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Razer now has a mechanical keyboard with chiclet keys for the iPad Pro

By Koh Wanzi - on 15 Jul 2016, 10:08am

Razer now has a mechanical keyboard with chiclet keys for the iPad Pro

Razer Mechanical Keyboard Case

Razer has announced a new type of ultra-low-profile mechanical switch, which debuts in the company’s first ever mechanical keyboard case for the iPad Pro. The Razer Mechanical Keyboard case challenges the notion that mechanical switches are the domain of deskbound keyboards and systems, and could herald the start of future products that will vastly improve the typing experience on mobile devices.

On Razer’s end, the company even said that the new keyboard accessory was the first of many to feature its ultra-low-profile mechanical switch, raising the obvious possibility that we may eventually see a svelte Razer Blade with the new switch type.

Razer wasn’t kidding when it labeled these as ultra-low-profile-switches either – they have a key travel distance of just 1.6mm, which is more or less what you’re getting with laptops keyboards these days. They also have a rather high actuation force of 70g, which is probably how Razer is compensating for the short key travel and avoiding the mushy feel of the more common scissor switches.

In comparison, regular mechanical keys have a typical key travel of about 4mm, and certain switches – like Cherry MX browns and reds – require just 45g of actuation force.

The other point of note is the fact that the keyboard case actually features chiclet keys, a first for mechanical switches. There are a couple other low-profile switches in existence, like Tesoro’s Agile switches and Kailh’s own variant with low-profile caps, but they all still feature actual keycaps.

Image Source: Razer

The chiclet keys open the way for Razer to integrate the switches onto its other products, like the Razer Turret lapboard, Deathstalker keyboards, and even its Razer Blade notebooks.

With that said, this is really an iPad Pro (the 12.9-inch one to be specific) accessory, and it features a detachable polycarbonate protective case and metal kickstand. It interfaces with the iPad Pro via Bluetooth, and is rated for up to 600 hours of battery life if you switch the backlight off.

It is now available on Razer’s online store at a staggering S$249.90. Razer clearly isn’t expecting to sell many of these.

Source: Razer

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