but who cares it serves its purpose and looks really sweet from an over the top view, especially when a key is pressed). It has plenty of hotkeys, and the software is excellent. I have then all set to what i need them to be. I don't really use the usb ports it add/replaces. Go with a sweet brand, it is definitely quality all the way.
  
  
• YAY!
  By A28MDE0PFZ4JZC on 2008-01-23
  I bought this keyboard, not as a gaming keyboard as it is touted, but as just an everyday regular keyboard for the system that I just built. The keyboard my fiance had given me for the system was really getting on my nerves because it had the laptop type keys, and I kept mistyping. I was looking for a nice keyboard that had regular keys, but I wanted to have backlighting (my system has all kinds of blue light up stuff). I looked at most of what was available, and decided on this one.
  The keys are easy to hit, and have a really nice tactile feel to them. I like clicky keys, and while these aren't super clicky, they are just enough so that they feel really good. I haven't really played with any of the macro keys, but like I said, I didn't really buy this keyboard for gaming (even though I do game).
  I agree with the previous poster that the shiny plastic part on the top is going to be really scratch prone, and I am also a little disappointed that it doesn't have the Razer logo on it. All in all, I might not have spent so much on a keyboard had I not had a gift card, but I am glad that I was able to get this one. It does what I need it to do without making me crazy. If I were a true gamer, I could see that this may not be the best choice out there, but for my purposes, it is the perfect addition to my system.
  
  {EDIT} Also happily works with my mac. I was concerned that I would not have volume control and eject available on this keyboard through the Mac. I am very excited that it works great, and I can get rid of my Mac keyboard and mouse in order to use this keyboard and the Razer Diamondback G3. I have both the PC and Mac set up on the same desk and having two of each was making me nuts! Now I just need to get a switch so there isn't unplugging each time I decide to go from one to the other!
  
  
• My lighted Reclusa keyboard
  By A31TDJMZ6WDEZD on 2008-02-26
  I love this product. It has all the features I hoped for. It is easy to use & looks great. I'm sorry I did'nt get sooner.
  
  
• Fantastic Keyboard
  By AV6EUCXXEVMGJ on 2008-03-29
  This keyboard is great. I love the feel of this keyboard. I bought it for the backlit keys, though, so I really like that feature. The programmable buttons are great. I enjoy having a volume wheel on the keyboard, too, instead of up and down buttons.
  
  
• I've bought two
  By A12BL8PMLAG5HX on 2008-05-27
  I'm a computer science guy, and I'm very picky when it comes to accessories to my computer. Keyboards and mice have to feel just-so, monitors can't have the flicker I see on 75% of LCD screens, etc.
  
  I picked up one of these on a whim when CompUSA went out of business (at 70% off), and fell in love with it. Even though it bears the Microsoft logo (which generally means average quality), it bears the marks of the quality engineering of the Razer co-developers.
  
  Yes, as other people have said, the software for it is terrible, and by default, the eject button will eject your CD. But -- you can set the keyboard to control Winamp (or Windows Media Player) instead, and then the play/shuffle/eject/next/previous keys on the keyboard control your mp3 player *from inside a game*. If I'm playing a full-screen game and a song I want to skip comes on my playlist, I no longer have to alt-tab out and back in (which can take ages, or crash some games) -- I can control winamp directly from inside of the game. Including the volume, which is also awesome.
  
  I also disable the buttons which launch Firefox and Thunderbird when in full-screen mode, so as to avoid accidentally punching them (though after using the keyboard for a week, I no longer do so), and don't see any use for the copy/paste buttons or the left jog dial (which works just like a mouse scroll button).
  
  However, the ability to control Winamp from inside of a game + the LED backlighting (which is critical in low light situations) + the very well-tuned feel of the keys made me like the keyboard so much, I bought a second one for my second main computer. I highly recommend it.
  
  
• Is it the Keyb too sensitiive or is my fault?
  By A2RK3ORPL7EUDU on 2008-07-01
  I really like this keyb. It is absolutely fancy, mmatch my PC coolors and add a soome style to my desk.
  
  Hoow dooes it works? Not that goood IMO. Great when gaming, but so far horrible typing a docuument.
  
  II come from a very standard keyb, one of those for 10 bucks att any store, and typing docs and email i never had typo issues. Noisy clicks, mayybe yes, not fanncyy look, ok.. for 10 bucks, but no typo mistakes whatsoever.
  
  The Reclusa, looks nice, has a soft keyb, not too noisy, but for me is a nightmare to type on. mayybe tooo sensitiive, but thhere is no way to really fix thhe problem. I already set evverything I could at low sensitivity. Ok I''ll show you what I mean:
  
  -- Starting now, I am typing withhout fix alll the typo errors gennerated by thhe kkeyboard. As you can see, it''s a nightmare. of course iit possibble it s mme, althou withh my old keybb iit never hhappened and at mmyy office i have no issues wiithh a bbasic DDELLL kkeybb. ----
  
  So, now you have an idea. I am tryinng to get used to it. Writiing a documents takes ages now and I am not happy for this. It is possible I will send it back if i cannot improve my typing skills on it.
  
  I will give it a shot, and that s why I set 2 stars. otherwise it would be only 1 star. All the othher functionalities are absolutely OK and a snap to programm.
  
  Unfortunately, if u cannot use a keyb to type, in my mind it fails the reasoon why it exists.
  
  
• great keyboad
  By A3FZFQLJV9B9F on 2008-07-20
  I have been very happy with my keyboad. It works great in low light situations and even better in no light!
  
  
• Great
  By A3JTLZ5HB3WI6B on 2008-08-25
  A great product,however it is quite a bit bigger than a standard keyboard and that tends to make you miss keys when your not accustomed to it. The backlight is great and is nice for gaming in the dark. However I got done for shipping, got a bone to pick with amazon, but all in all a great product.
  
  
• Too flimsy
  By AKK71U6LDNLCF on 2008-10-02
  I have had this keyboard for approximately 6-8 months and I just have to say that I am dissappointed in the quality of this keyboard. I have had other Microsoft keyboards that are not supposed to be gaming keyboards that have lasted me longer than this one did. I will not be buying this keyboard ever again.
  
  

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